Center Stage: Arrow & Aspen

In case you're new here, I have started a series that I'm calling "Center Stage".  These posts will spotlight a super-mama or a small business or an exceptionally cool Instagram feed or a blogger I think we all should be paying special attention to...or just somebody I think is all-out awesome. These interviews will be my way of introducing y'all to someone (and maybe a product) I adore!

Today's post features Allie from the super amazing, super adorable, super trendy online children's boutique Arrow and Aspen. She has even been featured in the stylish children's fashion magazine, Babiekins Magazine. Allie and I became fast friends through IG, and I just adore her to death! Have I mentioned she has some of the cutest kids ever!? Check out their beachy, artsy, laid back style on her Instagram: @arrowandaspen.

Meet Allie: 
(All photos were sent to me from Allie)

1. Tell me about yourself and your family.

My name is Alexandria- Allie for short. My husband and I have been together for 11 years (I feel old saying that!) and we have four beautiful kids. Two boys and two girls-- all rocking A names- Andrew, Arden, Avery and Asher. Our last two babies are only 13 months apart and keep us busier than we ever knew possible. Extremely happy but extremely busy. When we were pregnant with our third baby, Avery, we decided to give our everything to make our dream of moving to Southern California finally come true. We sold/donated 90% of our possessions and downsized from 3,000 square feet to 600 square feet. There wasn't anything easy about the move but nothing worth it is ever easy. After a long pregnancy of bed rest, extended hospital stays and ultimately Avery's arrival 5 weeks early we finally settled in our cozy and humble home on the coast in Ventura, California. We have been here since 2011 and we still randomly high five each other whenever the realization that we actually did it sets in. My family is my entire world. They are what I work for, what I strive for and ultimately what I live for.

 

2. and tell me about Arrow and Aspen.

Arrow & Aspen is years of dreams, hard work and dedication. Throughout the last 5 or so years I must have started four different companies. And I mean really start. From getting my business license, building the websites, investing in merchandise, etc. I dedicated many months to each company only to let my anxiety get the best of me and not officially launch any of them. Arrow & Aspen was different. I made a promise to myself that I would launch it no matter what type of reservations or doubt crept in. The launch date came and I listened to the advice of one of my closest friends and "pulled my big girl boots up" and went for it. It's been an incredible and rewarding ride ever since and I haven't looked back since the start date a little over 6 months ago. Arrow & Aspen is my fifth baby. My life is centered around it ,and I won't ever stop. This is my dream and I'm going for it 110%.

3. What is your favorite season and why?
Favorite season would have to be summer. Long days and even longer nights spent on the beach. Icecream with my babes. Watching them dig in the dirt for worms and chase their chickens. Seeing my kids spending their days barefoot, dirty and really just being kids. There's really nothing else like it. 
 
4. Do you have any hidden talents? What are they?
 I wouldn't say hidden but a few things I'm passionate about is interior design, cooking, and gardening. I can grow a mean carrot. 😉
 
5. What are 3 IG profiles that we MUST check out? My absolute favorite IG account ever would have to be @humansofnewyork. It takes a stranger on the street and makes them your friend via social media. It's a raw way to get a glimpse into a strangers life and realize how deep and real each one of our stories are. We all have something to say- something beautiful if others would just take the time to listen. Another one I love is @thegraygang. I had the blessing of meeting her in person and she shines even brighter face to face. She opens up and shares her journey raising four littles in such an elequent way. Last but not least @joyprouty. She has an incredible way about her- the way she lives life unapologetically and raises her babies to be so free spirited. It's all so inspiring on so many levels.

6. What is one little piece of advice you would give someone wanting to start a new business? Believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to say no. Not everyone will want to see you succeed but if you're dedicated and willing to hustle your ass off than nothing can stop you. Be kind. Be honest. Stay humble. And most importantly stay true to yourself.

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Allie!! xoxo

Center Stage: Alyssa May Edwards

So, I am pretty excited about a new series that I'm calling "Center Stage".  These posts will spotlight a super-mama or a small business or an exceptionally cool Instagram feed or a blogger I think we all should be paying special attention to...or just somebody I think is all-out awesome. These interviews will be my way of introducing y'all to someone (and maybe a product) I believe is pretty special.

Let's make some new friends. Shall we?

