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Introducing...Amy Costin of Giggleberry Creations
Tell us about your business:
Giggleberry Creations is the home of the unique pennant flag banners handmade by me.
My fabric banners are a great addition to any bedroom, nursery, picnic, cubby house, party…. Anywhere – how about using them to help your market stall stand out from the rest?
Giggleberry now has a great selection of fun cushion covers listed too!
I started selling these banners on Etsy (http://www.giggleberry.etsy.com) and now have them also listed on Lollishops (http://www.lollishops.com/giggleberry-creations). Through these sites I have been approached about wholesale deals so I now also supply two online children’s boutiques and a ‘brick and mortar’ children’s store in NSW, Australia.
The very best part is being home with my girls!! I love that I have the flexibility to do what I want everyday depending on what the business or life throws my way.
I’m a mamma to Milla who is 14 months old and step mamma to Felicity who is 8 and has severe autism. Felicity is with us half of the week and we are implementing a full time home based play therapy for her Autism so working from home gives me the freedom to be a major part of both the girls days while also working. We are also expecting a baby in February so life is busy but I wouldn’t want it any other way!!
What’s the worst part of being a Working at Home Mamma?
Hmmmmm, the worst part?.... I really have to think about this one, which is a good sign if I can’t think of something straight away, right?
I think working from home in your own business will need to be open to always be learning…. I worked in retail management before becoming a momma so I am blessed with a lot of marketing/sales background knowledge but putting it into a web based business has been a new learning for me, for sure.
Oh and when the kids want to ‘help’ by deleting or sending emails when you step away from the computer for a second is a tricky part of the week too, LOL.
How do you juggle family life and business?
For me – it’s all about routines. I have daily To Do lists everywhere in order of priority so I can cross off as I go – I LOVE getting the list all crossed off!
While Milla sleeps I take the opportunity to do all the things little fingers would not quite help with and on the days we have Felicity I only work ‘after hours’ and dedicate the day to her play therapy sessions, which actually is a great outlet for me to be silly too.
Oh and we don’t own a TV by choice which may sound extreme to allot of people but it’s amazing just how much more you can get done when there is no chance to be distracted.
What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?
I absolutely adore being a wife and mamma, so anything that involves my family is my number one favorite thing to do. Both our girls love being outside so if it were a rumble together in the backyard, a trip to the local park or a day out at the beach or picnic I’d be there in a heartbeat. I also enjoy photography… I’m no professional by any means but I love taking candid shots of the family and life in general.
Give Away
Win a Jungle Theme Bunting
To Enter
Leave a comment with one of the following...
1. Tell us something that you learned, appreciated or were inspired by with Amy's interview.
OR
2. Visit Giggleberry Creations and pick out your favorite item.
Additional Entries
1. Subscribe to Mammalicious Finds (if you already do, let us know, and thank you!)
2. Blog about this give-away with links to Mammalicious Finds and Giggleberry Creations.
3. Add our button to your sidebar.
4. Follow us (located on the sidebar). If you already do, thank you!
Please leave an extra comment for each entry and your EMAIL address.
Additional Entries
1. Subscribe to Mammalicious Finds (if you already do, let us know, and thank you!)
2. Blog about this give-away with links to Mammalicious Finds and Giggleberry Creations.
3. Add our button to your sidebar.
4. Follow us (located on the sidebar). If you already do, thank you!
Please leave an extra comment for each entry and your EMAIL address.
Open to US and Australian residents only.
Deadline to Enter: January 22nd 11:59
Check out more on Amy and Giggleberry Creations:
Blog: Giggleberry Creations – the blog:
Because Life Is Better When You Giggle!
Thanks Amy for allowing us a look into your life!
WINNER:
Barb S // January 20, 2009 1:44 AM
I think Amy is a great inspiration - Juggling motherhood, running a business, caring for a special needs child and thru it all she seems to be having fun. I think we can all learn from her. Love your banners too!!!
I was inspired by Amy's routines. I have to start sticking to mine better. the list thing will definately help. thanks Amy
Also, I LOVE the cupcake pennent banner tooooo sweet!
thanks, Tammy
I love the sock monkey banner. And I find Amy inspiration in how she handles her life and business.
