Artsy Mamas

Dos Amigas is a business that a friend and I started in May of this year. We teach Spanish to all ages of learners. We offer classes to home schoolers, church groups, Mommy and Me classes, Adult Education classes, Private tutoring, and even translation services. We are Spanish teachers for hire, and will do practically anything to satisfy any Spanish education needs.

Jennifer and I have both worked as public high school teachers for 5 years or so, and then decided to transition to staying home more with our own children. The flexible schedule that our business offers allows us time to raise our own children. We spend a lot of time answering questions about our business and marketing ourselves. Getting the word out inexpensively has been one of the biggest challenges. Maybe one day, when we are rich and famous, we can hire a professional to take on that aspect. I love teaching, but marketing has never been my strong point.

For me, leaving a secure 9-5er was a huge leap of faith that took (and still takes) many, many prayers. I feel sometimes like I have jumped off a cliff and asked God to catch me, literally. But, it is also exhilarating and rewarding. The sky's the limit when you own your own business. If you have ever considered owning your own business, go for it! Have a great product or service that you wholeheartedly love and believe in. Don't try to do something that you are not passionate about. And, of course surround yourself with positive, encouraging people that you can bounce ideas off of and that can help you spread the word. My partner Jennifer, has been instrumental in making contacts, coming up with lesson plans, and most importantly, encouraging me to give it try!

Check us out on the web: www.dosamigasteach.com
In the paper: http://www.murfreesboropost.com/news.php?viewStory=12273
Email: info@dosamigasteach.com

Who is Tamara Cosby?
I am a Christ Follower who wants to be IN LOVE with her Savior. I am a wife to one amazing (and sometimes frustrating) husband and mother to my 4 (yes, you read correctly) FOUR amazing children!

What inspired you to start making the shirts?
I LOVE Mini Boden clothing. I want to purchase my entire children's wardrobe from this company but realize how completely ridiculous that is...we live on one income so I can stay home with our children...so I started looking at the shirts and decided there was no way I couldn't figure out how to do them...so I started on one. It was cute. It wasn't REALLY cute (looking back) but it was cute...little by little I am gaining knowledge and figuring out what works and what doesn't. I am reaching an inner creativity I had NO IDEA I possessed and that is inspiring for me!

Part of the proceeds go to the Rescue Mission. What is that and why is it your charity of choice?
I chose the Rescue Center in Cazale, Haiti for a few of reasons...two of the most important reasons are Amos & Story...my sweet friends Jamie & Aaron's children who are currently living in Cazale. The Rescue Center is AMAZING. There are two women that work there tirelessly with a BUNCH of other people...they have over 50 children on a daily basis and they take care of them. They feed them protein (that is one thing missing TERRIBLY in Haiti) they change a gazillion diapers (I thought I had it bad with twins!) and they love on these sweet babies. This group amazes me EVERYDAY! I love reading their blog and I love their mission so I can't help but provide a little part of what I make to them...it's not enough...I wish I could give them our entire paycheck...
Any advice to others moms about how they might balance being mommies and pursuing and artistic endeavor at the same time?
Do something your kids will enjoy or benefit from. Seriously! I love making these shirts because my kids love to help with the designs or the color of the shirts...or anything! They have each drawn their own drawing for their favorite shirts...it's precious! I say just get the whole family involved! My hubby designed one of my favorite shirts for me! It's an old school police car and it turned out AWESOME!!! First and foremost, put your family before your endeavor...that goes a long way in your success!!!

For more information or to Contact Tamara, check our her shirt blog here.