Hi there! My name is Amanda Leigh Sax and I am the founder, owner and designer of lovingLeigh Yours, Inc. 

I want to give a big thank-you to Ms. Jessica for having me on here today. I LOVE her work and think she is a brilliant small business owner and blogger.

What's created in your studio? I make handmade and custom picture frames and quote plaques

What does a normal day of work look like? I'm up around 7:30am and first have my breakfast and coffee. Then while still in pjs or comfy clothes, I go through emails, etsy, facebook etc to catch up on inquiries. Then it's design time! I work on orders until lunch {which I usually eat in front of the tv with my funny girl Ellen}. I do have a part-time job at which I work closing shifts -but it is not every day- so if I don't have it that day, I'll work on more designs after lunch.

Where do you find inspiration? I go to art fairs; subscribe to cutesy magazines where I find quotes; pinterest and etsy... the list goes on!

Welcome to our home

How did your business start? I was a graphic designer after college but quickly grew to dislike sitting behind the computer all day. I'm a more hands-on girl! I had made frames as gifts for family, so after Hubby and I married in March 2011, I sat him down and discussed quitting my job and starting my business. He said I could if I agreed to get a part-time job ;)

Any tips for success that have really helped you? Don't be afraid to ask people for help! I'm a one-woman shop so I talk to other small business friends about what works for them; Facebook is really good for me, too. Not only have I received orders from people who have seen my work on Facebook, but I also love connecting with other small businesses on there... I found jessicaNdesigns that way!!

Found Objects Frame

Secret dream/goal for your business? The fact that my work is handmade and customizable is really appealing to people. They like one-of-a-kind. I also like selling my work to local stores. BUT, I think it would also be really neat to have a {small} line of pieces in the mass market so everyone can have something of mine :) I also decided to start my own business before we have kids so when the time comes for little ones, hopefully I can stay at home with them and still contribute to our family financially.

One thing you wish you would have known before you started your business: it.takes.time.to.build I feel like I will always be in the trial and error stage- but I think that's okay. I'm always trying to better my work, and come up with new designs to offer people. Small businesses take time to turn a profit.

Let's Play THIS OR THAT?! With Amanda:

coffee or tea? definitely coffee. I love our Keurig, and yes, Starbucks!
vintage or new? vintage, but sometimes even new things that look vintage
DVD or big screen? i do love date night, but we also love curling up on our comfy couch with a glass of wine {for me} and a microbrew for the hubby watching a rented dvd
big city or small town? i grew up in a suburb of Chicago, so I do love having both. But we live in the suburbs now and stay out here most nights; it is fun to have a date in the city though
Book or movie? love me a good movie AND a good book. But books that are turned into movies are usually better as books
flats or heels? flats for the most part, i guess. My feet always hurt in heels or boots... but I am only 5' 1"
stay in or go out? when we're not curled up on the couch, we love seeing our friends and family. I have a big family with lots of nieces and nephews
hugs or kisses? hmmm that is tough. I do love a sweet hug and kiss from my nieces and nephews - ugh it melts my heart. Hubby is good at both :)
lip gloss or lip stick? can I say chapstick?
silver or gold? when I was younger I would have said silver. i'm loving gold now; even pieces with a mix of the two
jewelry or gadgets? i'm leaning more towards jewelry, but guilty, i love my iPhone

Find Amanda:

Shop: Facebook: Website

In the Studio with Stephanie of Life Created.

I have an obvious love for handmade + the handmade community! I find it fascinating to take a peek "behind the scenes" and learn about the handmade designers behind my favorite products. So out of that love, 'In the Studio' was born!

♥ In The Studio is a fun way to meet some of my favorite designers & artists, get to know more about their work and what inspires them, take a tour of their studio & learn some fun tid bits about them!

Today I am thrilled to have Stephanie from Life Created:

Hi! Im Stephanie- a mommy of 2 beauties (3 & 11 months) and creativity-a-holic...I wish that was a word.

Thank you to Jessica for allowing the chance to share my little "studio" aka: guest room with my craft table ;)

If anyone comes to stay over at our house, they have to share a room with my crafts.

What's created in your studio? I make a lot of things such as: custom dollhouse furniture, paper crafts, and sewing-related goodies. Our house is only a 3 bedroom house, and since we have 2 daughters (who share a room), we have this room for the occasional guest and my crafty things. Rarely does it look this tidy, because I am a messy crafter. I jump from idea to idea without much desire for clean up, but that is something I am working on. I have been known to take over the kitchen table for bigger projects.

Most recently, I have been trying to get my name to other shops for product photography opportunities. I love taking pictures of things and making the creative beauty of them shine in pictures.

