ABOUT ME

It all started about 20 years ago... My then husband-to-be and I were trying to figure out what type of favor we wanted to give to our guests. We wanted something simple and elegant, but most of all useful. In the end, we decided that candles were our best bet. They were inexpensive and practical. With the help of family and some very good friends, we pressed flowers, leaves, and anything else we could find onto a variety of candles. The candle sticks were dressed in a very simple cotton ribbon edged in my favorite color, blue. The votives were placed in clear glass votive holders, wrapped in tulle and then cinched together with the same fabric ribbon. Til this day, we still receive compliments for our favors.

From that moment on, all down time was dedicated to drawing out ideas for future projects. I think the ball really gained momentum when I became pregnant with my first child. The baby shower thank you's had to be just so. Then when the baby was born, there were the announcements, the christening and the 1st birthday invitations. Somewhere in between, friends and family commissioned me to help them create invitations for their own weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, announcements and birthdays. It was, and still is, a great honor for me to have been able to create those special keepsakes.

Through the encouragement of these same friends and family, I decided that it would be worth the effort to start my own business. I named the company, Kalijo Works Incorporated, after my daughter and inspiration, Kalina and the "works" I have made in the past. Kalina's excitement in seeing what will be created next is what moves me forward.  Actually, she's become a very talented artist herself.  This year, she's helping me out and I can't wait to see what she comes up with.

My main objective with every job is to be able to combine all my experience into every piece of work I get to create. Whether you need invitations for a wedding or favors for a baby shower, you can also count on me to address, stamp and mail out envelopes for you. I enjoy helping make my clients' events as less stressful as possible.

Kalijo Studio is a one-stop service that is casual and personal. My goal is to try to make the process simple and economical. For me, this is about the creative experience. Every project is unique because every client is. The Work is always challenging and fun. That is why I love what I do!

XOXO,

Jo-Anne

Owner & Designer