What is
the name of your shop and how can we find you?
My shop
is Ellie & James and we are also on Instagram and Facebook.
Tell us
about what you make/sell in your shop.
I love
to design, and what I sell are my designs. I have handmade pendant necklaces
and key chains, as well as tees for moms and their babes. I also have instant
download prints available.
How/why
did you start making these products and open this shop?
The
reason I started my shop was to raise the funds to complete the adoption of our
son. Now that he is home, the money will
assist us with in country re-adoption fees.
How
long have you been in business?
In
August we celebrated the completion of our FIRST YEAR!
What is
your background (college/career/etc.)?
Prior
to opening my shop I was a high school math teacher for six years. I was a math
major in college and went on to earn my Masters in Educational Technology. This
is where I learned many of my design skills. I absolutely loved being a
teacher, but I just couldn’t shake the desire to be home with my daughter,
especially knowing my son would be home soon too. Now that they are both home I wouldn’t change
it!
Tell us
a little bit about your family.
My
husband and I met in college through Greek Life. He was in a fraternity, I was
in a sorority . . . we dated for two years and were engaged within 6 months of
graduation. We had our daughter, Ellie, in 2012 (I can’t believe my baby is THREE
this month), and shortly after she was born we knew we would adopt next. It had
always been on our hearts and a calling we felt led to very strongly. We were matched with our son, James, in
October of 2013 and brought him home at the age of 2 in May 2015! The entire
process was over two years long and one of the most difficult and exciting
times in my life. I learned so much through the constant waiting about
patience, acceptance and that I didn’t have control, and mostly about love. My shop is
named after my babies. They are why I
stay home now, and why I found time to start this shop.
How
does this company help your family? Or you?
Beyond
adoption costs, this shop is my happy place. I love having a creative outlet to
keep me sane (did I mention my kids are 6 months apart in age . . . to the day!).
Having two toddlers really keeps me on my toes, but this is my “mommy time” and
I love sitting down to design each night.
Did you
ever think you'd be doing this? What did you think you'd be doing
instead?
I
absolutely never thought I would have my own shop. I thought I would dabble in
DIY for personal use, which I have, but I thought I would never leave the
classroom until retirement.
Does anyone help you with your shop?
I have 5 sisters who help me on occasion with sorting through
inventory or selling at events, but all of the designing and creation of
products is yours truly.
How do
you find time to run your shop and create products?
It is a
balancing act, but I use my business as my mommy time. I couldn’t do it without
a supportive husband who says, “I’ll take the kids today. You can get things
done.”
What do
you love about this business?
I love
that I can share uplifting messages through my designs and that my time
creating is a time where I can reflect. I also love networking, meeting other
inspiring moms, and that I get to do what I love . . . design!
What is the most challenging part of this business? Where
do you see your shop in the future?
I’d
like to expand my products and designs. I have a few ideas in the works, but
you’ll have to stay tuned to my social media accounts for info. ;)
Tell us
your favorite product or your most favorite thing you've created?
My
Hebrews 6:15 pendant necklace is my favorite product. I wore
this pendant every day while waiting to bring our son home. It was my adoption
verse and meant a lot to me. I wore it on custody day as well.
Do you
have any advice for future mom-entrepreneurs?
GO FOR
IT! I was really unsure about what I was doing and how to do it, so I just
started going for it and little by little I gained more interest, more connections,
and more sales. You really get out what
you put into your business, and your passion will shine through so make sure you
are passionate about your product!
What are
some of YOUR favorite shops/products, besides your own?
Grace and Salt, Tink and Key, Duchess and Lion, The Hipster Housewife, Tubby Todd and Jelly Bird Signs.
Just
check them out and trust me! They will not disappoint!
Thank you Meghan, loved having you here today! :)
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