Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Break!

Happy Wednesday everybody! I hope your Fourth of July was amazing! Due to the holiday, I have taken the week off from my typical grind. No worries though; I have an amazing line-up for next week!

For the holiday, we ate a delicious breakfast buffet, relaxed all afternoon, ate an amazing dinner cooked by my amazing in-laws, & met some friends at their house for some July Fourth festivities & neighborhood fireworks!

Enjoy some photographs from our lovely day!

& some extras of my kids, just because I can :P

Welcome to the World Ella Kate White

I hope that you don't mind this post being somewhat personal! I took an extended break during photo processing to compose this post. As I moved from image to image, I pieced together my relationship with Jennifer LaHaye & had entirely too much to say. Sure, the images below are the end result of this specific event but I am forever left reflecting on the entire process. There are almost no words.

Almost.

I met Jen in 2010. I lived alone in one apartment of four in an old house off Union Street. After an infestation of rats & a strange pig-dog that had taken up residence in the abandoned yard next door, I couldn't manage to stay there alone. (Yeah, even as a grown-up, strange noise in the night freak me out!) My friend Becca invited me to rent a room in a house she was sharing with one other person, Jen. We had also socialized on the river once with a group of friends & later became co-workers. I remember one night, after staying awake & ugly crying alone over a recent breakup, I climbed in bed with her & we both professed our hate for that specific heartbreaker. I never had a lot of girlfriends growing up & I can truly say that was the first time I felt like another girl had my back. Over the months, we shared more stories of boys & love & work & life. Even after I moved out to be with my now-husband, we remained friends. We grew closer together at work & even almost got fired together - a story that will go down in history! We both began pursuing a nursing career, still in our core, working for "the man," & holding on to the thought we would one day be looking back on those moments while holding our nursing degrees.

Later, time & distance did what they do best & communication became sporadic. I graduated nursing school & then Jen graduated nursing school I couldn't have been more proud of her. I remember while working in the office, Jen shared with me her desire to be an oncology nurse. I could always see myself in emergency but her reason for becoming a nurse was different from mine. We both had experience on the "other side" of medicine that paved our way but Jen almost seemed to drift away as she spoke of nurturing people going through probably one of the most difficult times of their lives. I wanted to know all the things & act quickly. I wanted to do what people thought I couldn't. I wanted to educate & advocate! Jen wanted to open her heart & extend a part of herself when a patient needed it the most.

I remember seeing her pregnancy announcement on Facebook & being so excited! One day, she invited me & a couple of other girls to spend the day with her while she was in town. It was as if no time had passed. Except, at that time, her belly brimmed with life.

When she asked me to photograph her baby girl's arrival, I couldn't have felt more shocked & honored. She had made it clear she only wanted one other person in the room but there was no way I was going to miss it.

I had never photographed a birth before. Butterflies swarmed by insides the entire day. I watched a couple comfort one another through the unknown with no words, just gentle touches & light kisses. I reflected on my own birth experiences & how I scream-cried as my first son was placed on my belly. All day I choked back tears. I coached when I could but knew Jen possessed the strength to carry out the work - she had to find within herself the ability to bring forth life. Through the foreign movements & many stages of Saturday, July 1, 2017, Jennifer became a mother to beautiful Ella Kate White. I couldn't stop grinning as I watched her partner, Josh, look at another person probably as if he was truly looking at another person for the first time ever. I cried when Jen cried because I was proud of her & knew how she felt. I smiled as Ella Kate found her mommy & daddy & took it all in. I gleamed with excitement as the three snuggled close &, together, welcomed this new chapter in all their lives with open arms.

Jennifer & Josh will go home with their baby girl & discover firsthand what parenthood is truly like. But they are prepared & I truly (no matter how cliche it sounds) couldn't be happier for them.

I can't wait to watch Jennifer grow in this new stage of life. I'm excited to share parenting stories & reflect on these moments.

To say it was an honor to photograph the arrival of Ella Kate is an understatement. In fact, words escape me.

Enjoy these photographs! <3

Entrepreneur Crush(es) of the Week: Cyle & Shannon Lewis

"We must accept finite disappointment but must never lose infinite hope."

