#MompreneurMonday: Meet Jill!

Meet Jill, everyone! 

First, I just have to say, I absolutely adore this chick.  As a person, a mom, a Mompreneur, and a business, she's fantastic.

Jill married her "bearded best friend" almost 10 years ago.  She says they met on a couch one evening and shared a high-five, and that was it!  They were meant to be.  Fast forward.  Today she's a busy SAH Mompreneur and together they have a son, Baron, who is 2.

Fun Fact about Jill:  Her home is located in the middle of 3 Christmas tree farms in the hills outside of Olympia, WA.

How charming is that?? 
Will you be adding fresh trees to your holiday inventory, Jill?

I discovered Jill's heartmade business, "Brave Sunday," a few months ago on Instagram.  I saw her product featured in a Happy Mommy Box and thought it was a big-time jewelry brand, until I stuck around long enough to realize she's a one-woman show, designing, handcrafting and promoting EVERY piece herself, with a fairly recent launch date. 

Jill told us, "Brave Sunday officially opened in March of this year.  The idea of opening a handmade shop had been bouncing around my head for a little over a year prior to opening.  Each piece is made right in the middle of my home at our dining room table."

I'm in love!  I think I need a few of these bracelets in my life.

When asked about her "why," Jill said:

"Shortly after my son was born, I struggled with the idea of returning to the world of cubicles, working as a buyer.  I wanted to be there for my son and be present in all of his milestones."

While not all moments have been easy in Jill's journey, supporting the needs of her family is the biggest reason she continues.

"I want to provide income for my family and provide for my son.  I want him to be proud of me for building something all on my own and being successful in doing what I love."

My favorite thing Jill said was this: 

"The best thing about following my dreams, is showing my son that it is possible to do what you love."  

Beautiful. Absolutely. 

Brave Sunday has allowed Jill to connect with others and grow friendships beyond her expectations, providing a network of customers and other "makers" who are always willing to help her and share advice when she needs it most.  

 "Running a handmade shop requires a lot of support from those around you, and having a great community to run to for help is truly the best!"

Truer words were never spoken!  

One of the things I love most about Jill is her down-to-earth attitude.  She is always open and inviting, and is accepting of shortcomings on behalf of herself or others.  She's been seriously patient with me in interviewing her, too!  Her kindness is evident in the way she operates her business, but it was made even clearer to me when I interviewed her. 

"The hardest part about being a Mompreneur," she says, "is the self-doubt and comparison.  It can take a toll on you, and I believe any unhappiness flows into all areas of your life, especially as a mom.  I try really hard not to let it get to me, but it really is just human nature."  Wow. #speaktruth

I've tried to narrow down my favorite parts of Jill's interview, but she seriously had so much good, deep stuff to share, I wanted you to read it all! 

On top of being a fantastic person, her product is an example of beautiful craftsmanship.  

"All pieces in my shop are handmade by me with the utmost care.  I test all of my products and if I wouldn't wear it or buy it, it doesn't make the cut.  I want my customers to receive quality!"

"I spend most of my evenings up late working, sacrificing sleep.  I spend nap time working as well, sacrificing a clean house.  I don't have time to prep meals or to be a supermom.  I am hoping in the future I will be able to hire someone to help me with the business side more, so I can have time to really tend to my life."  

Shop Brave Sunday HERE, and follow her on Instagram HERE! 

- This Week Only -

Jill is gifting you 15% OFF your entire order! 

(Use Code: Mompreneur15)

Offer Ends 11/1/14

And...

One Lucky Winner will receive 

this Champagne & Silver Bloom Necklace!!

To Enter, Simply:

a) Follow BOTH on Instagram: BraveSunday & MompreneurNetwork

b) FIND this photo on MompreneurNetwork's Instagram

c) COMMENT your favorite item by Brave Sunday

d) TAG 3 friends who will also LOVE Brave Sunday! 

THANK YOU, JILL!  

I am so excited for the opportunity to feature Brave Sunday,

and even more excited about receiving 15% OFF this week!  

Happy Shopping! 

xx,

Chara

#MompreneurMonday: Meet Karen!

