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This week in our Moms Who Inspire series, we're introducing our very sweet friend Pam Millershaski - a fellow jewelry designer and owner of WiReD Boutique. Pam is not only a jewelry designer, but she is also a teacher, a wife, and a mama to three boys - including one who serves in the U.S. Army. With a heart as kind as Pam's, we know you will love her as much as we do!
TELL US A BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU DO.
I’m the owner, founder, and overall girl-in-charge of WiReD Boutique Jewelry. I create inspirational necklaces and bracelets featuring dominoes, scrabble tiles, and bezels. These fun materials lend themselves perfectly to creating unique and personalized charms and pendants. My absolute favorite creation is when I’m working with a customer to create meaningful jewelry from her precious photos. So it is no surprise that the Photo Charm Birthstone Bracelet remains our best selling item.
WHO INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
I was a fifth grade teacher who had just been offered a great job working for Newman University as the director of their undergraduate education program for Western Kansas. That made me realize that I wanted something “else.” So I quit my teaching job and declined the offer from Newman University to wade into the unknown; otherwise, known as entrepreneurship. Along this whole process my mom, who is an Air Force spouse, supported and encouraged me. She knew I had to do what makes me feel complete. Through my dad’s extended deployments while I was young, my mom understood that she had to be her own woman so she could be her best wife and mama.
WHAT’S YOUR BEST TIP FOR JUGGLING YOUR MAMA AND BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITIES?
I could not survive our crazy days without my Day Designer planner. It goes with me everywhere I go. I even purchased a tote handbag to make it easier to bring my planner with me. This big planner has lots of lines for daily to-dos, plus a spot to isolate my top 3 daily to-dos, along with a daily inspirational quote. It makes me feel so good to cross out lines when they’re done. I use highlighters for my calendar and to-dos in different colors, and everybody has their own color – business is pink, my sons are green, personal is yellow, my knowledge learning is orange, etc. Another part of the Day Designer planner that I love is the goals and values in the front. They keep me focused throughout the year.
TELL US ONE SPECIAL THING YOU DO TOGETHER AS A FAMILY—WHETHER IT’S A WEEKLY CELEBRATION OR AN ANNUAL TRADITION?
We are a farm family with bulls, cows and cute little calves so we are limited in taking vacations as these cuties are depending on us daily. However, we have always tried to sit down to meals as a family. It was easier when our three boys were all living at home. Now my oldest is living and working on his own in agriculture, and my middle son is attending Kansas State University and works in the Army National Guard. We still use home-cooked meals as a way to connect with our youngest son on a weekly basis if not daily. Even when our lives get hectic, this is something we all stop to take time for.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO TAKE CARE OF YOU SO THAT YOU’RE THE HEALTHIEST MAMA YOU CAN BE?
Without exercise of some kind, I wouldn’t be good to anyone. Even on those crazy, busy days, I realized that I must take a little time to myself so I can stay on top of everything my family wants to do. I love to ride my bicycle but even if I can’t get outside, yoga restores my body as well as my mind. I try to fit something in every day.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING EVERY SINGLE DAY?
My three sons inspire me. I want to be the best possible role model for them; as their mom, as a woman, and as a person. I want them to know that they can do anything they desire. I want them to pursue their passion no matter what anyone says.
WE ARE QUOTE LOVERS AROUND HERE AND WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE IS!
I’m a quote fanatic. I have so many quotes that I love but one that sticks out to me is the inspirational quote by Maya Angelou. I love how this puts you in the driver’s seat of your life’s journey.
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. ~Maya Angelou
AND FINALLY, PAM'S TOP TEN:
1-Favorite food - Anything Mexican (and spicy)
2-Favorite color - Purple
3- Coolest place you’ve traveled - Louisiana
4-Favorite book - Tightrope Walker by Dorothy Gilmen
5-Household chore you hate to do - Cleaning bathrooms
6-Favorite place to shop - Talbots
7-Place you’d most like to visit - Every state in the U.S.
8-Favorite room in your house - Craft room
9- Favorite movie - Any of the Aurora Teagarden mysteries
10-Your guilty pleasure - Reading