Meet jewelry designer Jo Anne Brooks
While I was in Dallas for the October apparel and accessories market for spring, I met Jo Anne Brooks, a jewelry designer from Laredo, Texas. Jo Anne was stricken with polio when she was 4; her right arm and hand and left arm are completely paralyzed.
But there she was, showing off her collection of intricate necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She makes them with her feet. She likes to mix colors and shapes to create pieces that not only the wearer will enjoy but all those who see them.
Her disability has never defined her. Disability is just a word and a label, she said.
“My goal is to try to do something big with my life that makes a difference in other people’s lives, whether that be jewelry or something else,” she said.
She’s even e-mailed Oprah, hoping that her story will have catch someone’s interest. Oprah, are you reading this blog?
My column in today’s Life section is about Jo Anne. If you want to learn more about her, go to http://jabjewels.com. Here are some pictures of Jo Anne and her jewelry.
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Comments
Hey Linda, What a great article and blog. But there was a typo on webste, the correct website is http://www.jabjewels.com. Also, I have lots of new designs and will be at booth the Dallas gift show and again at the apparrel and accessory shows, looks for my in the temp sections, 13th floors, in Red Haute Finds and at Scene JoAnne Brooks Jewelry Designs. Also during the gift show I will be sharing the booth with my mom, Barbara Wright, my inspiration and mentor, she is an established Dallas Artist, Jewelry Designs being just one of her awesome talents. For mor info…call me at 956 236-1478. All Designs are brand new for 2009. hope to see you there.
Hello Jo Ann–I was watching Country Reporter –you have given me alot of joy–in my heart–your spirit–just watching how happy you looked and how talented you are–May God Bless you and keep you safe–Love to you –Markey Hollowell-115 Rocky Hill Dr.–Kerrville,Texas 78028
I ALSO HEARD ABOUT YOU FROM BOB PHILLIPS COUNTRY REPORTER….MAY THE PROGESSION OF THE DISEASE BE VERY SLOW AND GRADUAL..YOUR JEWELRY IS BEAUTIFUL AND MAY GOD BLESS AND BE WITH YOU THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY….MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU…..YOU AN INSPIRATION TO ALL….
I learned about Jo Ann from tx country reporter. I tried the second http but it said that the host was incorrect. Would you mind emailing me the correct sight? Thanks, Sheryl
Thank you all for all your well wishes. feel free to email me directly at joannebrooks1@aol.com
Also if anyone knows Oprah, please tell her I want to be on her show
My heart goes out to Jo Anne as her post polio syndrome advances in her body. I would like to recomment a special hospital called Sanovive. It was created by Dr. Myron Wentz, founder of USANA Health Sciences. He was the founder of Gull laboratories and sold it to focus on prevention rather that detection. I truly believe Dr. Wentz has the nutritional products that work on the cellular level that help our bodies fight free radicals which cause disease. Look up USANA.com and investigate for yourself. This could be God’s answer for you, Jo Anne.
Enjoyed meeting you and seeing the lovely pieces you design at the Dallas Market. Hope all is well with you, I am working on a couple of promotional things you might be interested in…will keep in touch. Toni
Jo Anne is my cousin and we are about the same age. She’s never let anything stop her. From hiking around the Mt. Lassen area in California (with all our two family’s kids) to snow skiing in the sierra mountains to being a very good swimmer as a kid, she never lets anything stop her. She simply finds a new way to do things. She’s also a lot of fun to be around!