Happy Monday! 

Monday Fun Facts: Did you know that more than 50% of employees are late for work on Mondays, and that more online shopping AND vacation planning is done on Mondays than any other day of the week?  

Interesting!  

No need to dread Mondays when you look at it as an opportunity to meet someone new! Like Karen, the highlight of this week's #MompreneurMonday!

Karen is wife to Andrew, mom to 6 month old Corey.
Fun Fact about Andrew & Karen: "Andrew and I were contestants on Four Weddings Canada when we got married 3 years ago!  We lost by 0.5....it was pretty crazy!"

In addition to her family life, Karen is the savvy owner & busy operator of Baby Droollery.  Her small business offers a collection of heartmade goods & accessories for trendy tots, available in a variety of prints and styles, but never mass produced.

"Baby Droollery is all handmade by me!  My little office is my kitchen table of which I have pretty much taken over, except for the far end where we try to eat dinner!"

The shop is a simple space in her own home, consisting of her sewing machine and a variety of little cubbies to house the material and packaging supplies, keeping the mess to a minimum while having a functional work space.

If you order from Karen, chances are you won't be seeing the same bib on another little tyke at your next play-date.

"I make 6 items of each fabric, so items are pretty unique for each customer!  It's never a mass produced product...it's always made with love and attention to detail."

Karen began heartmaking her products as a result of her own baby's needs.  She told us: "I went to the store to buy bibs, etc. but they were always too small and too cheaply made.  I went online and found they were perfect!...but just too expensive.  So, I jumped on my sewing machine and gave it a try.  I loved the first bib I made and couldn't wait to try it out on Corey!  After I posted pictures of it on Facebook, friends and family had nothing but positive feedback, so I made a few more to gift to family and friends as a way to try-out my new product on people who could give me honest feedback.  Soon, everyone was suggesting I start selling my pieces...and so my Etsy shop was born!"

When asked how she balances Baby Droollery and the reality of her 6 month old, Corey, Karen said:

"It's definitely added to the hectic life of parenting.  It isn't easy, but I've always enjoyed multi-tasking. It never feels like a 'job' I'm maintaining, but more like a hobby I truly love doing!"

Karen's favorite thing about her business is when customers share their product photos.

"I love seeing all the munchkins wearing something I have created. I love seeing it as something people really appreciate and can use. Our children are precious to us, and I am honored that parents can find my products helpful for their darlings!"

Karen operates her business during Corey's afternoon naps and often times in the evening once Corey is in bed for the night.

"Depending on the day, I might be sitting at my sewing machine until midnight!"

Karen told us, "I actually use the product I create, which means I can relate to the needs of my customers.  I'm not just the designer/creator, but a customer myself.  It's awesome to see how Baby Droollery has taken off because of this!"

Karen offers a variety of fabric choices, for both girls & boys, including gender neutral options. And, her shop is more than just bibs!  She has recently added to her shop a variety of toy straps and security/carseat blankets - these items being her latest most handy products she's enjoying for Corey.

"The toy straps are a simple, inexpensive accessory to keep their favorite toys from dropping while on the go.  The security/carseat blankets offer a loop for easy attachment to a stroller or carseat, or just for your little one to grab onto, all made in a soft minky fabric."

I love the way Karen uses trendy fabrics for her pieces (I'm loving the plaid most!) and I love the way her business name sounds almost like "Baby Jewelry" - it's adorable! Almost as cute as Corey...isn't he just edible??

This Week Only

Karen is offering an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT 

when you shop her Etsy store!  

Click HERE to browse her shop!

{Enter Code: MOMPRENEUR10 at check out to receive 10% OFF your entire purchase!}

She's also hosting a GIVEAWAY!

One lucky winner will receive a set of THREE handmade Baby Droollery bibs!!

{Winner will get to choose any 3 bibs & fabric!}

***To Enter the Giveaway***

1.  Follow BOTH accounts on Instagram: 

a) Mompreneuer_Network  b) BabyDroollery

2. Comment on the GIVEAWAY photo on Instagram 

(found on IG: Mompreneur_Network) 

a) Your favorite product in her shop, 

OR a product you'd like to see in her shop! 

b) TAG 3 friends who would love Baby Droollery!

