Hey there! Pleasure to meetcha!

I’m Jenny Venn. Or JenVenn. Or JV – up to you – just not Jennifer. Ever. That’s reserved for my mom and grandma when I’m in big time, no good, serious trouble.

Things I Live for – in somewhat but no particular order:

My family. They say you don’t get to pick your family but if I had the chance?! I’d pick ’em again.

My friends. They’ve got my back, make me laugh, make me cry, call me out, and every day remind me of who I am and where I’m going.

FOOD. Wholesome, unprocessed, fresh, colorful, spicy, of-the-earth, comforting, culture-connecting, homegrown, and texture rich FOOD that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit.

Creativity in all forms and the process of creation. Neverland really exists – I visit there often while working in my studio.

The human condition and man’s search for meaning, spirituality, holistic healing, and the mind-body connection.

Hello Kitty! Seriously. You simply can’t be cranky when the *really* adorable Kitty White is staring at you with a small gift and big smile.

Bound objects and ink on paper. Another very important form of nourishment for me.

Enjoyable body movement. Yoga = Heaven on Earth. Life is better while on two wheels…preferably not uphill though. Walking…yes, I could indeed walk until the end of the Earth…trust me – I come from a long line of Mall Walkers.

Community. Gotta be surrounded by my people!

Conversation. Usually of the mind-blowing, expanded consciousness persuasion. Although, sometimes a random “OMG! Did you…” is absolutely necessary too.

The City. I was “born and raised” in an urban environment. I crave it’s pace and patina constantly. It’s where I discovered my love of The Hustle and why I don’t take poo – from anyone.

The Country. I “grew up” in the country. My parents moved us outside of city limits when I was in high school. There I learned about compassion, steadfast friendship, what it truly means to be on a team, and about the life-giving force that is agriculture and all the beautiful metaphors that surround it.

Joy! Capital J. Life is too dang short not to have confetti exploding from all directions.

And, FINALLY, Myself – every bit and piece.
 

 
The Deeper Deets.

Jenny Venn is a designer, maker and educator who lives, loves, and creates for Joy! from her *heart*land, Wichita, Kansas.

After graduating with a BFA (‘04) and MFA (‘07) from Fort Hays State University, Jenny packed up her bags and headed west, launching her career in design and art education. Throughout the last 15 years, Jenny has taught thousands of “birdies” from kindergarteners to post-college graduates, in studios at Research 1 universities and Title 1 public schools.

In addition to being an educator, Jenny has also maintained an inspired independent design studio, StudioJenVenn, where she works alongside regional, national, and international clients who are also dedicated to saturating BETTER into our world.

In 2021, following her unyielding entrepreneurial heart, Jenny launched JoyBeam Handmade, a boutique handmade creative studio specializing in *well-designed* and *meticulously crafted* goods, gifts, and customized wares.

When not creating, Jenny can likely be found in the kitchen hunting for snacks, out for a walk with her pups, on two wheels in search of childhood heaven, or – most likely – hunting for Hello Kitty gems in the wild to add to her overindulgent and ever-expanding collection.