I am so not a journalist, so I am going to let Kathy tell you about Gnorasaurus in her own words:

How did you come up with that name? My daughter, Nora, went through a phase where she was really into gnomes & dinosaurs.? I did a little collage illustration of her that eventually turned into my logo

How long have you been in business? I started working on shirt ideas in the fall of 2007; it took about a year to get set up the way I wanted to.

Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it:I’ve never been happier than when I can work for myself, by myself, doing something with my hands. After a too-long hiatus of having “real jobs,” I was able to take the opportunity to create again.? I’m completely obsessed with vintage magazines from the late 50s and early 60s, in fact, the whole iconography of that era is just fascinating to me.? There were so many times I’d see a particular image and say to myself, “Wow, that would make a great shirt,” that I needed to just shut up & do it. I found a great source for high-quality American-made garments and let my imagination loose.

What makes your product/business so unique and why can’t I live without it? Each design is a unique creation. Using either vintage images or my own illustrations, I manipulate them in Photoshop then print and press each item one at at a time, by hand. I also love to work with clients to create custom designs, taking that personal touch to a new level.? I am so incredibly satisfied when I can offer this alternative to mass-produced, inferior quality goods.

Do you have a store front/website/etsy?My New Paltz studio is open by appointment; you can call 845.430.7253 to do so, or contact me at gnorasaurus@mac.com.? My Etsy store is gnorasaurus.etsy.com, and my website is gnorasaurus.com.

Store front location or where can we buy your products:You can buy in person at my studio or at Little Ones on North Chestnut Street in New Paltz. (LOVE Little Ones)

What are some of your short and long term goals with your business? Right now I’m focusing on building wholesale accounts with small businesses (for promotional and custom items) and boutiques (for the Gnorasaurus line.) I’m working with a rep to sell to children’s boutiques in NYC. My five-year goal is for Gnorasaurus to be self-supporting.

Is there anything exciting in the works that we can look forward to? Revamped bags with vintage embellishments, tooth fairy pillows, vintage fabric number tees, robots, mermaids, rocketships…

What is the hardest part or has been some of your struggles starting your own business? Getting past the creation of the product to the promotion of the product.? I can sit in my studio all day long and make stuff, but if I don’t get it out of the studio, that’s not gonna last long. I also renovated the entire bottom floor of my house to create a studio space, and that’s been a worthwhile but completely stressful experience.

About You:

Tell me about your family, kids, hubby, pets. My daughter Nora is 4, my fiance Bob lives in Brooklyn, so we have two lovely cats about every other weekend. All 3 of them will be moving up here next year, and Bob & I will be getting married in the fall of 2010.

What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family? When we’re all together, Bob takes Nora out on Saturday mornings, and I either sleep or go to the gym, whichever I need more. The best summer afternoons rotate from garden to sandbox to hammock to swing to slide to porch to raspberry patch again and again.

How do you balance your business and your family? I’m very lucky in that right now I don’t have to maintain a a day-to-day, face-to-face relationship. It will be interesting to see how that shifts around. On the flip side, I’m a single parent, so when it’s Mommy & Nora time, that’s where my focus needs to be.? Nora’s in preschool 3-4 days a week, which gives me good work time, and she’s also getting to the age where she’s happy to draw alongside me if I need to work.? I do a lot after she’s asleep– depending on my level of creativity I might work on designs or I might just slog through some paperwork. The hardest part of the home studio has been getting Nora to realize that I am actually *working*, not just going back home to have fun without her.

Quick Silly Quesitons:

Favorite Reality Show: I don’t have cable, so I’m missing out on this. If I did watch, I would love to see Project Runway. I’ve watched a bit online, and it looks great! (BTW Kathy, that is my FAV!)

Favorite online shopping site: Etsy! Not only can you find incredible handmade gods, there are a ton of vintage shops, too.? I’ve gotten amazing buttons, fabric, and vintage Little People from Etsy.

