Every few weeks, Plymouth Macaroni Kid will introduce you to an amazing, local mom. Nothing makes us happier than supporting incredible women. I am so excited to have the opportunity to introduce you to some of the Plymouth Area's finest!
This week, I'd love to introduce you to Jess! Jess is the owner/designer/artist/and creator behind Miss Lou Makes! Not only is Jess an amazing artist who creates the most beautiful pieces, jewelry, and handmade gifts - she is also one of the kindest and genuine moms I've met (not to mention, she kills it on Instagram reels). Read on to find out more about what she does - and learn how you can support her entirely mom-run, local business!
1. How many kids do you have and how old are they?
I have 2 kids, Oliver just turned 2 and Andie is 3 weeks old
2. What town do you live/work in? What is your favorite thing about the Plymouth area?
Plymouth. My husband and I would always go to White Horse Beach when we were dating. When we were looking to buy a house we knew we wanted to live in Plymouth! Now we get to walk to the beautiful beach every day and that is our favorite thing about living here.
3. What do you like to do for fun with your kids in the Plymouth area? Without your kids?
We love to explore all the nature trails in Plymouth and the Cape. Our favorite trail with our toddler is Center Hill Preserve because it's short enough for him to walk independently and then we search the beach for sea glass. Without our kids, we love to try new restaurants! If we have a babysitter (living near my parents is so awesome), we will try to squeeze in different places for drinks/apps/entrees so we can get the most of our kid-free night!
4. Tell me about Miss Lou Makes and how it came about. Is creating for Miss Lou Makes your full-time job?
I started Miss Lou Makes in 2017 when I was living in Charleston, SC. I was a pre-k teacher in an intervention program. It was a job that required so much hard work, heart and soul, and I found a lot of stress relief in crafts and jewelry making. I began selling my crafts at local events and markets and opened my Etsy shop soon after. My love for this “side hustle” grew so much and brought me so much joy. When I moved back home to MA, I took a job as an early interventionist working with babies, toddlers, and families in their homes (did you know this is a free service? If you have any concerns about your child’s development, I encourage you to reach out to your local EI program!). It was an amazing job and I really loved it, but the pandemic had other plans for me. I took it as a sign and decided to take that side hustle full time in 2020! I will always have a special place for teaching in my heart, but this business enables me to be home with my kids while doing something creative and so fun!
5. Where can we buy your products and learn more about your business?
Etsy shop: Etsy.com/shop/MissLouMakes I have some awesome local retailers that carry different items of mine:
Whimsical Wishes, Plymouth
Sprezzatura Boutique, Plymouth
Salty Harbor Shop, Kingston
4 Good Vibes, Kingston Collection
Falmouth Inlet, Falmouth
I can also be found popped-up at different local events! Check my Instagram page for where you can shop with me in person.
6. How do you balance work and life? Any tips?
This is a challenge for me! Here are some things I am working on:
-Not feeling guilty for actually taking time to work (damn that mom guilt). This is my job. Just because I enjoy it doesn’t mean I should feel guilty for taking time to do it!
-Making sure I spend some time each day dedicated to playing with my kids without my phone in my hand or work in front of me. They’re only this little once and that quality time is so important!
-Once dinner is done, the kids are in bed (at least my toddler), work does not come back out. This is my time to unwind, chill with my hubby, and relax. I’ve come to realize that taking this time for me is so important and helps to avoid burnout!
Tell us your favorite places in the Plymouth Area to...
EAT - We love our local coffee/breakfast spots! Keegans Creations, Kiskadee Coffee, and Jolly Bean Cafe are a few favorites. We moved to Plymouth in fall 2019, and right after that we had our first babe and then the pandemic hit, so we feel like we still haven't been able to fully explore the amazing restaurant scene here! We are looking forward to some future date nights.
PLAY with kids - We love our local playgrounds! The one in Manomet at the baseball fields is a favorite because it is right near our house and never crowded.
PLAY without kids - Again, there is much to be explored here :) But we did manage to have a date night one time at Moonrise Cinema when they were playing retro horror films and it was so fun! Great food, and just something totally different to enjoy.
FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESS - Too hard to pick just one! I am fully addicted to the croissants at Keegans Creations. I usually get a ham and cheese one for something savory and then a double chocolate for something sweet. I love popping in to Fresh Pick'd Vintage to walk around and see what new treasures I can find. I also love going to Sprezzatura Boutique! Such a cool vibe there, and I am looking forward to shopping for things other than baby and maternity clothes.
Thank you, Jess!
Do you have a great local mom to nominate for our next part of the Meet a Mom series? Reach out to me today: erinm@macaronikid.com
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