Friday, February 8, 2013

My Tattered Heart...


Last Friday I received the most shocking and heartbreaking news.  Without notice, my contract was terminated with Canvas Corp, the company I had entrusted Tattered Angels with as well as the future of my family.  Needless to say I am completely devastated.

I am so proud to say I am the inventor of Glimmer Mist™ and was the proud founder and CEO of Tattered Angels for 6 years.  I created and marketed Glimmer Mist™ and made it into the leading “mist” in industry today.   I was the driving force in creating an entirely new category in the art industry:  DECORATIVE MISTING! 

With my love for the crafting industry, my eye for color and my chemical background, I first invented the paint product in my kitchen that is now known as Glimmer Mist.  Starting from the moment I came up with the name Tattered Angles, to creating the Logo concepts and choosing the label & bottle design, I was now a part of the Crafting Market.  This is the industry that I felt the most at home and where my passion for creativity was able to shine through. 

Within just a few short months I realized I couldn’t keep up with production; I needed help.  I started hiring employees, created my very first production line and shipping department.  Tattered Angels grew from being in my home for the first 6 months to having 2 production warehouses. Office space was needed, bookkeeping, inventory control, production and product development, this was a very exciting time for me and as a visionary and owner it came to me naturally.  I never looked back and worked countless hours; I was in it for the long hall.  As I started pulling the new Tattered Angels team together we started a very successful social media launch and brought some amazing designers on board as part of our Design Team.  I designed some amazing new supporting product to use with the Glimmer Mists such as Glimmer Screens, chipboard pieces and clear stamps.  These products are still requested by the market and are missed by many.

As time went on Tattered Angels became very popular and well known throughout the world.  In 3 short years we were shipping pallets of product to distributors all over the world.  I worked closely with them from setting up the accounts, negotiating contracts and shipping details to understating their needs for bilingual packaging.  Through working directly with the distributors and teaching classes to the sales teams and store owners, international artists allowed me the opportunity to work in the international market comfortably.  I experienced so many wonderful things while working abroad, from driving on the other side of the road in Australia, crafting on a QVC live TV spot in Germany, to having a translator recite all 3 days of my classes in Japan.  It was truly an experience I cherish. 

Working so diligently for so many years had me realizing I had become distant from living my personal life and enjoying Tattered Angels.  I spent time debating who in the industry I would want to work with by bringing more support to Tattered Angels and team up with another hard working manufacturer to take some of the burden off of me.  I wanted to regain my excitement for creating art and designing product.  During this time I began working with other manufactures in the market to promote supporting product such as papers and embellishments that would work well with the Tattered Angels paints, known as Color Connections.   It was during that time that I was introduced to the owners of Canvas Corp and realized after working with them for a while they seemed to have the same vision as I did, to work with the crafting community to broaden the market and revive the excitement for crafting.  I offered Canvas Corp an opportunity to acquire Tattered Angels and in return a three-year contract for myself.  I could see the possibilities of promoting and designing product once again without the weight of being the CEO.   I grabbed at the deal put before me with open arms and was so excited to be able to begin the next chapter of my life.  I was off to start a new path in my life that was going to be filled with all kinds of new fresh opportunities. 

After just one short year with Canvas Corp, most of which was getting Tattered Angels settled into its new home in Arkansas, trying to find my place within a new family of employees and working from an office space out of my house I was working hard at building a new future for Tattered Angels.  I was proud of the fact that I could let go of my hold on the company just so that I could see the brand continue and grow and I could once again enjoy being an artist and product designer.  I had suggested many new product lines and was, as always, analyzing the properties of the Tattered Angels paints and trying to make them into the best they could be. CHA Winter 2013 was the debut of two entirely new paint lines I formulated known as High Impact Metallic and High Impact Pigments for the Tattered Angels line of products.  I was so excited to be able to offer a new medium to the crafting industry and to all the amazing artists around the globe.

Sadly my story comes to a sudden end, with a five minute phone conversation, I was informed that my that my contract was being terminated with no notice and no compensation.  I am so sad knowing that I no longer get to feel the excitement I used to get, knowing that I am inspiring artists from all over the world, each time they pick up a bottle of paint and create a beautiful master piece.  With a sudden unknown future and fresh path, I will forge a new destiny.  Please keep me and my children in your prayers as we try to find where we fit in and what we are going to do with our lives now.

