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Let me introduce you to my friend and very talented maker, Cortnie of Madera Del Mar - a wife, mama, artist, business owner, and this month's guest in our Moms Who Inspire series. I met Cortnie through Instagram and have fallen in love with her gorgeous driftwood creations, her laid back style, and her incredibly huge heart! She is beautiful inside and out and I am proud to call her a friend.
Tell us a bit about what you do.
I primarily create home decor using driftwood I've collected off the California coastline.
Who inspired you to start your own business?
Growing up I was without a doubt inspired by my grandfather Hobie, Founder of Hobie Surf & Catamaran. My grandpa has been my biggest role model in business & in life; and I'm so thankful he passed down his passion to create, make & build.
What’s your best tip for juggling your mama and business responsibilities?
To be gentle on yourself. But I do, and always have tried to be as productive as possible during the school day. However as of lately, working the weekends has become the norm, so I love to invite my daughters friends to the workshop and keep the process family oriented. You'll definitely find us having impromptu dance parties & movie nights!
Tell us one special thing you do together as a family - whether it’s a weekly celebration or an annual tradition?
Hmmmmm. I can't think of a weekly celebration or annual tradition, but we do eat and cook dinner together at least five nights out of the week!! That counts for something...right?!?
What do you do to take care of you so that you’re the healthiest mama you can be?
Beach walks & 20 minute power naps (feed my soul + fuel my day). Living my passion & not taking life too seriously (keep a smile on my face + laughter by my side). Positive thinking & practicing gratitude (steers me in the right direction + brings out that shining light).
What inspires you to keep doing what you do every single day?
Honestly, my heart does. The love I have towards my work, and the joy it brings me is my true driving force and inspiration. I'm also continuously motivated with the hope that my journey as a creative will rub off and inspire my daughter to live her dreams, just as my grandfather exemplified to me.
We are quote lovers around here and would love to know what your favorite quote is?
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.~Steve Jobs
And finally, Cortnie's Top 10!
1-Favorite food: My mom's lasagna
2-Favorite color: Green
3- Coolest place you’ve traveled: Down the Snake River on a five day rafting trip
4-Favorite book: I gotta say I really loved reading Twilight
5-Household chore you hate to do: Putting away laundry
6-Favorite place to shop: Nordstrom's...but the hardware store ties for a close second.
7-Place you’d most like to visit: Iceland
8-Favorite room in your house: My bedroom
9- Favorite movie: The Goonies
10-Your guilty pleasure: The Bachelor
Where you can find Cortnie
Website: www.maderadelmar.com/
Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/MaderaDelMar
Instagram: www.instagram.com/madera_del_mar/