Joy and Kevin Full of Surprises
Joy and Kevin Full of Surprises
BY Kelsey Sheppard
When massage therapist, Joy Fitzgerald, and her husband, Kevin Bridgeman, met on a fetish website, they couldn’t have predicted that two years later they’d be building a creative business together. Their shared creative venture has developed only within the past two years, sparked by their love of Art Attack. “We saw it and said, ‘We could do that!’” Joy recalls. Inspired by the market, they began making jewelry together: Joy is mostly interested in earrings, Kevin in bracelets. One of their first discoveries was how their aesthetics complemented each other: Kevin’s pieces are intricate and, in Joy’s words, “extra,” while hers are more minimalist. They’ve also been surprised by how they built a loyal clientele through the scene — and by just how much masculine jewelry they sell. Men, Joy says, are ready to wear beads, be ornate, and adorn themselves!
For Joy, massage therapy is as energetic as it is physical. She believes people release more tension when they are soothed, and that a gentler approach often leads to a more complete release. The work can be physically and spiritually taxing, requiring presence and intention, something she and mixologist Meg Lee were surprised to learn when they were classmates together. Joy sees an unexpected parallel between her bodywork and their jewelry: both are physical and spiritual experiences. Clients often feel deeply connected to pieces with symbolism or spiritual meaning, much like the spiritual experience that can occur during massage.
Looking ahead, the couple dreams of opening a water-centric studio space where they can offer massage services and sell their jewelry in one space. Their vision includes a hot tub, sauna, and a warm pool for Watsu massage. Joy believes creativity absolutely strengthens their relationship; having a partner who is spiritually and creatively open deepens their connection and commitment. Sharing a craft gives them space to check in, grow, and build something meaningful together — proof that sometimes the most unexpected beginnings lead exactly where you’re meant to go.
