What started as a creative outlet during a difficult time has grown into a business with a purpose.
At Hope & Joy in Fairfield, owner Rebecca Ashby and her team create personalized gifts while giving back to families and children in need.
Ashby launched the business during the COVID-19 pandemic after her son was diagnosed as neurodivergent. She said focusing on creative projects helped her manage stress and inspired her to open an Etsy shop. A few years later, she decided to make the business more meaningful by donating a portion of every sale.
So far, Hope & Joy has contributed about $4,000 to adoption grants for waiting families and mental health initiatives for children.
The shop specializes in customized gifts, including embroidered apparel and accessories, personalized stationery, wedding invitations, notepads, trays, bags, trinket dishes and hand-stamped leather items. Ashby says personalization is about more than adding a name or monogram.
She wants each gift to tell a story and create a memorable experience for customers. Hope & Joy continues to blend creativity, customization and community support, all while staying true to its mission of spreading positivity, hope and joy through the art of gifting.
Hope & Joy is located at 95 Reef Road in Fairfield.