What does a normal day of work look like? My "work" is done at random times. I live my days according to my kids, so if they happen to nap at the same time, that is my "me" time. A lot of my projects are done after they go to bed at night and when my husband want his video game time. Sometimes we spend all day in our pjs, and thats ok!

Where do you find inspiration? Everything I see outside, in magazines, in thrift stores...I just am constantly thinking about how I can make something my own.

How did your business start? I actually started about 3 years ago by making handmade invitations for weddings and other events. After my 2nd daughter was born last year, I made the switch to making only things I loved and things that can be done with family and for family. Now, I changed the name of my business, set new ground rules for my ETSY shop, and am much happier not making 150 of the same thing for one order. Whew!! Photography is one of my newer loves.

How do you balance your work and your personal life? My kids and husband take most of my time, so I have been known to eek out any second I can to make something I have in mind. If I have to stay up til 2am, I can, because creating gives me an adrenaline rush.

Any tips for success that have really helped you? I have learned a lot from inspiring bloggers like JessicaN, and others. They've taught me to make goals, stick to the things you love and don't change for others.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far? I wish I had big accomplishments, but really I am lucky if I get 2 comments on one post! LOL...I look for the little things.

Secret dream/goal for your business? I would love to be featured in a magazine or get more product photography jobs.

Let's Play a little "This or That" Shall We?

coffee or tea?  Iced coffee! ;)

vintage or new? I love vintage things

DVD or big screen? DVD...Im a home-body

big city or small town? Small town

Book or movie? Movie

flats or heels? Flats for sure!

stay in or go out? Both are good, but mostly staying in is what I choose

hugs or kisses? Hard to choose....hugs I think

lip gloss or lip stick? Lip gloss

silver or gold? Definitely silver

jewelry or gadgets? Gadgets

FIND STEPHANIE:

Blog // Facebook //  Shop

♥ Go visit Stephanie & tell her you came from her studio tour on jessicaNdesigns! 

♥ Interested in being featured in an "In The Studio' Post? Email me! 

In The Studio with Meag of Heart & Soul Pieces.

Last month I debuted my "In The Studio" monthly blog series with a studio tour from Casey Wiegand.  

♥ In the Studio is meant to be a fun way to meet some amazing designers & artists, get to know more about their work and what inspires them, take a tour of their studio & learn some fun "out of the studio" tid bits about them! ♥ 

Today I am excited to introduce you to Meag of Heart & Soul Pieces. PLUS she has a special treat for us...a VIDEO TOUR of her studio! HOW FUN! Take it away Meag:

Hello again JessicaNdesign readers! 

I'm Meag! Remember me?! I did a little DIY post before and I am back answering some questions and taking you on a little tour inside my studio! I have some photos and my FIRST vlog! 

Enjoy! xo

My First Ever Vlog!

1. What is created in your studio?

I create handmade vintage inspired jewelry and accessories for my indie biz Heart & Soul Pieces.

I am also a craftaholic so I am always working on DIY's and personal projects as well!

2. Work us through a normal day.

Well unfortunately my indie biz isn't my only job. I don't have a lot of time to work on things right now so I sneak them in on my days off! Those days, I usually wake up early and get right to work and before I know it it's 7:00pm and where did the day go?! I usually accomplish A LOT in a day as I focus on it for hours on end!

3. What inspires you?

SO many different things: nature, fashion, friends and of course the holy grail: Pinterest.

4. Favorite thing you create.

I have a couple of favorite pieces I have made. As most of my pieces are one of a kind or limited edition it's definitely hard to part with them sometimes. Some of my absolute favourites include THIS bracelet and THIS necklace.

5. Do you have an in home studio? Or is your studio space away from home?

My studio is in my two bedroom apartment in Montreal. It's quant and cozy and I love it. I just wish there was a little more natural light. I have to take all my pictures outside (in the winter it's the worst!) because the sun doesn't come through the window very well. When we move into our next place big windows will definitely be on my request list :)

6. How do you balance your work and your family life?

Luckily for me I don't have children, for now :) I don't think I would be able to handle a job, an indie biz AND some little munchkins. How do you crazy mamas do it?! :)

7. Any tips for success that have really helped you out?

Read, read, read, read. Oh and read! The more knowledge you can take in on your craft/biz the better. I am always taking courses, reading blogs and photo tutorials. You can never have enough knowledge.

If you are interested in a great course check out THIS one.

8. Biggest mistake with you made with your business.

Not starting sooner. I pushed it off for so long because I didn't think I was "ready" but really you learn as you go and its ever evolving.

9. Best part of owning your own business?

I LOVE seeing my jewelry on happy customers. Nothing is better. 

10. Worst?

That I can't spend more time on it. But I am working on that ;) Slowly but surely. Check out one of my biz dreams HERE. 

11. Favourite part of your studio.

My desk. My dad gave it to me. Its wide and perfect and wonderful.

12. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Having my jewelry displayed in a store back in my home town North Bay, ON. It felt like I actually accomplished something :)

13. Secret dream for your business?

You can read all about it HERE. :) ahhhhh dreams! But I'd also like to one day have a "bricks and mortar" shop and teach classes and what not :)

14. What kind of music is on your studio playlist?

Some of my favourites include: Ingrid Michaelson, Eliza Doolittle, She & Him and my Canadian lover Michael Buble. 

Outside the Studio:

Coffee or Tea: Tea! Wanna do a tea swap?! Email me!

Vintage or New: Vintage all the way!

Text or Call: Text. Calls take too long ;)

DVD or Theatre: ooo tough one. I like cuddle dates on the couch but also popcorn at the movies :)

Book or Movie: If I've read the book I'll hate the movie. But if I haven't read the book I'll love the movie.

Flats or Heels: Heels.

Stay in or Go out: Winter - stay in. Summer - go out.

Hugs or Kisses: Hugs. 20 second hug a day. Try it.

Lip gloss or Lip stick: Stick. Don't like sticky gloss.

Silver or Gold: Rose Gold.

Comedy or Drama: I like both!

Cook or Take out: I LOVE to cook!

Jewelry or Gadgets: oooo can't pick. love little knick knacks!

I hope you enjoyed my little tour of my studio! Come stop by my blog and say "HI"! I'd love to get to know you! XO

Blog        Shop       Pinterest     Twitter      Facebook

I hoped you enjoyed being In The Studio with Meag! You can read last month's In the Studio post with Casey Wiegand here.  Stay tuned for Next Month's In The Studio tour! :)

In The Studio with Casey Wiegand.

I am so excited about this NEW Blog Series: In the Studio. I love this world of handmade that I am a part of & it always fascinates me to learn more about people & to get a peek behind the scenes!  So I dreamed up my In the Studio Series as a way to do just that!

Throughout this series, we will meet some amazing designers & artists, get to know more about their work, what inspires them, take a tour of their studio & find out some fun "out of the studio" tid bits!

I have been brainstorming and have had this in the works for a while now & I am delighted to debut the Series with Casey Wiegand as my first guest! 

What is created in your studio? PAINTINGS! I have also just started creating cards, prints and necklaces as well :).


Walk us through a normal day of work: Well since having babies I now only "work or create" when they are napping or late at night! Sometimes i incorporate them into my work but usually try and keep the two separate!


What inspires you? My husband, my kiddos, God, nature and music!


Favorite thing you create: I have a few favorite paintings that would be really hard to part with. There was a lot of emotion behind them. Someone once told me you should always sell your favorite pieces to share them with the world…so I have already parted with a few :).

Do you have an in home or outside studio? It is away from home. We own an art studio called A Little Artsy so I keep all of my supplies up there. I have also have had an in home studio at a different part of my life- both are fabulous!


How do you balance your work and your family life? Any tips? This is a major struggle. If one has to suffer it is going to be my work…because my family comes first, always!


Any tips for success that have really helped you? I think connecting with people is huge! A Lot of the really neat opportunities that have com my way have been from building relationships and making connections!


Biggest mistake you made with your business. Oh boy. When I had Aiden I killed our dream. I closed our first studio and just in a sense threw away years of work. It was a weird time in my life. I since know that it is possible to do both…and our dreams are now more alive than ever


Best part of owning your own business? Being as a family all the time. I wouldn't trade rolling our dreams, being together and pursuing God's purpose for our lives for anything


Worst? It's scary financially. Chris and I are both freelancers….we just have to truth that month after month people will come to our studio and hire us both for jobs! Its wild!

Favorite part of your studio. I love the lighting. All chandeliers and twinkle lights!


What has been your biggest accomplishment so far? my babies, truly. They inspire me and make my work better. As far as my art career- becoming a jury award winning artist was amazing :).

Secret dream for your business? I would love to write books, take my cards and paintings international and franchise a little artsy :). 


Who is on your studio playlist? ingrid michaelson, britt nicole and john mayer!

Outside the studio:

coffee or tea? neither! dr pepper

vintage or new? vintage

text or call? text

DVD or Theater? theater

big city or small town? city

Book or movie? both!

flats or heels? heels

stay in or go out? stay in

hugs or kisses? kisses :)

lip gloss or lip stick? chapstick!

silver or gold? gold

comedy or drama? drama

cook or take out? take out

jewelry or gadgets? jewelry!

Connect with Casey:

Blog : Shop : Facebook

I hope you enjoyed being In The Studio with Casey! She is a truly loving, honest & sweet person & and inspiration to me! 

Do you have a favorite artist or designer you would love to see featured on my In The Studio Series? Leave me a comment or email me!