Simply Nesting by Ashley McIlwain
It can be tough to turn something you are good at into something profitable, especially when also balancing being a wife and mom. That’s exactly what my friend and entrepreneur, Sara Larsen has done though. Having a knack for being creative and crafty, Sara decided to take her God-given gifts to the next level and create an amazing, hand-crafted goodie store, Simply Nesting, that is getting rave reviews.
One glance at her unique and beautiful creations, and I knew her story was one I needed to share. Establishing that being a mom and wife come first in her life, Sara has managed to delicately weave together her love for her family with a career. It’s inspirational and encouraging.
Recently I asked Sara about her inspiration, balancing it all, and managing to be creative in her marriage. Check it out …
First, tell us what Simply Nesting is.
Simply Nesting is an online shop where I display and sell my hand-crafted goods. Mostly for baby nurseries, although some people have begun purchasing items for weddings, parties, and gifts.
What was your inspiration for Simply Nesting?
Simply Nesting came to be when I was pregnant with my now six month old daughter, Sophia. Having studied art in college, I decided to make most of her nursery decor myself. Family and friends (especially my mom and mother-in-law ) would see her nursery and tell me that I should start selling my designs. At that time I wasn’t thinking of anything but finishing her nursery and giving birth to our little princess. When Sophia was about three months old, I realized I absolutely did not want to go back to work or have to find a caregiver for her. That is when I decided to give it a shot. Shortly after I opened my Etsy shop, I realized it was the best decision of my life. God guided me, blessed Simply Nesting, and I am now receiving multiple orders almost daily.
How do you balance being a wife, mother and entrepreneur?
Balancing the three is something I am constantly working on. During the day caring for Sophia is my main goal. Keeping up with the housework, laundry, and cooking all comes second to her. Sometimes when she naps, I throw in a load of laundry, do the dishes, or start dinner. My life is hectic now. Sometimes I think that I am crazy for jumping into this. In the end I always come back around to thinking that this is what I am supposed to be doing. I have never before felt like this about any job.
How does your husband feel about you being a working wife and mom?
He is so supportive … always. On his days off, he watches Sophia so I can fulfill orders and just have some time alone.
Do you have any advice for a husband who has a wife that works?
Be supportive and help out where you can. Helping your wife with the smallest things can make the biggest difference in her day.
In what ways do you manage to make quality time for you and your husband?
We try to go out alone at least once a month. We are happy to have both our parents close by, so we have no trouble finding a sitter.
Obviously you are super creative, how do you incorporate creativity into your marriage?
Again, we try to go out at least once a month, although it can be difficult with a baby.
What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned about being a mom? Wife?
Patience, patience, patience and more patience. I love being a wife and mom!
Is there anything you hope your customers take away from purchasing your hand-crafted goods (besides the amazing product they just purchased)?
I want my customers to be happy with their purchase. I want it to put a smile on their face. I love getting positive feedback after I send out an order too!
If there were one piece of advice you could give to a working wife and/or mom, what would it be?
Go with the flow. You will never be able to plan or organize your family’s life perfectly. It just won’t happen. Before I was married and had a baby, I would have my days activities planned out. I can no longer do that. In the morning I may have an idea of what I will get done during the day, but I always try to remember that I am not in control. If you don’t get it done today, try tomorrow. The laundry will get done, eventually!
“Thank you, Sara!” for not only sharing some encouragement and insight with all of us, but for donating one of your incredible goodies to one lucky winner. For more information about Sara’s lovely designs, visit the Simply Nesting store.
Simply Nesting Hand-crafted Set of 20 Assorted 3D Wall Butterflies in any color the winner chooses
COMMENT BELOW to get entered to win today’s featured giveaway. For extra entries do one or more of the following AND MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE WHICH YOU DID IN YOUR COMMENT BELOW!!! If you already did the things below (for example, you “liked” us on Facebook yesterday), that’s okay; it still counts, but just make sure to still include which you did in your comment below!
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter
- Link to our site (share the link please)
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Like Simply Nesting on Facebook
- Follow Simply Nesting on Twitter
Entries must be received by tonight at midnight Pacific Standard Time. Winners will be selected randomly and notified by email the following day. Open only to those living in the U.S. (So sorry :()
Copyright © 2011, Foundation Restoration. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No reproduction allowed without written permission from Foundation Restoration and/or the author.
It great when you can turn something you have fun with into a job you enjoy everyday. These are so adorable!
This is amazing!! This is something I want to do from home also and it was great encouragment!
I liked both Foundation Restoration and Simply Nesting on facebook and I subscribed to your newsletter.
So great that Sara is following her passions and her gifts. (And what a gorgeous family and great words of wisdom that Sara shared.) I love my current job and that it helps people and makes a difference in the world, but when my little daughter arrives in August I have no idea how that will change things about my desire to continue working. I plan to go back to work… but already it seems so hard to fathom. I’m hoping God will make that clear for me as well!