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Each of us bears a scar - a healed battle wound - that represents a difficult time in our lives. The story behind each mark is as unique & different as the person who wears it. We learn from our experiences but are constantly reminded of our trials & tribulations by the permanent emotional imprint it has left. For some, battles are only won by maintaining trust a better day will come. It is a choice - & oftentimes a very hard one to make - but in all things, hope is the last thing to die.

That is why I can't express how much I love the story behind my next feature.

Hope Farm Co is a business owned & operated by husband/wife team, Cyle & Shannon Lewis of Brunswick, GA. Whether it be a wall hanging, a nativity set, an ornament, or cake topper, each piece is carved with an inspiring message. "choose HOPE," "be KIND," "give thanks," "choose happy," & "you have strength" are but a few bits of advice you will find on these hand-made (literally), rustic home furnishings. With almost 2,000 Etsy sales, Hope Farm Co has instilled optimism in the homes of people all over the world & the impact it's making is nothing less than magical. Preserving hope may take lots of courage but it's something we all harvest deep down. - Perhaps we need but a "little" reminder here & there. 

Though the brand became official in 2015, Cyle & Shannon have been makers all their lives. With their creative vision and ability to design, build, & construct, they began selling pieces in 2012. Hospital boards that complimented a baby's nursery with space for height, weight, date, & time, evolved to seasonal door hangers (that caught the eye of many friends & neighbors) & other celebratory/seasonal collectibles. The idea of cake toppers originated from the "Hunny B" in what used to be Hope Farm & Hunny B (Cyle's sister)! Two antiquated birds facing each other with a stamped "Mr" & "Mrs" began selling very quickly outside people they already knew.

Then came the signs. & the stories. In whatever season a customer may have been, they found themselves on the Hope Farm Co Etsy site in search of encouraging words, "small" reminders to "choose hope" & to "quiet your heart." Some customers found themselves coming back to share their testimonies with Cyle - who takes time to read & respond to every message with heartfelt words - or to purchase more.  They shared with me stories of couples who have suffered infertility or lost a baby, individuals who have recently been diagnosed with cancer, & even happy stories with happy endings such as a recent adoption. In fact, their "Gotcha Forever" signs are their top-sellers. With a date & a child's name, these signs commemorate for many the exact moment the family became official.

So how did the name come about?

The story represents moments on a timeline like puzzle pieces that interconnect perfectly.

Shannon, a long-time musician, discovered by chance an unintentional common denominator in his music: hope. During a long car ride to Cyle's grandmother's bed & breakfast in North Georgia, the couple passed miles of farmland & signs. It was in this moment the couple began to connect the dots. Cyle says, "We were talking about the life pattern we both felt God was speaking to us which was sow, cultivate, harvest - which are the main steps in farm life..." While you won't exactly find dirt, animals, or plants, you will find a couple, - with their own story - nurturing & growing an important concept with the greatest of care. They truly are farming hope.

When I asked the couple to share any message with their customers, they responded with: "That life is worth celebrating, & the little things do matter, a small sign for someone being adopted or a 'Choose Joy' sign in a troubling time can mean a lot for someone. That there is always a bright side & we are what we think! We tend to fulfill what we believe about ourselves & what goes on in your mind does matter. We spend a lot of time listening to Audible & books that renew our minds like Psycho cybernetics & a whole lot of talks about neuroplasticity & how we can control our thoughts & what is in our mind influences what’s in our hearts & ultimately determines how we live our life. Our brains are neuroplastic & can change which means the words we surround ourselves with are important." Truly inspiring they practice this in their personal life!

Each piece is 100% hand-made. While a more automated process via machine-cutting has the potential to save a lot of time, over the years the couple has found an efficient way to streamline their work process & improve work flow. Somehow, I find this just adds to the authenticity of their story. In my profession, this can be compared to the use of film - a once-almost obsolete process that some people associate with the inability to move forward. (Yet, that's how I entered into the world of photography.) Shannon says, “We take antique inspirations, with a touch of modernized implementation. There’s a time & a place for high-tech, but there’s a unique look & feel to handcrafted items. Sure they take a little more time to make; I like to think they're worth it." For a certain category of people, the craftsmanship, the process, & the end result contributes to the piece. Its story begins long before it enters the home.

