My Story
Mimi Dzyacky
July 22, 2008

I, Mary Renee Dzyacky (aka Mimi), was born in Gary, Indiana in 1962. As a child I was told I was very creative as well as imaginative. Now directing that energy was another story. One the outlets I chose was art. Both of my parents are very creative people, though not employed as such. I spent hours drawing and telling stories. But, alas, as I became a young adult, chose to go into teaching. After spending almost…yes I know…almost…my life took another turn. My part-time job as an optician turned into a full-time, scale the corporate ladder, retail optical management career path that would last for 12 plus years, popping in and out in later years as well.

But something was missing…

While still creating cards, books and gifts for friends and family, it dawned on me to try and take this “hobby” and make it into a career. By this time I had relocated to the Gulf Coast of Florida, Dunedin, to initially care for my grandmother before my mother relocated down south as well. So I had the opportunity of a lifetime and it was to go back to college and get a degree in Graphic Design. I cashed in the 401k, got some loans, and headed back to school. Now this is the kicker, I graduated in the top of my class with a straight A average and even have some fancy emblem on my degree to prove it. I worked as a website designer for several years until I had a run in with the dreaded “anxiety & depression” combo! Things got pretty dark for a while until. Trouble holding a steady job and then I found…

Altered Art! What a fabulous concept! I am a collector by nature and now found the perfect outlet for putting my found objects together to form little stories. And the wonderful people in my online groups got me going again.

I had entered an art doll art group swap and was chosen as a winner. Well…once my sister saw the paper dolls, she had to have a set of them made up into ornaments for all of her girlfriends. Since then I had dies made, big fat heavy ones, and Mimsies Whimsies was formed. I created my own website and began to sell them on the web, along with other personalized treasures. I then moved to the Chicago area to live with my sister, her husband, my nephew, and aunt and help out with taking care of the house, etc.

I now work as a graphic designer, personal assistant, housekeeper, chef, and as I always forget to add ARTIST in the Chicago area!!!