Life & Work with Joanne Ewald

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanne Ewald. 

Hi Joanne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Mend on the move was created from a place of healing. It was the culmination of all my past pain, suffering, experiences, gifts, and talents coming together for a very clear and intentional purpose; to walk alongside and encourage other women who felt as I once had – that they had little value to offer this world. 

I didn’t begin to face the abuse that happened to me as a child until well into my adulthood. 

Shame and insecurities kept me quiet. And, also because I learned it was best not to discuss such things. I needed to forget and just move on. But when I had children of my own, my heart was struck by their vulnerability. The thought of someone abusing them grieved me and forced me to face my own truth. 

I began therapy in my 30s and became a Christian at the age of 40. A late bloomer for sure! But both were instrumental in moving me toward forgiveness and healing. Jewelry making also was a soothing and introspective contributor to my recovery. I especially loved turning old and discarded items into something new again. A glimmer of what was ahead for me! 

Along the way, a dream started taking shape. A dream about starting a nonprofit to provide abused women with the opportunity to help themselves by working in a creative community with like-minded survivors. 

It was two years in the making, but mend on the move came to be in 2015. The abuse done to me was meant for evil, but goodness and love had the last word in my story. Just as throwaway auto parts are transformed into new and beautiful creations, so, too, was my life and the lives of the survivors who are lovingly accepted, valued, and encouraged through mend on the move. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It took me two years to start to Mend with lots of closed doors and skepticism along the way. Also, we’ve adjusted the model as needed as we went to meet unforeseen challenges. And of course, working with people who have experienced trauma can be a challenge in itself, but oh so rewarding, as well. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When Mend started, I was the survivor making the jewelry in my basement. The jewelry designs created from auto parts were my vision. But as Mend has grown, I would say my gift is not necessarily as an artist or jewelry designer but as a visionary. I love bringing people together through the creative process to work toward a common, justice-minded purpose … which is to serve women who have faced abuse and trauma and to be instrumental in helping them find their voices. 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
It’s not been luck at all. It’s been faith in God, specifically becoming a follower of Jesus. This has enabled me to heal, to forgive, and to move forward with my life. It has instilled in me a passion to serve others who have suffered as I have. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: mendonthemove.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/mendonthemove
• Facebook: facebook.com/mendonthemove
• Twitter: twitter.com/mendonthemove

Image Credits
Melanie Reyes
Luke Steppey