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Hanover, Pennsylvania. Historically, a well traveled thoroughfare, it must have caused quite a stir when Thomas Jefferson lodged there en route from Monticello to Philadelphia. Well, if the star on the map has a bit of a glow now, look in the direction of Hanoverian, Stacey Hagarman. This self-taught artist is creating a bit of a stir in the stationery world with her stylish “Swanky Designs”; painstakingly hand-embellished with brilliant Austrian crystals.
 Stacey’s sparkling designs reflect far more than what meets the eye. For it was not long ago, immersed in the joys of motherhood, Stacey was left with a void after her only child Emma started school full time (2007). This devoted Mom found herself in a cloud of depression. Wrestling with this transition, Stacey read an inspirational book, which transformed her thinking and the silver lining became visible.
Equipped with a fresh perspective, Stacey pressed ahead. Right in the midst of volunteering her artistic talents to raise funds for a local charity event, her path to creating “S. E. Hagarman Designs” became illuminated. Her works of art were celebrated a success! Surrounded with the encouragement of her supportive husband, Patrick, wonderful family and friends-- she was reminded to take hold of her gifts. On the tail of that event, Stacey and Patrick visualized “the rocking chair moment”, you know, years down the road, swaying in the sunset, wondering about the “what if’s” of life. They decided there would be no-regrets or time squandered on speculations. From that day forward, with Patrick by her side, Stacey’s course was set; to turn a dream into reality.
Fueled by passion and propelled by her faith, Stacey began to write down all of her ideas. Notes, notes and more notes. Even to this day, every time an idea pops into her head she quickly commits it to paper. Inspired, in the wee hours of the morning Stacey is awakened with some of the best ideas, and yes –even then she jots them down. Stacey worked with a “one day at a time” philosophy; she stayed focused on the tasks at hand. Always fascinated with fashion, color and design details, she describes her style as “swanky and simple” and says “I could design 24/7”. And as each day unfolded, the path was made clear. Step by step, Stacey found her hands on every phase of creating and organizing a business; from concept to finished product to presentation.
May 2009. Stacey, Patrick and family hit the road for New York to set-up for “S.E Hagarman’s Designs” first presence at the National Stationery Show. The booth was fabulous -- designed by Stacey and meticulously built by hubby. The dazzling collection was an instant hit! Today, Stacey’s designs are making their way around the globe, from the USA to Canada to Japan. Journey Treasures is in good company as Stacey’s designs have recently been picked up by one of our nation’s finest retailers. Glad we got on board early! You know a good thing when you see it!
Asked to sift and share the treasures from her journey, Stacey looks back and recounts “That year that I went through my depression was the worst and best year of my life. It showed me how powerful our minds can be by what we think. If anyone has a true passion, DREAM BIG, think positively, follow your heart, and don't let anything stop you. "Anything you can conceive, you can achieve”. That is our family motto.” Stacey maintains a steadfast approach in the most challenging moments in her life today by “having a strong faith and a positive attitude …I just have to BELIEVE.”
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