Tuesday, September 1, 2009

And The Paperlife Spotlight With the Big Secret is.........

INTRODUCING AND ANNOUNCING THE PROUD NEW OWNER OF LABEL TULIP, THE FABULOUS JENNIFER CHAU!

Now, before we get into this awesome Label Tulip announcement, let me introduce you to my friend and fellow Paperlifer who above all "gets it" and lives her Paperlife in celebration and to the fullest! And yes fellow PC livers you know her as Jenibug. So, without further ado, here is Jen, proud new owner of label Tulip's, PaperLife:

I have spent most of my life in the arts, no matter what the specific discipline. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia during the 70's and 80's, I was actively involved in children's theater both with my school and external theaters. In high school I continued my theater work, but also became very interested in photography and spent my senior year in the darkroom, smelling like the developer chemicals almost every day! Although I went through several majors in college before deciding on one, I finally graduated in 1997 with a BA degree in Film and Television with a minor in Theater.

After graduation I thought I had it all worked out; I was interning at a post-production house and was set to follow a path in Film and Television production; however, I soon realized that the actual business of filmmaking was a lot different than making student films -- it's a very cut-throat world and my sensitive personality isn't meant for that sort of life. So, I took a temp job with IBM and began to grow my IT career; as the daughter of an IBM'er, computer work came naturally to me even if it wasn't my favorite thing to do. I ended up working in the IT industry for more than 10 years, and when I lost my job last year, I was actually the Email Manager for over 5,000 users.

Although I had been scrapbooking on and off for a few years before I lost my job, I really started to get into it afterwards because I had more free time on my hands. Around the beginning of 2009, I realized that I really wanted to be a part of the scrapbooking industry, and not just a customer; I was intrigued with the family-like unity that many of the kit club message boards conveyed, and I had developed quite a passion for "everything paper". I began to look around for job opportunities within the online industry, and was lucky enough to be introduced to the then-owner of Label Tulip; she was interested in selling the business, and after talking with each other, we realized I was a perfect match to take over the business she had grown for more than 2 years.

I am so proud and honored to now be owner of Label Tulip! It truly is a dream come true and although it's a lot of hard work, it doesn't feel like it on most days because the customers are the greatest and I am blessed with the most talented design team around! I have so many awesome plans for the future of Label Tulip, I cannot wait to bring my fresh ideas and perspectives to an already thriving business. After being laid off last year and feeling like I'd never find a job, much less one that I loved, I think my story is a great example of "if you want something bad enough, and you work hard enough, you can making anything happen". I worked very hard to get where I am today, and it was not without a lot of obstacles and emotional times (my baby was in the NICU for 2 months right after I was laid off); but I never gave up and now, I just feel so humbly lucky and honored to say that I own Label Tulip, one of the internet's top scrapbooking kit clubs. Dreams do come true!
-why do you scrap?

I have to! I have a degree in film, so I've always got my camera handy and I have an obsession with paper products! I'm an artist at heart and I need a way on most days to get my feelings out artistically; whether good emotions or bad, scrapping and paper crafting provide me that outlet. I create almost every day of my life whether it's an entire layout or a little greeting card, I try to do something for myself.
-who or what do you scrapbook?

When I scrapbook it's mostly about my children. They are so amazing and beautiful (spoken like a true mom!) and I want to capture everything they do and say: their silliness, innocence, and all the fun times. I have to admit though, it's those few times that I get to scrap a page about myself that are the most beneficial to the soul -- I always learn something about myself when I'm challenged with those "scrap something about you" suggestions. I love doing art journaling, it's such a great way to play with my scrappy products and learn about myself at the same time. Scrapping and Journaling definitely make me a better person.

-what is your scrapping style?
Oh wow, that's a tough one! I'm all over the place, but as a whole I'd have to say it's modern meets vintage, crazy meets conservative, girlie meets punkrock. I love to use vintage items, but give them a modern twist. I love color, and lots of it, but try to only use the really bright ones in small amounts. I love flowers and have them on almost every page. I'm also guilty of scraplifting; there are so many talented scrappers out there, that more than once I have lifted their designs and made them my own -- I think that's one of the greatest aspects about the scrapping community, we are all here to share our lives and our art with each other. I've been so lucky to share with a group of really amazing people.

