Friday Feature ...

Shelby Ryan Boutique

When browsing through the photos of Shelby Ryan Boutique, it's easy to see why this shop has such a strong fan following!  The items are just adorable and so obviously high quality that it would be hard to resist buying everything they have to offer!  From legwarmers to hats, booties to cup cozies, this shop has something for everyone.  And if you're a photographer?  There are SO many adorable photography props that I dare you to choose just one!

I recently had the chance to chat with Tami, the owner of Shelby Ryan Boutique and I must say, she is sweet and kind and has a wonderful sense of humor.  She would be so easy to work with when placing an order.  When I asked her how she got started, she replied ... 

I opened up my Etsy shop in October of 2010. My sister is a photographer and she was showing me some of her props. I was inspired and taught myself to make tutus. Those were my big sellers for a while...which is kinda funny, because I rarely make them now. My Grandmother taught me how to knit when I was 8 and I picked it back up again after I opened shop. I then taught myself how to crochet. Now knit and crochet items are my "thing" . 

 Being a work at home mom myself, I know there is a fine line between balancing work and family time. While it is so very rewarding, it can also be difficult at times to keep it all together.  I asked Tami about her favorite and least favorite parts of owning a small business ... 

My favorite part of running my business is being able to express my creativity. I have two little monsters, I mean boys, at home that run me ragged, so it is nice to have a creative outlet just for me. My least favorite part...shipping. Printing labels/packaging/going to the Post Office/Post Office lines with monsters (oops, kids) in tow...ughhhh, lol. 

Oh, how I can relate to standing in line with little ones!  

Tami's work is so creative that I just had to ask what inspires her. 

What inspires me....hmmm. Coffee? Is that a valid answer? Really my work is inspired by a lot of things. I will spend hours in a yarn isle because I see potential in every skein of yarn and I have to limit myself (which I am not very good at...you should see my stash!)

Yarn and coffee!!??!!??  Does it get any better than that?  I don't think so.

Ok, ok.  Maybe if you add some chocolate!

Or cupcakes.  Yes, definitely cupcakes ...

 I asked Tami to tell us one thing about herself that might surprise us.  Turns out, she's not only funny, creative and kind, but she's SMART too!  

I think people would be surprised to know that I am a few classes away from a degree in Biochemistry. I am waiting until the mons....kiddos...are in school to go back and finish. What do I want to do with my expensive degree, you ask? Teach high school chemistry, lol. 

And when she's not busy creating?

I am spending time with the crazies. My boys are 2 and 4 and are amazingly intelligent, funny, challenging. Those two makes me laugh (and cry) on a daily basis. They are my crazy world. I also like reading, painting, taking long walks on the beach (just kidding on that last one- no beach around here).

Yep, these are her sweet little monsters! (Modeling more of her amazing work!)

And for fun, I asked Tami if she could have lunch with any 3 people who would they be?

Why is the just for fun question the hardest one??? Just for fun, if I could have lunch with any 3 people, it would have to be both of my grandfathers (they both passed before I was born and I know I would have adored both of them) and then lets go with Jesus Christ. That would definitely make for an interesting lunch. 

I must say, I found Tami to be witty and charming and an absolute sweetheart to talk to.  Her boutique is just full of her amazing creations and she even does custom orders (current turn around time is 3-4 weeks).  Check out her page, Shelby Ryan Boutique  or send an email to shelby_ryanboutique@hotmail.com to order.

Oh, and be sure to come back on Monday when we will announce the details for our first blog giveaway.  One lucky winner will receive a custom item from Shelby Ryan Boutique!  You don't want to miss it!