Giveaway ends on SATURDAY, October 25th

THANK YOU, KAREN!!!

{Be sure to connect with Karen to tell her how much you appreciate her generous discount & giveaway!  Find her on Facebook HERE & Instagram HERE}

Cheers!

Chara Noelle

Wild and Free 2014

Over the past few weeks, I've been going on and on about Wild and Free Conference.  Some of you may have read my posts thinking,

"What is it? Some type of nudist festival?"

Slightly intrigued, you may have clicked the link to read more about it, only to find in the very first paragraph:

"...a beautiful homeschool conference for women."

Now you're thinking,

"Oh, gosh. A slew of stay-at-home, homeschooling moms are going to be running wild and free all over the place. It's going to be a mad house of mini vans, mom jeans, mommy rap parodies, ungodly amounts of Costco wine flowing from the box, and trivia series to prove the Champions of ABeka and Charlotte Mason." 

I would add some jean jumpers paired with white sneakers in the above, but this is 2014, folks. We don't do that anymore. Everything else?  Maybe.

So, if it isn't a nudist festival and it's not a poorly-dressed, under-socialized, boxed-wine party, then what is it?

Here's a portion from the website: 

"Announcing a beautiful homeschool conference for women called, 'Wild & Free,' in Virginia Beach on September 19-21, 2014.  Whether or not you educate your children at home, you believe childhood is a wonder to behold, to be cultivated with love, nature and adventure.  This will be an experience to remember, with talks to inspire, new methods to share, seasoned mothers to meet, kindred spirits to discover, and new friendships to forge.  Not to mention, it's all happening at The Founders' Inn, the gorgeous Colonial-style resort in Virginia Beach, just minutes from the majestic Atlantic Ocean.  Instagram has allowed us to discover a community of like-minded mothers from all over the world.  So many of us have never met, and yet we feel like we’ve known each other our whole lives.  We may not all use the same approach to homeschool our kids... or the the same curriculum or the same schedule.  But there’s one thing that unites all of us - we want our children to grow up to be their true, uninhibited, beautiful selves.  We want them to Be Wild & Free."

Sounds great, doesn't it? I'm still in amazement that I'm going! 

(Though it is a long-ish story, I really want to share just HOW it worked out that I can attend this amazing weekend!) 

I stumbled across the Wild and Free conference one afternoon while sifting through Instagram.  I noticing someone had posted a photo of The Founders' Inn (which is just up the road from us) with hashtags: #homeschool, #homeschooling, etc.  I was immediately interested, but like every other amazing conference out there, I doubted the possibility of attending.  

There was one perk: With it being local, I wouldn't have to travel.  But, by the time I found out about the conference, I was on the late-end of registration, which would mean no early-bird pricing for me.  I like to think of myself "frugal," and the late-bird registration was way more than I was willing to pay. I really, really wanted to go, especially after I read the schedule and speaker line-up.  

In the following days, I found each of the speakers one by one on Instagram and had begun following their every post.  They are incredible women who have so much to offer young mothers in the thick of it. I was hanging on to every ounce of wisdom they would share in each post.  

While I had been praying over it, I finally just said out aloud, "OK, if it's meant for me to go, God will provide a way for it to be His purpose and not my own striving."  Because the truth was, I could go, I could afford to pay to go, and I'm sure I could scrounge up a babysitter.  But, it all felt silly. Silly to go to such extents to leave my kids behind, to spend so much on registration, to rearrange our life so much just to attend a first-year conference I knew nothing about nor anyone attending!  It weighed heavy on my heart with a desire to attend and a desire to feel it working itself out, so I waited on it for a little longer. 

Within a few days, I noticed that someone had posted on the Wild and Free Facebook page.  Sadly, she couldn't attend after all, but was willing to sell her ticket at the Early Bird rate she had bought it back in the summer. Whaaaaaat?? I messaged her right away with my interest, but told her I would need to wait just another day or so until my childcare had worked out somehow...and without me feeling guilty!

