We started with simple beading techniques, following beading patterns we found in some of the more popular beading magazines. We were also lucky enough to receive "hands on" training from my mom's sister, Vicki DiCamillo. Vicki is extremely talented (and patient). We slowly graduated to more complex techniques and began to design and create jewelry incorporating our own "spin". Mom, who has since
passed, was a "beading machine". Beading had become one of her favorite activities along with quilting and card making. Between mom and I we were creating beautiful and unique jewelry, that our family loved to receive, wear and enjoy. At that point, we were encouraged and eager to start our own small business, VivJoy, which we founded in December of 2014. My dad, Ed Gamarano, who owned his own small business for many years, along with my husband, Brian Gigerich, were the ones we went to for advice and encouragement. They believed in our dream and saw the passion we had for making beautiful and unique jewelry. On May 9, 2015, dad passed away at the age of 82, three months before his 83rd birthday and 19 days before he and mom would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. My dad was a devoted catholic who said the rosary twice a day. He was a wonderful father of 6 who encouraged his children in their endeavors. It was in his honor that we expanded our jewelry line to include religious items. We had been very successful selling our jewelry in uptown Sedona, Yarnell and Cottonwood. We received our LLC on August 26, 2015. My mission was to create beautiful, handcrafted jewelry that our customers would cherish and enjoy wearing. In 2017 I transitioned my business and began making unique crocheted hats, scarves and character hoodies as well as holding crochet classes at my home in the valley. In 2020 my husband and I moved to Pine, Arizona and I focused my efforts on my crochet creations, selling to local shops and at craft sales around the state. My products became so popular that I expanded the designs I offered which you can view here on Vivjoy. THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY STORE! Joyce
UPDATE 2021:
My beautiful, sweet mama passed away peacefully on September 1, 2019. She was my inspiration and business partner. I have comfort knowing she is with our Lord, smiling down on me and my siblings. My husband and I recently moved north to beautiful Pine, AZ. I've been keeping busy creating a new line of hats and accessories for women and children. Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and reading my story. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions. God Bless
Joyce😊