-where do you get your inspiration?

Sometimes it's from a photograph; I'll start with the photo that contains a great memory and get an idea of how I want to convey that experience on paper. But more often than not, it's from the products themselves. A certain sheet of patterned paper that is so beautiful that I must have it -- I'll purchase all the embellishments and add-ons just to go with that one sheet of amazing paper. Or a kit club that puts together the most exquisite compilation of scrapping items, I can't wait to dive in and create. Being a member of kit clubs is definitely what drove me to want my own; I felt like I was getting so much joy out of belonging, that if I could own one, I could hopefully share that joy with so many other scrappers and artists; and here I am!

Some of Jen's breathe-taking work:
I told you I loved flowers! I love the stitched Prima paper, I'm so excited about the new line they have out! Journaling reads: We were at Rudy's when Matt was visiting in April. Sophie went off to make friends and instead found a flower bed she just had to lie down in.This page is about my mom, a very tough subject to talk about and deal with. The journaling reads: You were beautiful, talented, and loving - why did you stop caring?
This layout is one I did right after I lost my 18 year old doggie Daisy. I lost her but a few months ago and the grief is still very strong. I've had Daisy all of my adult life; she saw me through college, moving out on my own, moving to Austin, she was in my wedding, and was here when I brought both my girls home from the hospital. She was my "soul dog" and I miss her so much. I took the photo in the grass to always remind me of the hilarious way she used to "tiptoe" in the grass when it got too high -- she was such a princess for being a pound puppy.

All are so beautiful Jen, just love the dimension and depth you bring to your pages with all the details and meaningful stories!

Ok Jen, now what we have all been waiting for, some questions about your exciting new Label Tulip adventure!

-what do you want for the future of Label Tulip?

Most importantly, I want to continue to provide our current and potential customers with the highest quality kits I can! Label Tulip has always provided the newest/hottest products out there and I want to forever ensure that level of quality. I want to make sure each and every kit is beyond gorgeous and that it provides tons of potential for many scrapping projects. Moving forward, I also want to inspire our members with some alternative projects that aren't necessarily your standard scrapping layouts; I think it's important to remember that we're all artists and we can use these products for more than just scrapbooking! I'm also very interested in supporting the independent artists out there, and that's why I'm so excited to be adding a new feature to Label Tulip called "The Etsy Extra". Each month we'll be featuring an Etsy artist and will be including one of their items in our main kits! I'm so excited to reveal our September kit and the gorgeous hand-made item we are including, it's hard to keep it a secret!

Another one from Jen its a "me" layout. I love it when I get to see Paperlifer's "me" layouts, they are so poignant and telling about the person.

A minimalistic layout about me.

If you think Jen's Paperlife is exciting so far, hold on tight for her super amazing giveaway for all of you this week! It's a.........


.............................Label Tulip September Main Kit valued at $36! (yes you read that right!......now breathe!)

from Jen: I wish I could show you pictures of the kit now, but we are a mid month kit and our customers haven't even seen it yet! So, please check back on http://www.labeltulip.com/ for sneek peaks(and maybe even a few here Friday) and on September 15, the kit will be revealed! I will ship it out to the spotlight winner ASAP! I can promise you this, it's gorgeous and is definitely reflective of my "old meets new" style!

Thank you Jen, for letting us have a look inside your Paperlife, for caring enough about what this hobby is truly about to make it your life's work, and for inspiring us with your talent and story! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you and Label Tulip! You are a SUPER STAR in my book! And now Paperlifers, comment here to get in on Jen's unbelievable LT kit giveaway and then hurry on over to http://www.labeltulip.com/ to get acquainted with their fabulous kit club and hop on their message boards to meet some new friends! (you may even see me hangin over there) And until Friday, when I will have some more weekend inspiration from Jen and Label Tulip, go make a beautiful mess of your Paperlife!

Hugs,


Amy
oooooh and almost forgot 2 more great Label Tulip links for you to check out:

Label Tulip Blog -- http://www.labeltulip.blogspot.com/

Label Tulip Design Girls--http://www.labeltulip.com/designers.shtml

SEE YA FRIDAY FOR MORE!

