A  Bit  About  Me. . .

Hi, my name is Jill Serrao. I’m a self-taught artist and a "work in progress."  I’ve been blessed with creativity for as long as I remember. Even as a child, I found myself making jewelry and outfits for my dolls, painting and recreating things I found. If I wasn’t doing that, I was creating “imaginary friends” to play with. Hehe!  I’ve never taken an art class and pretty much have my own style and do things “my way,” whether right or wrong (probably wrong) haha!

As an adult my creativity has been expressed through decorating my house, working in the garden, and making things from something I’d found sitting around for a long time that would just look so much better if I added my own touch and style. I’ve always had friends and family who’ve enjoyed and praised me for what I could do. It’s always felt so good and encouraged me to keep going. I’ve also often been teased about always wanting to tweak or change the look of things, rather than just accepting them in their original state.  Oh, well. Though there are many whose work is better than mine, I am so grateful for the abilities I’ve been given and so blessed to have a job which allows me to do what I love and give glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I first began to sell my work in 1994 at a local street faire in Huntington Beach, just a block from the beach. It was so cool to see that people would actually pay money for my work. Wow! Who would have imagined?  I’d always just made things for my house, my kids, or my friends as gifts. This was really the start of my professional work as an artist. I partook in several annual beach area art festivals as well as sold my work to some local shops. I repurposed and painted on old windows, old fence wood, old furniture, made planters from old chairs, did some mosaic work --- creating new pieces with my artwork and own personal touch.

In 2003 I decided to venture into the world of online selling and met Victoria of Victoria’s Shabby Cottage. She  invited me to sell on her site and continually encouraged me and helped me promote my work. I owe so much to her. Sales came quickly and I developed a nice following there, as well as on Ebay. It was very exciting as well as personally and financially rewarding. Victoria gave me so much support, which built my confidence and set the beginning of my online professional presence and business, as well as a lasting friendship.  

In 2006, I decided to go a step farther and start my own website, Rose Cottage Chic. It was a little scary and rather slow at first, but it has since developed into a venue I truly enjoy and by which I’ve been rewarded. From the days at the street faire to the present time, I have met some of the most wonderful people.

Without God none of this would ever have been possible. He guides me each and every step of the way, not only in my work but in every aspect of my life. Sometimes I think He is the one who is actually doing the work as I still find it hard to believe I am the one who actually painted or created any given piece. It’s truly awesome and such a blessing!

My  Wonderful Family. . .

My most important blessings are my family. My husband, Nick, has always supported and encouraged me, allowing me to be me and do what I love. I have been so blessed with four awesome kids (Nick, 41; Jenny, 39; Chad, 37; and TJ, 36) and six beautiful grandchildren (Kyra, 11; Emily, 8; Katelyn, 6; Camryn, 4; Daniel, 3; and Maeli, 9 months) ----- all of whom have brought such great joy. Additionally, I’ve been very blessed with two brothers and three sisters, nieces & nephews, and many friends.

Although I no longer have parents, my memories of them are always with me --- especially my auntie (who raised me as my mom since I was 14). She was always so sweet, loving, and the funniest, wittiest person you’d ever want to meet. She always supported and encouraged me to be me.  Sadly, she left this earth in April of 2003. I miss her now as much as I did when she passed. She was my rock, and my best friend. I thank God for  bringing  her  into my life. It would never  have been the same without her.

Home  Sweet  Home . . .

I live in Huntington Beach, CA.  I love where I live, just 4 miles from the beach, with great weather and ocean breezes. Though Southern California has way too many people and too much traffic, you just can’t beat the beautiful weather. I guess it's all a trade-off. We have the beaches, lakes, mountains, theme parks, museums, tons of malls, and just about everthing, none too far away. 

I enjoy the outdoors --- working in the garden, sitting and reading, or just thinking & relaxing. I even do most of my base-coating outside. I tend to be a homebody and enjoy being able to work at home. Our children were all raised in the home in which we still live. It is comfortable & cozy, and the perfect place to live and work.