Can’t live without item: Eyeglasses

What is on your Ipod or cd player: Lots of early 80s New Wave, electronic, trance, and a very random mix of just about every kind of music except top 40 or country.

If I were to look in your diaper bag/purse, what would I find: Wallet, cell phone, sunglasses, to-do lists, rocks, dandelion heads and at least half a dozen of Nora’s ponytail holders.

Ok Blog Stalkers, I love hooking you up and so does Kathy! For the month of May, mention you saw me on the SP blog and get 50% off one item when you purchase 3 items of equal or greater value. (Online customers: 50% discount will be refunded after purchase.) Book a studio visit and receive the same discount and a free gift! Gnorasaurus makes for great and unique gifts for baby showers, birthdays, or yourself!

Interested in more information on being featured as Momtrepreneur of the Month?? Please email me at melissa@surprisephotograpy.com or check out some info HERE.

So when I was invited back to shoot the 2nd baby, it was truly and honored. When I arrived, I looked at this sweet sleepy baby on the bed an I sad, “What is he wearing?”? This? is when I was introduced into the world of cloth diapering.?? Kristy gave me a private tour of her diaper collection but I have to admit,? I was so overwhelmed.? When I started to do my research, there? was this whole underground world of cloth diapering I was unaware of. ? After what I researched, I was hooked. At the time I was? pregnant with Kieran and? I talked to my husband about? the possibility of cloth diapering.? I was actually surprised, no pun intended, of how supportive he was. In fact we both grew up with cloth diapers. For me it was not just about the cost of cloth vs disposables diaper, but the cost on the environment.? So we finally made the big switch to cloth, and I have never looked back.? So,? for April being a month in which we celebrate “Earth Day,” why not celebrate Tickety? Bu and their first anniversary in business.

In the honor of being “Green,” I proudly introduce, KristI Ashley, owner and? creator of ” Tickety Bu.”

How did you come up with your name?

I wanted something that had a loose reference to bamboo since that is my main focus, but wanted nothing that was a literal lift from that word. Tickety Bu means “everything’s alright” which is meaningful to the reason I use cloth diapers and started the business. Plus, I like the sound of it.

How long have you been in business?
I opened my shop April fool’s day, 2008.

Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it:
I started cloth diapering my daughter right before she decided diapers were not for her. So, I started cding in earnest when my son was born in January 2007. I tried just about every kind of cloth diaper you can imagine before trying prefolds and falling in love. It’s just the best system for us-so easy to use, easy to wash and they work well. I use cloth primarily because it’s eco-friendly, but I believe that you can be kind to the environment and not have to sacrifice product efficacy or ease of use.

I have sewn for a long time (over 19 years of sewing, and about 5 years of sewing regularly) and wanted to try bamboo, so I made my own. I wanted a prefold made the old-school way, with no side serging, but also wanted to be in control of the fabrics used since I wanted maximum absorbency while still being super trim. I finally made the perfect diaper for us, It was all the reasons that I use cloth-a sustainable fabric, a more effective diaper than others, and easy to use and care for. I have friend’s who also cd who wanted some, so it wasn’t long before Tickety Bu was born.

What makes your product/business so unique and why can’t I live without it?
It’s the only WAHM prefold made with no side seams or serging, so it’s just yummy bamboo next to baby’s skin. Also, I use only organic bamboo, bamboo/organic cotton blends and wool, so the fabrics I use in my products are as kind to the earth as possible. You don’t have to sacrifice; you can have both, a better product that is kind to the earth. Plus, bamboo and wool are better for the body and work better than the alternatives.

Do you have a store front/website/etsy?

I have a store on Hyena Cart and am part of two congos there as well.
TicketyBu.com

Hyenacart.com/Fresh

http://hyenacart.com/venusvanguard/

Store front location or where can we buy your products:

Coming soon to Waddle N Swaddle!

