Mommaprenuer: Jaimee McClellan, Modern Classics: Kids

Tell us about yourself: I’m a Jersey girl but please don’t hold that against me. I was born in southern Jersey and raised in Northwestern Jersey in a little town on a lake. Our small family consists of my father, the photographer, my mother ~ my everything, my older sister, who has a flare for business, my younger brother, the boisterous adventurer and ME. I’ve always been drawn to creating even at a young age. I could spend hours doodling, coloring or painting.

Now I’m a Philly girl living with my college sweetheart hubby, our little boy and our pup, Maisy. I’m a bit of a daydreamer…my favorite time of the day being the moment I crawl into bed, close my eyes and start to imagine my next creation or where my next photo will take place.

How did you make the decision to pursue your art career and work from home? After getting married in 2000 and having my son in 2004, it just seemed like the next logical step. I got the BFA, attempted the Gallery scene (NOT my thing) and finally settled into Graphic Design. Now the challenge was to figure out how to use my talents to contribute to the family while having fun doing it too.

How do you balance work and family? That’s still a challenge for me. I try desperately to stick to a schedule…working late at night after my little guy is asleep and while he is at school. This year was proving to be a bit easier when my son started All-Day Kindergarten. I was able to work during the day and get my beauty rest again. Then just as things were running so smoothly, I received a call from a previous employer offering me my Marketing position back on whatever schedule worked for me…an offer I couldn’t refuse. So, I’m back working nights and the occasional weekend with the help of my wonderful husband who takes over my role & his entertaining, feeding, cleaning…you name it ~ he’s truly the best!

If you could go back in time to the beginning stages of your venture, what advice would you give yourself? I’d definitely tell myself to take things slow and steady and WAIT! It will happen. I was so overzealous and wanted things to happen instantly overnight and wound up getting discouraged in the beginning. It was only after I stopped trying so hard that things began to fall into place. As long as it makes you happy, others will see it shine through in your work.

Tell us about your average day: My day begins with all the ramblings of getting the family up and off on their way with breakfast, lunches made, teeth brushed…the usual. Once the boys are out the door, the computer turns on to check emails & orders and maybe a quick “tweet” here and there. I take a quick break for lunch and my 3rd job – dog walking! I decided to help a friend with her business and took on a few clients (doggies) which turns out to be the much needed relaxation of my day. It forces me to get outside, exercise and clear my mind or brainstorm – whatever the day calls for. Then it’s back to work for a few more hours before it’s time to pick the little guy up from the bus stop. I try to fill, package & ship as many orders as possible during the day to leave networking & creating for the evening hours…leaving me plenty of family time in between.

What do you love most about owning and operating your own creative business? There’s no way around it…I’m THE BOSS! What could be better?!

Besides your work and family, what else do you enjoy doing? I LOVE to travel! If I could have just one wish, I’d definitely have to pack up the little family and travel the world aimlessly. Growing up, we were lucky enough to tag along with my father on business trips going to places I’d only dreamt of. It was such a fantastic way to gain appreciation for the arts & cultures around us. I’d love to do the same for my son!

Why do you think consumers should shop handmade? I think it’s a wonderful way to support the people who love what they do. I know, for me, I take so much pride in my work & only ship what I would expect to receive. Not to mention, there’s nothing better than knowing what you bought was made by human hands.