{Local Ladies} Victoria Gaines

Your Name: Victoria Gaines

Business Name: BeadifulSoul

City: Atlanta,GA

Year Established: April 2011

Etsy Website: http://www.BeadifulSoul.etsy.com

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/BeadifulSoul

Personal Blog/Website: http://victoriagaines.com (Light for the Creative Soul)

Do you have a location or are you exclusively online?

I sell exclusively online right now. 

Tell us about your product

 I love designing classy, elegant, and timeless jewelry. My aim is to always craft something beautiful, sturdy, and affordable ~ memorable, artistic jewelry that's fun to wear. For that reason, I only work with quality components, mainly sterling silver, plated silver, copper, bronze,or gold-filled.  Semi precious stones, luminescent shell beads, glass pearls, andsparkly Swarovski and Czech crystals ALL make lovely Beadiful Souldesigns, which I try to hand-select in person before buying. My signature bracelets include some very sparkly Swarovski crystals with an AB (aurora borealis) finish for that shimmery pop factor ♥

What made you want to start a business?

 Actually, my daughter and a couple friends urged me to sell my jewelry when they first saw my handcrafted designs. I had been making jewelry sets for birthdays and Christmas gifts for a few years and enjoyed bead collecting. It wasn't until my husband lost his job earlier this year that I seriously considered showcasing my creations online. By then, the time was right, and necessity being the mother of invention, I found myself eager to take this creative journey to the next level. Since then my custom orders have kept me busy while building my Etsy shop. I love playing with color palettes and textures, learning new techniques, and getting wonderful feedback that comes from happy customers.

What’s your favorite thing about owning your own business?

 For me, it's really about flexibility and the opportunity to bless others through this creative process. Being able to work from home is the perfect scenario for me.

Any advice you’d give someone looking to turn their hobby into something more?

 Pray about it. Listen to the voices that affirm your God-given talents and abilities, and move in the direction of your dreams. Those who know you and care about you, will speak truth into your life, encourage you, and nurture your creativity. Building a business is a lot of hard work, and sometimes lonely, so surround yourself with plenty support and look for opportunities.  

These little babies will be mine soon!

 
What inspires you?

 Beautiful photography, art, colorful fashion, music, and good writing. When I'm zapped of creative energy, I'm usually refreshed in the company of other artistic people, but I find inspiration everywhere.   

Tell us about yourself, family, interests:

 My husband and I are empty-nesters but we're blessed with a trio of granddaughters who keep us entertained and well loved. We enjoy craft shows and festivals, cookouts, a good movie now and then, drives to the countryside, and family get-togethers. I love to write, paint, dabble in mixed media art, and decorate cakes.  My husband is a two-time cancer survivor who totally supports my "house of beads."

 
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?

 Probably shopping for beads or having a sleepover with my granddaughters:-)

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

 That would most definitely be organic dark chocolate with almonds and sea salt. ♥

 Mmmm...that sounds amazing!

Where is your dream vacation spot?

 France ~ my father's homeland. But a weekend up in the North Georgia Mountains is dreamy,too. Give me a log cabin, hot jacuzzi bath, and some village craft shops, and I'm good to go.

Thanks so much, Victoria! I love your jewelry! I can't wait to own my little piece of Beadiful Soul!
Victoria has been so kind as to donate two of her beautiful creations to two lucky followers- one pair of snowman earrings and one bangle bracelet! 
Simply go Like Beadiful Soul and Hugghins Photography, then leave a comment here or on one of our walls!
Contest ends Friday 11/11!!

{Local Ladies} Jenny Williams

Your Name: Jenny Williams

Business Name: Josie’s Jewels, LLC

City: Canton, GA

Year Established: 2011

Website: www.josiesjewels.com

Facebook: www.facebook.josiesjewels.com

  

Do you have a location or are you exclusively online?

Exclusively online

Tell us about your product:

Josie’s Jewels sells boutique hair accessories including bow & flower headbands, beanies, feathers, clippies & more.

What made you want to start a business?

