There’s a lot of hats to wear when it comes to running a handmade business.
You're the CEO, the designer, the factory worker, the receptionist, the salesman, the mail man, and the janitor all in one day. Except, oops you aren't a good accountant so you forgot to pay yourself!
But seriously, I’ve been there and here’s what I’ve learned.
Your time is valuable and your work is worth more than you think it is.
You're tired of being self conscious about your products because you don’t have a nice way to show them off to potential customers.
And I ultimately know your time is money... and if you're spending your time trying to figure out this whole "how do I build a website thing" your time might be better spent in your workshop, making things that actually make you money, and that you enjoy.
Hey there I'm Jennifer, I'm a branding and website designer helping Makers just like you get their sites up and running so that they have more time to make the stuff they're good at.
I have a degree in Interior Design and I also own a Custom Woodworking Business, where I've designed and built quite the stack of projects over the years.
I love what I get to do! There's this thing in me, this relentless desire, to see other furniture builders, crafters, and makers succeed in their businesses, and to help their customers see the value in the things they pour their hands and hearts into.
Think that's something you need a hand with?
and in case you really wanted to get to know me
I'm a wife and fearless Mama to 4 crazy little people, 3 through adoption, and one from my belly. Ironically they all look like my husband, go figure! By mid afternoon I likely have sawdust in my hair and kid boogers on my jeans, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. My life is fun and hectic, and I’m trying really hard to make Jesus famous in it all. I’ve been married 7 years and have been designing and building furniture for almost 10 years. My husband buys me power tools for every birthday and holiday. I've had the chicken pox twice in my life, apparently it's super rare to get it twice, who knew? Let's see what else... Oh and my last name is Sanjines. It's pronounced San-HE-ness, it’s Spanish, and funny to hear people try to say it. If you meet me you’ll laugh though, because I’m the least Spanish person y’all would ever meet.
** This is also real life because my baby is almost a year old and we still don't have a professional family photo of all 6 of us, so we took one with Puss in Boots instead**
“Everything was clearly explained by Jennifer and she made sure that we understood the process and what we would be getting before she even began.”
Loving Others Well
A few ways you're helping give back
At NJS Design Company, I am so blessed to get to do what I love and call it work!
My Family and I believe that it is our privilege and responsibility to show Christ's love by giving back and partnering with organizations that do the same.
Through the years, we’ve supported some amazing organizations. Please take a look into how your project helps us contribute to efforts of orphan care and family preservation, locally and around the world.
Lifeline Children's Services
We know that as Christians, we have all been adopted by our Heavenly Father. Adoption is a beautiful picture of the gospel on earth that points us back toward Christ. The Mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the body of Christ to manifest the gospel to orphaned and vulnerable children.
Both Hands Foundation
Both Hands mission is to fulfill James 1:27 by serving orphans, widows, and Christian adoptive families.
Both Hands' purpose is to help Christian adoptive families fund their adoptions by coordinating a service project fixing up a widow’s home.
Both Hands' vision is to see the day when finances are not an obstacle for Christian families who are led to adopt, while simultaneously serving every widow in need of home repairs.
Feeding the Orphans
Feeding the Orphans is a grassroots organization founded by 10 year old, Sydney O’Leary, in 2010. We exist to advocate for the fatherless of West Africa in Jesus’ name by providing for their basic earthly needs in order to provide for their spiritual need to know Christ. FTO works in partnership with existing Christian ministries when possible. If needs are identified that reach beyond the capabilities or scope of these ministries, FTO becomes the driving force to provide for those in need.