Small Business Feature: Laura Ryan Photography

Photo Credit Laura Ryan Photography

Today we are excited to feature a business that we both love and adore. More specifically we love the business owner! Laura Ryan Photography has captured a few special moments for our families and we just can't get enough. If you are looking for a photographer with passion, heart, and someone who is genuine, Laura Ryan is your girl. We hope you take the time to get to know and love her as much as we do!

Photo Credit Laura Ryan Photography

What made you want to be a photographer? (Or How did you get your start as a photographer?)

Why? I think the why is the most important behind everything that we do, and for me it is the foundation for my business; it is my heart. I want to capture real life – the raw, the messy, the good, the beautiful, and the story that is their story.

What is your favorite type of a photoshoot?

Photo Credit Laura Ryan Photography

This is hard! Each type of photoshoot tells a different story and I love it for that reason, but births certainly have a special place in my heart. There is nothing more special than the love that I get to witness during a birth. The way a mama embraces the pain because she know that it will be worth it, the way a husband comforts his wife because he would trade her places if he could, and the way they both embrace their baby for the first time. There is nothing like it in this world.

I still remember my first birth. I knew this family had struggled with 5 years of infertility so I knew that it would be emotional and that I could not miss that first moment. The nurses hand baby to Mama and she whispers, “I have waited for you for so long.” I was able to capture that moment for that family. A memory that sadly would have faded over time, but because they have those images, the family can remember that moment forever.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

Aside from being able to capture such precious memories for people, I think the most rewarding part of my job is the relationships I form with my clients. Because of the nature of the photos I take, I get to know my clients on a more personal level. I am with them through some of the most vulnerable times in their lives and it’s an honor to be part of it. I truly believe that God has given each of us a story and it’s my job to do that story justice.

Photo Credit Laura Ryan Photography

How would you describe your style of photography?

Technically speaking I am natural light lifestyle photographer. My sessions typically take place in either the client’s home, an outdoor location, or a hospital/birthing center and we utilize whatever natural light we have available to us.

I also use a different approach to “posing” my clients than the traditional “look this way, place this hand there, and this leg that way, and so forth.” I like to use verbal cues to bring out different emotions (I have to thank my mentor Jamie Clauss for this suggestion) in clients. To give you an idea, at a recent maternity session I asked Mom to just walk through the field for a few minutes and reflect back over her pregnancy and just be in the moment with her daughter. It was beautiful.

What advice would you give others trying to start a business?

As crazy as it sounds, I would give the same advice that my husband gave me. He told me,  “you love this and you could be good or even great at it, so do it or don’t do it because just thinking about it isn't getting you anywhere.” In that moment I decided there was wisdom in what my husband was telling me, and I ran full speed ahead with that and have not looked back.

After that I would tell you that it takes a lot of hard work. Do your research and then validate that research with professionals in your area. Know what it takes to own a business and how to run a business. Know that you will fail but also know that you will soar. Know that success takes time. Know that no dream is too big but also know your limitations. Know when to ask for help and know when you need to take control. Know your vision and know where you want to go.

Photo Credit Laura Ryan Photography

God Bless,

and

Small Business Feature: Orchard Girls

Remember our Mommy-On-The-Go Box Swap a few days ago? Well we just love our friends over at Orchard Girls & Orchardbaby Boutique so much that we want you to get to know them a little better!

Also, Orchardbaby Boutique opens today! There are so many great handmade baby items over there that we can't pick a favorite!

Here's our interview with Kayla & Kenzie:

Give us a little intro to what Orchard Girls is about!
"Orchard Girls is the name of the blog that we started about 3 years ago. We loved working together on this project and also loved making all the DIYs on the blog. We decided to turn what we love doing into a business by creating Orchardbaby Boutique. We especially love sewing so we decided to focus on sewing baby items like blankets, burp cloths, and quilts."

Sleepy Foxes and Chevron Burp Cloth Sets

What inspired you to create your business?
"Both of us have small children and we are always on the look out for cute items. Coming across things in stores or online, we started thinking, 'We could totally make that!' We made items for our own babies and thought other people might enjoy them as well."

If you could describe each other in one word, what would it be?

Kenzie: "I would describe Kayla as dependable."

Kayla: "I would describe Kenzie as genuine."

What's it like being Mommies, bloggers, & business owners?
"It's interesting. Hah! Sometimes projects get pushed aside when the family needs to come first. But we truly love making time to create unique items. It gives us a creative outlet and something to do to feel 'productive,' you know, besides tending to our children and husbands 24/7."

