I was recently going through all my photos and cleaning off my computer, as I continually have to do. As a photographer, you can only imagine how many photos my poor computer has to hold. While going through the endless amounts of images and folders, I stumbled upon one titled “Riley” – my sweet niece. I clicked on it and began to browse. Although she is barely two years old now, looking back at the photos of her last year, bright eyed and chubby cheeked, got me all teary eyed. I though to myself, “Will this sweet girl always know how much her Aunt Kelly loves her? Will she remember all the times I held her close and kissed her little face?” I mean, how can she really know all the love I have for her? And she’s not even my child!! I can only imagine when I have my own. It’s amazing how much love one person can have for another. Maybe years from now, she will look back at photos of me and wonder the same thing. I can only hope.
It’s time for another FRIDAY FEATURE!! I’d like to introduce everyone to my sweet friend Shauna Tompkins, owner of Butterfly Baby- a baby planning business & Social Butterfly- a party planning business. I met Shauna last year and we connected right away. I have to tell a funny story. When we first met, we were chatting over coffee getting to know one another. We were discussing our favorite tv shows and I mentioned that my favorite series was ‘Breaking Bad’. She then looks at me casually says, “You know, I’ve actually been on that show before.” – UMM, excuse me?? Come to find out, when she’s not running her own business and taking care of her family…she’s an actress! What can’t this girl do? Check her out!
Give us a brief description of your business…
Butterfly Baby is baby planning business that caters to expecting families in the Dallas and Houston areas. From nursery design and preparation to nanny selection to childcare education, Butterfly Baby can help you get ready for your growing family!
Why did you start it?
As a new mom myself and a working mom, I found there was a void in this area. I would have loved to have a consultant at my fingertips to create a “one-stop” experience, a guiding hand to help me through the process of getting ready for baby!
Tell us about your journey to be an entrepreneur…
Both of my parents are business owners, and I have always carried that spirit with me. I grew up helping my mom with design and party planning for her clients and watching how happy she made them. I have always wanted to do the same when it comes to doing what I can to make someone’s life a little easier. If my services can help that busy mom trying to plan her child’s birthday to that expectant mom that doesn’t know where to start in putting her nursery together, I have done my job.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
Everyday is different I have the sweetest 20 month old daughter named Lilyanne and a little boy well on his way…due May 15th! Aside from my Mommy duties (which are most important), my days consists of helping my current clientele with their needs, using social media and other marketing efforts to gather potential clients and follow up with those I have helped. My duties range from setting up the details for a shower or party, interviewing nannies for clients to picking out the design details for a nursery!
Where do you find inspiration?
All over the place!! My own babies, clients, articles, research, pinterest, photography…you name it!
What’s the greatest thing about being an entrepreneur?
Ability to do what you love and to help people! Also – being a young mom myself, the ability to make my own schedule is wonderful.
What are the challenges?
The instability of work and the challenges of making smart decisions…should I do this OR should I do that? I think you have to trust your instincts, but it can be a challenge!
What might others not know about you?
I have an acting background, and I still work with an agency in Dallas for film, TV, hosting and commercial work. I would LOVE to combine the elements of my business and my acting/hosting abilities for a show or weekly segment!
Through another business venture of mine, House of Inc., I was connected and introduced to Kyndall, owner and creator of Wrapped In Him. She is one of the youngest entrepreneurs I’ve ever met and her story is amazing! Basically, she started making really cool bracelets to raise money for a mission trip…..suddenly, word spread like wild fire and they became a HUGE success- pretty much over night. I was able to come along side the Wrapped In Him team to enhance their visual marketing, starting with their product photos! Believe me, once you see these photos you’ll be rushing to their website to read more of their story and order a few bracelets of your own! Be sure to check back soon for a special blog feature showcasing the creator herself, Kyndall.
Ok, everyone…exciting news! I’m starting a new blog series called “Friday Feature” where I will be introducing entrepreneurs that I love, support and believe in. Over the last 2 years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing business owners who are passionate about what they do. They inspire me and I want to introduce them to everyone!
So, to begin this series I’d like to introduce our first Friday Feature entrepreneur – Kristen Hawkinson, owner of 4Flashes Photobooths. I admire her as a person, friend and entrepreneur. I have personally worked with the 4Flashes team on many occassions and have experienced the fun of the photobooth!
Give us a brief description of your business: 4 Flashes Photo Booth is a company that rents photo booths for weddings, corporate events, banquets, parties etc. Our photo booths serve as a form of entertainment at events as well as a favor for the guests to take home. The photo strips are 2×6 and have 4 photos on them plus the event’s customized logo.
Why did you start it? Photo Booths make people REALLY happy. It evokes silliness and laughter and provides lasting memories.
Tell us about your journey to be an entrepreneur: My husband pulled me into this lifestyle 15 years ago and we have never looked back. It took some trial and error and lots of learned lessons, but we just keep improving with every new venture we embark on. It’s really the only lifestyle we know or desire!
What does a typical day in your life look like? No alarm clock, yoga class, office work, communication with clients and planning for upcoming events. Every day is different, but flexibility is key. The unexpected always turns up and as an entrepreneur, you always have to be ready for that. Evenings are for networking and relaxing, but also taking a phone call or answering an email….
Where do you find inspiration? Watching others dive into their passion. Many entrepreneurial newbies come to me for advice and I just love setting them off on the right track.
What’s the greatest thing about being an entrepreneur? Creating your own lifestyle. I set up my life to be flexible and fun. I can work from anywhere, since I have laid the groundwork of my business and team.
What are the challenges? People who are on the outside looking in think that being an entrepreneur/small business owner is easy. It is still work and takes a lot of time and dedication. If you are passionate about what you do, you welcome every challenge that comes your way and look at every one as a learning experience.
What might others not know about you? I was on a path to be an athletic trainer.
Personal Hobbies? Yoga and travel!
Anything else you’d like to share? Others also might not know that I met all 5 of the Foofighters on a trip we took to see them in concert last fall. Being able to design our life allowed us to take this trip, have a blast, but continue to work from the road. This is something I truly cherish….the trip and the foofighters!
Jordan recently came to me needing some fresh headshots for her new website that is in the works. Although her style is bold and artsy, she also looks like she stepped straight out of an episode of Madmen, don’t you think? Jordan is an entrepreneur… hair stylist and salon owner in Addison, radio personality and photoshoot stylist. Check back soon for a special blog post featuring Jordan and her business! Here are a few of my favorite photo from Jordan’s salon photoshoot in Dallas…
I have the sweetest 20 month old daughter named Lilyanne and a little boy well on his way…due May 15th! Aside from my Mommy duties (which are most important), my days consists of helping my current clientele with their needs, using social media and other marketing efforts to gather potential clients and follow up with those I have helped. My duties range from setting up the details for a shower or party, interviewing nannies for clients to picking out the design details for a nursery!