85 comments:

Lesley Oman aka Hungry Heffy said...

Wow I know some of the label tulip DT and the kits are always so beautiful. I would love to win one. Thanks jennibug

Katrina Hunt said...

Congrats on the new adventure and opportunity!!! BTW...LOVE the pink hair...I just don't have the nerve! thanks for a fabulous giveaway and I have heard nothing but good things about label tulip!

April said...

Wow, congrats on your new adventure! I hope it's amazing...

Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration with us and for the chance at a wonderful prize!!

Mel said...

Such a great story on how how you were connected with the previous owner of Label Tulip, Jen. Serendipity always delights me! I'll be checking out the LT website for sure.

Mel

Crissy said...

You are such an inspiration, to do something that you love to do, and at a time when you were facing such personal adversity..... Congratulations! Can't wait to see the September kit.

Suz said...

I am so excited for you & know you will do great things with LT. I loved reading your story & how you turned your love of a hobby into a business when life threw you for a loop. I feel like we are kindred spirits a bit with similar life situations & experiences. It is so heartbreaking to watch your newborn in the NICU & the ups & downs of the minutes there (not even hours). It really changes you.

I can't wait to see what you do with the kitclub. You are very talented & creative.

Kaytee said...

Jennibug!!! I was wondering where you went!!! I am so glad you have this awesome new job and it's doing something you love!!! Congrats girlie!! I love the etsy aspect of it! Fantastic!! I definitely need to check out this kit club!!! Awesome!!!!! ((hugs!!))

Sheri Twing said...

How exciting! I've seen you Jenibug in the Paperclipping world! It's so great to see your new venture! Looks like a great opportunity...and fun too! Love your pink hair! Very cool. Great giveaway too! Now I'm off to check out Label Tulip!

Christine said...

I am in love anew! I love your style and your free use of color! Thanks letting my have a chance to win a kit! I have just became a permanent follower!

kendahl a. said...

I came here from Twitter, and wanted to say your site is amazing! This Label Tulip sounds great. Count me in for the giveaway! kandrade84@hotmail[dot]com

TrayChic said...

Jeni, congrats on the new endeavor! I just checked out the site and LOVE the kits! Since I can't afford a kit club right now, I hope to win one! Either way, I'll be checking out the blog and adding it to my "follow" list. Great learning more about you!

kate blue said...

wow-great background-will add tons of flair-I look forward to being part of the forums & challenges and kits!

KateB
http://kateblue.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Keppel said...

Funny how things work out sometimes! Thanks for the chance to win one of those fabulous LT kits ;)

smahrty said...

Welcome to your new adventure Jen! I love Label Tuplip and cant wait to see what you have in store for everyone.

jennifer said...

congrats and how generous to give a kit away!

Melanie Stanczyk said...

This is gonna be a great adventure for you! and I love your hair, anything pink in my book is awesome!

Best of luck!

Joli said...

I must say - I LOVE THE PINK HAIR!!!!

My current kit club expires in 2 months, the idea of the etsy extras helped me make up my mind where I will be oging next!

Best of luck on your new venture!

Adrianne said...

Congrats Jennibug! It is amazing how connected we all become through scrapbooking and the love of learning. You go girl!

tmlarsen said...

Congratulations! Sounds like a fun adventure. Last year a local girl bought a kit club and seems to be having a great time with it. So good luck the kits look beautiful and I would love to win one.

Abby Beard said...

Wow! What an amazing story. Congrats to you and what you've accomplished. You're an inspiration to us all.
Thank you for this opportunity to win a stylish kit.

Also, I absolutely love your hair! :)

Leigh Penner said...

Great to learn so much about the new owner of LT!
Best wishes to you, Jennifer!

katie said...

it's always nice to learn more about the person behind the monitor! enjoy the kit club, jennibug, and good luck in all your endeavors. :)

Kim Strother said...

Wow, really big news Jeni. Congrats on Label Tulip!! I wish you much success. You have my interest...can't wait to see the kit!

Leslie Ashe said...

YAY It's JENNIFER!!!!!! :D Heart Jen! :D

Anna Natalia said...

