Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Blaszczak.
Hi Jess, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hey, there! First of all, thank you so much for this opportunity to tell my story. Ii’m really flattered and excited that y’all contacted me.
Wow. Beginning is rough. Well. What feels like a lifetime ago, I was a writer. I started my career as a copywriter for a large comic book distributor in Baltimore ,. I went on to write curriculum for underprivileged schools. From there, I became a freelance writer, covering everything from SEO articles, to magazine interviews to Astrology. (I’m a Gemini. How about you?)
It’s funny where life leads you. After my husband and I moved from Baltimore to Washington DC, l continued writing. I also enjoyed creating art. I joined a bunch of art markets selling handmade crafts I made at home. After a couple of months, an opportunity to organize art markets pooped up. I was hired and from there, I found my niche. I became fully entranced with the art scene in DC. There is so much talent and beauty all around us.
I started to develop organize and manage hundreds of art markts in the DC area. It felt like this was what I was meant to be – a community organizer, specializing in the thriving art community. I loved it.
In 2011, I had a my son, Griffin, and we moved to the beach in Isle of Palms. I worked the backend of the markets I managed. But around 2012, I noticed a change in my vision. It lwas getting, well … weird. I couldn’t see well at night and things around me were blurry.. I developed black spots in my line of soght, and faces were becoming difficult to recognize.
After, visits to retinal specialists, I was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called Stargardt Disease. This is a rare disease that affects the central vision. It’s similar to macular degeneration, except there is no cure … yet.
So. I’ll be honest. The diagnosis hit me hard. Here I was working in the art field, but was loosing my central vision! It became progressively worse to where creating certain art projects were not possible for me anymore. And reading was a struggle. What I loved to do and how I earned a living was becoming too difficult. I just couldn’t see the way I used to.
I had to reevaluate a lot of things in my life. And as a writer/artist, becoming visually impaired is heartbreaking. Not gonna lie.
But the way I look at it is, we have to accept, move on and refocus. (Thanks, therapy!) Honestly, it wasn’t easy or quick, but when I felt ready, that’s exactly what I had to do!
I hav always had a natural kinship with animals. . Of all kinds! (Well, I don’t particularly like snakes, but I’m open-minded to change!) so I decided to turn my of love of animals into an opportunity.. Something I could happily do with a vision impairment.
And that’s when I stared, FURPLAY Pet-Sitting.
Now I can proudly say I run a small pet-care business in IOP and I love it. I am a dog-walker, cat- smuggler, reptile salad- maker and overall pet whisperer. Basically, I love on your pets Professionally! What a cool job perk. Actually, the perk is my job.
I’ve also refocused on a new medium – paper quilling. If you’re curious, please check it out. I’m on Instagram at @QuillerVibes.
So, when you see me on my bike, riding to the next pet visit on the island, please say hi. I may not recognize you at first, so just tell me who you are. I promise I’ll be happy to see you!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Inwoildnt say so. When I fist was diagnosed with Satgargardt’s, it was difficult to accept. I don’t want to give up my career in the arts. I loved it. But, this vision loss want something I had control over. What I did have control over is figuring out a way to redirect my talents an figure out how I can incorporate something in g else I enjoy with a career move.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The name of my business is FURPLAY. PetSitting.. ?
FURPLAY is a comprehensive pet-sitting service, exclusive to IOP.. I come to your home and take care of your pets while you are away..
Convenient and affordable (less than kennels!), each visit is catered to your pet’s individual needs. I take the time to get to know your furry family member. This reduces the stress that both you and your pet may feel while away.
Whether it’s a daily dog walk, or an overnight, stay while you’re on vacation, I offer peace of mind that your pet is in good, loving hands.
I know it sounds cliche, but .I really do treat your pet like my own. And my dogs are very spoiled.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Furplaypetsitting