What are some of your short and long term goals with your business?
My short term goal is to have fun, keep building a solid customer base and help the bottom line in our family. Long term, I’d like to see my products in local retailers as well as grow my online presence.

Is there anything exciting in the works that we can look forward to?
I’ve just added some home d?cor to my line, accent pillows. I’m always branching out, I’ve increased my product line throughout the last year and don’t see that stopping anytime soon.

What is the hardest part or has been some of your struggles starting your own business?
Not overdoing it. I’m a very driven person and have a hard time turning off, I could work all day if it was possible. But, it’s important to balance work and family and I’m determined to do it!

About You:

Tell me about your family, kids, hubby, pets.
I have been married to Michael for 12 years now. We have two nine year old dogs, Maddie and Beene. And, the joys of our lives are Lorelai (5), Magnus (2) and Xander (new).

Our kids are very inquisitive, way too smart for their own (and our) good, and full of energy and love. They teach us something new everyday, which is amazing and wonderful to experience.

What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family?
It really depends on the season. In the fall, Sundays are sacred football days. We make a big “picnic” that sits out on the coffee table most of the day and we munch, watch some games and play all day. We take breaks to play outside and for naps, but that’s about it.

In the Spring we like to take day trips around the area to see things we haven’t seen before. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of this area, and it satisfies our love for travel. In the summer, our perfect weekend day is spent lazing around the house, playing outside and at the lake.

Favorites:

Reality Show:
Top Chef. I hate to cook, but I love that show!

Favorite online shopping:
It changes, but right now I’m in love with Starving Artist Bazaar, Alfabette Zoope and EllieBelly.

Can’t live without item:
This changes too of course. In my business it’s a good pair of scissors. In my personal life it’s my pillow, I love snuggling up to my pillow for some much needed z’s.

How do you balance your business and your family?
I keep a schedule for work and stick to it. I work when Lorelai is at school or when Michael has his alone time with the kids on the weekend (he takes them to breakfast every Saturday and then to the park). I have a sitter come twice a week so I get a big block of work done and I sew when Magnus and Xander are sleeping. I keep afternoons strictly for family time and the mornings when I don’t work are for all the household things that need to get done. I’m lucky, Magnus loves to help with the household chores!

What is on your Ipod or CD player: Right now it’s Xander’s birth music which is a mix that Michael made. It’s got a lot of Coldplay on it.? (Can I say, I LOVE Coldplay, tell Micheal I have tix to the concert in Hartford )

If I were to look in your diaper bag/purse, what would I find: Tickety Bu diapers and wipes, Earth Muffin lotion (I’m addicted to it), Fruitabu for the kids, Burt’s Bees lip balm (also an addiction), my business cards, a toy penguin, my wallet and my car key.

I was lucky to have a private tour of Tickety Bu’s office.? Here is a behind the scenes sneak peak:

Ok Surprise Photography Blog Stalkers, here is your chance to save some $$ $, just visit: TicketyBu.com and get a 10% discount with the coupon code Surprise10.

Interested in finding our more about our “Momtrepreneur” feature,? get more info: HERE.

Beth, Jenn and myself.

Mr. and Mrs.? Bixby

Sara Capozzoli and Beth Madison

Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan

To Meg of Jeune Girl Crafts.? I know many of my blog stalkers are fans of hers, and if you are not, you must become one.? Her work was recently published in an online scrapbooking magazine, Making Memories for You.? Check out pages 8, 10, and 11.? I have to admit, I think it is kind of sweet that 2 of the pages have my photos

Congrats Meg!

And if you email her, be sure to tell her SP sent you!

