Artsy Mamas

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Erica, I am 30 years old and married to Todd for 8 years. We have 3 WONDERFUL boys: Matthew age 6, Jaden age 4, and Elijah age 2. I an elementary teacher at Ruby Major Elementary where I teach k-4 music class. I play flute and a little piano. I love food- cooking and baking it, and of course my favorite thing- EATING IT!!

What is Pretty Piece of Cake?
Pretty Piece of Cake is a home based bakery business I started 3 years ago after my sons birthday party. Everyone was asking for a cake like his, we made them for family at first and things grew by word of mouth. Due to lots of prayers and GOD'S blessings -we are now a husband and wife team that make cakes as a second job. We our still based out of our home but we are GROWING more and more everyday! We specialize in unique cake designs- such as 3D! We LOVE to take your ideas and turn them into something you can eat. The best part is they taste as good as they look. We only use the finest ingredients: butter, eggs (now using farm fresh!), milk, sugar, flour, etc. Our icing does NOT use shortening or oils, we are KNOWN for our tasty blend of swiss meringue icing.

What inspires you when you are making your cakes?
I am inspired by almost anything: I like to find out about the personality of the person, as well as hobbies, items of interest, or colors they like. We take clothes, cartoons, books, musical items, almost anything and turn it into cake!

How can we learn more about you and your business?
You can find more info, pictures, prices, flavors,ingredients and testimonials at our website.

Angelique, Can you please tell us about Bravo Ninos?

Bravo Niño’s is a Spring Hill Tennessee based business offering Spanish classes to children during the most crucial years of language development (2-5 years) through preschools, community centers and various other outlets. Our goal is to not only teach children Spanish but to instill in them a love for learning another language by focusing on fun interactive activities such as stories, songs, puppets, games and more.

Other than running your business, what keeps you busy?

My 5 yr. old daughter Karmen. She is a jewel. My husband travels a good bit so we get a lot of mother-daughter time in. I try hard to keep things balanced for her at home by limiting her tv time and involving her in activities like dance and piano. We also get artsy as much as possible by painting and attending locally produced plays. Last Friday we went to see a High School production of Beauty & the Beast and had such a good time.

What motivated you to create this educational program and what affect has it had on your life and the lives of your students?

The idea of such a program entered my head just as I was about to finish college. I went on to work for a performing rights organization instead. Four years later my little one came along and I was asked if I could teach a class at her preschool. I had a wonderful boss at the time that really believed in self enrichment and he helped me work out a schedule to accommodate this new venture. I kept this up for the next four years, along the way pondering a new career in teaching. It was clear to me that as my daughter got older, she needed more of my time and attention. It was also clear to me that I loved teaching Spanish to children! I took the leap of faith that my heart said was right and things fell into place. It has made a tremendously positive impact on me and my family. I now feel that I have a healthy balance of work and family in my life. It is also very gratifying to know that you are changing the lives of children by connecting them to the global world we live in through another language. I hope as they grow they will remember the excitement in my voice as I told them that “Spanish is a different and FUN way to talk”.

Where can we go to learn more about this program and how can people contact you?

You can learn more by visiting the website at www.bravoninos.com or by reading the newsletter at www.bravoninos.blogspot.com (here there is a list currently schedule open enrollment classes). If any preschools or other facilities would like to receive an information packet they can contact me via email at Angelique@bravoninos.com or call me at 615.479.5077.

Goodness. . .I think I've always been a photographer. Honestly, for as long as I can remember, I've had a camera in my hand. I started getting more interested in making sure my pictures were better than the normal snapshots when I was pregnant with my first son. I read several books, joined a few online photography forums, and started a blog with my pictures. My friends saw the pictures I had done of my son, and asked if I would take pictures of their little ones. . .from there it just began to spiral. . . and that's how it began.

What inspires you?
My two precious boys. They are both in bed right now, but just thinking about them makes me grin from ear to ear. I love being a mommy!
I think there are several things.
First, before I became a mom and a photographer, I taught third and fourth grade. To be a good teacher, you must connect with each one of your students. They must trust you, have fun with you while learning, etc. So, I know that I must implement that with each of my clients, especially the kids! Some of the children's parents I photograph probably think I'm crazy. . .especially when I'm barking like a dog or singing silly songs, etc., but the kids love it!

Second, I strive to make each shoot better than the last. I try to find out what my client's love. If that means going and buying something good to eat during the shoot, purchasing a huge handful of balloons, or packing my van to the tip top with props, such as a table and chairs for a tea party, I'm going to do it!!! I also love to drive around with my boys and find new shooting locations. I like to have backgrounds in my photos that many of the photographers in my area don't. What one person may see as an ugly junk spot, I see it as a potentially cool location for an upcoming shoot!!!

Finally, I take on a limited number of sessions per month to give each of my clients individual attention and quality service. I pay attention to every detail and give each picture 100% in my digital darkroom. A client never sees an unedited piece of my art.
Being a mommy and a wife comes first. That's why it is so great that I only take on a limited number of clients per month. My family is SO important to me, as is each of the clients I photograph. I will tell you that if you drop by my house unannounced, expect it to be dirty! Although, I love a clean house, it seems housework definitely goes by the way side. During my boys' naps, I edit. I love to go to bed at the same time as my husband, so alot of times we will go to bed at the same time. We'll talk about our day, etc. Many times, he will get in his "sleep spot", and I'll get up and finish editing a session, answer emails, etc. That's what is so wonderful about this hobby. I'm not calling it a job, because it's so fun, so it's my hobby! I can do it late at night or early in the morning, or during naps! That's just too cool!!! I'm just so thankful that God has given me a talent that I can share with others, and especially one that I enjoy so much! He is so awesome!
My website is: www.jessicaleighphotography.com

My blog is www.jessicaleighblog.blogspot.com

I am a 22 year old photographer and mother to two children. I have been a professional photographer for 6 years now and have an Associate of Arts degree majoring in Photography. I specialize in capturing artistic and
modern portraits of expecting mothers, childbirth, newborns, babies, young children and their families. I serve Nashville, TN and surrounding Middle TN areas.

I am very active in my community and volunteer my time quite often for adoptive families in the Middle TN area, through the amazing organization Celebrating Adoption. I also have recently started up my own non-profit organization called Jonathan's Gift. Jonathan's Gift is a special program that celebrates the amazing beauty of cleft lip/palate babies/children and their families, through beautiful portraits they can forever cherish. The inspiration behind starting Jonathan's Gift is my 3 year old son, Jonathan. Jonathan was born with a severe cleft palate and now has several other special needs. I want to show the world the amazing beauty and strength of cleft babies and their parents.

Being a professional photographer does not happen over night. It takes years of practice, education, time, money and hard work to be at the top
of your game. Education is never ending. Also, don't jump into business right away. What's the rush? Saying you are in business after only owning a camera for a few weeks is like shooting yourself in the foot. Learn the craft. I mean really learn the craft. Build your knowledge of not only the technical and business aspects of photography but also the ethical aspects. Also, be passionate in what you do. Immerse yourself in the art of
photography and pour your heart and soul into it. The results will be worth the wait!

You can view my blog at: findingtheartinlife.com
http://www.angelacrutcherphotography.com
615-643-8275