How long have you two known each other?
"We've been best friends since we were 14. We met at church and have been inseparable ever since. We lived together while in college (majoring in the same thing: Community Services). We then ended up marrying brothers. It's kind of a Nicholas Sparks story about best friends."

Arizona Horizon Lovey Blanket

What part of Orchardbaby Boutique are you most passionate about?
We're passionate about your little ones and all the things that keep them comfortable. We love the thought of those babies snuggled up in the blankets we made with such care. We're pretty much obsessed with cute fabric, too, so this definitely gives us an excuse to buy a lot of it!


Be sure to stop by Orchard Girls and Orchardbaby Boutique to show these girls your love!

God Bless, 

 &

Small Business Feature: Sweet Georgia Peach Bakery

Today we have the honor of showcasing a local small business! We absolutely love the owner of Sweet Georgia Peach Bakery, Stephanie, and her family! We are so inspired by the way Stephanie juggles business life and family, all without sacrificing either! Please visit her here. She's made amazing goodies for our families and we can't wait to order from her again!

Photo Credit: Laura Ryan Photography

Where did you learn how to make such delicious treats?

"My twin sister and I were brought up by our grandparents. My Grandmother, Mildred, taught me everything I know when it comes to cooking and baking. The decorating came later, I loved baking by cake decorating was not my forte. We are a basketball loving family and I learned from Michael Jordan on this one: 'I worked on my weakness until it then became my strength'. It has been almost 9 months since Sweet Georgia Peach Bakery's inception and at this point I am confident in my decorating, but baking will always be my passion, as I feel like my Grandma is here with me every time I pull out my mixer."

Photo Credit: Laura Ryan Photography

What inspired you to start your bakery?

My greatest inspiration is definitely my Grandma, but there are many others. I believe that this is my calling, my way to give back to society, and that my Grandma is smiling down on me from heaven knowing that I am happy doing what I love. Being a military spouse, I knew that I wanted to do something that 1) wouldn't take me away from my children on a regular basis, and 2) could travel with me so that I did not have to start a job over every time I moved. Until a year ago I did not even consider that I could take my greatest passion and turn it into a career. It was then that my oldest daughter put in her 'order' for a grand cake and I learned that I could do something with the skills that I had started to develop.

Do you have a favorite cookie or cake recipe?

I use all my own recipes and I'm constantly developing new ones. I believe that my favorite recipe is my chocolate chip cookie recipe because I developed it based on a 'super secret' one that a dear friend in South Carolina gave to me. I would love to one day share a recipe, but this one will definitely remain to secret! I will, however, give y'all a few pointers to make delicious chocolate chip cookies: 1) Use both white and brown sugar, equal parts. 2) Cream the butter and sugars until extremely light and fluffy, don't worry about over doing it with beating until you add eggs and flour! And 3) you want to add more chocolate chips than you think, there should be several in every bite.

Photo Credit: Laura Ryan Photography

Photo Credit: Laura Ryan Photography

Photo Credit: Laura Ryan Photography

 What is your favorite type of event to cater to?

I love to see the faces of the little ones when they smash their cake, especially when it is captured in smash cake photo shoots. These little ones are a major reason why I love what I do. I would have to say, though, that my favorite are the donated cakes that I do. I love providing a dream cake to a child that may not otherwise get one. I love giving and although a cake seems trivial compared to other contributions, I believe that making a child feel special and loved is crucial to development of character. I also love that I can focus on baking and work on creativity (because it does not come naturally for me) without the pressure that comes along with a paid order.

Photo Credit: Laura Ryan Photography

What advice would you give others who are trying to start a business?

Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life! Cliche I know, but nothing rings more true. I believe that it is not in God's will for us to go through life being a slave to our jobs. I believe that when you find your true purpose in life you will have a joy that can't be found anywhere else. Does that mean that you will always be happy in your job? No, just take a peek into my life on Friday night when I had six cakes due on Saturday...not fun! The satisfaction that comes with a job accomplished is worth the trouble though, and I am always ready to start again for the next

Photo Credit: Laura Ryan Photography

week!

Do not start a business in debt! Build up little by little. It may take awhile to get where you want to be, but in the off-chance that it isn't wildly successful, it will not add financial strain to your family. I have plans to open a storefront eventually, and know that debt may come with that, but until then I have a successful business that does not involve debt payments. I am happy to enjoy the fruits of my labor even at this early stage.

I also would like to add that bringing up your child will always come first! You will never look back and think, 'Wow, I wish I would have worked more.' You will most likely think that you should have spent more time enjoying your family and children. No business opportunity will compare to your family. 

