Name: Aly

Business: Jeraly

Website: www.jeraly.com
www.fb.com/jeraly
jeraly.etsy.com

Describe yourself in three words: Passionate, creative, crazy!

What else should we know about you? I’m originally from the UK and living in Southern California. I love cats and wondered how I would ever love my baby more than them while I was pregnant (good news – I do love my baby more!!). I am married to Jeremy who I met online around ten years ago in a text-based roleplaying game (seriously – read our story on the website if you haven’t already!) and we balance each other out perfectly – most of the time! I’m incredibly stubborn and strong-willed and know I can do anything if I set my mind to it. I have a strong work ethic that saw me turn a temporary receptionist position into an invaluable member of the company I worked for to the extent that they created a position of Project Coordinator that I was then promoted into. What else? I could ramble on forever because life is so interesting but if you want to know more – just ask on my facebook page – I love a good chat!

What do you do? I am a full-time mommy (mummy if my family are reading this!!) to Zen who was born December 26th, 2010 – an hour after midnight so he was *almost* a Christmas Day baby after I was induced on Christmas Day (he was due on the 20th – stubborn like his parents!). Aside from changing dirty diapers (nappies), getting covered in baby drool (spit) and other bodily fluids, I sometimes get the opportunity to make jewelry! I’ve been working on Jeraly on and off since 2006 when I first started making jewelry and now I am balancing that along with keeping house and motherhood (the house is a mess so that gives you an indication of where my priorities lie!).

Why do you love it? I love having a creative outlet because I have always been “arty” – drawing and painting from an early age, getting a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design in college followed by a BA with honors in Art & Design in education at university. I love experimenting and that little thrill when something just “works”. I also love being able to stay at home with Zen, especially in the current economy. We’re not exactly lining up the porsches on our driveway but we’re getting by and it is so wonderful to be around to see Zen growing and learning – I’m very lucky :) Finally I love it because I have a way to keep my brain ticking over – being at home with Zen IS wonderful, but the conversation and intellectual stimulation is somewhat lacking (for now!!) so getting my teeth into the business side of things keeps the ol’ gears oiled ;)

Where do you get your inspiration? A lot of my inspiration comes from the materials I use – I’ll browse a supplier online or in a catalog and make a huge list of things I “need” (and have to delete most of them from my cart – boo!) because I have so many ideas! A lot of my designs are very nature-inspired with flowers and such featuring fairly frequently. That’s for design. My inspiration to succeed comes from never feeling fully content when I am working in a “normal” job – part of me always wonders “is this it?” until I retire – I can’t imagine just getting up, going to work, working for someone else and coming home – rinse and repeat – for the rest of my working life! I also enjoy a challenge and what bigger inspiration to be able to stay home than to spend time watching my children grow :)

Who has been one of your biggest influences? Cliche, but my mum has been a huge inspiration to me. Following her separation from my dad when I was 9, she went back to school for six years with three kids (9,7 and 3), a mortgage and a car to qualify as a teacher. She has excelled in her career due to her dedication, commitment and strong work ethic and I have been determined to foster the same characteristics in myself. The reason I went to university is because of my mum and while we’ve not always seen eye to eye (haha – do teenagers ever see eye to eye with their parents?!) we’re very close now :)

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? Ok – if we’re going with collective nouns and practicality then Family, Friends and Technology :) Family and Friends speak for themselves, technology in the collective sense can provide communication, water purification and all the other things we take for granted ;) If we’re going with individual things and frivolity then my laptop, an internet connection and a power supply ;) I would get SO bored collecting shells after a while and I can always e-mail for help lol!

Where do you see yourself in ten years? In my own house back in England with two or three kids, a successful business and a comfortable lifestyle :)

Anything else you just *have* to say? That’s a dangerous question to ask someone who always has too much to say so I’ll say this again – if you want to chat, know more or get to know me then find me on facebook – I always have plenty to say there!