I would love for you to visit my LinkedIn page and write a recommendation if you have ever taken a class with me, worked with me.  If I have not had the joy of meeting you, and Tattered Angels has influenced your life, please feel free to tell your story on my LinkedIn page.  I can’t wait to hear from you.

I would really appreciate it if you could please share this with everyone you know.  I am actively searching for a new career path and would love to apply my talents to a company with great integrity.  Please contact me at wendy@wendysenger.com

If you want to find out what my next chapter in life if going to be, please be sure to subscribe to my blog.

59 comments:

  1. Sending hugs your way, Wendy. You will ALWAYS be THE Tattered Angel. And hey! I have your autograph from the first time I met you a couple of years ago! Who knew then that we would become friends? I wish you nothing but the best as you forge your own path toward a brighter future! XXOO

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  2. You have got to be kidding me. You ARE Tattered Angels. And nothing or no one could ever take that away. It seems unreal that you would be removed from something you created. I wish you nothing but the best for you and your children. You are a visionary... You have to be. You created tattered Angels. You will find another path to walk. I just know it. xoxo

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  3. Wendy, it sounds to me like you might need an attorney!!! Did they give you a reason why they cancelled your contract??? Does your contract have anything in it regarding a termination and/or compensation??? OMG that's just AWFUL!!! What a horrible thing to have happen to you! I absolutely LOVE Glimmer Mists! I don't get "messy" with my scrapping much but when I do my Glimmer Mists are one of the first things I go for! Your talents and abilities are amazing and you WILL find something new and exciting! God will open new doors of opportunity for you. Turn this horrible experience into something better and more exciting! And know that you have a LOT of support from those who love your products and your work!!! Big {{{HUGS}}} and lots of prayers!!!!!

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  4. Is that even legal? This really makes me angry. If they don't make this right, I will never buy another product from TA, or Canvas Corp, as much as I love using them. I am so very sorry this has happened to you, and pray for you and your family that you will find a sense of calm and have clear direction in the days ahead. Keep us posted....we want to support you in your future endeavors.

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  5. I am so sorry Wendy. I love your products, your classes and wish the craft industry was kinder to those that are the creative genuis behind it. Prayers coming and I know God has a huge window designed just for you!

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  6. Aching and tattered heart ... I can't even fathom. You WILL land on your feet soon - I feel it in my heart!

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  7. So very sorry to hear this. Surely you need to have some legal action taken against them. Wishing you well on your journey and hope you find your new path soon, again so very sorry.

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  8. Wendy this is devestating. Not only from my heart to yours as a mother and a passionate woman but also selfishly for myself as an artist. I adore my giant basket of Glimmer Mist, I was just working with it last night in fact. I love to know the story behind the products I use and your speaks right to my heart. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and crafting with you at Camp Croppin' in Calgary, AB in 2011. It would be my pleasure to elaborate on my experience on your LinkedIn page. Many blessings to you and yours. Take care. xo

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  9. I can't believe this. You need to find a good lawyer and have them go over that contract with a fine-toothed comb. As much as I love the product, I will not be purchasing it again as long as Canvas Corp is involved with TA.

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  10. I am deeply saddened by this news. Just breaks my heart. I just don't understand why anyone would want to eliminate the creator of the product from the product itself.

    So, so sad.

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  11. I totally dont understand. I realise Ive never met you but yes TATTERED ANGELS (Glimmer Mist specially) is an amazing product that has saturated MY (+ many others') art pages. Canvas corp need their heads 'read' and positive thoughts sent your way <> Mazz x

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  12. I am so sorry. This industry can often be brutal. I wonder, why have a contract if the contract won't be honored nor compensated if one party wants to break a contract. Sounds like a lawyer or two need to be involved.

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  13. Thank you so much for all your wonderful responses... I just love the crafting community and would really be sad if I had to leave it. Cross all fingers and toes something comes available.... if you are able LinkedIn is a great place for me to compile my industry support. Companies use this as a virtual resume... LOL .... I have not created an actual Resume since high school... My path has always been laid out before me.