God Bless, 

 &

Mommy-On-The-Go Box Swap

We recently decided to team up with the ladies over at Orchard Girls for a Mommy-On-The-Go box swap. Box swaps are a great way to discover new products. There are so many possibilities! To participate in a box swap just choose a theme (What's In The Diaper Bag, Spa Day at Home, ect.) and someone to swap with. You each choose items that you would use and send them to the other person. It was funny to see how many things we actually did differently. Kenzie and Kayla were so creative and thoughtful with their box! Check out their post here. 

Thanks for the help, James & June!

Let's take a look at what we got!

Travel wipes cases: These flexible cases are perfect for any diaper bag. And they hold more wipes than a traditional hard case.

Disposable bags: Hey, messes happen and sometimes throwing dirty clothes/diapers straight in a diaper bag can be an insult on your sense of smell. Seal it off with these bags!

Lip balm: When chapped lips are the last thing you need to deal with!

Gum: No one likes stinky breath!

Hand sanitizer: When soap and water just aren't handy.

Spray disinfectant: Shopping carts, restaurant high chairs, playground equipment...Let's be honest. How clean are they?

Stain remover: Kids like to share their messiness.

Tissue: Their boogers...your boogers...we all got 'em!

Small cosmetic bag: Perfect for keeping all the small items together! And it's super cute!

Reusable shopping bag: Kenzie & Kayla reminded us that this bag is perfect for items that won't fit in your diaper bag.

Snack cookies: Don't worry about sneaking a few of these for yourself. They're actually pretty good!

Emergency toy: For when the toys you keep in the diaper bag and the car just aren't cutting it.

Snack cups: These cups are great for keeping snacks contained and they're great with little ones are learning to feed themselves.

Stroller/car seat blanket: This beautiful blanket came from Orchardbaby Boutique (opening later this monthy). It's the perfect size, so so soft, and we LOVE the print! Be sure to drop by their store in just a couple of weeks to snag one for yourself!

If you have young kids, chances are you're going to need all of these items at some point. So keep everything in the glove compartment or a plastic bin in your car.

What items do you keep close by when you're on the go?

God Bless,

&

5 Things I'd Tell My New Mom Self

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Being a new mom is the most joyous feeling in the world but at the same time it will be one the hardest things you do in your life. Here are a few things we would tell our new mom selves...

• Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help and take it when it is offered! Here I was thinking, my friends probably don't want to be around a screaming baby, so I hesitated to ask for a little help. But honestly, who wouldn't want to hold a cute little baby for an hour while you shower, take a nap, or cook a meal. My friends offered to come and watch little James while I napped, offered to grocery shop for me, and made me food. They are blessings from above!! I didn't want to burden them and appear needy but you're a new mom taking on a new baby. They want to help and you need it. 

• Get Out of the house. Obviously if there is a flu outbreak in your community and you have a newborn, getting out of the house may have to wait. But get your of the house, even it it's to get yourself a milkshake. Getting out makes you feel somewhat of a normal person. Let's face it, you're hormonal, you cry at every little thing, and your clothes don't fit right anymore. Maybe you won't feel completely normal but getting out of the house sure helps.

• Your relationship with your spouse with change. Change it for the better. This experience is new and different. All this time you've taken care of yourself and your spouse. Taking care of a little one is challenging and new. Instead of letting it hinder your relationship, let it better your relationship. Make sure to communicate with your spouse, appreciate your spouse, and work as a team. Love is what brought your little one in the world, let love raise it too.

• You'll have horrible, miserable days. Poop that doesn't end, baby's not eating well, no sleep, and you and your spouse are at each other's necks because of it. It's okay. Parenthood is wonderful and a blessing but some days are just rough. But fear not, tomorrow is a new day filled with new perspective and a chance to start over. You're not expected to get it right, the first time, every time. It's a new experience, embrace the challenge and you will overcome it.

• Sweatpants and yoga pants feel like heaven, but they have to come off sometime. Being pregnant changes your body...A LOT. Personally, I think every postpartum body is beautiful in its own way. I also loved the way stretchy yoga pants and baggy sweatpants made my postpartum body feel comfy and cozy. But seriously...you need to take them off, get ready, and get out of the house. It'll make you feel like a normal person again and there is something about getting ready that makes you feel more awake and ready to take on the day. Even if it's a v-neck,  (maternity) jeans, and washed hair, you will feel better. 

What would you tell your new mom self? 