Name: Paul Willan

Business: Paul Willan Portraits

Website: www.pwportraits.co.uk

Describe yourself in three words: Impatient, modest, precise

What else should we know about you? I started drawing at the age of 7 and have been developing my skills ever since. I am a big family man and my wife and daughter mean the world to me. I am also a very keen runner, running about 40 miles a week.

What do you do? By day i’m a computer aided design engineer, by night I’m an artist.

Why do you love it? I love the sense of achievement it gives me when I see a picture come alive from a blank piece of paper.

Where do you get your inspiration? My wife, daughter and things around me. Generally I’m drawing portraits so my inspiration comes from the pictures they send me to draw but if i’m not doing portraiture I get my inspiration from my surroundings. If it stays still long enough I’ll draw it.

Who has been one of your biggest influences? Lee Hammond, Darrel Tank.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? My wife, My daughter and my pencil. If it has to be inanimate objects then its my pencil, paper and eraser.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Drawing better portraits, and being a bit better well known.

Name: Aimee Waterman

Business: Aimee’s Jewelry & Things

Website: www.ajtstore.com

Describe yourself in three words: Creative, loyal and respectful

What else should we know about you? I’m a single mother of two amazing daughters. I will be getting married next summer though and moving to the country..so new for me..born and raised in the suburbs of Buffalo NY.

What do you do? I work part-time as a medical biller and want to work full time as a jewelry designer..so I’m working on that goal now.

Why do you love it? I love the jewelry because it gives me the opportunity to create pieces that can last the owner a lifetime and maybe be an heirloom someday. My standards for using quality materials is pretty high but not everything is expensive to buy. I love seeing the look on someones face when they find something I’ve made that’s just right for them. I love even more when I custom create a piece and I hear that it’s better than they expected. Makes me proud.

Where do you get your inspiration? I get my inspiration wow from so many places but most of all my imagination and I use my determination to get it done. Maybe not always right away but it gets done eventually. I love learning by trial and error, books, online, and the such. Learning new techniques ..not copying others work.

Who has been one of your biggest influences? I don’t really have one person at this time that is. I’d say my biggest influence is ME…I want to succeed as an artist not just someone who sells crafts ….

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? Well if it were people I’d say my two daughters and the love of my life but if it were things…um I’d say a tv (if I can get reception on this island) my computer and my beading supplies :D

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I see myself in ten years comfy cozy in my chalet in the country relaxed and successful creating and selling my jewelry.

Anything else you just *have* to say? I just have to say I love what I do and love the people who buy from me so that I can share it with the world. I am a people pleaser..a lover not a fighter…so if you ever interact with me I’m sure it will be a pleasant experience. Aimee

Name: Callie Domingues

Business: CSD Enterprises

Website: Mama’s Coffee Shop
Digital Designs Galore
Suzy Q Designs
PLR 4 Mamas
Easy Boutique Builder
Mama Loves Smelly Stuff
Bubba and Toot’s

Describe yourself in three words: One BUSY Mama

What else should we know about you? Christian mama that is happily married to my best friend, three kiddos that I home school, 2 German Shepherd puppies and 2 cats make up my home!

What do you do? I work, a lot! Let’s see, I run a Free Advertising site(MCS) that also has a huge fan base via facebook and a blog attached to it as well. I sell clothing and such via web (and eBay) as Bubba and Toot’s. I am a digital designer that loves to create digital papers and such as Digital Design Galore. Suzy Q Designs is my other creative outlet which is blog and website design. PLR Articles 4 Mamas is a blog that has PLR (private label rights) articles available for work at home moms that blog. Easy Boutique Builder is a website management system (or site builder) that I run. I sell the system that allows you to have a working website within 24 business hours with to need for HTML. I am the tech support, customer service and all around helper. Mama Loves Smelly Stuff is my newest venture, as an Independent Scentsy Consultant. I fell in LOVE with Scentsy a year or so ago and finally took the plunge myself! I also homeschool my two oldest kiddos which are now 10 and 6. As well as play cabbie for all extra activities!

