I’m very excited to host my first giveaway AND introduce a new series called “Dreamers and Doers.” It will feature people whose creativity I admire, whether they’re creating art and music or creating a fascinating life. My first guest is Angie Miner, creator of AM Charmed, whom I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know during our Wednesday tap classes. Not only is Angie a talented dancer, but she is also a truly lovely person. Enjoy this interview with Angie, and then read on to find out how you could win one of her beautiful creations. Just in time for Mother’s Day!
How did AM Charmed get its start? AM Charmed was inspired by a WAY over-priced necklace that I purchased on an emotional buy at a boutique. Having always been drawn to personalized items, I just had to have it. I quickly discovered that other moms were interested, too. I’d get asked frequently where I got my necklace and received numerous compliments on the uniqueness of the sparkle chain. I spent some time doing research and determined that I could make the same quality product, sparkle chain and all, at a fraction of the cost, making them more attractive to a broader market. A friend and I started the business and immediately began taking orders. When my friend moved I decided to continue the journey as the newly-named AM Charmed in 2010. It has always meant a lot to me to be able to create the pieces and to see how happy they make others. I have many customers, especially new moms, who wear them every day.
Describe your perfect day. My perfect day has a plan! I find my best days have some sort of map for the tasks and events. I left my sales job three years ago to create a more balanced lifestyle for my family. Having lived as if I were being chased for several years and seeing the effect that was having on myself and my family, I happily welcomed days with a calmer yet still productive and satisfying flow. So my perfect day starts with being able to see the kids off to school and being there when they get home. I am greatly satisfied when I have the opportunity to put a load of laundry in and head to my work bench to work on inspiring projects, be that AM Charmed or the numerous other small jobs and things I support. Part of my perfect day definitely consists of being there for the kids and getting the opportunity to see them in their activities, but the best days are when we all sit down to dinner to talk about “our favorite part of the day.” I guess to sum it up my most perfect day is in control and always meaningful.
What’s your favorite way to make time for you? My favorite time for me is when the kids are in bed and I can sit down to read a book or watch one of my recorded programs.
What would people be surprised to find out about you? That I am actually more of an introvert than an extravert. Although I appear to be social, I prefer small groups and even one-on-one to large social events.
What lesson do you most want to teach your children? One of my mom’s (yes, I am a huge mama’s girl) favorite quotes is that our role as parents is not to give our children the world but rather to teach them to live in it. Within that, I strive to teach them that no matter what they do to have love and kindness toward others.
What goals or dreams do you have for yourself over the next few years? My goals and dreams have changed so much throughout the years. I used to panic that they were not big enough but then one day I realized that I was already living my big dream. Being able to do the things I love and still be there for the kids is a dream come true. If I am able to keep doing what I’m doing right now, I’ll be one lucky girl! I really do love my life!
You’re a busy mom of three, you run your own business, you tap dance, you volunteer. How do you do it all? I do it all by loving it all. I am careful to respect time and never overcommit or actually try to do it all. I also have a very supportive and helpful husband; we are a good team. Neither of us like to sit much and we both agree never to complain or overuse the word “busy.” We laugh that there will be plenty of time to sit in recliners but for now bring on the activities and all the other things that come with making life work as a family. Like the song by Kenny Chesney says, “You’re going to miss these days.”
Thank you, Angie!
And now for the giveaway. Please check out AM Charmed and leave a comment below today and tomorrow (May 4 and 5) to win one of Angie’s gorgeous, customized creations. The winner will be selected on Friday, May 6, using random.org and then notified right away. Thank you and good luck!
UPDATE: WE HAVE A WINNER! I went to www.random.com and entered 32 (the number of participants) and the generator announced—drum roll, please—Number 29! Which, when I went to see who had the 29th entry, is Penny! Congratulations, Penny, and thank you to everyone for taking time to leave a comment. Let’s do this again some time.
Hi Shannon….I found AM last year and the first picture above is what I gave my daughter Lindsey for her birthday this year!!! LOVE her stuff!
Hi Shannon! I LOVE her necklaces! I may have to direct my husband to get something for my birthday!
Wow! What a creative marketing idea! I just have to say that Angie’s creations are both unique and beautiful – kinda like ANGIE! 🙂 I have yet to own any, but hope to someday!