Within hours, on the same day, my mother-in-law texted me... 

"Hey! My mom is visiting the week of Sept 17, so I was hoping we could pick up the boys to stay with us that week, Wednesday through Sunday. Is that OK?"  

Is that OK? It's MORE than OK! It was completely the hand of God working out the desire of my heart to attend this beautiful conference. I knew it, and I could finally feel it.

Right away, I purchased the Early-Bird ticket and prepped my boys for their big weekend at Grandma's house!  I really don't leave my children often, and when I do, it needs to be with family. It simply must. 

So, here I am, on the day of the first conference gathering. In just a few short hours, the ladies will be gathering for check-in, attending the welcome dinner and sitting quietly for the opening remarks that will embark us on a weekend of newness. New friends, new wisdom, new encouragement, new vision, new ambition... It's going to be beautiful. 

You can click HERE to see the schedule of events, and click HERE to peek at the gorgeous Founders' Inn where it will all happen.

(The Swan Terrace)

 

(The Ball Room)

Stay tuned for the full experience! 

I'll be posting live via Instagram and Facebook (CharaNoelleBlog),  

and will blog the depth of the experience in the coming week.

(Photo Cred: Wild and Free)

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  

He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love." 

Zephaniah 3:17 

And now, I'm off to get ready.... eek! 

Cheers, 

Chara

#MompreneurMonday: Meet Jenn!

Happy #MompreneurMonday! 

I love to shop "small." Handmade, homemade, heartmade. Whether it's a local business, an Etsy shop, a website or an Instagram account, I feel good placing an order with an hardworking Mompreneur. I love browsing Instagram and combing over Etsy for hours on end finding new shops to adore! But even more, I love to share with others when I find something fabulous, for a great deal and well made. Score! 

Meet Jenn, owner and designer of Jenn D Designs! 

Jenn's Instagram describes her as, "Wife. Mother of 3 princesses. I love to craft!" Married to Brandon, and together they're raising Bailey (12), Ava (8) and Kaylinn (6).  Jenn's hobbies include crafting, scrapbooking, upcycling furniture, knitting, crocheting and sewing. "Honestly, anything!" she says, "If I see something I like I always try to figure out how to make it myself.  When I first began mulling over the idea of an Etsy shop, I had to 'pick my poison,' and I just couldn't shake the possibilities with my trusty sewing machine."

(Fun Fact: Her sewing machine is named "Rozella"...have you named yours? What a cute idea! Makes me think I need to name my poor neglected little Singer!) 

Jenn started her shop a while ago, but it wasn't until this past January that she realized she would need to get serious about it if she wanted it to flourish and contribute to her family. So, that's what she's done!  

Jenn is a SAHM, which has been her biggest motivation to work hard and grow her small business.  Her Etsy business has allowed her not only to stay home, but also to afford the costs to enroll her three daughters in all the extracurriculars they love most, AND allows her the availability to drive them and participate whenever and wherever needed!  Being there for her family, to run their home smoothly and to give her daughters a well-rounded raising is important to her, and her Etsy business has been key in making it all possible. 

Jenn's business is still in the early growing phase, growing quickly with the help of Instagram, Facebook, giveaways, blog reviews, customer feedback, etc.  Her business has allowed her to make new friendships and network with small businesses all over the world, all through these social media avenues. Above all else, as her business continues to grow, Jenn's most important goal remains the same: to be a good example for her daughters. "I hope my business will continue to grow, so I can show my daughters that anything is possible and it can all happen when just a small idea grows into a big dream!" 

Jenn's favorite aspect of operating her small business is the creative freedom to design and produce from her own inspiration, and the joy she feels when she's sitting at her sewing machine! It is her "Happy Place," she says, and her most important feedback comes from her daughters. "I love the oooooh's and aaaaaah's from my girls...that's when I know I am not being bias with my product!" 

"Everything I make is something I think would make life easier for other families AND more fun! My sewing machine is a 1974 Singer machine, gifted to me by my grandma. She put many miles on it before I got it, and I love emailing her pictures of all my projects! She is my inspiration." -Jenn

(Though Jenn has three girls, she wants to add more boy prints/products, so if you think of something you'd like to see in her shop, let her know!)