]]> http://surprisephotography.com/blog/2009/03/04/gotta-give-props/feed/ 1 http://surprisephotography.com/blog/2009/03/03/momtrepreneur-of-the-month-2/ http://surprisephotography.com/blog/2009/03/03/momtrepreneur-of-the-month-2/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:35:46 +0000 Melissa http://surprisephotography.com/blog/?p=312

If you are a bride, or know a bride, who is looking for a one of a kind hair piece, something that isn’t mass produced and found in every bridal salon across the East Coast, for your special day, let me introduce you to? Tracy Williams. Tracy is the owner and designer, of My Sis Designs.? She has created a custom line of sparkling tiaras, hair pins, combs and jewelry for men & women.? All items are handcrafted using only the highest quality crystals, pearls, and other fine materials.? Her products are perfect for brides, proms and other formal events.

Tell me a little bit about the meaning behind the name of your business:

My sister Jenny, my sister in laws, mother, mother-inlaw, and friends are my support systems so it is short for “my sisters”.

Please explain a little bit more about your product and how you developed the concept behind it:

Being creative all my life, due to the influence of my creative father, I pursued graphic design, graduated college and was fortunate to get a job as a designer for a Fortune 500 company in 1999. Time passed and I felt I was “losing myself” in the big company. I volunteered my design services for various community events to tap that unused creativity.

A few years later, my sister-in-law purchased a handcrafted pendant for her wedding and fortunately for me was too much for her dress. I offered to buy it from her and once she gave it to me, I looked at it and thought, “geez… I could have made this!” SO, here I was 7 months pregnant and determined to make one. I took the day off for my birthday rode the train to NYC, and so it began! … designing and hand making hair accessories and jewelry. I also provide custom design services for printed materials such as invitations, announcements, you name it!

Can you explain a little bit about your inspiration behind each piece and how you come up with their “names”:

I like to learn a little about a person before I make a hair piece. I ask them about thier style and things that they like and translate that into a tangible headpiece or piece of jewelry. I work with the person to match a dress or make it completely unique. Recently I let my customers know that would also be able to integrate items that they already have, like great-grandma’s broken stand of pearls. No reason why those pearls should sit in a jewelry box to never be used! Plus most of my designs can be re-used… for instance tiaras can be converted to necklaces and sometimes bracelets! I really would hate for someone to pay money for something for it to be worn for Halloween or sit in a box never to be seen again. I decided I would name my tiaras after “my sisters” / my friends as they are my inspiration. When I make something new for someone I name it after them!

(Is there a “MELISSA” hair piece in the works )

This was one of my personal favorite pieces.?? Not only because it is beautiful, but it actually can be worn after the “Big Day.”? After wearing it as a hair piece, it can easily be converted into a necklace.?? At least something can be worn again after the wedding, not like you can get away wearing bridal shoes again

Is there anything exciting in the works that we can look forward to?

At this time, I just had an advertisement put into a wedding magazine that is trying to get the Hudson valley involved more. I am also putting together more pieces to put out on my Etsy site that are non bridal so that something can be found for everyone!

What is the hardest part or has been some of your struggles starting your own business?

Time, time, time! Who has it? …especially working full time with two young children! Though I would also say a struggle is knowing you have a great product and not getting it out there. I have high hopes and know I have a great product to share with everyone, especially since I can say it is all made with

Rather than a single hair piece, these are individuals hairpins, explain how they work:

The hairpins I create are a nice way to create a customized effect in your hair. They can be placed individually in your hair wherever you place them! So really you could put one into a pony tail, a couple into a bun, three or more in front of an updo, or even dispersed inside the updo!
And don’t forget, they can be different colors, styles, materials, so the possibilities are endless and up to you. An added bonus, you can use them for a formal event or day to day!

Where can we purchase your produces:

Check out my Etsy site at www.mysisdesigns.com

Any special perks for blog stalkers of Surprise Photography:

Anyone who mentions this blog that makes a purchase will get 10% off! PLUS, if you spend over $100 you get a free pair of earrings ($20 value!) BONUS!

