{for the love of joy interview & giveaway}

i am SO excited to be doing a giveaway swap today with the lovely and talented Anna, blogger behind The Joy Cottage and 
owner of a beautiful shop i much adore :: For the Love of Joy. 
i had so much fun getting to know her a little bit better 
through this interview, and was left very inspired, 
as i'm sure you be will :)

1. tell me a little about yourself.
My name is Anna and I am the creator and designer for For The Love of Joy. I am 26 years old, a wife and mom, and a graphic design major. We live in Euless, Texas, a small city inside of the sprawling metroplex of Dallas/Fort Worth. When I'm not taking care of my family or creating, I enjoy cooking and eating, watching Conan and Jimmy Fallon, and decorating my home.

{mug rug - patchwork}

2. when did you first learn to sew/quilt?
I first learned how to sew in 2007 when I bought my first sewing machine. It was a little portable one and I learned how to make pillows. It was the best feeling ever when i made my first pillow! I learned how to quilt in 2009 after my son was born. I wanted to make him a quilt and bought a pattern from Rachel Denbow from Smile and Wave. Since then, I've been hooked on the art of quilting.

3. what is the story behind you shop name?
It took a while for me to come up with my shop name. My middle name is Joy and when I first started this business, the shop was called Anna's Joy. Super cheesy. When the business started to grow, I knew I wanted to keep Joy in the title. I brainstormed for over a month and then one day it just hit me. I knew the reason behind my shop and creations were to bring joy to others so "For the Love of Joy" just seemed appropriate.

{personalized snack mats}

4. what inspires you to create?
I am inspired to create by other designers and artists, reading God's words, and just living my every day. Everything I make is a reflection on my life and my style.

5. what is your favorite piece from you collection?
My favorite piece from my collection would have to be the name pillows. They are such a sweet gift to give to parents for their little ones. Some of my clients have teared up over them and that makes all the hard work and no sleep very much worth it!

{custom name pillow with coordinating patchwork pillow}

6. when do you find time to create?
I schedule my life very thoroughly but I also leave room for spontaneity. I have a planner I carry around with me and every day it is filled with the things I have to do to meet all my deadlines for work and school. I also keep it up on my dry erase board so I can see it while I work. If you learn how to manage your time, you can accomplish everything.

{mini quilt - mom}

7. where do you see your business taking you in the future?
Big picture wise for my business would be to become a textile designer, produce a book of patterns, and to open up a fabric shop and teach sewing lessons. Big goals I have but it's good to dream big!

8. if you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would love to visit Europe. Anywhere is fine...I just want to go overseas and experience other cultures!

{family name pillow}

9. who are your favorite bands/musicians?
My favorite music is country which makes people laugh since I'm Asian (haha). But it's what I grew up on, I live in Texas, and I'm with a cowboy...so can you blame me? I listen to classic country up to the early 90's. I don't care much for "pop country" (no offense). I also love indie music such as She and Him and Mumford and Sons.

♥♥♥
lucky for you guys, Anna is offering 20% off in her shop
via coupon code PRETTYTHINGS.
she was also generous enough to offer up a
$30 shop credit to give away to one lucky winner!!
to enter, make sure you are a follower of both of our blogs. 
then visit her shop & leave a comment telling me 
which item is your favorite.

for additional entries (please leave a comment for each) ::
♥ tweet about the giveaway 
(be sure to mention @prettiesbymeg & @thejoycottage)
♥ "like" For the Love of Joy on facebook
♥ blog about the giveaway

giveaway will be open through sunday, april 9. coupon code will expire then also.
winner will be announced on monday.
don't forget to enter to win a shop credit to my shop on Anna's blog!