I like these. I like the simple, personal designs…
Great interview with Angie! Her story is awesome and so is her AM Charmed business! They are beautiful and I will definetly check out her site.
How inspiring and how wonderful to find a niche that works doing something you love. My mom has done the same thing and has been creating and selling her product for over 40 years! I wish the same for Angie.
I have always wondered about the charms. Now I
Know where to get them. Thanks again for sharing!
Hi Shannon! I love Angie’s work too! I have had her make several pieces for me and they are always beautiful! A perfect gift for any mother, daughter or friend.
Shannon,
I loved getting to know Angie better through your interview. Can’t wait to see who you will feature next!
Wow Ang! Impressive to the in the spotlight! It is so awesome that you saw an opportunity and jumped at it. You’re blessed to love what you do and do what you love! Congrats on your business and I hope it continues to be so successful!
Cool idea, Shannon! You’re so right- Angie is truly lovely & her jewelry is fabulous!
Shannon – you have a wonderful website – I can’t wait to read more! What a great feature on Angie and her beautiful jewelry too! Way to go Angie – love your interview, your jewelry and your positive energy! Kim
Shannon this is a gorgeous giveaway from a talented woman!
These are great necklaces. I was looking for something like this for my mom last year at Mother’s Day. I wonder how it would look with SIX charms, though? A bit much? Maybe I should get one for myself instead!
Shannon, I’m loving your blog and have passed it on to my daughters! Hope to see you at the next book club.
Great connection Ladies! Shannon, always love reading your blog when I get a moment to myself with a cup of joe. Angie, great interview. Thanks for sharing your story. I just love your personal charms.
Hello Shannon, thanks for sharing Angie’s work and her story. I am always inspired by those who have successfully taken a “love to do” and may it their daily life.
Hi Shannon,
Angie’s work is beautiful and I LOVE that she is local~ thank you for introducing me to her work. Right now I am really appreciating the beauty of personalized keepsakes like these, not only for those who are with us but those who have passed on~
Love the necklaces…. Love the interview with Angie
Great interview! Angie is a dear friend of mine and I have two of her beautiful creations – I do get asked about them all the time (just having people wear these necklaces is great advertising for her! ;-). Congrats Angie and hope this gives your business a boost!
A very nice interview! And I love the simple but personalized jewelry that she makes. I will be checking our her website.
WOW, I didn’t know angie made these! I love looking at all the hand stamped jewlery on ETSY!! All the necklaces are very pretty!
I’m looking forward to warmer weather and lots of play time with my 2 boys and some fun family time.
Shannon – yours is the first blog I’ve ever read!! Guess I’m old school, but what fun! I’ll be sure to check back regularly!
I had the pleasure of meeting Angie several months ago at a holiday boutique. She is a great person that creates beautiful jewelry. I received one of her charm bracelets for Christmas from my husband and daughter and would LOVE to add to my collection!
I’ve been coveting one of these beautiful pieces of jewelry for a long time! Thanks for all your wonderful posts. I’m enjoying the “Every Mother Counts” CD and gave it to two dear friends for Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Very cute pieces. I love silver jewelry. Great interview, and I wish Angie success with her business!
You are both fabulously amazing women! Angie I love your necklaces and Shannon I love that you decided to blog about Angie and all the amazing things she does including AM Charmed!
First time I saw Angie’s necklaces was last year at the River Heights thingy-ma-jig and they were lovely. Saw Wanda J.’s tonight…I love how simple they are. Oh, and Shannon, I enjoy reading your updates on your site. Thanks for sharing!
I purchased a necklace from Angie and I am so impressed! I absolutely LOVE it and i will for sure be ordering some in the future soon not only for myself but as gifts!
Ha Shannon! Found the right place to post my note;0) great interview about Angie! Have seen her jewelry around town…very cute! Thank you!
Wonderful write up on Angie. What a fabulous reminder that so many of us are lucky enough to be living our big dream! 🙂 Looking forward to more posts about some of the people you admire creatively.
Thank you Shannon for posting this article on Angie. I purchased a necklace a few years ago and everytime I wear it I get comments about. I wear my charms both as a necklace and on a bracelet – keeps my girls close to me when I have to work long hours….Love AM Charmed!