Hi there! I'm Helen Nunley, the human behind Doggo Mojo. For as long as I can remember, dogs have been an integral part of my life, each one leaving an indelible paw print on my heart. The playful and insightful voice you'll find on our blog, which embodies the spirit and imagined thoughts of all my beloved canine companions โ whom I affectionately think of collectively as 'Mojo' โ is a core element of how I connect with fellow dog lovers and share my passion for these wonderful animals.
My journey has been anything but conventional, fueled by a lifelong curiosity and a passion for exploring new horizons. This led me to embrace a unique path to higher education, entering college through an early acceptance program, eager to delve into subjects that truly ignited my interest. My academic pursuits at Randolph-Macon Woman's College introduced me to the nascent field of computer programming โ a world of early languages like BASIC (designed for beginners), Fortran (used in science and engineering), and COBOL (for business). Working with these foundational tools, even with punch cards before the internet existed, sparked a fascination with the digital landscape that has continued to shape my path.
This passion for learning and exploration continued at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I graduated valedictorian with a BFA in Art History, emphasizing both my deep appreciation for the history of art and my hands-on involvement in Studio Art and Cinematography. My dedication to academic excellence was further recognized through my membership in the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective honor society for all academic disciplines.
Alongside this early fascination with the digital world, my life has always been deeply intertwined with art. From the tactile joy of shaping clay in ceramics to the expressive strokes of pencil, conte crayon, and charcoal in portraiture and still life, I found immense satisfaction in bringing my creative visions to life. I also explored the precision of pen and ink and the vibrant possibilities of acrylic painting. This hands-on artistic journey, coupled with a dedicated study and appreciation for design and color theory, has profoundly influenced my perspective and continues to inform the visual language of Doggo Mojo.
My path then led me through a variety of interesting professional landscapes, each contributing unique skills and perspectives. While immersed in the world of museums, where my academic background in Art History and Museum Studies found its footing, my inherent curiosity and drive for learning led me back to college to master the Adobe Suite, further expanding my creative toolkit. I also had the privilege of sharing my artistic knowledge as a guest lecturer at art workshops and by serving as a judge for high school art competitions, experiences that were both rewarding and insightful.
The burgeoning world of the internet, with its immense potential for connection and creativity, soon captured my attention. Leveraging my early fascination with computers and my artistic eye, I transitioned into the realm of web design and online marketing. At The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, I had the rewarding opportunity to assist over 60 visual artists in developing their online presence through website creation and eMarketing strategies. I also helped them enhance their marketability through thoughtful print design. This experience ignited my passion for empowering creative individuals in the digital space, and I soon ventured out on my own.
This entrepreneurial spirit led me to establish Pretty Good Designs, LLC, my own graphic and web design business. As a self-taught content management system (CMS) expert, I became deeply proficient in Joomla, an open-source platform that allowed me to create dynamic and engaging websites for a diverse clientele. My passion for the ever-evolving digital landscape also led me to become a Beta tester for various online products, including Adobeยฎ Kuler and emerging Joomla extensions, always eager to explore new tools and contribute to the online creative community. I even found myself voluntarily offering support and sharing my knowledge with fellow designers through online forums, fostering a collaborative spirit within the digital space.
Throughout this journey in the creative and digital realms, one constant in my life has been the unwavering companionship of animals. From the playful antics of cats and the curious explorations of ferrets to the steadfast loyalty of dogs, my home has always been filled with their unique personalities and unconditional love. In fact, 'Mojo,' the voice of this blog, is an affectionate embodiment of all the wonderful dogs who have shared their lives with me over the years. This deep and abiding connection with animals, particularly dogs, has not only brought immense joy but also a profound understanding of the unique bond I share with them.
My connection with animals has often extended beyond typical pet ownership. Many of the creatures who shared my life were rescues or those who needed a little extra care. From cats who lived to remarkable ages, well into their late teens and even an astonishing 23 years, to dogs who defied expectations and thrived in their senior years, I've learned firsthand the joys and challenges of caring for animals with diverse needs. This often involved a blend of conventional and unconventional approaches, from managing allergies and phobias to, long before it became mainstream, preparing homemade meals to ensure their optimal health and well-being. These experiences have instilled in me a deep empathy for the unique needs of our furry family members and a commitment to providing products that enhance their lives.
As the internet and the world of programming continued its rapid evolution, I recognized that my earlier technical skills were becoming less directly applicable. Embracing a new chapter, I chose to retire early, but as someone with a lifelong passion for learning and creating, I soon found myself seeking a new outlet for my energy and expertise. Following the passing of my last beloved pets during the challenging times of COVID, and after a period of focusing on my own well-being and recovery, I felt a familiar spark of curiosity ignite. This led me to explore the world of Shopify and print-on-demand, combining my enduring love for dogs with my early-adopted and continually evolving skills in SEO and web technologies. Doggo Mojo became the perfect intersection of these passions โ a way for me to celebrate the incredible bond I share with my dogs and to have some fun in this new phase of life, even embracing the exciting possibilities of working with AI in the creative process.
Drawing upon my lifelong passion for art and my deep understanding of design and color theory, I'm committed to ensuring that Doggo Mojo offers not only high-quality and personalized products but also a visually appealing and engaging experience for our community of dog lovers. From the unique designs featured on our merchandise to the custom options available and the overall aesthetic of my online store, my artistic sensibilities play a key role in bringing the spirit of 'Mojo' and the joy of dog ownership to life.
