We asked some fantastic parents from in and around the city to tell us about the most important thing they have done as parents.

Kristen Purcell | Owner

Being a parent is all encompassing…there are so many things that we do as parents that have a huge impact on our children. In regards to my art and business, I have been able to teach my children that there is not only one path to success. That if you have a talent it is absolutely possible to serve the community with that talent while simultaneously creating a great living for your family. All it takes is a lot of determination, hard work, willingness to never stop growing, and above all amazing customer service. Read more>>

Aja Barto | Owner & Coach

Living the example you hope to set for them. Children are sponges and are always absorbing what’s in their environment. Because they spend so much time around their parents, this gives us a great opportunity to instill the things we believe are important in our lives through our words, our actions and our behaviors. My son is almost 2 and I know he’s soaking in everything I do by listening, watching and re-enacting. It’s imperative to me that I help create as much of a foundation for him with what I believe is important in my life through my own actions and behaviors. Read more>>

Erica Lynn | Author

In May 2019 I was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma in the right side of my brain. My neurosurgeon was able to remove about 90% of it, and I then chose an aggressive treatment plan of chemotherapy and radiation. My daughters were 4 and 8 at the time. My youngest doesn’t remember much besides my hospital stay, but she is aware of what happened and the lingering effects afterward. My 8 year old, however, remembers it all. She saw me at some of the lowest points, and while it guts me for her to have witnessed those moments, I think they are the most impactful. We’ve discussed how life isn’t fair, and how sometimes it’s incredibly hard, but that our family moves forward. We hold onto our faith, our love for each other, and we do what we have to do to keep going. Read more>>