My very first "Center Stage" guest is Alyssa May Edwards from Sincerely Truly Scrumptious. 
As soon as I discovered Alyssa's Instagram feed, I knew I had to get this girl in some Happy Chance Apparel! Alyssa is quickly becoming a well known fashion blogger and for good reason! She has THE BEST style, and it's just a bonus that she is the sweetest thing!

Here is my interview with Alyssa. You will love her as much as I do! Meet Alyssa May Edwards:
(All photos were sent to me from Alyssa)

1. Tell me about yourself.

Well I have lived in AZ all my life and just graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors in Communication and a Special Events Management certificate. I am getting married to the love of my life this October and couldn't be happier! Besides blogging, I am the Media Concierge for AZFoothills Magazine. I am so passionate about media, events, fashion and styling just to name a few:) 

 

 

2. and tell me about STS and what got you interested in blogging.

Right when I graduated high school I discovered my love for blogs. About a year later is when I really became super passionate about it and started blogging regularly. I started making jewelry and thought that blogging would be a great marketing tool. Right now my jewelry is on the back burner and I have been focusing mostly on styling, outfits and beauty. I truly enjoy blogging and think it is the best creative outlet. 

3. What is your favorite season and why?

Fall/Winter Because everything exciting happens in those months {My birthday, I get married, fashion week and every fun holiday possible} 

 

 

4. Do you have any hidden talents? What are they?

I wouldn't necessarily say they are hidden but I have danced all my life {ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, jazz, modern etc.} and did competitive pom in high school. I still take my mom's ballet class every Saturday morning. 

5. What are 3 IG profiles that we MUST check out?

Jenaelynne - Her photos are seriously amazing

Courtsmithxx - I love her photos and her amazing boho vibe

Saralrash - Because she is the biggest babe and I love her style

6. What is one little piece of advice you would give someone wanting to start a blog?

NEVER GIVE UP!

It took me a year {blogging almost everyday} to get any type of sponsors. Don't get discouraged if you don't have many followers or that maybe your mom and grandma are your only readers. I promise your readership will grow with consistent posts and social media posts...aka Instagram. Also don't let others bring you down. It is crazy how people {even friends} will react to your blog. Some will think it is awesome and some will think it is the biggest waste of time. DONT BELIEVE THOSE PEOPLE. Chase after your dreams and don't stop till you have reached them. 

 

 

 

Follow Alyssa on Instagram, @alyssamayedwards, and definitely check out her blog! You'll spot some Happy Chance Apparel in some of her posts!

 

Thank you, Alyssa! xoxo

knock 'em dead

Busy, busy, BUSY weekend! But, I did take advantage of the sunshine today and asked (forced) my oldest daughter, Annslie, to let me take a few photos of her modeling the new Happy Chance tank! I will be listing this one on the website soon! xo

The jewelry is from the ever-so-talented, Rebecca, from Paint the Town Me on Etsy. Check her out!

Spring & Happy Chance Apparel

Baseball, softball, and golf have started. Which, pretty much, means that we will not sit down for the next several months! BUT...it also means that Spring is just around the corner, and I'm more than okay with that.

Wyatt started t-ball this year. If you know Wyatt, you know it can take him a good hour (or 5) to warm up to people for the first time....sometimes the second and third time too. Unless he's dancing. That boy would dance for the President if you gave him a good beat. Anyway, with his shyness usually present, I really thought our first t-ball practice would be a disaster. My little guy totally proved me wrong. I was so proud of how he marched out there with his big boy baseball gear and did exactly what his coaches told him to do. It was like it's the day he had been waiting for his whole 4 years of life. I am really excited about this season for him!

Annslie is on her high school girl's golf team, and both of the little girls play softball. So, get ready for sports picture overload in the coming weeks!

In other news, Happy Chance Apparel is going to be sold in The Avenue Boutique in our hometown of Rockmart, Georgia! I was thrilled when the store's owner, Elyse, contacted me about being a part of her Spring line up. Elyse has impeccable taste, so naturally I said yes! The trendy boutique will carry exclusive colors of Happy Chance classics! The Avenue Boutique is located at 256 W. Elm Street in Rockmart, and you can follow them on Instagram: @theavenue_boutique.
I also will be reopening my online store, with new items, very soon! I will no longer be using Etsy, but you will be able to click on the "shop" link above to access my new store. Fun things happening around here!

I will leave you all with...yep...pictures of the kiddos. We had blue skies and sunshine last Sunday. The kids were able to stay outside for hours. It was marvelous.

Trampoline hair is the best hair.