IslandVibesIOP.com 24 PEOPLE & PETS ty to organize art markets popped up. I was hired and from there, I found my niche. I became fully entranced with the art scene. I started to develop, organize and manage hundreds of art markets in the D.C. area. It felt like this was what I was meant to be – a community organizer, specializing in the thriving alternative art community. I loved it.” Ten years ago, Jessica noticed sizable differences in her vision. After multiple visits to retinal specialists, she was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called Stargardt disease. A rare disease that affects the central vision, it’s similar particularly when trying to plan a trip yourself. Pet care can be especially trying unless, of course, you happen to know Jessica Blaszczak. Jessica, husband Dave, their 14-year-old son Griffin and dogs Lenny and Winnie moved to the island from Washington, D.C., after Dave traveled to Charleston on a business trip and told Jessica about the “artsy community” he had encountered. Jessica came down for a visit and fell in love with the Isle of Palms. Having always wanted to live near the beach, the island became the perfect fit for the Blaszczak family. Jessica described her beginnings in the art industry as well as her eventual pet sitting services. “It’s funny where life leads you. After my husband and I moved from Baltimore, Maryland, to Washington, D.C., I started out by making decoupage piggy banks,” she recounted. “I eventually joined a bunch of art markets selling handmade crafts. After a couple of months, an opportuniBeing a full-time resident in a community known for its vacation-friendly atmosphere can bring a unique set of challenges, A Purr-fect Fit: The Blaszczaks Memories make for the best souvenirs By Laura Fogarty VacationVibesonIOP.com Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty The Eklunds Living the ‘Salt Life’ She’s the souvenir that keeps on giving,” beamed Jennifer Eklund of her rescue dog Isla, who was adopted after Jennifer and husband Matthew vacationed in Saint Martin. What a lucky souvenir she is to have ended up in her forever home on the Isle of Palms. Jennifer continued, “I have always wanted, my entire life, to be near the ocean. Charleston was the perfect fit because of the richness in history and the slower, quieter pace of life. The beach is my happy place. There is nothing better than putting on a wetsuit in November and just lying on a surfboard, watching the sun reflect off the water while contemplating life. It is such a wonderful way to reset the vagus nerve.” After graduating from West Virginia University and moving on to complete her masters, Jennifer set her sights on a southern, coastal move. Jennifer (LISW)-CP, CDP, SSP, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is polyvagal trained as well, with over 17 years in clinical practice. She explained, “I treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral, supportive space for individuals and families. I utilize an integrated approach, and I am polyvagal and CBT trained to help with regulating the autonomic nervous system.” Jennifer continued, “I was diagnosed with infertility which led me to focus on a female-oriented business. I conceived naturally, with no medical intervention and wanted to help other women in that regard and more.” She serves females of all ages from young girls to college age to new moms and all the way through every stage of life to geriatrics. Jennifer elaborated, “Geriatrics is the most underserved demographic. When someone is in cognitive decline, that’s all we see, but they are still here; they still exist. We need to see the person and not just the decline.” Mom to 2-year-old Theo, with baby sister Sophia arriving in September, Jennifer described her family with an ease and an energy that is both delightful and contagious. Her love for her family, including her two rescue dogs Bacardi and Isla, her clients and her way of life shines through every word she speaks. “Theo loves to dig in the sand with trucks,” she shared. “Finding seashells is one of his favorite things to do – it is like a new surprise every time. He isn’t quite interested in playing in the tidal pools yet, but we can’t wait for that!” Husband Matthew also works locally and both he and Jennifer agree that they could practically live at Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, and that they have a special affinity for brunch and beach time in the off season. Just a little while longer, Eklund family, and the island will become quiet once again. to macular degeneration, except there is no cure – yet. Jessica explained, “I’ll be honest. The diagnosis hit me hard. Here I was working in the art field but was losing my central vision. It became progressively worse to where creating certain art projects were not possible or fun anymore. Reading was a struggle. What I loved to do and how I earned a living was becoming too difficult. I just couldn’t see the way I used to. I had to reevaluate a lot of things in my life. As an artist, becoming visually impaired is heartbreaking.” She continued, “The way I look at it is, we have to accept, move on and refocus. It wasn’t easy or quick, but when I felt ready, that’s exactly what I had to do. I have always had a natural kinship with animals of all kinds. With the help and encouragement of my husband and a dear friend, I decided to turn my love of animals into an opportunity – something I could happily do with a vision impairment. That’s when I started FurPlay Pet Sitting.” Jessica expressed, “Now I can proudly say I own a small pet care business in IOP! I am a dog walker, cat snuggler, reptile salad maker and overall pet whisperer. Basically, I love on your pets professionally. What a cool job perk. Actually, the perk is my job.” You can find Jessica at FurPlay on instagram @furplaypetsitting.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1