LT kits are fabs. I hope I can win this one. Thanks

Lillian Child said...

What a delightful young woman you are, Jen. Your story was so inspirational. And I've always been a firm believer that if you embrace your passion, you will always succeed. Way to go. Looking forward to your new release.

isa dona said...

i'm a LT subscriber, and I'm such the sept kit will be fantastic

alexandra said...

love Label Tulip, ever

guillauma said...

congrats Jen for the new adventure

la zaz said...

beautiful work for LT DT, love all the girls

vitoria said...

cant' wait to see the futur LTulip kit !!!!

the mustik said...

I love your style jen, congrats for your new life with Label Tulip

beatrice said...

Love to win the next kit, to know the LT talent
thanks for the chance

Jen Harrison said...

I am looking for a new kit club. And forum. Off to check it out. I would love to win a kit! Thanks for the chance. Congrats on your new adventure!

isabel scrap said...

I love to see the DT gallery to have some inspiration !!!
I'm a subscriber, but i love to win another kit

Anonymous said...

congrats on the new adventure and i can't wait to see what you do with Label Tulip!

Kimberly said...

YAY Jennifer!!! So excited for what you have in store for us at LT! *muah*

Nitasha said...

Label Tulip is an awesome kit club, and it's exciting to know that it will continue to grow and become even more inspiring under new leadership! Congrats and Welcome, Jennifer! Looking forward to the Etsy goodies!! Great idea!

Samantha said...

Thanks for sharing your inspiring story, nice to know that creative dreams can come true!

Laura said...

Congrats on your new adventure!

dclouser said...

Congratulations and best wishes! I've never used label tulip stuff but can't wait to give it a try!

StampinCathy said...

Congrats on your new adventure and hope it it a HUGH success. I just love your projects and enjoyed getting to know alittle bit about you. Thanks for a chance at this yummy giveaway.

Shay said...

I am excited to see your influence on Label Tulip and what new things you have in store! Thank you for the chance to win!

Vangee said...

I can't wait to see the great things in store for LT! Congrats again Jennifer! Thanks for a chance to win a fabulous kit!

Jingle said...

Congratulations on your new adventure, Jen! Thanks for sharing your story with us!

Kristin said...

I love your style, I have looked at some of your pages on this site and on your blog, you are so creative. I love the details on your flower page. I am not sure if I have the attention to complete that.

So hope to win, we will see! Stay Blessed!

atlcarly said...

Never had a Label Tulip kit. Would love to try it out!

Unknown said...

What FUN!! Thanks for the chance to win!!

Grace Tolman said...

Congrats to Jen for this new adventure and thank you to Paperlife for giving us a little glimpse on Jen's thoughts.
Goodluck ladies.

C. Sage Deerborn said...

Congrats and way to go for stepping out and taking control of your own destiny as owner and manager of your own kit club. I had not heard of Label Tulip, but then I tend to shy away from kit clubs after being disappointed by them in the past. After reading your story though I am on my way to check you out. Good luck in your new adventure, and thanks for a chance to win one of your kits.

PattiM said...

How exciting.. Congratulations!! Thank you for sharing your personal story...

Hugs,

PattiM
(Pattie's passion)

I Scrap So All Moments Are Remembered!

Connie F. said...

Congratulations, Jen, on your new adventure! Can't wait to see the new September LT kit.

Thanks also for the chance to win an awesome LT kit.

Jillian McGriff said...

Congrats! It really is a dream come true! Best of luck with this great kit club.

Cheryl said...

Congratulations, such a bright exciting future! Thank you for the opportunity to win. I will be saving the blogs and link to your new business so I can keep in touch with your adventure. Cheryl fam4farm@yahoo.com

Cyndi said...

Congratulations Jennifer..and thank you for sharing your story with all of us. I look forward to seeing what new things are in the works. I tried to purchase the August kit....it was full of great stuff. Cross my fingers that the September kit may come my way :)

Ella Swan said...

Hi again Jen! Label Tulip is a new discovery for me & my new obsession so to win the kit would be aaaaaaaaaaaawesome!