I think Amy's buntings are so cute. This is my fave: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18747382.
Great interview!
I've "known" Amy for a while through Etsy and think her banners are fabulous. I was pleased to be reminded that she is expecting a new baby in February - I moved across the country this year and my brain has "dumped" a lot of non-critical information. LOL I was inspired to pull out my clipboard and start making up to do lists again. They have always been a great tool for me and I love crossing things off! Now, which box is that clipboard in?
cindy.j.joy@gmail.com
I know Christmas is over but I love the Christmas flags, so festive!
I'm a Blogger follower.
I'm also a subscriber.
Wow - The interview looks great! Thanks for the opportunity to share!! Amy
Amy is a fantastic person. I have the pleasure of knowing her from a group I am in. She was also my first customer. I absolutely love the My Little Cupcake bunting.
=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com
i'm a subscriber
=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com
i'm a follower
=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com
i have your button on my blog
=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com
Amy is awesome. Shes a mom who is running her own business as well as raising a special needs child. She's just awesome with all that she does. I love the cupcake banner! very cute!
I am following
shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like the bunting in Michael Miller patti paisley print in pistachio and stripe.
shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com
My favorite is the Cushion Cover / Pillow Slip - Girly Lady Beetles
I subscribed
I am following your blog
I'm also a WAHM, and wouldn't have it any other way!
I luv the Sock Monkey Circles design!
I'm a Subscriber :)
I love the cupcakes banner! Too cute! I also really like the Amy Butler fabric designs!
I am inspired to make a daily "To Do" list. I think that this would help keep me organized. I love the Sock Monkey Bunting!
Amy
http://newenglandquilter.blogspot.com
I just signed up to follow your blog.
Amy
http://newenglandquilter.blogspot.com
love the my little cupcake banner :)
subscriber
follower
button on sidebar
http://sweeps4california.blogspot.com/
I love all of Amy's work, but I think this is my favorite:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12868270
Marianne
mjackson(at)wwhgd(dot)com
www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com
http://crochetbymommaj.blogspot.com/
I'm a subscriber!
Marianne
mjackson(at)wwhgd(dot)com
www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com
http://crochetbymommaj.blogspot.com/
I have your button on my blog!
Marianne
mjackson(at)wwhgd(dot)com
www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com
http://crochetbymommaj.blogspot.com/
I'm a follower!
Marianne
mjackson(at)wwhgd(dot)com
www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com
http://crochetbymommaj.blogspot.com/
I'm amazed that Amy manages to juggle everything with such a positive attitude. I'm a sahm to just one little one and feel crazy most days! I can't imagine adding in a second child and working at home. Her routines are definitely inspiring, since we are working hard on creating our own right now. It's nice to see what works well for other moms.
princess3sah(at)cs(dot)com
I follow your blog. Thanks for the chance to enter!
princess3sah(at)cs(dot)com
I think it is great that she is such a dedicates step mom!
I am a subscriber
I have your button on my sidebar.
The All Star Sports flags are so much fun!
no t.v. is inspiring, we have tried to limit t.v. and cancel cable but there still seems to be a crazy amount of screen time going on in our household. getting rid of it altogether seems like the only solution... even if it's temporary or seasonal....
I love your creations!
Amy seems like such a sweetie! I love how she stays home with her kids and she is so awesome with her step daughter!
Thank you so very much my kids would love the banner! The cupcake banner is also way cute!
Thanks so very much!
I'm adding your button right now!
;-)
I think Amy is a great inspiration - Juggling motherhood, running a business, caring for a special needs child and thru it all she seems to be having fun. I think we can all learn from her. Love your banners too!!!
Barb S
ibspencer@bigpond.com
The thing that inspired me most about Amy was her reminder that we need to "laugh and be silly". I am not fortunate enough to be able to work at home. At times, the stress of being away from my kids 40 hours a week (with some overnight travel in addition) can be really tough. Amy reminds me that when I'm home, it's time to focus on the kids and have your silly time. I suppose not only does it help cultivate the relationship with the kids who love you unconditionally, but serves as a stress reliever as well.
I love your work! Congrats on your successes and here's to many more coming your way in the future!
Blogged here.
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com/2009/01/new.html
The Sock Monkey Banner!