Blessings,

5 Things I'd Tell My Pregnant Self

So the stick turned blue, huh? Whether you were planning this little miracle or you're a bit surprised, "Oh. My. Goodness." were probably some of your first words. That is, if you were even able to speak at all! I remember approaching my husband, positive pee-stick & instructions in hand, asking him to interpret for me because I'm pretty sure my brain had just turned off.

So congratulations! God has granted you one of the greatest privileges known to womankind. You're soon to be overwhelmed from helpful & not-so-helpful advice from loved ones and complete strangers. Let's hope this falls into the helpful category!

1. Do what's best for you. Do what you have to do to get through the day. My first trimester was a Netflix & saltine cracker blur. Just because someone else walked 3 miles a day while pregnant doesn't mean you have to, too. By all means please don't use the next 38+ weeks setting any couch potato records (unless you're on doctor-ordered bed rest) . Find the balance between healthy and restful that works best for you and your growing family.

2. Buy as many pregnancy/birth/newborn books you want, but read them with a grain of salt. Not everything you read will apply to your unique pregnancy and it might just scare you unnecessarily.
Let your body guide the way, not a book. Again, balance is the key. Find the middle ground between completely ignorant & over-informed and anxious. Remember, real learning will come from hands-on experience.

3. Be prepared, but flexible. Discuss your birthplan with spouse, support team, and medical staff but be ready to be flexible. Stand up for your rights as a patient as long as what you want isn't jeopardizing you or your baby. You may not get the birth experience you dreamed of (just ask us), but get over it. If your baby is healthy, that's all that matters.

4. You & your spouse may have different reactions. Are you the over-excited one & your spouse seems underwhelmed? Or maybe it's the other way around. My husband wasn't too impressed by feeling our little girl kick for the first time while I felt like I was never going to come off that high. But when she was born we both shared so much joy that seeing my husband so happy made all the "underwhelming" moments worth it.
Talk about it! You're both probably feeling lots of emotions. But maybe the only way they can truly be expressed is through conversation.

5. You may not enjoy it all, but try to appreciate it. Open any pregnancy book to chapter one and you're bound to get a laundry list of pregnancy symptoms that aren't very fun: morning sickness, round ligament pain, & heartburn (just to name a few). Try to appreciate even these moments of discomfort. Some women never get the chance to feel the way you do. And while you're complaining to your friend for the umpteenth time about how uncomfortable you are, remember that she might be praying to be on the morning sickness boat.

What do you wish you could have told your pregnant self? We want to know!

God Bless,

5 Things I'd Tell My Pre-Child Self

Deciding it is time to have little ones running around is such an exciting time in life! Whether you are waiting for the right time or in the middle of trying to conceive, the process does take an emotional toll on you. Here are 5 things we would tell ourselves as we went through this season in life.

• Pray about it. Trying or not trying, pray about it. Sometimes it is hard with all the external factors to find peace about your situation. Getting tired of people constantly asking you when you're going to have a baby? Pray for grace to handle the situation well and understanding. Trying and it hasn't happened quite yet? Pray for God's timing and guidance on what to do to be revealed to you. Overall, pray for God's peace for your situation and never hesitate to ask for prayer too! This is something my husband and I do with everything so that we can be confident in our decisions we make as a family.

• Be prepared. Have a pre-conception meeting with your doctor, track your monthly cycle and ovulation, and start saving money. Little steps like these are great for helping you feel a little bit of peace in taking this big step in your life. Biology aside, the journey to having a child is a roller coaster and prepping yourself to the best of your ability (and letting the good Lord take care of the rest) always helps a little.

• Communicate, communicate, communicate. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page, create goals together, get specific, don't leave any detail un-turned. You want to be on the same wave length as your partner. My husband and I talked about every little concern, our worries, and how we felt going into trying and getting pregnant. Holding things in and letting it explode later is never the way to go. Lastly, keep the conversation going. When I was ready and my husband wasn't ready to have a baby, we still talked about it and voiced our opinions. It's okay to have differing opinions so make sure you discuss and reconnect with each other so you can get on the same page, make new goals together, and move toward those goals.

• Ignore everyone else. Friends might think you're too young to have kids, family make you think you need to get going on making some grandchildren, or everyone else is having babies so you feel like you need to get on that train before it leaves the station. Do what is best for your family. By all means take advice from those whose opinions you value most, but at the end of the day you and your spouse need to make this decision without external pressure and opinions. 

• You'll never be 100% ready. When taking a big step in life, there may always be a little sense of doubt or worry. Don't let that stop you especially when you've been confident in your decision to have a child. Just pray.

Are you in this season of life right now? Let us know and we will be praying for you :)

Blessings,