Women Entrepreneur Feature - Mary Krause

Good Morning friends! Oh my! Today's interview is absolutely packed full of encouragement and inspiration. I'm always so incredibly excited to share with you each interview because the power of someone sharing their story is amazing. It speaks right to our hearts and reminds us to walk by faith and not sight.  Our interview for today, is with a very dear friend of mine who has encouraged me so greatly.  I'm constantly moved by her story and faith and always leave her Instagram feed feeling so inspired and reminded to turn over the reigns of this life to my Heavenly Father. She is an absolutely gem and I'm so thankful for having her in my life. May I introduce, Mary Krause! 

1. How did you come to realize your gift/talent for creating hand stamped items?

I have to admit that I have not always been a very confident, risk taking person, so starting an online etsy shop was quite the stretch for me to do alone, but my daughters, Eleanor and Madelyn both played a big part in encouraging me to do so.  I knew that the Lord had blessed us with certain gifts in our creativity and that HE had also planted those desires in our hearts to share those talents with others.  We sought to open HOPEhomemade as a faith based shop, with our main focus being to honor the Lord in all we did and to encourage others in their faith as well.  I knew that it would also be a wonderful learning experience for my daughters... a way for us to connect as a family, and an opportunity to teach them how to run a shop and do things to the absolutely best of your ability, because that's what the Lord expects of us all.  I'm so glad we did, because the Lord took my fears and turned it into faith as HE blessed us with sales and customers that were so kind and life giving in their words.

2. Where do you gather inspiration?

I gather inspiration, first and foremost, from the Scriptures.  You just can't go wrong!  There are so many Truths tucked away in the Bible and I love reading a passage from my devotions and being inspired by it.  I can then, in turn, encourage others in that same lesson that God has taught me, which has been phenomenal to watch unfold!  I believe that we are here on this earth to share the Gospel with everyone we meet, and also to encourage fellow believers in their faith walk.  The fact that God can minister through this weak vessel is just astounding.  I definitely feel unworthy and you know what? I am.  BUT! Christ IN ME, the hope of glory, is able to turn my many failures and shortcomings into His beautiful story, woven one day at a time, by His grace, for His glory!  I am also GREATLY inspired by hymns of old.  The stories of hope and redemption, from days gone by, have often times been written out of times of great loss and tragedy.  Their faith strengthens mine and the encouragement and depth of substance that they carry inspires me every time I hear them.

3. If you had one piece of advice to share with women entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Well, I certainly do not feel qualified to give out any advice to women entrepreneurs, but the one things that I would say is to seek God in everything and when you know that He has called you to do something, BE BRAVE in it!  This is something that I struggled with my whole life, but when God used my girls to push me out of my comfort zone, He blessed in ways I couldn't have imagined.  If I had stayed in my comfortable little bubble, I would have missed out on some of the greatest blessings!  I am learning that we are called to be bold ambassadors for Christ and when He calls us to a certain task, because of a certain gifting, He will finish that work that HE started in our hearts if we just simply trust HIM.  Remember, self focus = INSECURITY, but Christ focus and fixing your gaze on HIM = ULTIMATE CONFIDENCE!

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HOPEhomemade
Instagram: mary.krause

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Mary!  Friends, please go and check out Mary's shop and especially her instagram feed! Your life will be changed.

Wonderful Evening

     Oh this girl... Anytime I get to see this friend of mine I get so excited!!! She has a beautiful heart for God and is always so encouraging. Last night, my family had a photo session with Vanessa and it was an absolute blast... so excited to see our photos! Make sure you head on over to @butterflysparks and @kelliandvanessa to follow this gem! She shares such heartfelt words, gorgeous photos and really encourages you to be change in the world. Love ya, friend!!! 

Photo - Madeline Reilly

Hello fall!! Photo by @hellobergamot

Tea Recipes

     Here is Friday's recipe!! 3 super simple homemade tea ideas courtesy of @booboomce. It's chilly here at my house and since I'm not a fan of coffee, I really enjoy tea to warm me up! Also, when traveling, I love how other cultures always have tea. It's something I would like to enjoy more and take time to relax with each day. The fresh herbs are also another plus! Oh and take a look at those ADORABLE coasters @winsome_ginger made from a quilt!!! You must check out her shop (www.jessicaflores.etsy.com)!! 

Regular Mint:

Handful of fresh mint - We used chocolate mint
1 cup water
1 tbs. honey

Mint Lavender:

Handful of fresh mint - We used chocolate mint
1/2 tsp. of lavender buds
1 cup of water
1 tbs. honey

Mint Basil:

Handful of fresh mint - We used chocolate mint
Small handful of fresh basil
1 cup of water
1 tbs. honey

Directions:

For each tea, simply boil water and combine herbs until the strength of flavors desired. Strain herbs from tea and pour into coffee mug or tea cup. Add honey. 

Really folks... it's as simple as that!! Enjoy!

I Wonder Jewelry

     Hey friends!!! These necklaces are available at www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com I absolutely love this design but only have 4!!! 

Photo - Julie

     Love this!!! Thanks for sharing @julie_cali

Photo - Hurd & Honey

Beautiful photo by @hurdandhoney

Wait Patiently on the Lord

     Well... it's been a while. Last night I did a photo shoot with my sister... I don't know if I have mentioned this on here but besides running I Wonder Original, I am also a photographer. Well... I haven't done anything in probably a year. Sometimes you just feel God putting others interests in your life. Last night, however, I felt the urge to grab my big camera and go out and shoot. I was unsure of how things would go simply because I haven't really photographed anyone with my camera in a while... yeah a year! Guess what?!? Everything worked amazing!!! The lighting, posing, styling, AND even the dreaded editing went SPLENDIDLY!! Really... it was an evening and moment that I keep pondering. Normally I am never satisfied with my work. I hate editing because I can never make it look like so and so or my camera skills are not what I wish they were. But you know what? I didn't feel that way this time! It's almost as if God led me away from photography to find who I am as an artist and my style. I've been out of the popular photographer loop and was able to think about what I liked... and not try to be someone else. It felt amazing!! Friends, sometimes it's good to walk away... to quiet your life and listen to God. Believe me, I am so glad he pushed me away from a great passion of mine to bring me back to view it in a new beautiful light! If you take away one thing from this story or this account, let it be this - Let God be the great Shepherd and put ALL of your faith and trust in Him!!! Walk by faith and not sight! You all are amazing!!! (oh and should I be jealous that my sister looks like Stevie Nicks?!?) 

Photo - Emily Lindbloom

     Look at this photo take by the oh so talented @_emilylind How beautiful, whimsical and creative is that?!? You must check out her feed!! 

I Wonder Tee

     Tees available at www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com This shirt comes in black and white!!! 

Hunting Treasure

     Nothing like the thrill of hunting for "treasure"!!! Looks like @mooninthemeadow has hit the jackpot!!

I Wonder Art

     

     This painting is available at www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com. All sizes available!! The contrast of beautiful flowers with the "imperfect" handwriting is reminiscent of quotes that we write and post around our homes to remind us to strive to overcome our "imperfect"behaviors in order to draw closer to Jesus! 

Photo - Ruby Uhart

This splendid photo was taken by @rubyuhart

Women Entrepreneurs Interview with Sarah Mcaffry

Good Morning everyone! Today I am thrilled to bring you another interview with an incredibly talented friend of mine who has an enormous heart for God!  I am completely inspired by her story and know you will leave feeling the same way.  I'm constantly amazed by how our Heavenly Father leads and guides us when we surrender all and let him direct our lives! So without further ado, I would like to introduce photographer Sarah Mcaffry!

1. Has photography always been a part of your life?

I fell in love with photography in my early twenties. I was given a camera for Christmas and haven't been able to put it down for the past decade! Something inside of me feels a little more alive when I'm taking pictures. It's such a thrill to visualize something and make it come to life. 

2. How did you feel called to start your own business? Was it a process or immediate happening?

Starting this business was very much a God thing. I was a high school English teacher for six years and did photography on the side. One summer, God made it very clear that I was not to go back to teaching in the fall. It was a touch decision because I truly loved my job and felt like it was my calling. I learned quickly that God can give us a calling for a short time period and then move us on to another! My husband was so supportive, so I set up a meeting with my principal to resign. I met with him at 9am one morning and just three hours later, a photographer friend of mine called to tell me she was moving to Haiti and needed someone to rent her studio. I was shocked at how perfectly God orchestrated everything for me to be able to walk right through that open door. It hasn't always been easy, but God has blessed me every step of the way. 