I’ve always wanted to own my own business, but I never could pinpoint what it was I really wanted to do. When my daughter was born, Josie became the inspiration I was looking for to get started! I realized how hard it was to find quality hair bows and flowers for her in the stores around town. So, Josie’s Jewels was born! We are more passionate than ever in creating fun and unique hair accessories for all of the “jewels” out there!

What’s your favorite thing about owning your own business?

I get to be a stay-at-home mom and own my own business – it’s the best of both worlds!

Any advice you’d give you someone looking to turn their hobby into something more?

Save up and start with CASH! Start small – don’t try to take on the world and your biggest competitors all at once. Maintain a healthy balance of work and family. Pace yourself, find your niche and go for it!

What inspires you?

Everything around me! I find the colors just in nature inspire my best color combinations and designs – taking a walk around the block can really help get the creative juices flowing! Combine that with some good driving music and maybe a quick shopping trip to check out the latest styles and trends for the season, and I’m ready to get to work!

Tell us about yourself, family, interests:

 I’m married and a stay-at-home mom of two. My husband is my biggest supporter, and I couldn’t be more thankful for him being the love of my life! My children are an absolute joy! When I was younger, I never imagined having children and was solely focused on my career. Little did I know what God had in store for me! Let’s just say, I’m thankful He knows me better than I do, and I’m humbled at the most amazing life He has led me to! I am a member of First Baptist Church Woodstock. I enjoy singing and playing tennis.

Where can we find you when you aren’t working?

Spending time with my family or at church.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

My friend, Gretchen’s homemade red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing!!!

Where is your dream vacation spot?

 Italy/Greece

Thanks so much, Jenny! I am in love with those curled feathers! So elegant!

And she has been so gracious and is offering her Halloween feather headband (pictured in the first image) to one lucky reader! All you have to do is Like Josie's Jewels and Hugghins Photography on Facebook, then leave your comment here or on either Page! Share the blog link for an extra entry!
Contest ends Friday 10/7!

If you are feeling like you gotta have some of these for your little lady, check out Jenny's Etsy Shop

{Local Ladies} Kimberly Slagle

Today's local lady is a Tutu designer on a mission! 

Your Name: Kimberly Slagle
Business Name: Tutu Dreamy, Dreamy Designs for every Princess
City: Loganville
Year Established: 2010
Website:Facebook: www.facebook.com/tutudreamy

Do you have a location or are you exclusively online? Online

Tell us about your business:I make tutu and tutu accessories for charities and auction donations. Every item I make is handcrafted and all items include some tulle on them, making them all Tutu Dreamy. A few of my items are basic tutus to tutu outfits. My accessories start with nylon tutu flower headbands and hair clips, tushy tutus for babies, tutu wands and flowers, tutu leg warmers and leggings,  tutu pens, and yes even some request for doggy tutus. Currently I am working with PTSD & TBI awareness ribbons on facebook. They will be having an auction the 16th of October. This organization means a lot to me as both my husband and my father are military. In addition, my husband suffers from a TBI and  my father suffers from PTSD.
www.AwarenessRibbonsPTSD.com

   

You recently made the decision to devote your talents exclusively to charities. How did you come to that decision?

The decision to take this route was not mine, but God's nudge on my heart. Through our tragedy of my husband's TBI, God has turned it into a blessing and has made our lives better because of it. I simply want to help anyone out there in need or in a tough spot.

What made you want to start a business?

I started my business because of my little princesses love of tutus. Ones online cost too much money, so I decided to try to do it myself. It just took off from there, I found something I love to do.

What’s your favorite thing about owning your own business?

I have owned my own business for over 10 years, I used to be a massage therapist. I love it! The flexibility to be with my family and do things I like do, makes it worth the while and my favorite things about owning my own business. 

What inspires you?
My daughter! She is creative and loves dress up. She has ideas of what she wants for a tutu and I go from there.

