Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanne Hoelz.
Hi Joanne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey with Ribbons and Wreaths By Joey started about five years ago with something I simply enjoyed doing—creating beautiful things with my hands. What began as a creative outlet and a love for ribbons, wreaths, and seasonal decorating slowly grew into something much bigger than I ever expected.
Like many small business owners, I started by learning as I went. There was a lot of trial and error—figuring out different techniques, developing my own style, learning what customers were looking for, and eventually learning the business side of things too. Over time, I began selling my creations, building relationships with customers, and sharing my work through social media and my Etsy shop.
Today, I create much more than wreaths. I design garlands, swags, bows, centerpieces, and custom pieces for different seasons, holidays, occasions, and everyday home décor. One of my favorite parts of what I do is taking an idea—sometimes just a color, theme, or special request from a customer—and turning it into something they’re excited to display in their home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I think the challenges have been an important part of my journey.
One of the biggest struggles in the beginning was simply learning everything that goes along with turning something you love into a business. Creating has always been the part that comes naturally to me. The business side—pricing my work appropriately, marketing, social media, shipping, keeping up with changing platforms, and learning how to reach the right customers—has definitely required some patience and a lot of learning along the way.
There have also been moments of self-doubt. When you put something you’ve created with your own hands out into the world, it can feel very personal. You wonder whether people will like it, whether it will sell, and sometimes you find yourself comparing your work or your progress to others. I’ve learned that you have to stay focused on your own journey and trust what makes your work unique.
Another challenge has been learning to recognize the true value of handmade work. Customers see the finished wreath or arrangement, but behind that piece are hours of designing, sourcing materials, creating, photographing, marketing, packaging, and sometimes shipping. Learning not to undervalue my time, creativity, and craftsmanship has been an important lesson.
Technology has certainly given me a few challenges too! 😂 Running a business today means learning new apps, social media platforms, online selling, and all sorts of things I never imagined would be part of making wreaths. I may always consider myself more of a ribbons-and-mesh girl than a technology girl, but I keep learning!
Through all of it, I’ve learned to be patient with myself, keep going, and not be afraid to learn something new. Every challenge has taught me something, and each one has helped Ribbons and Wreaths By Joey grow into the business it is today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Ribbons and Wreaths By Joey specializes in handcrafted home décor, with wreaths being at the heart of what I do. I also create garlands, swags, bows, centerpieces, and custom designs for holidays, seasons, special occasions, and everyday decorating.
My style is very detail-oriented, full, colorful, and layered. I love working with beautiful ribbons, florals, greenery, signs, mesh, and unexpected elements that bring a design to life. I especially enjoy creating pieces that have personality—something that makes you stop, look again, and smile.
Custom work is also a very important part of my business. I love when someone comes to me with an idea, a favorite color combination, a theme, or even just a vision they aren’t quite sure how to put together. Being able to take that idea and turn it into something uniquely theirs is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
What I’m most proud of is how much I’ve grown, both creatively and as a business owner. When I look back at where I started and compare it to the work I’m creating today, I can see the years of learning, experimenting, and developing my own style. I’m proud that I didn’t give up when things were difficult or when I had something new to learn.
I think what sets me apart is that I genuinely care about every piece I create. I don’t want something to simply fill a space on someone’s door or wall—I want it to add warmth, personality, and a little happiness to their home. Whether I’m creating something for a longtime customer, a first-time buyer, or a custom order for a special occasion, I give it the same attention I would if I were making it for my own home.
At the end of the day, I’m not interested in making something that looks like it came off an assembly line. Handmade should feel handmade. Every piece that leaves Ribbons and Wreaths By Joey has a little bit of my personality and creativity in it, and I think that’s what makes it special.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the handmade home décor industry is going to continue evolving quite a bit over the next five to ten years, especially in the way makers connect with their customers.
Social media has already changed our industry tremendously. Customers no longer just see a finished wreath or centerpiece—they can watch the creative process, get to know the person behind the business, and even interact with us while we’re creating through live videos and social media. I think that personal connection is going to become even more important.
I also believe customization will continue to grow. People want their homes to reflect their personalities, and they don’t necessarily want the exact same décor that everyone else has. That’s where handmade businesses have an advantage. We can offer something personal, whether it’s a particular color combination, holiday theme, family interest, or a completely custom design.
At the same time, I think technology will continue to play a larger role in how small handmade businesses operate. New platforms and tools will keep changing how we market, sell, and reach customers. As someone who would much rather have ribbon and mesh in my hands than figure out another new piece of technology, I’m sure that will continue to keep me on my toes! 😂 But I’ve also learned that being willing to adapt is part of owning a business.
I think we’ll also see trends move faster because of social media, but I don’t believe good craftsmanship will ever go out of style. Trends may influence colors, themes, and designs from year to year, but people will continue to appreciate something that was thoughtfully designed and made by a real person.
For me, the future is about finding the balance between embracing new ways of doing business while holding onto what makes handmade special in the first place—the creativity, craftsmanship, individuality, and personal connection behind every piece.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ribbonsandwreathsllc.etsy.com/
- Instagram: https://ribbonsandwreathsllc.etsy.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DpM7Kmvp8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
