We were lucky to catch up with Julia Capallo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

A Marvelous Spark started as a summer project after college. The company name stemmed from a belief in everyday inspirations as sparks for creativity. It has evolved to encompass creative outlets in various forms over the years. I initially developed my business for the purpose of selling handmade jewelry and accessories. Most of these items were inspired by my love of food, organic patterns, and bright colors. I often used materials reminiscent of my childhood, including polymer clay, shrink film, and puffy paint. I also enjoyed collecting and repurposing materials. I always considered this endeavor a hobby or ‘side hustle’, since I worked full-time as an art teacher and made things as a way to unwind after a busy day. I opened an Etsy shop, sold items at local yoga studios, and participated in numerous craft fairs to get my creations out in the world. Initially, I did not expect my business to be a main source of income. Over time however, I have expanded my client base and offer creative services such as art workshops, graphic design, virtual assistance, blog writing, and social media management. I hope to continue building and growing my business.

Julia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I wear a lot of hats in my life! I am an artist, educator, and mom of two young children, among other roles. I began my art education/teaching career in 2011, and I seek opportunities for freelance work when I get a chance. I am taking a hiatus from teaching to spend more time with my children and focus on work that allows for more flexibility, including freelance design and writing. I offer a variety of services to clients, including art commissions, logo design, social media management, blog writing, and administrative tasks. What I think sets me apart from others is my reliability, attention to detail, and effective communication skills. I am proud of the relationships I build with clients and the feedback I receive from them. I am also eager to learn new things and broaden my skill set as I build my business and brand.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I recently had to pivot in my career due to personal reasons. After teaching for many years, the numerous demands (including an overwhelming emotional toll) became too much. I felt an imbalance in my professional and personal life, with more stress building up as I navigated the expectations of my job and in my roles as a wife and mother. I had the opportunity to take an extended maternity leave from teaching, and I anticipate shifting away from this career for the foreseeable future to find and/or create a more flexible and balanced work schedule.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist/creative is seeing how my work impacts others in a positive way. Whether it’s through sharing fun pieces of jewelry, teaching new art skills, or helping to grow a business’ audience, I hope to leave a lasting impression. On a personal level, I find that writing and creating art can be therapeutic and effective ways to express myself through various seasons of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amarvelousspark.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.marvelous.spark/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aMarvelousSpark
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacapallo/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliacapallo