Country Garden Stitchery & Deer Hill Farm Cross Stitching

Featured Designer

Cathie Richardson of

 

 

How long have you been a stitcher and how did you first learn about stitching?

I've been stitching since my children were little.   I first learned about stitching growing up.  I remember hand embroidered dresser scarves around the house and my grandmothers doing different kinds of needlework.  I began stitching with cross stitch kits with the designs printed on the fabric.    One of the first designs I tried to make was a little pink sampler for my daughter when she was a born, but my son found it and my scissors too and started cutting and that was the end of that one!    I also discovered I enjoyed drawing about the same time. My husband and I would take the kids out into the desert to explore and I would draw the old rock houses, old structures, neat gnarly trees and whatever else I could find. I decided to try my hand at designing my own patterns, putting my drawing interest with the cross stitch interest and I eventually added hand embroidery patterns.

 

How long have you been in business?

My business didn't begin at a certain time, it has gradually evolved into what it is today. I've learned a lot about myself in the process and it has been a wonderful and exciting experience seeing it come together.  I really enjoy working with other needlecraft artists and learning about the industry, trends and products.   I design needlework patterns from my drawings and have come to use the drawings on gift items, fabric and greeting cards as well.  

 

What are a few of your favorite themes when designing a pattern?

I enjoy working with garden and nature themes and my designs always have those elements in them.  I enjoy drawing daily all year round.  I take my journal outside and find something to draw whether it is something in my summer garden or an interesting shriveled weed in winter.  I draw when we travel and look at my journals for inspiration when designing. 

 

How do you compare the products that are available in today's market compared to 10 years ago, and how that has changed your designs over time?

I am excited about all the wonderful products available to stitchers now.  The beautiful fabrics and threads are so inspiring!  I almost always use hand dyed linens and flosses in my designs.   The colors are fabulous and add so much to the designs I like to do.  My designs have become smaller over time and I really like this because they are easy to finish with sewing or framing and to take on trips.   I like to use just one color sometimes in my designs for a monochromatic effect for subtle blending of colors in the fabrics and variegated flosses.  

 

How important is social media in the cross-stitch industry and how do you make use of it for your company?

I feel social media is very important in the cross stitch industry to keep people aware of new designs, trends and keeping the craft alive.  I use several social media sites for my business including facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, and enjoy sharing projects on my blog and Flickr.  I appreciate the feedback I get from people on my blog and facebook pages.  I also like to browse and keep up with what is new with the industry and just be a part of the whole process.   I think it is a great way to inspire people to create and hopefully attract new stitchers too. 

 

A Little Bit About Cathie

 

What are your three favorite books?

I enjoy reading mystery stories and Sue Grafton is a favorite author of mine.  Unfortunately, I'm almost at the end of the alphabet so have found another author to try ~ Sue Henry who writes mysteries that take place in Alaska (a state on my list of places to visit).   I also enjoy drawing, gardening, hiking and just being outdoors.   I like to watch older movies, movies that are set in places I'd like to visit or set in foreign countries such as "The Good Year" and "Out of Africa".  I like to sew new things for my home like a new pillow or a set of placemats.   I really like doing this for the change of seasons and holidays. 

 

Would you share a little about your family?

My family and I live in Fallon, Nevada and we enjoy the outdoors.  My husband and I have been married twenty years and we have two children and a funny cat named Douglas.  My son graduated from high school and just started college.  My daughter is a senior and has plans to attend college next year.  We really enjoy going to Lake Tahoe to hike and play in the water ~ when it finally warms up!   We used to ski but have started to become a little more afraid of broken bones so I've been trying to talk my husband into going snowshoeing with me, hopefully this winter.   We explore the desert whenever we can visiting old ghost towns and seeing what else we can find.  

 

Would you share a favorite recipe?

My daughter makes these cookies for our family a lot and it is one of our favorite recipes.  We also add chopped apricots to the recipe.

        White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

        Preheat oven to 350 F.

        1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

        1 tsp. baking soda

        1/2 tsp. salt

        1 tsp. ground cinnamon

        1 cup butter or margarine softened

        3/4 cup granulated sugar

        3/4 cup packed brown sugar

        2 large eggs

        1 tsp. vanilla extract or grated peel of one orange

        3 cups quick or old fashioned oats

        1 cup white chocolate chips

        1 1/2 cups dried cranberries  

        Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.  Gradually beat in flour mixture.  Stir in oats, cranberries, and white chocolate chips.  Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.  Bake for 10-12 minuts.  Cool on baking sheets for 1-2 minutes then remove to wire rack to cool completely.  

 

What are you three greatest achievements?

I'm still working on achieving some things that make me feel great, but then maybe my standards are too high.  I do have one thing though, my children are on good healthy paths and I do feel great about that.    

 

If you could be an animal, which would you pick and why?

If I could be an animal I would choose to be a bird I think.  At first I thought LION!!! King of the jungle but that's too much for me.  Then I thought monkey because they seem so friendly and like they really have fun jumping from tree to tree and playing all the time.  But a bird gets to fly and be free in the sky and I like that.                       

Featured Shop -

Deer Hill Farm Cross Stitching

1225 Rt. 9-G

Suite D

Hyde Park, NY 12538

845-229-0246

Pat Athanas

How long have you been a stitcher and how did you first learn about stitching?
My grandmother taught me to crochet, knit and stitch on stamped fabric,  Sadly, when I was 10, she was killed in a car accident.  I gave it up and becoming a teenager, I guess boys were more important. You know the old saying" boy if I knew then what I know now" I was teaching crocheting at a local craft store about 30 years ago and the owner gave me a little cross stitch owl kit and I was hooked.

How long have you been in business?
I have been in business 22 years so i carry many supplies to do with cross stitching.  Some of the supplies I carry are leaflets,threads(gentle Art, Weeks, Caron, DMC, Soie d Alger and Rainbow Gallery. fabrics all sizes and colors,lots of gadgets, button beads and silk ribbons.

What are some of the biggest changes in the industry you've seen since you've been in business?
The biggest change I have seen is the Internet. I love it for looking up what is new and ordering, but I do not have a web site.  Personally,  I like the personal touch with customers, showing them the different color fabrics and threads and how the design can be changed withe the different fabric, threads, button and beads. I love meeting new customers from close and afar, and have made some really nice friends through my business. I think the Internet has hurt many of the brick and mortar shops with so many people shopping on line.  Shopping on line I think you can't  see the subtle difference in fabrics and threads, like you can in person.

Who are some of your personal favorite designers?
Some of my favorite designers are Just Nan, Sweetheart Tree,  Rosewood Manor, JBW Designs and Lizzie Kate.  I really like them all I even like doing the Mill Hill Bead kits.

Have you attended a TNNA trade show, and if so what are your thoughts on them?
I have attended several trade show in the earlier years of the shop. In the las few I have not because traveling is such a hassle.  I loved Charlotte, that was a good show.  I am going to try a cash and carry show this year because I can drive, I think it should be a good one.

A Little Bit About Pat!

Besides stitching and running your business, what are a few things you enjoy in your free time?
Besides stitching I enjoy traveling in our motor home when we have time.

Would you share a little about your family?
I have been married 52 years and have-lived in Hyde Park our whole lives, we have 3 sons and 5 Grandchildren.  We just returned fro a week at Hershey with our grandson(10)  who wore us out.

What types of books do you like to read?
I love to read, in between the stitching.  I can say I don't have a favorite author, I just love to read.  The latest funny readings have been Janet Evanovich , her Stephanie Plum series and I really like James Patterson.

None of us are perfect - tell us about something that embarrassed you!
Embarrassing moments happen to me quite often, I think its my blonde roots.  One of the most embarrassing times i remember , you know you try to forget them,. A customer came in the store and had gained some weight and I asked her if she was pregnant again.  I don't know who was more embarrassed.

Would you like to share a favorite recipe?
I love any kind of seafood , this is my most favorite recipe and easy to make.

Shrimp Scampi

8oz thin spaghetti

oil

6-8 cloves of garlic

1 can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup white cooking wine

1/4 cup  lemon juice

1/2 tsp sugar

4 scallions

1 lb medium shrimp cleaned

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp basil

3 tsp Parmesan cheese

Cook spaghetti while  preparing sauce.  Saute garlic, add tomatoes cook 5 minutes

Pour in wine , lemon juice, sugar, red pepper, pepper and scallions cook 7 minutes.  Add shrimp cook until pink about 4-5 minutes.  Stir in basil and cheese.  Toss with spaghetti

Baltimore NEWS!

