I started Jillian Lyons Designs initially back in 1998. I was 19 years old and working at a little boutique in the Westville section of New Haven, Connecticut. I started creating items to fill in gaps in the shop inventory. It taught me to make a little of everything. As I continued over the years I changed mediums and styles. I also tried different business names. It took me a little time to figure out what would work for me.
In October of 2010 on my 31st birthday I was diagnosed with stage 3x Endometrial Cancer. It had metastasized to my breast and lungs. I wasn't sure if I would survive. I went through some very aggressive chemo and radiation therapy. I didn't work for about a year. As I was healing I started creating again. It was something I could do from my bed as I was going through treatment.
As I got stronger and dealt with the challenges of my illness I began to create more and more. My Aha! Moment came when I realized this was how I would want to be remembered and make my mark on the world. I came back to the name Jillian Lyons Designs because I wanted people to know who I was and what I’d made. After all, my pieces are like a part of me. When you buy my products you're getting a little piece of my heart as well.
I am one of the lucky ones. My body is still Cancer free as I have just passed year three as a survivor. My little bedside hobby is a full fledged business that is growing by leaps and bounds. My craft was and still is the most cathartic thing for me as I continue to go through life's journey. My product line continues to reflect my life, thoughts and emotions. As it grows I continue to grow along with it.
