Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Joy.
Hi Barbara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved art and music since I was a little girl. I remember my Mom taking me to Lowen’s Toy Store (I grew up in Maryland) and I would choose my beads in their little test tube, to buy and make my jewelry (necklaces or bracelets). As soon as possible, I began joining bands so I could sing, which was always my love. I would practice at home, singing along with Teena Marie, Ann Wilson of Heart, and various singers I felt were amazing. My Grandma was a master seamstress and had her own shoppe in Washington DC, but of course, when I was little, I was not interested in sewing. But as I was in my 20s, I realized how many cool styles of clothing were not “in” the malls or stores, so I had to make them. I love the hippie, gypsy, rock star look and made capes, hats, gloves, hanky hem skirts and lots more, along with my jewelry for my shows, where I was singing all the music I loved. I traveled all over the United States, performing tribute shows to the lead singer for Fleetwood Mac and solo artist Stevie Nicks. That was a lot of fun, and I was able to enjoy different states and meet a lot of fun people. Always creating and looking for new ideas to “make” into something original. I love repurposing old clothing or jewels and giving them new life as something totally unique.
Started working with resin and polymer clay to make fun loc beads, pendants, and whatever else came to mind. I love trying all the different colours, working in paints and finishes to make textures, and I consider myself a “mixed media artist” as I love to work with so many textures, fibres, colours and styles. Just recently, I began the face painting journey. I absolutely adore it!!! I work at a “big box” retail shoppe, and since I adore glitter, started wearing a bit of glitter on my face and people seemed to love that, so I was brave and took the next step and designed a little butterfly out of my face paints, with glitter of course, LOL. I work in customer service, and it seems that the customers always smile when they see me and give lots of nice compliments. How can you be upset when the person helping you has a sparkly butterfly painted on her face? HAHA! Not to mention, the children adore it, and even my managers like it!
Music is still, and always will be, my #1 love, and I am not currently singing with a band, but I know that will come again when the right band comes along, R&B / Old School Soul with a great vibe, I’m in! My business is named Foxy Sparkles, which I find is so perfect for everything from the music, to the jewelry, to the face painting! It is all connected in its own way, and music is the core to everything I do. I love to make people smile, whether it is my singing, a piece of original jewelry or a Foxy Sparkles face design! It is never “too late” to begin and love what you do!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is there such a thing as a “smooth road”? LOL. I don’t think so. While there have been obstacles that came up in my journey, as they do for everyone, I find it is how you approach them that matters. If you take the “oh that is the end of this” “this is ruined” attituded, then indeed, your dreams are over. BUT. If you look at each and every “setback” or obstacle as a LESSON, then it changes everything. Rather than looking at something as the end, figure out what went wrong, and the lesson of how not to have that happen again, whether it was something you “did” or another, does not matter. Everything is in your hands, how you react and what you do determines the outcome. Sadly I have seen many people “give up” after a setback, and indeed, they are done. If you NEVER give up and always keep trying, you will never, ever “lose”….only have some extra lessons in your life!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would say I specialize in unique and original thought-process art. I don’t make things that you can pop down to the mall and see/buy. What is the point of that? If 283 other people make stuff that looks like yours, you are really just another brick in the wall (thank you, Pink Floyd). People tend to like my creations because they look and are different from the rest. Not “better” or such, but different. As far as singing, I love to sing Anita Baker, Teena Marie (she is up there on some of those notes!!!), Erykah Badu, Marvin Gaye, etc. Altho everyone loves to hear the Stevie Nicks stuff, I certainly do not do only that. I sing at work too, lol, which I am kind of “known for” as well as my sparkles and hopefully upbeat and Positive vibe. One lady I work with said one time “This is Barbara, I have never met anyone like her, she is always happy and upbeat”….and I love that. Life is much too short to be miserable, making others feel the same and such. I love to create pieces that make people happy and I will always do that.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Hmm. What makes me happy? I absolutely love what I do. Whether it is singing, creating or listening to some amazing music. I have always given things away to people because I love to see them happy, also. While I can’t save the world, all the people and the animals living in it, I hope I can help to brighten their day and perhaps their Life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.FoxySparkles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxysparklesstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foxysparkles
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-695510430-897050613
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/FoxySparklesStudio/