I liked the Foundation Restoration Facebook page and followed Simply Nesting on Twitter!
this is so motivating! i want to do something like this too. i like little wifey, foundation restoration, simply nesting and am subscribed to newsletters as well! thanks for sharing this article with us today.
Love this!!! Please enter me! I have liked Foundation Restoration on facebook, subscribed to your newsletter, and I’ve shared the link! I HOPE I WIN!! I plan on using the tips provided today to help me find some balance!
Thanks everyone for your participation and support! We appreciate you so very much! Please keep spreading the word! Congratulations to the giveaway winner … Kara Karolina!!!
Melisse, absolutely! One of my big life philosophies is that people should do something they are passionate about and good at. Sara is a great example of that!
Rachel, that is wonderful that you were encouraged in your own desire to work from home. Hopefully you can make that work! Thanks for your comment and support!
Emily, thank you so much for you comment and support! It is very exciting to see someone like Sara out there combining her talent and passions to accommodate her desire to take care of her family too. Congratulations on your August delivery 🙂 I’m sure she will be a blessing, and you will be able to figure out how to make everything come together in a balanced way. God will provide a way; He always does!
Kyna, thank you so much for your comment and support! Sorry you didn’t win, but make sure to stop by the Simply Nesting store and pick something up! Hopefully you are definitely able to use some of the tips from Sara to find balance; it can be tough, I know! Thanks!
Delta, me too! I have a ton of friends who have kids or are pregnant, and it’s really fun to get gifts that are unique and hand-crafted like Sara’s stuff! Thanks for your comment and support!
Alicia, thanks for your support! Glad you liked the article and Sara’s amazing goodies 🙂
Nicole, I agree! Thanks for stopping by!
Joanie, you are right on! I think it’s so important to inspire moms to not compromise caring for their family or doing something they are godo at and love. It’s all about balance and creativity! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Steve, great point! There’s defintiely wisdom in there for husbands. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Shannon, thank you so much for stopping by and for the support! We appreciate you!
Jodi, I think a lot of women would love to have the opportunity to make money by still be at home with their children. That’s what is great about Sara’s story; she made that work for her, and it’s inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for your support and kind words!
Tia, I agree; Sara gives some great advice, and her stuff if adorable! Make sure you like Foundation Restoration on Facebook too!
Audrey, awesome! Make sure to follow Foundation Restoration on Facebook too!
I love her stuff! With so many friends having babies lately it’s great to find moms crafting cute gifts! Also nice to get a realistic view of being a wife, mom, and career woman! Good to know you can do it all! 🙂
oh. liked simply nesting on FB. already liked Restoration on FB.
very cute items and a great article!!! i have liked Foundation Restoration, Little Wifey on Facebook and am a suscriber to your newsletter. Thank you
Very cute designs and awesome opportunity to do something you love while being at home with a precious baby! Good Luck Simply Nesting!
Wonderful ideas for new moms….or ANY TALENTED MOMS !
Thanks for sharing your story! It’s really encouraging to read, especially the husband stuff for all us guys out there!!
this are cute and would look lovely in my little girls room. =) thanks
darkgothdoll@hotmail.com
like Foundation Restoration on fb teh doll
darkgothdoll@hotmail.com
like Simply Nesting on fb teh doll
darkgothdoll@hotmail.com
Great article. Sara gives alot of great advice and encouragement. This is something that I’d love to do whenever my children come along…work and stay at home with them. I have liked simply nesting on FB and liked Little wifey and foundation restortation. Sara’s designs are beautiful and anyone will be very lucky to win those. Please keep up the great work. I love to read what you say. Thanks again.
These are so cute!! I also love the advise Sara gives at the end…it’s so true!
Liked Simply Nesting on FB 🙂
like Simply Nesting on fb
audball001@hotmail.com
Wow. These comments are absolutley amazing. I have read each and every one and really appreciate the kind words about my work and especially the words of encouragement! Thank you all so much.
Thank you Ashley for following in your dream of touching people and their relationships in a non traditinal way. I love it. I told you before, you also were an insiration to me when I was first starting my business. I wish you nothing but the best. I already know that God is using you in wonderful ways and will continue doing so.
It is really hard work, but when I look back at where I was 2, even 1 year ago I really feel like this is where I need to be. I was unhappy working out of my home for other people.
After studying Art and Psychology in college I had no idea what I would do…just as many other artists. So I took the first job I was offered!
Anyway…if you have a passion definatley go for it. You don’t even have to wait to have a baby. I am constantly thinking to myself that I should have done this a long time ago! But I know that God has a perfect time for everything.
Last piece of advice. It is NOT going to be easy. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and a bit crazy for starting this business now out of all times, but I know that God will help me through it all. I have wonderful friends who offer their help with Sophia, my family as well.
Keep up the good work Ashley, Steve too!
Sara, I am so glad that you were able to be encouraged through your generosity and kindness! Thank YOU for believing in our ministry and being willing to host a giveaway and share some words of wisdom that we all can benefit from! What you are doing is amazing, and I really appreciate and value your hard word and talent! Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for all of your support, encouragement, help in spreading the word about us, and amazingly kind words!!!