    Thanks again...
    Wendy

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  14. I am so shocked to read this- I loved meeting you at the Tattered Angels/ Canvas Corp crop at ScrapFest last fall. I have to admit, I embraced Canvas Corp BECAUSE of Tattered Angels... I have used TA's products and loved them for so many years (since the beginning!) and if you were willing to merge with Canvas Corp, then I was willing to give them a chance. I am feeling like they used your name & popularity to grow their own line!!!! I hope & pray that God will work all of this out for good and that you will be given a bigger and better opportunity in the near future!! :) Hang in there!!! Hugs!!!!

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  15. OMG... I don't even know what to say honey. I think that the previous posters are right, a good lawyer is in order, as well as a few stiff drinks. Lets get together soon and ill help with that last part... you know youre always welcome to come down, anytime. I'm so so sorry sweet girl :-(

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    1. Did someone say DRINKS?? Ahhhh YES... lets go!

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  17. Oh no. So sorry to hear this. They made a huge mistake- TA was wonderful because of YOU. Huge hugs.

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    1. Rae,

      thank you so much for that... I agree with you... it was the love of my life. Its hard to give that up and so instantly... its painful. Thank you for your comments.
      Wendy

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  18. The first time I saw Glimmer Mist, my heart literally stopped. What an incredible product! The coordinating products have proved equally amazing. It seems to me that you have some sort of grievance against the company, maybe along the lines of bad faith negotiations? I'm with everyone else. You need an attorney.

    I'm done with CC until they make this right. Sad, I'm going to MISS my Glimmer Mists.

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  19. I am so sorry that this happened to you! How can it be? I will keep you and your kids in my thoughts and prayers and look forward to your next adventure!!!

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  20. There is no word for what i have just read.... I am like in state of shock when i imagine your story ... Your product are the first mist I have ever used and they are well know all over the world. You gave your trust to the wrong person / company and that is so sad.

    It seems that business is business even in Scrap

    I wish you the best and why don't we boycott all the canva corp product due to their way of doing.



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  21. !!! je suis tellement amoureuse des Glimmer!! Est il possible que vous lanciez votre propre marque grâce à votre expérience et vos dons? Je vous souhaite énormément de courage! Aurélie from France

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  22. Hi Wendy

    I dont think i have ever had the chance to meet you personally, and now i feel so saddened for that. It was Tattered Angels who gave me my first Educator Spot and for that, i will forever be grateful. Til this day, I still use Glimmer Mist in many of my workshops i teach and design team projects. I cannot imagine what the reasons are behind this heartbreaking and devastating news. But keep the faith, I for one, know all too well, when God closes a door, he opens a window. Praying for you and your family to find peace through it all, and those windows be opened and blessings flow.

    Karan Gerber
    Former Tattered Angel

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    1. Karen your comment gave me goosebumps. thank you so much for your reply to my post. it makes me truly happy that Glimmer Mist has brought you such creativity to want to teach classes with it. I am truly honored.

      Wendy

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  23. Pure insanity - I completely agree that a lawyer should be your first plan of action. This is beyond unjust.

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  24. I am so sad to read this. I will pray that a new door opens in your life. this just seems so unfair

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  25. I saw this post on Karan's facebook and am just devastated. I think I own every color of glimmer mist! This truly saddens me that a company could do this to the founder of a product. I for one will boycott the product and will find a new line to support. All the best to you in your endeavours. I truly believe that when one door shuts another door opens. I'm still blown away!

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  26. Oh nooooo....... I love Glimmer Mist and I have soooo many colors (if not all!). GM is the first shimmery mist I ever tried and fell in love with. I "think" I met you at a scrapbook convention in Arlington/Dallas around five years ago - that was a long drive for me but I just HAD to go because I saw that Tattered Angels was going to be there. I can't even tell you how many bottles and kits I bought from you at that convention! LOL

    I hope things work out business-wise and that you take time to enjoy your family during this rough patch. Maybe some exciting new adventures are waiting for you! :-) Hugs!

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  27. I am so sorry to hear that! My prayers are with you and your family! I love your products that you have come up with! I am sure you will find what it right for you in this next stage of your life!

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  28. К сожалению я не владею английским, но из того ужасного перевода, что был дан я поняла, что с Вами так плохо поступили. Не отчаивайтесь. Ведь Вы создали то, без чего не обходятся многие любители скрапбукинга. Я раньше не интересовалась кто и что создал для моего хобби, но случайно наткнувшись на Ваше письмо я знаю кому сказать Спасибо за удовольствие от работы с красками. Удачи Вам!

