Living Artfully with Sandra Magsamen

Sandra Magsamen is a one-woman empire...and an inspiration to us all. A self-described "Renaissance" woman, she began making handmade, original gift items with messages from the heart in her garage in 1991. Her company "Table Tiles," expanded into a multi-million-dollar gift business in less than a decade. Today, her ideas are licensed by major gift manufacturers, such as Department 56, Lenox, and Creative Imagings. Her "Messages from the Heart" plaques have sold in the tens of millions.

Ms. Magsamen just launched a "Messages from the Heart BABY" in January with JC Penney stores and she's just released her 29th (29th!) book in April, Living Artfully: A Heart-full Guide of Ideas and Inspirations That Celebrate Life, Love, and Moments That Matter with Simon & Schuster's Free Press. I had a chance to talk with Ms. Magsamen recently about her work, her philosophy, and her life. An obviously busy woman, she was poised, relaxed, and gracious. Here's what she had to say:

What is living artfully?
Living Artfully is expressing who you are through the objects and the moments that you create - recognizing and embracing the gifts of imagination, curiosity and playfulness.

What prompted you to start your gift business in 1991?
My work as an art therapist made me realize the importance of communication. When I worked with nursing home patients, they could express themselves in clay or with art when they couldn't communicate otherwise. My hope was to convey some of those thoughts.

Do you have any advice for women in their 40s or 50s or older that may be thinking of starting their own business?
Just to "be yourself" and to be passionate about what you are doing...to create your company from the heart.

What have you found to be the biggest challenge to growing your company?
Every stage has its own challenges, but overall, I'd say it is to find the right people to work with, but as strategic partners and as employees.

You're obviously a very busy woman, when many projects in the works. What's your time management secret?
To work a lot. I also compartmentalize a lot.

You've just launched "Messages from the Heat BABY" with JC Penney. Tell us a little about that project.
It's a full line of products. There are "Messages from the Heart" clay plaques that have messages to share with your daughters. The line also includes bedding, apparel, and children's book-all with positive messages.

Sandra Magamen's gifts and plaques are available on her Web site, at JC Penney, and at a number of gift retailers around the United States .