Jennifer Brittingham
I am a long-time creator and maker. I recently retired from the corporate world after over 10 years as an instructional designer and developer, and I needed to change professions due to a decline in my health. I developed a myriad of dysautonomia diseases, including a rare and little-known syndrome called MCAS - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.
With the restrictions that come with these types of diseases, I needed to not only work in a safe environment, which for me was my home, but I needed something less stressful and more flexible. Stress can be a big trigger with this illness, and when I do get sick, I need to step back often and resort to bed rest.
To reduce stress, I turn to my creative outlets. These include needlework, creating digital art, designing for my 3d printer or laser cutter, and even writing and teaching. After years of supporting other designers and buying their designs, I decided to try to adopt their lifestyle for myself and incorporate it with my other life endeavors.
My other hobbies include spending time with my family and animals, traveling, reading, writing, needlework, and learning.