Meet Hero's Heroes!

Today we are excited to introduce you to another member of the Hero Arts family. In this feature we show you the people behind the scenes who work hard to bring you quality products and inspiration. We call them Hero's Heroes because they are how we do what we do!

Let's get to know Joan Mills!

What you do for Hero Arts and how long you have been here?
I am the Director of Sales. My area of focus is Wholesale - trade shows, independent, international and education customers. I have worked for Hero Arts for a little more than two years but indirectly for a long time. In my former life, I was the principal of Millsrepco, a sales rep group that covered the West coast and represented many companies in the craft industry - Hero being one of them. I am very passionate about my work and love being part of the Hero family.

What are three words to describe Hero Arts?
Caring, inclusive and encouraging.

Where are you from originally? Family info? Hobbies?
I’m from the South, so make killer ribs. Cooking is one of my hobbies. I go back to South Carolina a couple of times every year to visit my family. I love the South except for the humidity and bugs. But California is my home. I love the water and think the most peaceful place on earth is on a boat, in the middle of a lake, at dusk. I am married and have 1 kitty - Aiko.

How did you get into this industry?
My background and education is in Retail sales - fashion and gifts. School, jobs and life took me to Upstate New York, Manhattan then San Francisco, where I got a job working for a company that developed retail concepts. We opened Stampateria - the first rubber stamp store in Northern California. Most people who saw the sign assumed we sold postage stamps! The rest is history...

Thank you, Joan, for helping us to get to know you better. We are grateful that you are part of the Hero Arts family!