There is a lot in store for Hope Farm Co. The story behind the business is as unique and full of hope & encouragement as each individual piece that leaves the couple's shop. Whatever is to come, it will stand on a strong foundation of faith, an amazing partnership with one another, & a beautiful story having no parallel.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” – Romans 15:13

You can find their work at the following:

Etsy :: Scoutmob :: houzz.com :: Dot & Army in Downtown Brunswick, GA :: Violas Market on St. Simons Island, GA

(Continue scrolling for more photographs!)

Entrepreneur Crush(es) of the Week: Renee Shepherd & Alison Dutton

Y'all! My first two-person feature!!!

Renee Shepherd & daughter, Alison Dutton, are my featured entrepreneurs this week! I know this isn't the first time you've seen their work, as I've posted product photos before, but get ready to fall even harder in love!

I've followed their work since it began but I started to really ask questions while working a booth with them at our local Moxie Craft Festival! I was so incredibly impressed by their innovation & sheer creativity! Their main item (keep reading to find out what!) is just waiting to end up in every home in Coastal Georgia & across the nation & I don't expect anything less! 

Plant & Sew was started officially in February of this year after years of this mother/daughter team dreaming of having a business all their own. Alison's desire to work full-time from home & Renee's extensive experience with sewing inspired the pair to dive in head-first in to the world of entrepreneurship. Renee says, "I’m of the age where Home Economics was offered in school & there was a sewing section in that. I remember making a skirt that was full of mistakes including breaking three machine needles sewing in the zipper. Needless to say, zippers still give me a bit of anxiety. It was not really until after I married though that I really began sewing & bought my first used sewing machine. Sewing became a creative outlet for me & I’ve continued sewing ever since. My daughters and now grandchildren have been the beneficiaries (guinea pigs) of many sewn items. A few years ago, I bit the bullet and purchased an embroidery machine which had been a long-time wish. As they say, 'the rest is history.'" Before Plant & Sew was even born, the creative duo already had in mind all the amazing things their shop would offer, starting with their ever-popular customizable burlap pillow wraps!

"Our products are personalized to fit any style of décor," they say. "The embroidered monogram is the perfect touch to create a more unique and custom look." Burlap is both durable & versatile so it's no wonder you'll find their pillow wraps accenting a wide variety of beds, couches, chairs, & porch swings! In addition to selling the burlap wraps, burlap pillows are also available in their store. This is exciting news if you're in to burlap as much as the rest of us!

They also currently offer customizable burlap makeup bags to satiate your organizational desires while sporting a classy, unique look!

In the near future, you can expect to find customizable burlap place mats & chair wraps (also customizable) to add to any wedding style!

A 10% discount is currently offered for anybody who "favorites" their shop on Etsy or leaves a review!

Renee & Alison may have started with pillow wraps - genius, in my book! - but they are constantly looking for ways to expand the market for customization & with their level of creative aptitude you can expect nothing but quality. I am very excited about their business venture & witnessing this dream team grow together!

Thank you Renee & Alison for your vision & talent!

Brunswick's First Farmers Market & Bazaar Pop Up

With one "small" idea from our very own Lady Hanover came an unforgettable banding together of our community. This past Saturday, we experienced an extremely successful first ever Farmers Market & Bazaar "Pop Up" where hundreds came out to support local creators, businesses, & food growers.

This will be a monthly occurrence and we expect nothing but growth! Join our local Facebook group, Slow Food - Farmers Market Initiative for ideas, updates and upcoming events!

Enjoy LOTS of photos from Saturday & expect LOTS more in the future!

Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Jennifer Zamudio

I did not officially meet Jennifer Zamudio until I showed up to photograph her & her darling shop in Downtown Brunswick last Friday. (I thought it would be most appropriate to feature her because her shop, Dot & Army, ends up in almost every one of my features!) I remember running home to my husband & bragging about all the ways this venture has affected me; not only have I come across some businesses I didn't know about or hadn't had the pleasure of visiting, I have met some remarkable people (now friends!) along the way. After declaring how lucky I am, I proceeded to tell my husband how so very talented, nice, genuine, bright, easy-going, & hard-working Jennifer is! That's why I'm so excited to be featuring her this week!

Today, you know the brand, Dot & Army, as beautiful, handcrafted cloth napkins & table linens. But the brand was actually started about 8-9 years ago with bibs, burp cloths, snack bags, baby's & children's dresses & pajamas all made from vintage fabrics, table linens, & muumuus. Jennifer sold her goods on Etsy, farmers markets, trunk shows, & by way of word of mouth. However, a personal decision 7 years ago for her family to quit using paper towels & only use cloth napkins sent Dot & Army in a new direction. Friends and family began requesting her hand-sewn cloth napkins & in 2016 her shop opened in Downtown Brunswick. The rest is history. (But I'll keep telling the story anyway!)

(Scroll a bit to view only some of her amazing work!)

SNACK BAGS! As somebody who has been transitioning to a more eco-friendly & health-conscious lifestyle over the last couple of years, I can totally get behind this! These are completely reusable and can be used for ALL kinds of snacks, ranging from grapes to blueberries, crackers to granola, & oranges to Cheerios! Just throw in the wash!

What or who is "Dot & Army?" you may ask! Dot & Army are actually Jennifer's maternal grandparents! A humongous inspiration behind her work & solid contributors to the person she is today, Jennifer says they "are the best people, kind & generous, family is a priority to them." And wouldn't you know the brand does not pay homage to her grandparents in just the name? Dot taught Jennifer's mother how to sew & Jennifer's mother taught her how to sew. Aside from passing on her talent, "they are hardworking people, and very kind and honest, and I strive to be like them," Zamudio says. (I think she's been pretty successful!)

Jennifer was able to employ her mother & together, in the back of her shop, they sew. For some, a mother-daughter team (or any close friend or family member) in a professional environment doesn't sound that appealing but for Jennifer & her mom, it works! They seem to have a wonderful relationship, constantly encourage/support one another, & continue to grow together! "In the end," she says, "we always laugh a lot, & we are never one to say no to a glass of wine!"

A custom apron for our friends, the Farmer & the Larder

REUSABLE SANDWICH BAGS in the making! You guys, QUIT USING ZIPLOC BAGS RIGHT YESTERDAY AND GO GET YOU SOME OF THESE!

Blueprints for a custom order for another local business owner!

Matthew of the Farmer & the Larder holds up is rough sketch of his custom-designed apron!

Jennifer has opened her storefront to other business owners to sell goods made in Georgia. About once a week, she searches the world wide web for new shops & items that are unique, tell a story, & represent the great people who make them. Currently in her shop is a wide selection of soy candles, soaps, pottery, wall art, wood products like cutting boards and salt cellars, cooking salts,  locally made furniture, & jams & pickles & more!

I can't even begin to tell you how sad I am that we had to sell our farm table due to down-sizing houses. I can assure you that once I have a forever space, my table will be completely adorned with Dot & Army linens. For now, Jennifer has inspired me to transition my own family to cloth napkins in leu of paper napkins (even if we are having to use them on our TV trays). With little ones who are constantly eating, I am excited to carry around my new snack bags that are beautiful, practical, reusable, & made right here in my own town! But Jennifer has also inspired me to keep doing what I'm doing. She truly is a hard worker &, though her vision didn't explode overnight (as is the case with many successes!), people have caught on to the quality of her work, unique story, & love that goes in to each piece. She truly deserves all the good things!

Thank you Jennifer for your contributions & thank you Dot & Army for helping create one of my new favorite entrepreneurs!

If you live in Brunswick, please visit her store at 1426 Newcastle St #100, Brunswick, GA 31520.

Also check her out at the following:

Etsy :: Website :: Uncle Don's Local Market on St. Simon's Island :: the Market at Sea Island :: Turnip Greens in Darien :: Food52.com :: the Farmer & the Larder