3. Where do you gather inspiration and can you explain a little about your creative process?

Every couple of months I go to the bookstore and stock up on magazine. I don't just flip the pages. I study them. It helps me stay on top of current trends and gives me tons of posing inspiration. I also meet with my clients before their shoot to plan every detail like location and what to wear. Then I have days or weeks to visualize and get inspired for their shoot. Taking a few minutes before each photo shoot to be quiet, to reflect on who my client is and what they want out of the shoot helps me to be in a creative space while I'm working. I've had to practically give up Pinterest altogether because I found it was hindering my creative process by just making me want to do what everyone else was doing. Keeping myself separate from that world helps me to cultivate my own style and creative process.

4. If you had one piece of advice to share with women entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Connect with other women entrepreneurs! Even if it's in your same industry, in your own town, we are all in this together. I live in a place where there are so many groups of photographers who meet together, who pray together and who send each other referrals. Technically, I guess we are competition but by joining together, we actually raise their standard of the industry and can support each other's businesses. It always helps to have someone to vent to as well. Someone who has been there and who understands everything you're going through. Running a successful business is a serious task and I guess it can be done alone, but it's so much better when you have a team of supportive people behind you! 

www.sarahmcaffry.com

www.twitter.com/sarahmcaffry

www.facebook.com/sarahmcaffry

Instagram @sarahmcaffry

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Sarah! If your looking for a photographer in the Knoxville, TN area, definitely check out Sarah's website!

Photo - Hanna Emily Barnes

Gorgeous portrait by the talented @ohtobehannah

"Value Your Struggles" Tee

     "Value Your Struggles"... I am learning so much about what this really means. Psalm 119:66-68 This shirt is available at www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com Comes in black and white

Photo - Ashley Rodriquez

     Doesn't this photo gives you chills?! So much beauty created by our Heavenly Father. Photo by my dear friend @thornandsparrow

Story - Melissa Lyons

     Good morning everyone!! Today I'm am very excited to share with you a beautiful and encouraging post that @melissalyonsart shared on her account. I was incredibly moved and touched by her words. Thanks Melissa for sharing your heart with us! ------------ --- 

Thinking back on a time when I used to furiously make lists and stress and smoke cigarettes and add and subtract dollar amounts and call everyone in the world for advice. And when something unexpected came up I used to be a wreck. Literally on medication. Now, I feel like a total shift. There is almost a comfort in the chaos. How do I explain that? I would say that God is a God of the extraordinary. He delights in meeting needs, being a father...a caretaker. And he doesn't just want to meet them, he wants to lavishly cover us in his goodness. And I am comforted now when things don't go the way I expected because if I am always talking with him, connecting to his heart, reading his word, leaning into his grace, then I have nothing to worry about at all. Literally nothing at all. 

Photo - Allie Royall

Look at this gorgeous photo by @allieroyall

Creative - Madlyn Jane

     Look at this whimsical card made out of flowers!! So creative and beautiful!! @madlynj 

Gorgeous Hairstyle - Casey Leigh Wiegand

     Do you follow the beautiful @caseyleighwiegand's gallery? She is amazing! Look at her hair in this photo!!! Stunning!!

Recipe - Fresh and Yummy Pasta

     Allow me to introduce this amazingly fresh and delicious pasta made by my sister @booboomce. Sometimes I crave a pasta that is lite but full of flavor. She definitely knocked it out of the park with this recipe. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients: 

1 package Angel Hair Pasta
1 red onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 can crushed tomatoes (we used one that we canned this summer)
Handful of fresh basil
Balsamic vinegar
olive oil
salt and pepper

Directions:

In a large pot, begin boiling water for pasta. In a medium sized sauce pan, begin sauteing chopped onion and garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil.  Once the onions are soft (but not mushy) add handful of chopped basil, can of crushed tomatoes and balsamic vinegar (the amount to add depends on how much you prefer in your sauce.  While the sauce simmers, add pasta noodles to boiling water. Then find your favorite bowl or dish and enjoy!

Photo - Kate Auringer

     Wow! This girl @kateauringer is making me some kind of hungry!! Just look at those sandwiches!!!

Happy Sunday

     Happy Sunday folks!! How are you planning to spend your day? I plan to spend some time in God's word and continue reading "A Tramp for The Lord". 

You are Beautiful, Treasured & Valued

     Don't EVER let anyone tell you otherwise!! Have you entered the giveaway?!?  See previous post!!

GIVEAWAY!!!

Hey you guys!!! It's giveaway time!! I'm so moved by how God used this necklace to help correct my heart, so I want to give one away to you lovely ladies! Here's how to enter: 

1. Repost photo on your account and tag @freetobemejournal 

2. Leave an encouraging comment below tagging 3 friends 

3. Your account cannot be on private 

4. Use #freetobemejournalgiveaway when reposting 

HAVE FUN friends!! Speak life into others!! Winner will be chosen on October 20th!!! 