I have zipped my very full suitcase, and all of the boxes are being delivered today for the TNNA Baltimore trade show.  We are ready to roll!  Matt and I will be flying out tonight, and we are both excited to see all of our favorite shops, and fellow vendors there!  This show isn't open to the public, but we hope you will all visit your LNS after the show to get all of the new GOODIES!

When I am getting ready for a show, I always set up the show here at Norden so that I have pictures to refer to when we get there.  This helps me to make sure I have EVERYTHING that I need for when we get there.  I'd love to post pics of my pre-set up, but I don't want to spoil the fun for all of you that are attending!  So I thought I would give you a little run down of some of the goodies that we will be bringing, so you can make your shopping lists!

* Daylight LED Lamp/Flashlight
* Daylight LED Foldi Lamp
* DMC Memory Thread
* Mighty Bright Travelflex, and Pocketflex Lights
* Gloriana Chenille Trim
* Just Another Button Company Handful of Buttons
* Scissor Tip Protectors
* NEW Needle Safes
* SHOW DEBUT - Thread Zapp II
* LOTS AND LOTS OF SCISSORS!
* Thread Palettes Galore - including a darling BRAND NEW Pumpkin!
* SHOW EXCLUSIVE - One of a Kind Sewn Portfolios, Ort Collectors, Pull-Up Card Holders
* John James Needles
* Piecemaker Needles
* R&R Linen
* R&R Chenille, and Rick Rack Trims
* Stitch Happy Totes
* Weeks Dye Works Linens
* Zweigart Cut Sale!!!

Models and Designs By:

* C Street Samplerworkes
* Country Stitches (With thy Needle & Thread)
* Ewe & Eye
* Homespun Elegance
* Heart in Hand
* Indygo Junction
* Lizzie Kate - we will have THE Mystery Sampler - come see the original!
* Pineberry Lane
* Queenstown Sampler Designs - Barbara will be visiting us in our room!  Make sure you stop by and say HI!!!

Make sure you stop by our room and 525 this weekend to say hi!!

Shepherd's Bush & Fancimats & More (Littleton, CO) - Norden's Needleworkers

Tina and Teri of Shepherd's Bush

How long have you been a stitcher and how did you first learn about

stitching?

Because we are sisters, we share some common experiences from our

childhood. We grew up in a family that loved creating things together, so it

seemed like someone always had a project spread out on the kitchen table.

Sometimes it was our brothers and their monster models or paint by number

sets, and sometimes it was our parents cooking for days preparing for

enormous neighborhood backyard barbecues. But from the time that we

could hold a needle, our oldest sister had us embroidering stacks of dish

towel sets. You know the kind: Aunt Martha’s iron on transfers with a

different design for each day of the week. We still sell these in our shop, and

it always makes us smile.



Here's a SNEEK PEEK of the
NEW STOCKING COMING THIS MONTH!



When did you begin designing your own patterns and how did that turn into a business?

When I was in college, I got a job at a knitting store. After Teri graduated from high school, she came to work there when I went to Germany to school for a year. A year or two later while we were both finishing college and still working at the knit shop, the owner brought back a huge box of Aida cloth and a few patterns from Ginnie Thompson and Leisure Arts. She said that this was the newest thing at the market and could we figure out what to do with it. She never had any interest in it, but we took to it with a passion. Teri stitched her first piece on 11 count Aida--with brown floss--of a farmer and his wife for my sister’s in-laws, and for some mysterious reason the wife ended up at least 30 stitches taller than her husband. I was surprised, but she was undaunted, framed it up, and gave it to them for Christmas. It hung on their wall for years. Oh well, it could only go up from there. We then began to design patterns to go with the patterned pillow fabrics in the knit shop and I began to do freelance designing for a friend of ours who had begun Vanessa Ann Designs.

In 1984, we left the knitting business to open a cross stitch store of our own

in an historic building that had been built as a carriage/blacksmith shop. We

completely renovated the space and embarked on the adventure of a lifetime.

After 4 years of designing kits and patterns for our customers and handdyeing

the fabrics for a line of 5 little sampler kits, we decided to take them

to the market in Charlotte, NC. We had a tiny booth in the furthest back

corner of the upper floor and were scared to death. But we couldn’t wait to

go back the next year--and have never stopped.

What are a few of your favorite themes when designing a pattern?

