About Irene Akio Products
All of my products are designed by me and made in the USA. My greeting cards are printed in Seattle, WA by a woman-owned independent small business. I make an effort to be kind to the earth as much as possible, including using eco-friendly and post-consumer paper.
About Irene
I took a winding path to becoming a professional artist. I've been a bookseller, dancer, massage therapist, waitress, office manager and more. My husband worked at a lumber yard when we met, and after I told him I had always wanted a large crafting and drawing table, he built me one out of scrap wood. That pushed me to start drawing and painting more, and led to me illustrating and authoring a children's book about Tokyo, Japan. I loved the project and didn't want to stop, so I continued making art in other forms.
In the ten years since, I have gotten married (to that sweet lumber yard fellow), had two kids whom I adore, and lived a life full of twists and turns. I started my business both because I love to create and as a way to be home part-time with my family. I love making art and I love greeting cards, and helping people connect is my way of adding a drop of goodness to the world. I hope my work brings you a moment of joy, and I'm grateful for your support!
Cheers,
Irene
(my sweet & goofy family, including the wee one in the carrier)