Tell us about yourself, family, interests:
I am 36 and have lived in Loganville for about 2 1/2 years. I'm originally from Texas, but moved here from San Diego. My husband is a retired Marine of 20 years and we have 1 daughter, Kadence, who is 4. Kadence has two half sisters, Alex and Hanna. We love all the time we have to be with family. Our interest include- our Church, Graystone Church, again our family, and helping with VA military related issues. Actually, the yellow tutu shown is for a Facebook auction in mid October for, PTSD and TBI Awareness Ribbon, as my husband suffers from a TBI and my father PTSD both military related.

 

Where can we find you when you aren’t working?

At home or church with my family.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasure is probably watching Teen mom!

Where is your dream vacation spot?

Any hotel, it doesn't matter if its in the same city. There is just something about staying at a hotel. :)

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Kimberly! Go show her Facebook page some love!

I love to see local talents using their businesses to help out in the community! What better way to share your gifts with others! If you would like more information on the charities Kimberly is currently working with or to make a donation, you can contact her at Tutudreamy@ymail.com

{Local Ladies} Shana Feggeler

I'm so excited to finally begin a new blog series which has been on my mind for awhile now. I believe that small business owners should help eachother out and be eachothers biggest supporters in creating awareness of locally owned companies. I love being involved in my community and hope this may be one small way of contributing!

Onto the interview!

Meet Shana Feggeler- a local designer who specializes in hand-crafted accessories for children.

 Silly Beanz

Bethlehem, Ga

Year Established: 2008 (HOLY MOLY....I can't believe it's been that long)

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/SillyBeanz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sillybeanz

Do you have a location or are you exclusively online?  We are primarily online but my "studio" is stocked so if someone local wants to make an appointment to shop in person, our door is always open.  We also try to do local shows in the cooler weather (and when we have coverage for the kids)

Tell us about your product-  Our hair candy is hand crafted, designed with multi-functional use in mind, and we like to offer everything from the classic to the trendy.  We're expanding to include young adults and women by including jewelry and purse pretties.  I pride myself in using high quality supplies and I'm always looking for the special or unique items to make our product stand out in a crowd!

What made you want to start a business?  After buying several little hair clips for our first daughter, I said to myself, "I could make that!"  Each item is always an experiment at first which turns into "perfection".

What’s your favorite thing about owning your own business?  Being able to work at home and at my own pace.  I love that my friends come to me for custom items for their children and for themselves.  I recently made a filigree cuff bracelet with a mocha brown cameo for my best friend and I LOOOOVE how it came out.

What inspires you? God, Life, my Children

 

Tell us about yourself, family, interests:  I'm a stay at home mom to three wonderful "babies".  Our oldest, Alyson, just started kindergarten (boo hoo), Paul is in Pre-K, and Ella Jeanne is about to be 3.  Not babies anymore I guess.  My husband and I are native New Yorkers who moved to Georgia a few months after getting married in 2004.  We also have 4 dogs, all rescued through various organizations via Petfinder.com.  I love to cook and bake (as long as it's on the simple side), create when I have the time (which this year I will!  3 mornings a week with all 3 kids in school!), Zumba, Yoga, and a good laugh.  I like to think of myself as perfectly imperfect.  Life doesn't come with a set of instructions, so we embrace the "oops" moments that life throws at us. 

Where can we find you when you aren’t working?  with my husband and 3 kids at home or doing something fun, our church ( The Edge at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church)

Do you have any guilty pleasures? Lol,  of course!  Ice cream would be my number one guilty pleasure.  It's always in the freezer.  And I do actually enjoy watching Phineas and Ferb on Disney Channel.  Oh...and shoes and purses.  Love me some great shoes and purses.....but I'm usually wearing flip flops, crocs, or sneakers....go figure!

Where is your dream vacation spot?  anywhere with a beach!  I miss living on Long Island, NY because you could drive 30 minutes north or south and hit a beach!

 

Ok, I am loving those rings! Vintage is my new obsession!

Thanks so much Shana for being our very first interview! And because Shana is so generous, she is offering ONE headband with your choice of flower and ONE ring to two lucky blog readers!

TO ENTER: Simply fan both Hugghins Photography AND Silly Beanz on Facebook

Leave a comment below showing some love!

Winner will be chosen on Wednesday 8/24!