Child of the one true King Tee

Tees available at www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com This shirt also comes in black. 

Photo - Kaity

Gorgeous photos by Kaity @fareisle

Good Morning You Wonderful Person

     Yes, YOU!!! You have the ability to change the world! What are you going to do today to help make a difference? Spend time in prayer praying for someone? Send notes of encouragement? Making an effort to share God's truth? Speak life into people! Ask God to guide you and he will bring things into your life that you never imagined!

"Beloved" Necklace

     Just finished listing these in the shop www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com Have a beautiful day today, friends!!! If you would like to know more about this design and how it came to be, there is a previous post that explains everything. It is a photo of two "Beloved" necklaces. 

DIY Shoes - Jaimee Ulmer

     I absolutely love this DIY that Jaimee Ulmer(_havenwood) has done to pretty up her shoes!  

"Beloved" Necklace Limited Design

     Guess what?!?  I have ONLY 4 of these available!! These are so gorgeous and I wish I could keep them all!! Haha!! $26. Leave your PayPal email to claim!! This would make a perfect gift for a friend who needs a little bit of love. Be change!! www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com

"Beloved" Necklace

     Let's be encouragers and offer support to each other... a smile or simple but sincere "How are you today?" can boost someone's spirit and make them feel special to know someone cared. If God has laid someone on your heart this morning, don't push it aside. A text, email or phone call letting them know you care can brighten someone's day immensely!! Leave your PayPal email below to claim this beautiful necklace. $26. More available at www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com 

Photo - Kristabel Plummer

     Love this SO much!!! Photo by Kristabel Plummer @fashionknitsta

I Wonder Original - Art

     This painting is listed in my shop! Differet sizes are available. www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com

Photography - The Girl Likes Rainbows

     Love this photo by @thegirllikesrainbows She's stylin!! 

"Beloved" Necklaces

www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com

"Beloved" necklaces

     Hey! These "Beloved" necklaces are about to be added to the shop!! Go to my feed and check out the post about these necklaces. Let God lead your life!! You are a beloved Child of God!!  Love you friends!! www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com

I Wonder Original

     So many ways to wear the tees in my shop! Head over to www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com to get yours!! Wear your faith!

Paper Flowers - Suzi

     Look at these paper flowers!! So stunning!! Photo and amazing talent by @sweet_izzi

Smile

Hand Stamped Necklace - Beloved

     Sometimes God uses our weaknesses to show us we need to depend and trust in Him. I absolutely cannot stand when people place last minute plans or 'ideas' in my lap and expect it to be a piece of cake. I know that's terrible to say... but it's true. I like to be prepared and while I am very spontaneous, I like to know ahead of time what others expect of me or want me to do. I want to be the best I can be. However, sometimes I think I try so hard that I become obsessed and become such a grouch. I forget that I'm not going to please everyone and that I am not ever going to be perfect. I forget that I have a Heavenly Father who wants me to lean on Him and to take my frustration away. Well, two weeks ago, my mom and aunt left for a mission trip with a few other ladies. They let me know two days before they left that it would be so nice if I would make a necklace for each of the ladies. Of course I said yes even though on the inside I was screaming and angry... once again, I was not trusting God to help me and I was again struggling with being a perfectionist. My mom wanted me to use my metal stamping supplies - stuff I bought months ago but have never attempted... Well... needless to say, I made a necklace but was not pleased with the outcome. I hurried to Hobby lobby with my grandma and she listening to my ideas and encouraged me to not stress. I began to pray and ask God to help guide me and for me to trust that He would take care of everything. Almost immediately, the design for the necklace in the photo above came to mind. The previous stress of making sure the necklace was perfect and meaningful for the ladies was gone. When I asked my mom and aunt what they wanted stamped on the necklace, they came up with 'Beloved'. When they gave the necklaces to the other ladies, one said that God had put the word 'Beloved' on her heart through scripture two weeks before. Also, a lady they met in the airport wanted one to buy one. So all of that to say... don't be like me! Put your life, faith, and trust in God!!! Give HIM your worries, fears and desires!! He will guide you and use you in ways you cannot imagine!! Let him lead your life!!!

Child of the one true King

     Love that you can dress these shirts up or down!! "Child of the one true King" tee available at www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com