Linda Laird Staszewski

I'm Linda Laird Staszewski, and after a 40 year career as an Industrial / Safety Engineer, I found myself out of work. I was devastated to discover that I was not wanted, due to being 59 years 'young' and close to retirement age, I understood. So I decided to reinvent myself, doing something 'girly', which includes being a Fashion Director for Park Lane Jewelry, in business for 60 years! I was caregiver for my Father-in-Law for 2-1/2 years of which I am honored to have been able to do so. I pet-sit, but no longer advertise, as business is plentiful when you love animals! My PASSION is sculpting One-of-a-kind Art Dolls, which I have been doing on-and-off for over 30 years. I am launching a new business, 'ESCAPE to SCULPT', where you escape the stresses of everyday life and explore your CREATIVITY!! Gal's bring wine or whatever, snacks, and we will delve into sculpting amazing whimsical figures/scenarios, guaranteed to bring a smile! I will offer 'parties' for various ages, including children, where sculptures will be age-appropriate to create & appreciate.

I earned an A.S. in Industrial Engineering Production Technology....5 years later, I attended Carlo University in Pittsburgh, again, evening classes, and earned my B.S. in Business Management....5 years later, the bug once again bit me, and I returned to Carlo University and earned my M.S. in Professional Leadership / Organizational Development. These educations changed me as a person, in which I gained confidence and became much more out-going!

My husband, Tom and I have been married 40 years and are best friends and are so blessed. We lived in Reading, PA for 2 years, then in Pittsburgh, PA for 25 years before returning to our home-town of Erie, PA 14 years ago to care for my beloved Mom. Words cannot express our joy of being 'home' and we give thanks to God each & every day!

I joined numerous organizations, including the Erie Women's Club, the American Association of University Women (AA UW), of which I am the VP of Membership, the Red Hatter's, Coffee Club Diva's (women entrepreneurs supporting one another), The Welcome Women, the Professional Doll Makers Art Guild, the Erie Maennerchor Club, Niche Nights, and so forth.... all are wonderful and I so enjoy getting to know the fabulous members better! Life-Long Learning!! I thank God for Blessings