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This week in our Moms Who Inspire series, we're peeking in on a brand new business from our sweet friend Abi Ray of Legacy Magazine. We first met Abi through our collaborations with R. Riveter - she is the amazing photographer who captured our jewelry perfectly. Abi is a mama and fellow military spouse, and has recently launched her latest venture, Legacy Magazine, which is scheduled for release this fall. We hope you love Abi as much as we do!
TELL US A BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU DO.
Raised as a northern girl, I now reside on the southern east coast with my husband, daughter and our oversized airedale pup! With an equal appreciation for intellect and creativity I’ve always longed for a way to combine the two passions, which is where Legacy Magazine comes in! Legacy Magazine is a publication for service member families, couples, and spouses. We operate from the premise that every individual is designed on purpose and for a purpose - with unique experiences, qualities, and strengths that are meant to be used for the betterment of ourselves and our communities. It is our hope to positively engage the greater military community by offering content that is full of depth, while also aesthetically appealing.
WHO INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
The first seed of inspiration for Legacy Magazine was planted back in 2012, when my husband and I felt a leading for him to reenlist. It was during this time that I felt inspired to pursue ways in which the experiences of service member families, couples, and spouses could be enhanced. My journey began by pursuing graduate school in personal, professional, and relational counseling, with an emphasis on how these areas relate to military culture. It was in 2015, while working alongside veteran and spouse owned organizations, that the idea of turning these experiences into a publication was first born. It is because of these individuals and organizations, that the dream of Legacy Magazine is becoming a reality in 2017.
WHAT’S YOUR BEST TIP FOR JUGGLING YOUR MAMA AND BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITIES?
My husband and I are all about recognizing the season we are in and making sure our priorities align with the season. If my husband is required to be away for an extended amount of time I will usually work less hours to make sure my daughter adjusts well to his absence. In exchange, when my husband is home he is great about taking our daughter out on little adventures so that I can get a few extra hours of work in. Clearly communicating our parenting expectations with one another has been a huge help and I imagine it would be for any mama!
TELL US ONE SPECIAL THING YOU DO TOGETHER AS A FAMILY—WHETHER IT’S A WEEKLY CELEBRATION OR AN ANNUAL TRADITION?
We love unplugging on the weekends and evenings. It can be hard at times but always proves to be so refreshing! We also like to find fun Tiny Houses to stay at when we travel. We love the idea of minimalism but recognize that a full time tiny house for our growing family isn't realistic, so we try to at least enjoy them when we are away from home!
WHAT DO YOU DO TO TAKE CARE OF YOU SO THAT YOU’RE THE HEALTHIEST MAMA YOU CAN BE?
I make sure I’m engaging my tribe and call for backup when I’m needing a little extra support or reassurance. Recognizing my limitations as a human and my need for self-care and quiet time helps me remain present for the joys of motherhood.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING EVERY SINGLE DAY?
Having a relationship with the Lord is my main source of affirming joy and inspiration. Being comforted by the fact that we are all connected by something that is greater than ourselves helps keep me motivated, even during challenging situations. Also, surrounding myself with likeminded individuals always seems to helps.
WE ARE QUOTE LOVERS AROUND HERE AND WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE IS!
Life sneaks up on us every once in a while and gives us something we didn't ever know we wanted, and lights within us a love we didn't even know existed. - Shauna Niequist
AND FINALLY, ABI'S TOP TEN:
1-Favorite food - Pancakes!
2-Favorite color - White, Grey, & Black
3- Coolest place you’ve traveled - London
4-Favorite book - Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
5-Household chore you hate to do - Dishes!
6-Favorite place to shop - Fellow Veteran and Spouse owned businesses!
7-Place you’d most like to visit - Germany
8-Favorite room in your house - Our Master Bedroom
9- Favorite movie - Belle
10-Your guilty pleasure - Reading, Reading, Reading!