Ok, lets get personal:

Tell me about your family, kids, hubby, pets:
I am married to my husband Jason. Our fifth wedding anniversary is coming up this October! I have two beautiful boys, Braden 2 and Holden 9 months. Pets, well we have a lot. Before we had kids we adopted quite a few kitties, bunnies, a couple dogs… so it is quite the “zoo”.
What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family?

Walk around in the neighborhood in the wagon and go swimming at grandma and grandpas! Just hanging out, playing, and dancing around the house with my boys is a joy.

Favorites:

Reality Show: American Idol
Favorite online shopping: No preference, just like to shop in general!
Can’t live without item: Vacuum – Sick huh? I have that Dyson Animal, when you have that many animals something needs to be done about the hair! Next to that, it is not really an item, but a nice QUIET shower with no interruptions.

How do you balance your business and your family?

Do I? Really there are times I am not sure I do, but as they get older it can only get better.

Anything additional to share:

I am thinking of what I would want to send to you… it could be anything really. I am in the process of creating nursing necklaces for Jen so maybe something like that would work. If not I am up for anything!

www.mysisdesigns.com

Meet Dr. Jessica Burkhard, of Rhinebeck Chiropractic. (isn’t she so cute) Jessica and I finally got to meet after a month of planning and re-planning, due to weather, life, kids with colds and what not, messing up our schedules.? I was really interested in meeting Jessica to learn more about her business.? Some of you already know that in my past life, I was an “Exercise Physiologist” for a holistic based wellness club.? It was my job to teach people how exercise and lifestyle modification is not just about today, but forever.

Opening in October of 2007 with her partner and husband Joshua, Rhinebeck Chiropractic is located right in the heart of the village of Rhinebeck.? Their office space is small, but warm and inviting.? There is no being rushed out for the next client and their is plenty of privacy.

About 30% of their clients are expecting mommas.? One of my favorite little features, that any mom can appriciate, is the small basket of toys in each room. That truly lets you know, this is a family place.

Here is? little more about Rhinebeck Chiropractic in Jessica’s words:

Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it:

Rhinebeck Chiropractic is dedicated to helping individuals become the best version of themselves. We strive to educate & empower our practice members with knowledge about health & wellness. On an initial visit, we perform a complete comprehensive examination including consultation, orthopedic & neurologic testing, & two scans; the first scan tests the function of the nervous system, the second tests the integrity of the foot & associated anatomy. A detailed report is prepared & presented to the patient on the second visit.

As chiropractors, we look to the spine for signs of subluxation. Subluxations are bones that are not moving properly & are either mechanically compressing nerves or irritating them chemically. If nerves are irritated or compressed, they are unable to carry messages both to & from the rest of the body & dysfunction results. Though our focus is the spine & nervous system, we coach our practice members on proper nutrition, exercise, positive mental attitude, stress management, & a variety of other factors that impact their state of health. We provide whole food nutritional supplements to help bring balance to nutritional deficiencies, if present.

The concept of our practice is to address the entire person & the world in which they live. Through working together, we bring balance to each persons live, by removing subluxation, allowing the nervous system to function at 100%, & reducing exposure to physical, chemical & emotional stress.

What makes your product/business so unique and why can’t I live without it?

Rhinebeck Chiropractic is a fun, love filled office. We treat our practice members like our family. We are unique in that we are a husband & wife team. Also, I have additional training in caring for pregnant women & children. I am certified in Webster’s technique, a specific chiropractic adjustment that brings balance to a pregnant woman’s pelvis & associated ligaments. This technique allows the baby the opportunity to get into the best possible position prior to birth. It also reduces interference to the nervous system of the mother, having a direct effect on the development of the growing baby.

What are some of your short and long term goals with your business?

Short term:
Form a Holistic Moms group in Dutchess County
Perform a monthly wellness workshop series to mothers on a variety of health & wellness topics such as Increasing your child’s immunity, Vaccination, Having a healthy pregnancy, Healthful Nutrition, etc.
Make chiropractic care available & affordable to pregnant women & families in our area

Long term:
Be the wellness leaders of the Hudson Valley
Have chiropractic care offered through the local birth center

What is the hardest part or has been some of your struggles starting your own business?