With a name like Shepherd’s Bush, how can we not love sheep. Teri also

loves her bees and beehives--after all Utah is the Beehive State. She loves all

holidays and delights in creating designs to celebrate the seasons. I have

always loved samplers and have enjoyed creating my own versions of them

with different stitches and techniques. I love working on tiny count linens

and Teri--who claims to have bad eyes--loves to work on the fun larger count

fabrics. However, I know that she can stitch over 1 thread as well as anyone.

I like to stitch my own pieces so that I can change the design and colours as I stitch. But my good friend, Lynnette, always stitches my stockings for me

each year. Watch for our newest addition the middle of September. ( Teri

begs anyone she can find to stitch for her. ) We both draw our designs out

first with a pencil and graph paper. From there we stitch the piece, changing

the graph as we go. And once it is completely finished, we graph it for

printing. Teri uses a computer for the final graph because she knows how. I

have to do it with a pen and ink.

How do you compare the products that are available in today’s market

compared to 10 years ago, and how that has changed your designs over time?

Things have changed a lot over the past 30 years that we have been

designing. From Aida cloth and DMC cotton floss we have evolved to fine,

overdyed linens and overdyed silk and cotton threads. We began

embellishing our pieces with beads, charms and buttons many years ago and

have loved the relationships we have fostered with all our embellishment

companies. How much more fun it has been these past few years to embark

Bird Song

on a piece and have so many beautiful fabrics, fibers, and buttons to choose from. I think that one of the true joys of the needlework market today is the connections we have with so many other creative people in the designing of a

single piece of needlework.

How important is social media in the cross-stitch industry and how do you

make use of it for your company?

I think that social media is certainly the way of the present and the future, but Teri and I are not really the best at it. It takes a lot of time, and what we would rather be doing is stitching. That being said, we do try to stay up with

the current trends which means--websites, blogs, and Facebook--which we neither understand nor execute very well. Thank heavens for a child who can rescue us from our facebook dilemmas. We have had a website for many years and are now in the process of giving it a complete re-design. Can’t wait! We used to publish very elaborate newsletters back in the day, but it became so unwieldy to produce and mail, that blogging has been an easier and more expeditious substitute. Our goal is to write it once a week and we generally write it once a quarter. (Working on improving that, too.) And Facebook is simply a huge puzzle to me. Teri is much better with it and when she posts something new in the shop it is amazing to me how many comments and calls we get about it. So I guess the moral is: keep up with the times. If you are inclined, please visit our website:

www.shepherdsbush.net

Have you ever exhibited at or attended a TNNA trade show, and if so what are your thoughts on it?

We have attended needlework markets every year since we opened our shop

in 1984, and we have shown our designs there for almost that long. Markets

are a lot of very hard work whether we are shopping for the store or selling

our own kits and patterns, but there is also nothing more fun or energizing.

We have met the loveliest people--shopowners and other designers and

exhibitors--and look forward each year to seeing everyone again. I know that

it would be easier and less costly to use the internet as a substitute for the

markets, but I cannot even imagine missing out on the great opportunity of

talking to customers and friends in person, or flying around from room to

room or booth to booth and see new things in person. We have truly made

the best friends of a lifetime attending the needlework markets.

What are your three favorite books?

In order to not take up any more space, I told Teri that we had to agree on the same 3 books. But then we couldn’t decide on just three, so we had to list four plus...2 of them are entire series. OK, we both love to read almost as

much as we love to stitch.  Winter Solstice by Rosamond Pilcher. (We each read or listen to this book every November/December. You might think that we would get tired of it--but we don’t)

A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff

The Three Pines series by Louise Penny--the newest one is coming out

shortly!

The Duncan Kincaid mysteries by Deborah Crombie--we want Masterpiece

Theater to pick these up.

What are your three favorite movies?

My husband thinks we share a brain, so why wouldn’t they be the same 3

movies.

1. Pride and Prejudice--of course the Colin Firth version. But I am totally in

for the Kiera Knightly movie as well. Or any other Jane Austin movie made

after 1990.

2. The Wedding Date

3. Enchanted April--this has gotten Teri through so many projects she has

worn out the disc and has to now stream it on Netflix.



Tall Sheep



What kind of music do you like to listen to?

We always have music playing at the shop. In the front of the shop Teri has a

wonderful playlist of calm and beautiful instrumental soundtracks...Pride and

Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Chocolat, The King’s Speech. She is the

most delighted when customers shout out the name of the movie that the

current piece is from. She also insists on adding in her large collection of

hammered dulcimer pieces that make you want to dance--or at least dance on

back to the back.

