There’s a certain humility that accompanies the truly talented; a quiet calm that seems to come from being able to create things of beauty.
Jenny Batt of Hank & Hunt has that humility in spades. Sweet and generous, she’s just as approachable as her party craft tutorials.
Blasting onto the blogging scene a mere three years ago, Jenny is now a darling of the DIY community.
Jenny landed her first job at The Sweetest Occasion after responding to an open call for contributors and she still thanks her lucky stars for that first break. Since then, she has been approached to contribute to Oh Happy Day, Hellobee, Project Wedding and is also the Altitude Summit Channel Director.
As Pinterest can attest, every project Jenny touches seems to turn to DIY gold. So, it’s surprising to learn that despite a love of drawing and pottery as a child, Jenny has no formal art training.
Although she always wished she had studied Graphic Design, Jenny was a financial accountant before launching her career as a craft stylist.
From balance sheet to garland… who knew?
Talking with Jenny, you soon get a strong sense that creating things of beauty is just part of who she is. Her website’s about page says:
"I'm a wife and a mom of two boys under seven, who might be named Henry & Hunter. Does that answer the little voice that was wondering where I got the name for Hank + Hunt?
Ever since these two came along, I realized every single day is amazing and we should celebrate it. So, we've been doing just that."
It’s something Jenny’s parents did for her and you just can’t help thinking that her two boys must have some pretty magical memories already banked. However, Jenny has an amazing way of keeping her philosophy grounded.
“It’s about the little things,” she said. “My boys are just old enough to play board games and actually pay attention. We just played a 3-hour monopoly game on New Year’s Eve, I think it will be an annual tradition from now on.”
Although her family is a large part of her inspiration they also remain her biggest supporters and share her story of success with everyone who will listen.
If you’re wondering what the secret is
behind Jenny’s success? Hard work.
Her current styling commitments equal more than a fulltime job, so Jenny is usually up at 4:30am to make her husband breakfast and lunch before he leaves for work.
She then works until her boys get up and she takes her eldest son, Henry to school. She manages to continue working and shoot her DIYs while caring for her younger son Hunter.
Anyone who has ever tried to create a DIY would agree juggling the creative process and children is tough. Jenny manages this by including her boys who can usually be found crafting on the side. When they pick up Henry from school the family launches into a typical afternoon & evening routine before Jenny crashes at eight or nine.
Jenny’s plans for 2013 include focusing on her own website, Hank & Hunt. She’d also love to write a book full of her own photography, design and styling and do more craft styling for brands and magazines – two ambitions I’m sure are already well within her reach.
Finally, Jenny offers advice for anyone who
wants to unlock their own creativity:
"Do it. Give it a try. It might work and you might love it. You just might find what you were meant to do all along. If you start a blog and you don’t like it, then at least you tried. The experience might lead you to your true path.
I don’t think anyone lacks the skills to be creative. I saw a great quote today that said you either use your creativity or you don’t, there are no creative people. Stop listening to that little voice in your head that says you can’t ."
I couldn’t agree more, Jenny.
Jenny's Three Favourites
1. Craft supply: Gold spray paint
2. Blogs: Besotted Brand Blog, August Empress, Camille Styles, Pugly Pixel.
3. DIY Project: A tie between Party animal candles and the present garland.
---
[Images: All images courtesy of Hank & Hunt]
Jenny is one of the most creative people i know! So good to read a bit more about her and all the amazing things she does!! xo
Posted by: Sofia | 12 January 2013 at 01:17 AM
I loved reading more about Jenny. Her DIY projects are always so fun and bright and inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Laura Parke | 12 January 2013 at 02:18 AM