If you've been following my posts for the last several weeks, you'll have noticed a lot of "Moxie Craft Fest"'s being thrown around. Obviously, the event was a wonderful way for me to connect & meet some new & amazing entrepreneurs who have taught me a LOT! & that's all thanks to this ladybug here, Jenny Van't Land, owner of Free Spirit Jenny & creator of the biannual Moxie Craft Festival. Jenny is a devoted wife & mom of two bright boys, - a family woman first - embroidery artist, & pioneer in the local creative scene. When Downtown Brunswick erupts in to the happening place it was always meant to be, it will be attributed to the hard work, nurturing, & vision of artists like Jenny. (& I will be here to capture its progress - count on it!)

Free Spirit Jenny was started some four years ago after spotting some embroidered pieces, trying it for herself, & totally rocking it. (That last bit didn't come from Jenny but it's totes true.) A native Texan, her inspiration is rooted in all things cactus (duh), botanical, & retro. Though her pieces are more on the minimalistic side, they follow her interest, not just what she thinks will sell. & that's what's so likable about Jenny - she stays true to her heart & people get it & definitely want a piece of it! 

A couple of years ago Jenny partnered with a friend to bring something the Golden Isles was in desperate need of, a market for the community unlike we've ever seen before - & she had the support of the development authority 100%. Moxie Craft Festival in Old City Hall is a place for unique vendors to sell & connect while customers can shop for true, one-of-a-kind pieces & meet fresh, up-&-coming artisans. The growth of the indie scene is quite obvious after attending these festivals & some of us are eager to attend just to see how far it's come in the past six months. While the fourth festival was just concluded, Jenny expects she will begin planning & preparing for the next one in about another month - yes, it takes about four months to plan! But you can bet it will be bigger & better than the last! (Hard to believe, I know!)

Jenny invited me in to her home to take these photographs, a most perfect setting to capture her true essence. When I walked in, I was blown away by her style, collection of plants, use of space, white walls (to accentuate with her minimalistic style and PLANTS) , & inviting, comfortable tone. Her home is a reflection of the family: fun, hip, but lived in. Her pieces are a true reflection of herself: simple, light, beautiful, & very inspiring. (& I'm happy to say I walked away with two of her pieces!)

Find her work on her Etsy page, at the local shops, Coastal Kiss, Viola's Market, & Dot & Army, or some of the local craft fairs. You can also find her in the Hidden Hand Society in Savannah, Community Athens in Athens, GA, and in All Ye Citizens in San Diego, CA. Be sure to follow her on her social media sites to see where she'll be next!