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the both of you! Chasing your dreams.
Amy, you with the new Paperlife and now Jennifer with Label Tulip!
Such great adventures ahead for the both of you!

Congrats ladies!
Loves.
D.

junqueandroses said...

Congrats on this fun and wonderful adventure. I would so love to win one of your kits.......

Ilka said...

Enjoyed reading your story Jennibug with pink hair, just so fun cool!!
Oh and those LT kits are so so yummy!Fab giveaway!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your new adventure - I am sure you will do great. Label Tulip is an awesome club.

Amy said...

Congrats! Your work is beautiful. Can't wait to go check out the kits :)

scrappinmomto2girls said...

Your story is amazing! That is so great how things worked out for you!

I LOVE your hair..sorry just had to say that. pink is my fave color and it looks totally awesome on you!

Thanks for a great generous giveaway I hope to be the lucky one! :)( My dd's bday is the 14th so maybe that will bring me luck) :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats Jennifer on your new adventure! I can't wait to see what you will do & what direction you will go with the LT kits! You're gonna rock it for sure!

Susan Coish said...

Hi Jennifer!

I am very excited about what is to come at LT!! So great to read so much about you too!

Erika M. said...

It's very exciting to see where Label Tulip is going - looking forward to seeing more amazing kits!

Leah said...

thanks for the giveaway...the LT kits are always fabulous!

Ms. Cheryl said...

Winning a Label Tulip kit would be awesome wonderful. Thanks for the chance. I want to know who her hairdresser is. I would so wear my hair PINK if I could br sure it would be that pretty. Thanks, ms.cheryl

Dina said...

Congrats on your new venture and following your dreams! I am a big fan of LT, can't wait to see what you have in store! I love the etsy idea, there is so much talent there! Best of luck!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Congrats on your new venture. I am a member of LT but mostly lurker. I will definitely keep an eye on the new things going on over there. What a great giveaway! I wish you all the luck and success.
Michelle M.

Unknown said...

Wow so cool congratulations on your new venture.Love the Jennibug layout

Janie

Pink Heather said...

Was just looking through Label Tulip's gallery. Beautiful work by the DT.

Ami said...

I just recently became acquainted with LT through facebook. The kits look lovely. Keep up the good work!!!

Brittney said...

Congrats on the new opportunity, and I hope your baby is doing well.

I've always drooled over Label Tulips kits, and can't wait until I get my hands on them (very tempted to get out the CC right now =P )

Thanks for the amazing chance to win =)

AndiPandi said...

first off - totally love your hair I really would love to do purple (my fav color) but am too chicken!

Absolutely love your layouts & philosophy about life!

Erin Bassett said...

Love the Label Tulip kits! You have such an awesome story Jen!!

Lilly said...

I am curious to see the new kit!
And thanks a lot.

rebecca lucille said...

so excited about the new LT owner! Love her work!

Jen Haggerty said...

Cool stuff! thanks for letting me know! You rock!

Scrapfaire said...

Congrats Jen...I am so glad you are getting to follow your passion in the "paper" industry...what a supportive DH you must have. I am so excited to watch you progess....

Joaniebolognie said...

Congrats on your new adventure....how awesome to own this amazing kit club!! Beautiful pages.....and LOVE your hair!!! Thanks for the chance to win that beautiful kit! Welcome!

scrappinkn said...

Congrats Jen, I look forward to seeing what you put together for future kits. I would love to win one!

angie gutshall said...

Welcome to LT Jen! Can't wait to see you awesome kits!

Amy said...

Wow I am so excited for Jennifer and this adventure she is beginning!! Label Tulip is such and amazing place! And I can't wait to see what Jen has in store for us! :D Thank so much for the chance to win (what looks to be from the post above!!) a beautiful kit! :D

Lesley Langdon said...

I just found Label Tulip and was inspired to join for September!!! I am very excited to play with the "sure to be" yummy selection of products.

Lorrie Jonas' creations said...

Wow! I'm excited for you! I think this is great! Finally saw your show with Noel!! Man I loved your kits. SO my style. Since I am so different in my scrap style. Send me a link to your new company sight! would love to support you in your new adventure! Always, thought you were you had a great style.. So excited for you.

Lorrie Jonas