Thank you, Mush Bug Crafts, for sponsoring this post, part of the 2016 Shop Small Christmas series. I was selected for this opportunity by Mush Bug Crafts; the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Today, I want to introduce you to Mush Bug Crafts. I discovered them when I was searching high and low for something pineapple for my guest room. A pineapple is the symbol of hospitality and I just knew that I wanted our guest room in our new home to be some place that guests could retreat to when they stay overnight. Our guest room has been one area that just hasn't been quite finished in our home since the completion of our remodel. Once I laid eyes our their Aloha sign, also meaning hello and goodbye, I knew it was a perfect fit to get this room completed.
Shop owner, Morgen, was just so great about fast shipping and responses. Her sign is absolutely adorable and I cannot wait to share more of her styles to you for your holiday shopping needs. Also, use the coupon code HAPPY10 during your shopping for 10% OFF a purchase of $20+. Hurry, as most of her work is made to order because of customization and she has an order deadline for the holidays of December 10th!
Here is a little bit more about Mush Bug Crafts in interview style with owner, Morgen:
How did you get your shop started?
As long as I can remember I've always been making something. From mosaics, to jewelry, crochet, and woodworking. It is in my blood to MAKE things! I started selling my signs three years ago thinking it would help the family income and now not only that but I sell by signs in multiple shops and boutiques including the gift shop at the 5-star Hilton Resort in Maui. Thankfully I have an amazing support system in my family especially in my husband. He is forever by my side cheering me on in everything I do!
What is the hardest part of owning a shop?
I would have to say keeping sight of my goals. I want to build my shop to reach my full potential and I tend to get stuck in ruts of the same thing over and over again. My dream is to one day open a shop to include not only my own items but other small shops items as well and being a military spouse, that dream gets pushed around a lot by moves, and funds, and life itself.
What is one thing unique about you?
Hmm, this one is hard! I think its unique that I am self taught. Everything I make, I taught myself to do including crochet and string art and I am still figuring it out as I go!
What is the best part of owning a shop?
I love being able to make things that will last forever and mean something to people. Most of my art is custom and the stories that go with my pieces amaze me everyday. I love being able to make people happy whether it is a custom piece that reminds a customer of special memories or being able to surprise my family with ice-cream dates after I've sold a sign!
How did you get your shop name?
Hahaha, this is a good one. The name of my shop was actually created by my beautiful two year old daughter(now 4 years old), Eleanora. One day while driving home, screaming broke out in the backseat. "MOMMA! I CAN"T MUSH A BUG!!!!", she screamed. Apparently she saw a fly that had landed on her window that threw us both into a panic, thus the name of my shop Mush Bug, was born. My shop, and my life, are a mish-mush of beautiful things that I love and sometimes create. And that little girl, the first thing I created, she's my bug:)
What is one way that you keep organized?
Girlfriend, I don't even know what that is! Hahaha. With a four year old, an eleven month old, a husband, two cats, and a dog, there is no such thing as organization! I do, however, have my home office where most of my supplies live and half of the garage for my tools and creating signs but it is not uncommon for me to play hide and go seek with my tape measure or my paintbrushes!
How do you balance family life and work life?
This, I owe completely to nap time and my wonderful husband! I am so thankful to both of them, especially my husband. He will usually take over the kids after work until dinner so I can get some work done and on the weekends we work together on our own projects while the kids play together but family time is FAMILY TIME. My work stops at dinner time until the kids go to bed. We usually reserve Sundays for family days, which means no work either. During week days while the baby naps, its quiet time for my daughter as well and I am able to get work in there as well. My family is why I do what I do so it is important to me to be able to share my time equally because I can't have one without the other.
Be sure to check out Mush Bug Crafts and enter to win this Blessed sign over on Instagram today!