Why do you love it? Because God did not design me to NOT do, I rely on Him to help me maintain a balance.

Where do you get your inspiration? From so many areas in regards to some many difference business dealings. Each design comes from something I saw, each EBB install makes me want to help the next client, etc…

Who has been one of your biggest influences? God, by allowing me to lean on Him and my husband.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? Water, books and music

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Retiring! :) I honestly do not know, I try to take just one day at a time, otherwise, there is too much to see! :)

Anything else you just *have* to say? I appreciate you taking the time to consider me as your featured guest this week. I am humbled by it and honored that you wanted to know a bit more about little ole me! I am a Christian wife and mama that is as human as they come! I rely on my God to handle everything else! Thank you again, be blessed!

Name: Jessica Hinck

Business: HinckleDoodle

Website: www.facebook.com/HinckleDoodle

Describe yourself in three words: Oh my… Just three? Mom, Wife, Weird. lol

What else should we know about you? I’m half Filipino, a military brat, and now a military wife. My daughter is one of the quirkiest kids ever!!! Her name is Owen Amelia and my husband is Drew, the love of my life. We have a boxer pup named Bosley. Or Boz, Bozinator, Bozilla, Bozatron, Bozarama…ehhhh lots of nicknames. I am a huge supernatural, sci-fi, fantasy geek! So any craze like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, vampires, etc. I’m on it! There’s a lot I think I could explain about myself. (And I use the word “explain” because of how unusual I can be) But I will end with: I have a lot of love in my life and a lot of humor and that’s how I like it.

What do you do? For now, HinckleDoodle offers just plushies. Plushies being stuffed animals, for those of you who are unsure of the term. I want to offer so many other things and not limit myself to just one creative outlet, but since I’m swamped with orders I haven’t been able to showcase other things that I can do! I start out with my sketchbook, then make the pieces out of printer paper, cut out the fabric, and hope for the best. Then I sit at my work table behind a sewing machine or hand sewing needle letting the magic flow.

Why do you love it? I love it because of the endless possibilities. I love it because of the many new friends I have made, like you, Aly :). I love it because I don’t get to miss out on my daughter growing up. I love it because of the opportunities it provides for me and my family. I’ve been contacted to participate in blogs and charities. It’s amazing! And I love it because it’s something where I am actually accomplishing things…I am notorious for dreaming big, starting fast, and giving up. Yes, yes, I know an ugly character trait lol. But I found my niche and that’s why other things didn’t work, I think.

Where do you get your inspiration? From anything really. Cartoons, especially. Books, nature, something someone says, a dream, or nightmare, even…I’ll take inspiration from whatever comes my way. I have always been very imaginative and that’s why I always knew I’d be an entrepreneur doing something creative. Artsy fartsy, if you will.

Who has been one of your biggest influences? Let’s see, there’s my daughter, my husband, my father, and my grandmother. But since I’m supposed to choose only one of those influences to speak of…I’d pick my grandmother, Phyllis Evelyn. She was a beautiful, spiritual, and most amazing woman–no, person- I have ever met. When I was 11 or 12, maybe 13, she invested in a craft business I wanted to start then. With $500 she took me to a flea market and let me buy whatever I wanted. It didn’t pan out, but I hope that this is my chance to redeem myself and to make myself believe now why she believed in me then. She passed away several years ago and it still feels like it was yesterday. I probably cry over missing her at least once a week. I hope to be 1/4 of the woman she was. Her existence impacted so many lives, mine included. See, I’m crying now!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? My husband, my daughter, and my dog. Note: If we were stranded for long, I’m sorry Bosley, but you would probably be dinner.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? ? Oh dear 35 years old and my daughter getting closer and closer to graduation. EEK! lol
Business-related though… Let’s see I hope in 10 years that I’m up to 10,000 FB fans, own my own handmade boutique, have several lines of plushies sold all over the country in stores, and I hope by that time at least one celebrity owns a plushie of mine. I guess I answered unrealistically, but these are my hopes for myself :)

Anything else you just *have* to say? OOOhhhh this could be fun. How bout advice? Everyone needs advice now and then…if someone is being mean or rude to you, say this to them–in the words of my daughter to her dad “You’re a twisty tornado in a garden of rotten cheese.” Then simply walk away because really, what could that person really have to say further?

