Life Update: Turning 40, Recovering from Surgery, and Growing My Creative Business
Some of you may have noticed I’ve been quiet on the blog for the past couple of months—and you’re absolutely right. I took a much-needed break from blogging to focus on a few major life events that came one after another. Over the last three months, I went through two surgeries, gave myself space to heal, and took time to reflect as I turned 40—a milestone that brought a mix of emotions and fresh perspectives.
During this time away, I also focused on creative growth and business updates. I’ve been working behind the scenes on new virtual interior design projects, exploring pattern design, and putting renewed energy into my Etsy shop to make it stronger and more aligned with my long-term goals. This post is all about catching up—sharing a glimpse into what’s been happening in my personal and professional life, what I’ve learned from this pause, and what’s coming next.
Joshua Jones at the Seattle waterfront
Cataract Surgery
On February 8th, I had cataract surgery on both of my eyes. You might be wondering why someone my age would need this procedure—most people typically undergo cataract surgery in their 60s or 70s. The reason is that I’m Deafblind and have a condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which can cause cataracts to develop much earlier than usual.
Over the past few years, my cataracts had worsened significantly, and I became extremely sensitive to light and glare—so much so that it disrupted my daily life and creative work. After being evaluated, I was finally eligible for surgery. The procedure made a noticeable difference: my vision has improved dramatically, and I’m no longer constantly bothered by harsh lighting or reflections. It’s been a huge relief, and I’m grateful to be able to move forward with greater ease and clarity.
Turning 40…
This past March, I turned 40—and it was a milestone worth celebrating. My wonderful husband, Jeffry, surprised me with an intimate 40th birthday party surrounded by a group of close friends. He chose a venue that perfectly reflected my personal design style: eclectic, creative, and full of character. It was such a thoughtful celebration, filled with great energy, laughter, and memories I’ll always cherish. Jeffry did an amazing job pulling it all together, and I felt incredibly loved and grateful to begin this new chapter of life with such a special moment.
New Pattern Design Series in the Works
Since launching my first pattern design series inspired by Art Deco, I’ve been actively working on new collections that continue to push my creative boundaries. I’m currently developing two new pattern design series, each with its own distinct style and story. The first of these will be ready to share within the next few weeks—so stay tuned! The second series is still in progress and should be ready in a couple of months, depending on how things unfold creatively. I’m excited about where this journey is headed and can’t wait to show you what’s coming next.
Our Etsy Shop Is Getting a Makeover
Over the past couple of months, I’ve been working on rebranding my Etsy shop—from JJones Arts to JJones Design Studio. This new name feels more aligned with the direction my creative work is heading and gives me the flexibility to grow over time. I’ll share more about the rebrand and what inspired the change in my next blog post, so stay tuned!
Still Busy with Virtual Interior Design Projects
No matter how busy I get with personal creative work, I always make time for my virtual interior design clients. Helping people transform their spaces continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I love collaborating with clients who have a wide range of styles, tastes, and goals—every project brings something new and exciting. It’s always a joy to help bring their visions to life through thoughtful and personalized design solutions.
Cochlear Implant Removal Surgery
Many of you may not know that I had a cochlear implant on the left side of my head, which I received when I was 19 years old. After more than two decades, I recently had to make the difficult decision to have it removed. Over the past year, I began experiencing nerve-stabbing pain on and off several times a month. Then, last December, the pain worsened dramatically—lasting for three weeks straight and becoming unbearable. I eventually went to the ER, where I learned I had an infection. The doctor recommended applying ice packs to help relieve the pain, which offered some relief but didn’t resolve the issue entirely.
After discussing options with my doctor, we agreed that cochlear implant removal surgery was the best course of action to end the chronic pain for good. The surgery took place on April 30 and was a success. I’m now recovering well and incredibly relieved to be pain-free at last. There’s a lot more to this story—my experience before, during, and after living with a cochlear implant—and I’m considering writing a book to share the full journey, since there’s far more to tell than one blog post can cover.
Thank you for taking the time to catch up with me. The past few months have brought some big changes—both personally and creatively—and I’m grateful for the space to rest, heal, and refocus. I’m excited to say that I’ll be returning to regular blogging moving forward, sharing more design insights, creative updates, and personal reflections along the way. I appreciate your continued support, and I can’t wait to bring you along on everything that’s coming next.
