Mommaprenuer: Jill Hoff, Paperdoll Handmade Accessories

Tell us about yourself: I have a 4.5 yr old boy, 2.5 yr old girl, and a 1 yr old boy. My little girl is my inspiration for my business – she is fantastic, whimsical, and beautiful. She is a girl after my own heart, she loves pretty things – and I love making pretty things! I have a design background, but since being a stay at home mom, I have found making accessories to be an outlet for my desire to create.

How did you make the decision to pursue your art career and work from home? started making accessories so because I wanted to create pretty things for my little girl, and it steam rolled from there. I am lucky to be fortunate enough to stay at home with my kids, but I do feel the need to be creative – working from home is really my only option, and it is fantastic

How do you balance work and family? My creations are really a part time job – being a mom is the hard work. I create while my kids are napping, or at bed time.

If you could go back in time to the beginning stages of your venture, what advice would you give yourself? I have really only begun, and I am overwhelmed with the response I have had. I can’t be any luckier. I would definitely tell myself, and need to remind myself daily, not take things one day at a time and live in the moment. I don’t want to make this a chore for me, because right now I really love what I am doing!

Tell us about your average day:  Kids kids kids – sleep time and creating time, then the cycle starts all over again!

What do you love most about owning and operating your own creative business? I can do and be whatever I want.

Besides your work and family, what else do you enjoy doing? I am a huge music lover, I also teach voice lessons, and LOVE to sing with a band.

Why buy handmade?  Handmade items are the product of peoples love.