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Biography
Freelance writer and designer Brandie Valenzuela began
scrapbooking creatively in 1996. From the moment her first layout
was created, she was hooked. Scrapbooking provided
a creative outlet that no other art could give her. With her love for
scrapbooking, and a desire to stay at home raising her children while earning an income,
she decided it was time to take her part-time hobby and make it a full-time career.
Beginning this full-time career proved to be difficult. Her only local
scrapbook store was impressed by her skills, but due to a lack of space,
they were not able to hold classes. Still determined to teach and inspire
others, Brandie began promoting herself to anyone who would listen and
she began freelance teaching in 1999. She held classes in the homes of
new and experienced scrappers, at churches, and for local clubs. It
wasn't long before Brandie was considered the local scrapbook expert.
While teaching was extremely satisfying for Brandie, she wanted to inspire
even more than those in her local community. In 1999, she applied
for the scrapbook editor position at Suite 101, an online publishing
community where both writers and readers are united. Her application
was accepted and Brandie began writing weekly articles
on everything related to scrapbooking. Even Brandie -- known by her family
and friends as always being optimistic -- didn't expect what would happen
next. The exposure that she received from being the editor of Suite 101's
scrapbook column was amazing and quickly let to further writing opportunities.
Beyond writing, Brandie expanded her artistic skills by creating her own
scrapbook paper and other items. "There was a time that I thought I didn't
have the talent to create my own paper -- I would wish that I could be 'real'
artist," says Brandie, "but I made a decision to venture beyond my comfort
zone, to try something I thought I couldn't do, and now I have the
self-confidence to create my designs, which I think are beautiful.
Definitely something I am proud to put in my albums".
The scrapbook industry has continued to grow and it is clear that this
pastime is showing no signs of stopping. Brandie has evolved with the
industry, keeping a close tab on the creative trends and issues of retailers
and manufacturers. Today, Brandie continues with her full-time career as a
freelance writer and designer, even expanding to include marketing
services such as copy writing, press releases, and sell sheets. When she is
not working, she is having fun with her three children and her husband -- who
think she is awesome.
If you'd like to see the "personal" side of Brandie,
visit her
"100 Things About Me"
web page by clicking
here.
You can write to Brandie by emailing her at:
brandievalenzuela@pagesoftheheart.net
