Joan began her career in 1975 when she started creating unique gifts out of salvaged bits of broken glass. She borrowed $50 on a credit card and talked her sister and friend into helping her paint glass at the kitchen table. Sales boomed, but no one would give a business loan to a woman with a "little hobby". Joan took her own risks, and in 1980 moved Joan Baker designs in a leased building in San Clemente, Ca.
Business thrived as Joan hired and trained Marine Corp wives from the nearby military base. She also provided badly needed jobs to Southeast Asian refugees coming into Orange county. By 1995 Joan had built a new facility in San Clemente and had opened a 65,000 sq. ft. factory in China. Today, Joan Baker Designs is one of the leading giftware companies in the country.
Success has also brought responsibility. Each year JBD gives a significant portion of its profits to charity and ministry projects in poor countries. Her story gives inspiration and encouragement to us all.