We in the back of the shop have a more eclectic playlist which can include

anything from the Beatles, Peter, Paul and Mary, Coldplay, David Francie.

We have recently added a delightful album to our mix: Red Rock Rondo.

You have to find it on itunes to enjoy this one yourself. It is out of Southern

Utah. We used to have a few recordings of Michael Buble, but Christian

refers to it as geezer pop and has been trying to delete them all.

Would you like to share a favorite recipe?

Martha's Potato Saladby Martha Richards

• Ingredients:

• 3--5 cooked potatoes--chopped and peeled

• 1 red onion--chopped

• 4 hard boiled eggs

• Cottage cheese

• Mayonnaise

• salt and pepper

Directions:

This salad is made in layers. Start with a layer of chopped

potatoes; sprinkle 1 tablespoon of onion and one chopped egg on top of

potatoes. Spread 3 heaping tablespoons of cottage cheese and 3 heaping

tablespoons of mayonnaise over the top. Sprinkle salt and pepper (to

taste) on top of cottage cheese and mayo. Repeat this layer 3--4 times.

Garish with eggs and leave in layers and stir just before serving.

Our sister-in-law Martha has been making this potato salad for years and

it is always a favorite at our Spring and Summer barbecues.

Do you have any pets?

Teri has two delightful cats: Puff and Lance--both girls and both named by

my 8-year old when they were born on a towel under his bed. Many years

ago.

I have a beagle named Lindbergh, a husband named Bob, and two boys

named Peter and Christian who are also a lot like pets.

Featured Shop

FanciMats & More

5654 S. Prince St. #B

Littleton, CO  80120

303-738-9825

www.fancimats.com

cindy@fancimats.com

How long have you been a stitcher and how did you first learn about stitching?

I remember being taught how to crochet by my Grandma when I was about 8.  (I still have that first chain I made and it has seen better days).  Then I was taught how to embroider shortly after that by my Great Grandma.  That is all I can remember her doing is embroidering something.   I was crafty on and off through High School and then when I moved in with a very good girlfriend, a gal where she was working showed her how to cross stitch.  So every night she came home I would watch her and see the progress, well before long I was sitting next to her and the next thing you know the needle was in my hand.  I’m very proud to say Debbie is the reason for me to have FanciMats & More to this day.  And she is more than a huge help to me…she may not stitch much but she sure has wonderful idea’s and is always helping me do something in the shop. 

How long have you been in business?

I’m working on year 5 (it was a pre-owned shop) and that will be a huge accomplishment come February 1, 2013……It has definitely been a journey and a very interesting chapter in my life.  I look back and think of all I’ve learned and how many wonderful customers, vendors and designers have come into my life.  I’ve also dealt with many life changing events that I never would have imagined 5 years ago.  I’m a firm believer everything happens for a reason! 

Who are some of your personal favorite designers?

Blackbird Designs, Little House Needleworks, Lizzie Kate, With Thy Needle, Shepherds Bush…..It is hard to pick as they are all so creative and wonderful and very unique in their own ways!!! 

What types of events do you offer at your store?

Stitch Day is the first Thursday of every month from 1 – 4.  Stitch Nights are the 2^nd and last Wednesday of every month from 4 – 8.  All stitch times are wonderful and growing with the number of ladies who come in to stitch.  A pot luck has also been started on the 2^nd Wednesday of every month….lots of great food!

I try and host a few different Sunday Retreats within the shop, which I always try to have a theme.  I generally provide Breakfast, Lunch, a snack and drinks and then 2 projects.  And it lasts all day long!!  My themes have ranged from Halloween, Valentine, French  but my favorite so far has been the Royal Wedding Retreat…I’m a Royal Freak….so when they announce there is going to be a baby…Yep….I’m going to have a Baby Shower Retreat….Stay tuned for that as I have some ideas that will be fun but rewarding for low income expecting mom’s.  

Royal Wedding Retret...My Aunt Connie, Beefeater, Mom and Me at the Royal Retreat.  And yes he stood like this for an hour.  He was GREAT!!!  And the attendees LOVED him!!

I have had just a few Stitching Day’s as well…..I’ll provide food and no projects!!  These have gone over really well as a lot of ladies want to work on Un-finished projects.  I hosted a Stitching Night about a week before Halloween last year and it was fun.  I ordered pizza, had drinks and pumpkin bars and we stitched late into the night.  This will definitely be an annual event. 