Name: Mary Buffington

Business: Mary Buffington Photography

Website: www.marybuffington.com
www.facebook.com/marybuffingtonfoto

Describe yourself in three words: Passionate, Sparkly, Creative

What else should we know about you? I always want to improve and am always pushing myself to grow as photographer

What do you do? I shoot people :) and dream big.

Why do you love it? I think mainly it’s the reaction people have to their photos, it means so much to give them something timeless and emotional

Where do you get your inspiration? My photo sessions give me so much inspiration, editing them and watching the photos transform excites me every day.

Who has been one of your biggest influences? As a person, my amazing husband- who has filled my heart with so much love. Photography wise: I am currently very inspired by Work of Heart Photography

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? My husband, My piano, Fresh Fruit.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? A loving wife, a great mommy, and the best photographer I can be (always learning and growing).

Anything else you just *have* to say? I LOVE JERALY, I HAVE NO ADEQUATE WORDS!!! :)

Name: Isabelle L. Butler

Business: Isa-B Photography

Website: www.facebook.com/isa.bphotography

Describe yourself in three words: Controlling, procrastinator, perfectionist :P

What else should we know about you? I love my boys! ( Hubby and 13 month old son.)

What do you do? Portrait Photography (Although I haven’t decided where I’m going to focus (is weddings, maternity, families etc…)

Why do you love it? I love capturing the moment. Time goes by way too quickly and I love having photos to look back on, and I love getting to do that for other people.

Where do you get your inspiration? Everywhere! Other photographers, websites, magazines, driving around the island and seeing spots that would make a great backdrop.

Who has been one of your biggest influences? Hmm, I wouldn’t say any one person influenced me to get into photography, but my husband has really encouraged me to make a business of it (and he helps with some things since he took a year of photography in college). Right now one of my favorite photographers is Charity V. Photography. She’s amazing! Her style totally inspires me.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? Water, food and a way off?! :P Okay, real things: My family, books, my camera : )

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Lord willing, a successful photography business with my husband as a second for big shoots, debt free, buying our own home, and having 2-3 more children.

Anything else you just *have* to say? You’re right Aly, that wasn’t so hard :P.

Name: April Gillenwater

Business: Aprils Wonderful Things

Website: Www.facebook.com/aprilswonderfulthings

Describe yourself in three words: Thrifty, Crafty, Generous

What else should we know about you? I always like to do something special, like a surprise for someone, just because! ;)

What do you do?I’m a Stay at home Mom, that works hard at raising 2 wonderful kids. I also have Aprils Wonderful Things that keeps me busy. I make hairbows, pillowcase dresses, painted and personalized hairbow holders, piggy banks, birdhouses, soup mugs, etc. My Mom makes knitted baby blankets, doilies, and more. So, a variety of things!

Why do you love it?I love to see what I can create and see the smiles on my customers faces, or read a happy email!

Where do you get your inspiration?My children! Making them one of a kind items just tinkles them…. So why not do it for other children? :)

Who has been one of your biggest influences?Well, I have 2. My Memaw, and my Mom. 2 craftiest women ever!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? My husband, son, and daughter! Love them so much!

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Having my own business!

Anything else you just *have* to say? Do the things you want to do because you enjoy it. Don’t hold back, chase your dreams till its a reality! Happy crafting and Hugs, April