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  29. I'm really sad for you, I discovered Glimmer Mists at the end of 2007 in france and I totally felt il love with. I remember My 2 first were Coffee Shop and Frosty Night !!! I used this combination au 2 coulours a long long time !

    I'm really desappointed for you, you cannot let things happen like this, it's a shame !

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  30. Wow, hugs and prayers to you and your family! I was such a big fan of your product and never had a chance to take a workshop. You should go to Lindy's Stamp Gang and run Canvas Corp. out of town with your talent and expertise! I am truly saddened by this news :(

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  31. Wow, I took your class at Scrapfest in 2012! It was one of my favorite classes. Will keep you in my prayers.

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  32. I'm an attorney, and although I don't know anything about the events surrounding your situation, I know this much: you MUST consult an attorney. It sounds like CC is in breach of contract. And, if not that, you may be able to attack from another angle - perhaps along the lines of product reputation being harmed by their decision to terminate your contract. A good attorney will be able to counsel you - please do NOT let this company treat you like a bad husband trading in the mother of his children for a trophy wife. You and your children deserve the benefit of legal counsel. Good luck and God's blessings to you!

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  33. Dearest Wendy,
    My deepest prayers for you and your Precious Angels. Sometimes things happen when they are meant to happen. There is no explanation or reason for such things. I know in this very moment those words are not nearly comforting enough. What I do know is that by reading your story, I feel such a deep appreciation for your courage to speak. That is the first step in your new chapter on an amazing new journey that is about to take flight. I got my very first Tattered Angels Mist this past Christmas from a goodie box that Heidi Swapp sent to me. I LOVE it! I'm a huge Fan of sprays & mixed media as there is something about about color and chemistry that touches me so.

    You have touched heARTs the world over Sweet Wendy, that is a GIFT and a Treasure. You will continue to do so without a shadow of a doubt I know this to be truer then true.

    Spread your wings Sweetheart & Fly with your heARTistry!
    With Deepest Prayer & Loving Wishes,
    Nichole M. Hugs xOxO

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    1. Nichole,

      thank you for your post. I have before told my self these same things. I do believe in, things happen for a reason. Its a bit harder to understand this suddenly closed door, and I do believe time will tell. I am VERY happy to hear that Heidi shared her Glimmer Mist. She is a close friend and I love her dearly. Keep on misting... LOL there is plenty of brands to choose from now.

      You have blessed me with your sweet words of support. I will keep my friends I have made in the crafting world updated and close to my heart through out my new journey.
      Hugs back atcha!

      Wendy

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  34. Oh my Gosh!! I cannot even believe this. I have been one of your fans for a long time and Love Tattered Angles Mist. I know how I feel now about what has been done to you I will no longer buy Canvas Corp or Tattered Angels Mist. I was so wanting all the new ones from last release. But after reading this no longer want to promote a company that breaks their promise to you or anyone in the crafting industry. I will used my mist that I have now because you were behind them. The Wed shows that you had showed all of us that we could do whatever we wanted to with your product. And pushed us scrapbookers into another mixed media creative area. You could reformulate a new and better product then before. I will follow and watch what journeys you take. As they always say when one door closes another door opens. And I am sure most of us in the crafting community will stick by you on whatever endeavor that you choose to do. Many thoughts and prayers your way!!

    Big Hugs!!!
    Ramona

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    1. Romona,

      Thank you for your reply and support. I will keep you all up to speed as I go through my journey.

      Wendy

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  35. I met you at CHA I love your product, I love your inspiring attitude and genuine heart. I am praying and believing for you and our family. I am trusting God has a plan even when right now it seems so dark. God bless you and keep us updated

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    1. Thank You Kristi,

      You know I am very genuine at heart. I would do anything for the crafting industry as a whole. Thank you for noticing that. Thank you for your comment.

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  36. Wow how sad that they did this its your product that made this work yet they do this I would take it to court. so sorry Keep the Faith that something will come along that will be better. not a very good company to take you in and push you out. sharing your story. Hugs to all and Prayers on the way. I love Glimmer mist.

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    1. Big Hug Anita,

      thank you for your support and for the Love of Glimmer Mist. I do miss it... it will always be my baby!

