little miss entrepreneur

*After I posted the original picture of Ava, I gave it some more thought and decided to cover her face to protect her privacy*

//This is Ava. She is 10 years old. About a year ago she started a business selling her duct tape creations. She sells her bracelets, wallets, hair bows, purses, book covers, and more at school and to friends and family members. 

//Ava is one of the three children I nanny for. I have been with her amazing family for 5 years now. When I met this sweet girl, she was 5 years old, and in preschool. Now she's going into 5th grade! It's crazy how time flies! 

//Ava is a bright, kindhearted soul. She's spunky, sassy, and fun. Not to mention such a huge help with the younger children. She likes dancing, singing, and playing school. 

//Ava had been wanting to get her duct tape creations out into a shop for a long time. So when I told her about my new business, Hoot & Bumble, she was super excited when I asked if she was interested in setting up a display at The Shop. 

//She set right to work making a huge variety of goodies to sell. She made a display for her bracelets with a paper towel roll, a toilet paper roll, and some cardboard. She printed up a little sign, and framed it, and  she even has a stack of professional business cards!

//She's amazing isn't she?

//I am beyond excited for her, and I love how encouraging this all is for her. She's learning all sorts of things, too. She knows all about commission, and profit margins, and overhead, and all that good stuff.

//So, if your kids are into the duct tape craze, stop by The Shop to check out Ava's line of duct tape creations. And don't forget to check out a Hoot & Bumble zip bag or wristlet for yourself while you're there too! 

my sewing journey + more shop updates!

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” 

― Scott Adams

//Growing up we had a vintage sewing machine in our front closet. You see, my mom doesn't know how to sew. But my dad does. I was always very curious about the sewing machine in the closet that was rarely used.

//When I became an adult, I decided I wanted to learn how to sew. My dad let me borrow that vintage sewing machine from the closet, and he taught me how to thread it, and run something through it {This is one of my favorite memories of my dad.} I love being able to say my dad taught me how to sew. I also love that it was him that taught me this life skill that is my favorite hobby. I don't think he knows how special that is to me. This was the beginning of something huge for me.

//A short while later, I asked for a sewing machine, and got one from my parents for Christmas. That was two and a half years ago. Other than my dad teaching me the basics, the rest of my sewing skills are self taught, with help from YouTube, and crafting blogs I have found on Pinterest.

//I've always been creative. That doesn't mean I've always been good at what I set out to do. That took patience, determination, and perseverance. I once made a hand sewn pillow out of some old denim jeans. It looked awful but {I'm pretty sure my mom still has it}. Like the above quote says, "Art is knowing which mistakes to keep". Part of the fun for me when making my most recent creations has been the trial and error. I have a few mess up zipper bags, that are not usable sitting around here. I would finish a project, and then tweak it when I moved on to the next one. I kept doing that until I got it just how I wanted it. I allowed myself to make mistakes. When you think about it, isn't that what life is all about anyway? Being allowed to make mistakes, and then deciding where to go from there?

{Don't be afraid to make mistakes people. That is how art is made.}

//In other news, as a result of me working on new pieces all of my free time, plus some this weekend, I was able to drop off a large number of pieces at The Shop & Studio tonight! Yeah baby! My display is so fun!

//I am working on stocking my online shop in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for that. I'm also thinking that a giveaway is going to happen at that time! Sew fun! ;)

new beginnings

Lately, inspiration and motivation  has been all around me. From watching my favorite handmade business blogger, brand her business, to my friend, Lincy following her dreams and opening up a shop and studio {Grand Opening Weekend starts tonight!}. Inspiration is everywhere, if you open your eyes and looks for it. I guess, I've been looking.

Ever since I was a child I've had dreams of opening up a handmade business. Over the years I've tried my hand at many different crafts, and attempting small businesses. Some I've loved and have been good at, others- not so much {like crocheting & button accessories}. These things didn't work out because my heart wasn't in it. I was trying to sell stuff I didn't care for myself. That just doesn't work.

Hoot & Bumble has been recently created as a name for my brand. I am beyond excited to announce that my handmade items will have a space in The Shop & Studio! I am so thrilled to be a part of The Shop, and the vision Lincy has for it. It's truly going to be amazing. && I'm{finally} going to have my handmade products out there! 

Not only will my items be in The Shop, I have other plans in the works for my new brand. Stay tuned for the online shop that should be opening up in the next few weeks! In the meantime, check out the grand GRAND Opening Weekend at The Shop. Click here for details.

I am at a crossroads in my job right now, and I'm not sure what lays ahead. I am a nanny and my youngest charge is starting kindergarten in the fall. As sad as I am about this, I am excited for new beginnings. I am determined to make Hoot & Bumble a success and part of my family's new beginning.

A recent theme I've noticed in my life has been about following dreams. I notice it everywhere in my day to day life and it has been so encouraging. This is why I have decided that now is the time to launch Hoot & Bumble full swing. I'm using the summer to get the ball rolling. I have big visions for this brand, and I'm going places.

I could not do any of this without the support from my soul mate and husband. I am so very grateful to have him by my side, encouraging me to reach for the stars. 

So with great anticipation, and pride, I introduce to you, Hoot & Bumble- my handmade business brand.

For some sneak peeks at what I'm working on, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. You can also check out The Shop & Studio in Delaware City to find my items and much more!

You can also reach me at HootandBumble@gmail.com. 

I'm following my dreams. Are you?