Jenn D Designs offers an handmade variety of product for babies and children, both for girls and boys. 

(Her talents are flexible, so if you see something you want in a different size, pattern or print, contact her!) 

Click HERE to shop her Etsy storefront! 

In her shop, you'll find doll bedding, child-size aprons, burp cloth sets and storage totes (great for diaper storage!) 

The detail work is amazing! These storage totes would be perfect for traveling (keep kids' snacks, books, etc. right at arms' reach while you drive!) OR, use them to store essentials in a hall closet (think sunscreen, bug spray, first aid items...) They're a great size, lightweight and well made! 

Plus!  Jenn sews the cutest custom tags into each product - so even if you give it as a gift, the recipient will know it is something heartmade! 

THIS WEEK ONLY

Jenn is offering us an exclusive discount! 

Shop her Etsy storefront, this week only, 

to receive 15% OFF your entire order!  

{Use Code at Checkout: Mompreneur15}

AND 

She's hosting a giveaway for us! 

One lucky winner will receive a FREE custom made apron! 

(ANY SIZE - ANY FABRIC)

Click here to see some of the aprons she's made!

To enter the giveaway, simply: 

1. Find & Follow on Instagram: Mompreneur_Network AND JennDDesign11

2. Find the Jenn D Designs Giveaway photo 

(found on the Mompreneur IG page!) 

3. COMMENT on the photo: Mention your favorite item in her shop, AND

4. TAG 3 friends who will love her shop!

 The winner will be announced on Saturday!  Good luck!!! 

THANK YOU, JENN! 

I am thrilled Jenn was able to share her shop with us this week. I have really enjoyed getting to know Jenn through e-mails and Instagram, which is probably the best aspect of collaborating my blog with The Mompreneur Network!  I love learning about the women behind these storefronts, and how our orders are changing life for their families, in more ways than most of us realize. It is amazing when you realize how the families behind small businesses are impacted by even a small order.  Your $15 order may be what was needed to pay for ballet class somewhere, or perhaps an order for custom curtains has paid someone's elictricity this month.  

So next time you're in the market to shop, shop heartmade! 

xo,

Chara

#MompreneurMonday: Meet Jessica

Happy ...Tuesday!

While I intended for this post to greet you on a Monday, it happens to have been Labor Day weekend and I happen to be a forgetful person, so here it is.. on a Tuesday!

#MompreneurMonday is a new weekly series to feature a Mompreneur I admire, giving you details about her "Why" and what her shop has to offer!  On the blog, I'll publish each Monday a personal review to introduce these Mompreneurs, in collaboration with the Instagram account: Mompreneur_Network, where you'll find product reviews and giveaways throughout the week.

So here it is... Our first Mompreneur review!

Meet Jessica, owner & designer of Earth Cookie Creations

Jessica's Instagram page describes herself as, "Saved by Grace, Mama to two gorgeous munchkins and wife to the bearded wonder."

Jessica opened her shop 6 years ago, after the birth of her first son, because she enjoyed creating things for her family and wanted to create things for others! Her shop was a success and her crafting hobby quickly turned into a full-time production.  Jessica was soon able to quit her job outside of the home and started working from home as a full time "Mompreneur," running her shop as a one-woman-show, doing all the design work, handcrafting and packaging/shipping herself. Jessica loves that her passion for creating pretty things has become a significant help to her family, as it provides additional income for their needs and allows her to stay home and care for the needs of her two young children.  (Jessica says her oldest son has caught the entrepreneur gene and enjoys selling his very own creations to grandparents! How cool is that? Way to go, little guy!) 

When I asked Jessica about the hardest part of shop ownership, she replied, "The drive. Sometimes it's easy to want to take a break, but you have to keep going, as people are relying on you to finish their order." Jessica does it all herself - from start to finish - fueled by her own creativity, imagination and her motivation to supplement her family's income.  She is one hardworking, talented Mompreneur!