I have offered box, easel and Russian Punch Needle classes in the past.  And I do feel really bad as I need to schedule time for these before year end.  Where does time go? 

Is there an event or promotion that you offer that you feel is incredibly successful that you’d like to share? 

I just had my first contest, Santa Contest.  I gave customer’s 6 months to get their favorite Santa stitched (or they could enter a piece already stitched).  My 2 biggest rules were it had to be a finished piece and I had to be able to obtain the pattern in order to sell it.  You know how it works, when someone sees something finished they want it!  I was figuring I would have maybe 12 Santa’s, wrong!!  I had 30 Santa’s and it turned out more than wonderful.  I even had Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in the shop on a Saturday and of course I had homemade cookies sat out every day.   It went over so well I’m planning on another contest in January…Hearts!!  And then in July 2013 it will be a Snowman Contest.  First place was $100.00, 2^nd place $50.00 and 3^rd place $25.00 ---Gift Certificates to the shop!    

 A Bit About Cindy Edwards -

Besides stitching and running your own business, what are a few things you enjoy in your free time? 

I love to be in the kitchen!!  Cooking is another passion and actually I’m a better baker than anything.  I have a great collection of cookbooks…..very similar to cross stitching….I get them out and go through them ‘often’.  And Yes I do use them!    

I spend a lot of time with Family and Friends as they are very important to me.  Whether it is just dinner, a bar-b-que, breakfast out on a Sunday morning or maybe just cocktails!!  It is all good and very enjoyable. 

I also try my best to just relax, running a business can take a toll on you!  And when relaxing of course I enjoy my stitching…my hands seem to be busy all of the time!   As my Great Grandma would say ‘Idle  hands are the work of the devil’. 



Love the Pioneer Woman...Yes I stood in line for 4 hours to get signed cookbooks and a picture.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

I’m a Holiday Girl!!!  But if I had to pick one it would be Thanksgiving!  It is not only the food, the parade in the early morning and then football all day but the reason for the day!!  It is to be Thankful and there is always so much to be Thankful for!!  It also kicks off the most wonderful time of the year!!! 

-Would you share a favorite recipe?

My Aunt Judy made this years ago…It was so good then and is still SO good and so sinful!!!  Easy to make and everyone loves it!!  I’ve had it in the shop often and it is a very big hit! 

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Ball

1 8oz Cream Cheese – softened

1 t Vanilla

2 T. Brown Sugar

½ c. butter – softened

16 oz powdered sugar

Beat the above ingredients until smooth.

Stir in ¾ c. chocolate chips

Chill Ball and then roll in chopped pecans.

Serve with Graham Crackers.

-Who has influenced you most in your personal life?

This is hard to just pick one person!!!  For everyone that knows me they will probably know I pick Mom as number one!!  She is the person who has made me the woman I am today.  Plus she helps me more than she will ever know, not only in my personal life but in the shop.  I look up to her A LOT and of course I want to be just like her…..And in reality I am.  We joke we are sisters and not Mother and Daughter.  My Aunt Connie would be number two….She is a rock to me and a very good sounding board when I need it.  She is always so positive and sees the good in everything!!  And then I would have to say my Great Grandma!!  I had her in my life until I was 18 and she is still in my heart very much so.  I live in her house which makes me feel so good!!  But I think of her often and wish she could see what I’m doing now and I would LOVE to know what she would think.   And from a business stand point I would have to say a boss I had in the corporate world…..he taught me a lot about business and still does to this day.  If I ever needed any help with the business I know I could count on him.  He is not only a mentor to me but a life time friend I will have and appreciate him very much so. 

Mom and I at a VERY good friends Wedding!

What are your achievements so far? 

I managed a reconciliation department for a Title Insurance Company for 11 years.  At one point I was responsible for 102 bank accounts and an average daily balance of 2.2 million dollars.  It took a lot of time and hours but I was able to get all accounts on a daily reconciliation….so today we would balance yesterday’s activity.  This was to know exactly where the accounts stood at all times and to mitigate fraud.  And then I was able to get the daily work into a paperless environment.   Very big achievement for me!!  So looking back now and owning a business I just tell myself I can do this and I can make it work and be successful.     My second achievement then would be being a Woman Business Owner.  It is not always what it is cracked up to be but I’m still standing after almost 5 years so I think, no I know  I can make it…and make it work for me!!!