{january mom-prenuer}

through the MOPS group that I (not-so-frequently) attend I had the great pleasure of meeting Laura. Laura makes hats and other fun items for newborns AND she is using all her profit to adopt a sibling set from Asia. How cool is that? I don't know about you but I LOVE hats. My kids could never have enough and thankfully, they love to wear them! So, when I got the call about Laura I was very excited, to say the least. Being a photographer for hire has only made my hat addiction worse! It was really fun sitting and listening to Laura talk
about her life and why she makes hats and her passion for what's to come....funny story, I have Laura's bag of hats hanging in my computer room and randomly Piercen (my 16month old) will come and dig through the bag...he always picks out the same one and then insists that I put it on him, he would wear it forever if I let him...hat addiction, is that generational?? ;) At church last week I found some very cute participants to model some of Laura's hat for us and don't forget to check out her etsy site! Anyway, Laura's story is great and she is giving away one of these super cute hats to someone that leaves a comment at the end of this post....

Name of business: Uproar
Website: www.uproar.etsy.com

How did you come up with your name? I was looking for a name that would bring to mind children and childhood, but wasn't sugary. My family is Italian and I grew up with three sisters. Our house was always (and still is when we're all together) very boisterous. I needed a name that captured that spirit and energy. Ultimately, my sisters helped me decide on Uproar.

Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it Uproar came into existence because of a number of factors. First and foremost, Uproar was started because my husband, Matt, and I decided to adopt a sibling group from Asia. All of the proceeds from sales at Uproar go straight to our adoption fund.

What is the hardest part or have been some of your struggles starting your own business? I suppose this is a good problem to have so I’m not really complaining but I think the hardest part has been getting my cutest items up on the website. They are often purchased before I get a chance to photograph them and sometimes before I even finish them!

How do you balance your business and your family?
Very carefully and with the expert help of Franklin Covey! There is nothing more important to me than my husband and our marriage. However, I know that I’m at my best when I’m diversified. Everyday I try to prioritize and I try to be flexible. I think, “Do I really need to finish this knitting project today or is it more important to have a lazy morning with Matt and make waffles?” Sometimes it’s the knitting. Sometimes it’s the waffles.

Anything we can look forward to seeing in your business in the future? I’d love to do some baby blankets and other clothing items for kiddos. I’d also like to do more custom items. I’ve done several custom projects so far and I love collaborating with customers.

How many kiddos do you have?
We will have a sibling group from Asia as soon as our adoption goes through! We’re hoping and praying to have them with us at this time next year.

My favorite shopping link is
www.sephora.com because I’m a self-professed product junky and www.purlsoho.com because they have the most amazing and unique yarns and yarn patterns.

My favorite find in Ft Collins is
City Park. It has the most winsome, capraesque appeal to it. I love it there all year long.

My favorite restaurant in Ft Collins is
It’s like you just asked me to pick my favorite child! Well, perhaps not so melodramatic but I’m such a foodie. I adore Lucille’s. Jeju has amazing sushi. The fish tacos at La Luz are to die for but the potato burrito with carnitas at Big City is the best in town. I could go on and on!

The reason I love what I do is because I get to combine my zeal for adoption and orphan care with my passion for knitting.

Most days I just need some more time!

Don’t count on me to remember your birthday. I’m terrible with birthdays!
If I’m typically craving something it is a good book and a cloudy day.

Where would we find you on a lazy day with the family?
Enjoying good food and good conversation with good friends or riding bikes through City Park and the surrounding neighborhoods

I know these posts get long but I love reading their favorite places in Ft Collins and favorite links...it's fun! SO, check out her site www.uproar.etsy.com and if you want her to make you something special give her a call...she does custom work as well! AND don't forget to leave a comment because Laura is giving a hat away....