Thank you, Straight From the Heart, for sponsoring this post, part of the 2016 Shop Small Christmas series. I was selected for this opportunity by Straight From the Heart; the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Today I want to introduce you to Straight From the Heart.
I love personalized ornaments. We have plenty. From our first home to first year married, we have them all. I just loved this trendy red Christmas truck when I first saw it and it looks great on our tree this year! Owner, Karen's prices are just right for those holiday gifts for the sitter, teacher, mailman, whomever and her designs are just great! Check out her shop over on Etsy and use the code "JOYFULHEART122516" will get you 10% off any purchase until December 31st!
Here is a little bit more about Karen, the owner of Straight From the Heart:
How did you get your shop started?
Straight From the Heart was created in 1989 after my youngest son was born. I have always loved doing crafts and prior to starting Straight From the Heart, I had attended craft shows. I wanted to be able to stay at home with my children while earning a little extra income at the same time. Straight From The Heart has given me this opportunity for many years. When I started my etsy page (Karen's Heart), I wanted to expand my business and create more opportunity to reach more people throughout the year. Everything that is made from us, is hand-crafted by our hands and made straight from the heart.
What is the hardest part of owning a shop?
I love to create, to paint, and to craft unique items for my customers. The hardest part for me, is tackling the "business side". When you are a business owner, you are the accounting department, the shipping department and the manufacturer. For me, I would just love to be able to put all of my time into creating.
What is one thing unique about you?
The most unique thing about Straight From the Heart is: My husband and I get to do this business as a team. He hand cuts all of our products so that I can paint and create them. He makes my ideas into reality. All of our products are made by my Husband, Dean, and myself. We take pride in each of our pieces and also in knowing that we created them together.
What is the best part of owning a shop?
The best part of owning a shop is, being able to be my own boss and to be at home. Originally, we started this business so that I could stay at home with my children. Now, I have the opportunity to keep my grandbabies each day.
How did you get your shop name?
Hearts is one of my favorite symbols. Years, ago I saw a card from Hobby Lobby, that inspired the theme for my entire business. It said, "When we give to you what we make with our hands, it comes straight from the heart". We take pride in this statement and want our business to reflect a Godly, positive image.
What is one way that you keep organized?
I have a room in my house specifically designated for our business. It is set up in a way to allow me to paint, to ship, to do the business side, and also to allow my grandbabies to play right beside me while I work.
How do you balance family life and work life?
My family has always been the most important and first priority in my life. Since I work for myself, I am able to set my schedule around my family's needs. I can work harder if I need to or go play with my grandbabies.
Check out Straight From the Heart over on Etsy for personalized handmade items straight from the heart!
