What is the name
of your shop and how can we find you? (Shop website, FB, Twitter, IG,
etc.)
My shop is Ellie & James. You can visit online at
ellieandjames.com or @ellieandjames on Instagram and Facebook.
Tell us about what
you make/sell in your shop. (A little about your shop.)
I love to design, and what I sell are my designs. I have handmade pendant
necklaces and key chains, tees for moms and their babes, and have recently
added totes.
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) 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, accepting that I didn’t have control, and about love. My shop is
named after my babies. They are why I stay
home now and why I have 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.
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!
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.
;)
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