Balance. As a chiropractor, I am always looking to bring balance to people lives, through working with their spine & nervous system. With a 15 month old son, I have learned that balance is important in all aspects of life. I constantly remind myself not to be too serious & to slow down & be present each day. I am committed to being the best mom & the best doctor that I can be. I focus on raising my son naturally, practicing Attachment Parenting, extended breastfeeding, eating organic whole foods, regular chiropractic care, fresh air & exercise & having a positive mental attitude. Sometimes it can be challenging to do all of this & work part time.

Tell me about your family, kids, hubby, pets:

I am blessed with the most loving, supportive family. My husband is my rock, my best friend, & an amazing father. We have a 15 month old son, Hudson Drew. He has the most fabulous deep blue eyes & a smile that melts everyone he meets. He is our daily reminder that life is fantastic regardless of what is going on in our world. He keeps us smiling & laughing day after day. We also have a five year old Jack Russell, Roxie.

What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family?

What is a lazy weekend?! Seems like we haven’t had one of those in months. I love a good morning run around the lake that we live near. After that, making a picnic lunch & going to a park. Sitting on the grass, taking photos of my boys. After a relaxing lunch, grabbing a Starbucks coffee & browsing the books at Barnes & Noble. Maybe catch a late night movie & have a glass of red vino with my husband.

Favorites:

Reality Show: The Hills. I got hooked bad.
Favorite online shopping: Old Navy, Gap, JCrew, anything on sale!
Can’t live without item: Burts Bees Chapstick

(Ok, Jack Russell, red wine, Starbucks, The HIlls, taking pictures, and an adorable son, this girl is my new BFF)

Upcoming Events:

Strengthening Your Child’s Immunity Workshop
Join Dr. Jessica Burckhard as she shares vital tips on how to strengthen your child’s immunity naturally. Empower yourself and your family with this information and learn easy immune boosting practices to keep you and your children healthy. Tuesday, February17th & Tuesday, March 24th at 6 pm. Call 845.876.6450 to reserve your family’s seat!

Wellness Workshop

Be our guest every Wednesday during the month of February & March at 6:00 PM for Dr. Joshua’s exciting wellness workshop. Learn how to optimize your healing. Those who have attended past workshops are getting phenomenal results! There is no cost for the workshop, but seating is limited so call 845.876.6450 to reserve your seat. This workshop is a MUST for anyone who is serious about taking a proactive approach to their health.

Complimentary Examinations for Children

On January 19th we participated in the National Day of Service by donating spinal examinations to children free of charge. In keeping with our mission to serve families and in an effort to reach more people, we are extending this offer for complimentary spinal and nervous system examinations to all children throughout the month of February. Seize the opportunity to have your children checked for subluxations by calling 845-876-6450 to make a mutually convenient appointment time.

In the not to distant future:
Holistic Mom’s Network group forming

Kids Day America – May 2009, a day dedicated to health, safety & environmental awareness. Rhinebeck Chiropractic coordinated the entire event last year & is looking forward to having an even bigger & better event this year! Each child that attends receives a complimentary spinal screening, dental screening, and child identification card. Last year the Dutchess County Sheriffs attended & provided a canine demonstration. We raised over $1,500 for the Astor home of Rhinebeck, through donations & corporate contributions. This years event promises to be another fantastic day dedicated to the children in our community. Check www.rhinebeckchiropractic.com in the upcoming months for more information.

Rhinebeck Chiropractic
13 West Market St
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845.876.6450
www.rhinebeckchiropractic.com

And just for our Surprise Photography Blog Stalkers:

Complete spinal examination, report of findings and first adjustment (if needed) for $99. During the month of February all children exams are free.

Workshops are always complimentary as well.

Just mention Melissa sent you