Jessica's products are all handmade with paper and/or fabric, each one with a unique design all her own.  She offers a variety of items, from decorative party supplies (pinwheel cake toppers!) to unique home decor (pom garlands!), to gifting and holiday!  You can shop for yourself or find a great gift, and find it at a reasonable price! (She works fast, too!)

My personal wishlist includes this Advent/Christmas countdown set!
(You can find that here!)

For all you Shabby Chic lovers, this is a bunting of burlap and lace! Simple and elegant, I'm loving it!  (You can buy it here)

THIS WEEK ONLY 

Jessica is hosting a GIVEAWAY

- AND - 

offering my readers an exclusive DISCOUNT of 20% OFF! 

To redeem, enter Code: "Mompreneur20" at checkout 

Click here to start shopping!!

Giveaway Details: 

1. Follow on Instagram:  earthcookiecreates AND mompreneur_network

2. Find the GIVEAWAY photo (found on Mompreneur_Network's Instagram)

3. COMMENT: Your favorite item in Jessica's Shop!

4. TAG: 3 friends with your comment - friends you think will LOVE her product!

At the end of the week (Saturday), we will announce the winner!  

Our winner will receive $40.00 in Shop Credit to spend on ANY product you love from Jessica's shop! 

So, go... Go right now!  Check out her shop and find her on Instagram to show her some love for all of her hard work and inspirational talent! 

(...and don't forget to take advantage of that 20% OFF discount! Woohoo!) 

THANK YOU, JESSICA!!!! 

Happy Shopping,

Chara

Like Heart-Shaped Sticky Notes

Ah, you visited me!

 I know, I know. You're probably thinking, "Oh, yay, another blog...eye-roll. What makes her so special as to need a blog?" Yes, and believe me, I feel a little silly myself. But, bear with me as I explain the inspiration for this space.


 First... I love to write. I've completed enough notebooks to fill my driveway. I love to write about whatever season I am in, whether it's a creative spark that allows me to accomplish a daunting project, or the pangs of separation during a long deployment. Like a balm to my heart and a salve to my soul, it is refreshing to write it somewhere, anywhere.


Secondly... I feel the need to share, but not because I have something amazing to offer. As a hobby, I do a lot of experimenting with DIY techniques, furniture refinishing, new chalk paint recipes and the like, so my friends have often suggested a blog to archive my projects. It seemed silly, and as a follower of many blogs myself, I knew there was nothing "new" I could blog about at this point in the Blogosphere! But, as I have continued to carve out the pages of my notebooks with thoughts on mothering, wifery, friendship, creativity and easier ways to do one thing or another, I realized why I have to share this. I have to share this because I feel alone in it. I write it all in notebooks because I need to feel it discussed somehow, but find myself alone more often than not. Very rarely do I find myself, with undivided attention, basking in the refreshing presence of like-minded sojourners. In my current season, these sojourners include young wives, little-years-mothers, adult-daughters, sisters, homeschoolers, Mompreneurs, Christ-bearers. I have to share this so we can find what we both need the most: each other. If I don't share my heart, you won't find it...nor I yours! We must share ourselves in order to find one other.

 While I do love (and actively use) Facebook & Instagram, they offer limited opportunity to share what really matters most, with those who need it most. The hurts, the healings, the joys, the celebrations, the growing pains, the changing seasons... But here, I can share it all, without fear of negative criticism, because this isn't for everyone. I will share for those who understand; those who simply need to read it and feel a little less alone in it. This is my place to celebrate, mourn, create, inspire, even share my own opinion, knowing like-minded hearts and souls will accompany me here.


 And so, it is with excitement that I launch this NEW blog! I am happy to have a place to tuck what is placed on my heart to share, in an organized archive, like heart-shaped sticky notes on which I will scribble and carve. It isn't my business to track how many followers my blog receives or how many times a post is read. It is only my business to cultivate the gifts God has entrusted to me. My gift is to write, my resource is the internet, and my "why" is to find each other.


 I hope you will join me!  (Hint: You can opt to follow by e-mail...fancy, right?) 


Cheers!

 Chara Noelle