Tag Archives: blog

Feature Friday ~ Mary Buffington Photography

Posted on by Jeraly | 1 Comment | Blog, Feature Friday

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!!! :)

Feature Friday ~ Isa-B Photography

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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.

Feature Friday ~ April’s Wonderful Things

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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

Feature Friday ~ Desert Valley Gifts

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Name: Jen Compton

Business: Desert Valley Gifts, LLC

Website: www.desertvalleygifts.com
www.facebook.com/DesertValleyGifts.Natual.Ambiance

Describe yourself in three words: Creative, Motivated, and Fun

What else should we know about you? I was raised in the Dallas/FTW area of Texas and spent 30 years of my life there (yes, I have a very strong southern accent from being a native Texan), now in the Arizona Desert, I have found my permanent residence with my three beautiful girls (5, 12, 13) and engaged to be married to my one true love and business partner… Kyle Wright. I have two spoiled dogs (Dewy, male, is a Catahoula Curr and Zoey, female, a black Lab). I enjoy family outings or a night in to watch movies. I enjoy interior and exterior decorating and even gardening from time to time.

What do you do?I own and run a manufacturing business, Desert Valley Gifts, LLC, we make 100% Soybean candles with all natural cotton wicks, home products including home fragrance in the form of scented candles, room sprays and sachets; home décor with various tart warmers; a full line of body care essentials and candle care products such as wick dippers and wickless home fragrance. We offer our products through wholesale to other retailers and business owners. We also Brand all of our products to each company by request. We do not have a minimum qty or amount for orders (I have never been a fan of that). All of our products are made-to-order and very customizable to fit the needs of our clients. We offer drop-shipping as a free service to our clients as well (this still includes shipping fees). Desert Valley Gifts is more than a few down to earth people, we take great care to meet the highest quality standards that we established right from the beginning. We started as a candle business and have grown to include a wide range of other home products that offer an enriched life experience.

We also cater to Fundraising, Work at Home, Events, and Promotions.

Why do you love it?It is really simple why I love what I do… I enjoy seeing the smiles and knowing that we have been a benefit to someone else. Just knowing that Desert Valley Gifts, LLC is not just another Candle or Soap Company is rewarding, we have made it our priority to be different with the exceptional quality put in each of our products.

Where do you get your inspiration? Candle and Soap Making has always been a hobby of mine. Over the last 9 ½ years it has evolved into a full blown manufacturing business. It all started as desire to help those who couldn’t afford to invest in opening a business, today’s economy is still very shaky and many are still struggling to make ends meet. We definitely understand…so, this is the inspiration.

Who has been one of your biggest influences? My influences are that of the major ball players in the Candle and Soap Making Industry, like Root Candles that has been around since 1869.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? My family, Food, Water :)

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I see myself in the same place watching my children start their lives as adults and soaking it all in with my husband, Kyle…. we have talked about a porch swing for nice coffee mornings. I am guessing I will be ready to take a few breaks by then and since my business will be very big by then… *smiles*. I can then finally travel to see my family that is now spread out over the States.

Feature Friday ~ Razao Azul

Posted on by Jeraly | Comments Off | Blog, Feature Friday

Name: Heather

Business: Razao Azul

Website: www.facebook.com/razaoazul

Describe yourself in three words: Funny, kind, over-the-top (Does that count as one word or three?)

My weaknesses are chocolate, shoes, and almost anything blue. I’m a southern girl at heart, living in the great white north. I’m engaged to be married and will be a step-mom soon as well. My friends might tell you I’m a little OCD but I’ve always believed that anything worth doing is worth doing to the best of my ability.

What do you do?I make beaded jewelry. It started out as something small. I bought a kit at the Target and then another and then another. A friend of mine said something about wanting a necklace for her mom, but she couldn’t find one as long as her mother wanted. I told her I could make one for her and an idea was born. I got hooked immediately.

Why do you love it?? Oh gosh… it’s hard to explain. There are so many pretty beads out there and it’s like they talk to me. Okay, now I sound like a lunatic, but it’s true. I see them and I can picture something wonderful to make from them in my head. When I really get in the zone, everything just flows and its relaxing to me. And then there’s the thrill of seeing someone wear something you created!

Where do you get your inspiration? From the beads, as crazy as it sounds.

Who has been one of your biggest influences? ? Here’s where I say the cheesy response and choose my mom. I don’t always make things she would want to wear, but she’s the voice in my head pushing me to be as creative as I can be. She’s the voice asking me if I did the best I could.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things could you not live without? Beads (I’d have a lot to post on Etsy when I get rescued), books, and sunscreen (I am one seriously pale person).

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Living with my man in Belize. And yes, that’s a serious answer. I want to be selling enough to be able to afford to quit my regular job and live in paradise. I have no grand plans for world domination of the jewelry business, but I’d love to have a steady business that allows me to continue being creative.

Anything else you just *have* to say? Well, now that I’m all on the spot, no. But I reserve the right to add something later. You know you always come up with something great to say 10 minutes after the fact.