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Katie.  What word images does that name conjure up?  Friend, kind, sweet or sister.  Everyone has a good friend named Katie.  Well this Katie fits all of these descriptions and more.  Last week I sat down with Katie in her comfortable country style home.  Around us were displays of nests, artichokes and chairs, not just the people sitting kind but little chairs on the tables and in window sills.  I asked her about them.  She said that each special touch of design was there for her family, placed there with purpose and meaning…a divine meaning.

Katie is a sharp and dare I say, a shrewd, business woman.  She grew up in a family that ran an in-home business, a family cottage industry.  All the family worked together to build it and then benefit from their labors.  And then, so it was, as a young bride, she created a “little business venture,” combining two of her loves, artichokes and ink, hence the name Artichoke Ink, a handwriting business.  As a friend I have received an occasional beautifully personalized card penned with her delicate artistic hand.  It makes me feel special and loved in such a unique sense.  i find myself keeping the envelop around, just to glance upon every now and then to brighten moments.  She is such a talent and intentionally uses her gift to bless others.

Today, she and her sister own and run another business that delights women everywhere, Vintage Rose Wraps.  Her creations of these fabric hair bands, (oh they are so much more than that description suggests,) are in boutiques all across the country which includes our own backyard, local boutiques like Designer Boulevard and Domestic Bliss proudly carry them .  They begin with Katie choosing the fabric, which is where she gleans her first inspirations, and before long they are crowning young woman everywhere.  Her unique touch comes from a love of all things vintage and the desire to create and beautify, which seems to come natural to her.

Visiting Katie in her home was a special treat for me as I am sure it is for everyone that visits her because one always come away inspired to be a better creator to refresh one’s own talents, to smile more and love our family’s with a better resolve.  That is Katie’s true talent, her home and her family. Today she is still creating her sweet little family which will increase by one later this year.

Thank you, Katie, for your inspiration in all things unique.  Vintage Rose Wraps is just one way you beautify the world.  Your generosity and genuine love benefits all of us, especially me.

~janet