      Wendy

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  37. Wendy, I would get a lawyer and then I would show them what you are made of! I am gonna boycott them! You made this company and then they did this to you. Well Karma will give them a kiss probably sooner then they think. Word gets around and if a company does not hold up to certain standards they will not last. May God bless you and show you that open window soon:)
    Phillane- aka Pea

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    1. Thanks PEA for your support and comments... you made me smile.

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  38. Wendy,
    This is disturbing. It's crushing to be blindsided by a business relationship you trust to have your back only to find out otherwise. My best recommendation, if you opt/wish to remain in the craft/art industry, is to contact every possible competitor with your resume - Ranger Ink has a particularly good reputation for fostering wonderful relationships with their artists. Best of luck in the next chapter of your career.
    :) Natasha

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    1. Natasha,
      Thank you so much for your reply... I have always loved and supported Ranger Ink. It would be a natural fit. However I have a non compete clause in my contract that believe it or not keeps me from working and selling anything Paint! YES! Even though they broke the contract I now can not do what I love. Time will tell how things will pan out. I'm staying positive and crossing all my fingers, and toes that something comes up. Thank you for your support.

      Wendy

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  39. Keeping you in my Prayers Wendy! I can't even imagine what that must have been like for you. Not right,not fair. I cannot support companies that do things like this to their employees,or customers. I love Tattered Angels,your product is wonderful,and I have enjoyed using it on my projects! However I like many others will no longer support a company that behaves in this way. I know of several others who have not commented here ( I found out from them on facebook) who are also supporting you and will no longer purchase from CC.Hang in there! Something better is waiting ahead for you as long as you have Faith and Believe! Sending you Prayers and Hugs!

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    1. Thank you Mary... It so wonderful to to feel and hear all the support I have in the amazing crafting world. I love it so much and the people that bring such inspiration to our industry. Thank you so much for your response and the hugs and prayers.

      Wendy

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  40. So sorry to hear this...it is just so wrong. I will certainly think twice before giving my money to a company who treats its product's creator so badly. Much love to you.

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    1. Thank you Tracy for your comment and support!

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  41. They just sowed a bad seed and will reap what they sowed. I appreciate what you have done in this industry and your work has changed my art forever! Love love your products, One thing I know for sure is that when man shuts one door then God will elevate you and open another, the inventions and creativity is a gift from Him, one that they did not see in you and one they can not take. May God bless you and your family, beyond what you could ever hope, think or dream of.

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  42. This is very disheartening to hear. I love tattered angels. Can not believe Canvas Corp has done this to you!!!! As much as I love the product, looks as though I will be on the hunt for different spray mists. Shame on Canvas Corp!!!!!!! I sure hope you are trying to fight this. Sure sounds like legally there should be something you could do about this. Bless you, your family, and your talents. I am sure there will be new avenues that will open up for you in the very near future. Specially as the word gets out about this. Keep a stiff upper lip and don't give up.
    Marcie

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  43. I feel your pain. I am so sorry this happened to you. I'm wondering why you don't seem to be getting an attorney and fighting this. It sounds to me like—unless there is no contractual provision—that Canvas Corp is in the wrong and you should be able to fight it. You sound like you are giving up and are going to let them get away with it. I really hope not. If the case is that there was nothing in your contract to protect you and nothing to give you compensation for your invention of a wonderful product, then hopefully you can learn from this disaster and make sure you have an iron clad rock solid contract for your next endeavor. Hugs to you and your family, and wishing you much success on your next exciting adventure. ♥

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  44. Dear Wendy, I just read your blog, because Evgenia Petzer mailed on her blog that she stops as a Tattered Angels DT member and she referred to your blog. Reading your sad story, I am without words on the way you are treated by the Canvas Corp people. I cannot believe that this is possible. I wish you and your family a lot of love, hope and inspiration to cope with this situation!!
    I can see you are a really creative and innovative person, and I am sure you will find a stunning and great new job, because you deserve it!!
    Lots of love and hugs from the Netherlands!!

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  45. I came from Evgenia Petzer blog also and was reading your message with tears in my eyes - it's a real robbery! how earsy to take everything from a talent woman - I love the Glimmer Mist very much and bought in Russia as soon as it was appearance here and then Glimmer Glam - love it!!!
    Dear Wendy, I really haven't idea how to help you in this situation but I believe in justice as well as in your TALANT and wish you the situation turn out to bring you and your family new opportunity. New door will be opened for you
    with love from Russia

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