I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown
{Week Twelve of Fifty-Two}
“Live the Life you Love, Love the Life you Live.”
This week’s blog was one of my favorites as I got to learn something new about this incredible lady and have an afternoon full of laughs and a long talk about life. She is one of the most creative women I know. She has the best heart and a beautiful soul. I first met this woman when she ventured off in her new business and I fell in love with her work. I probably own more than a dozen things or more she has created for me, all hanging around my home. Week twelve of fifty-two goes out to the creative, inspiring, and amazing artist Kari Palmer of Kari’s Kustom Creations.
Kari’s Kustom Creations is one of the best little home businesses I have come across in years. Not only is every sign, shelf, or nit knack home made, but they are all beautiful. She has been in business for over two years and is busier than ever. I asked her what made her want to start this adventure as I know how much a home business takes. “For me, being just a mom wasn’t enough. I needed something more, something to do for myself. Don’t get me wrong being a mother is number one but as a stay at home mom I wanted to also work as I can’t sit still. So this was the best of two worlds. I get to stay home with my kids, and I get to work and show my children that even being a mom you can work and have a family.” Kari says. Kari wanted to decorate her home but didn’t have a ton of money to do so, instead she does it homemade. Her walls are covered with her work but also a few store bought items. “I love homemade, good quality things to decorate my house.” Kari said. I asked her what made her choose Kari’s Kustom Creations and she said “My husband helped me with the name. I wanted something different, but it was also hard for me to see my name out there. When I started I wasn’t very good, I had no idea it would take off like it has.”
In a home business sometimes your home turns into a shop, well that is true in Kari’s case. Her kitchen was covered in Easter orders ready to go out the door, signs stacked along the walls, and paint and wood working tools along the counter. She giggled and smiled when I asked her what her husband thought of all the orders and work around the house. “He is amazing! It doesn’t bother him and he just goes with the flow. I say I am sorry all the time for the mess. I would eventually love to have a little area or shed in the back but that may be awhile. My husband helps me so much. He builds things I can’t, he cooks dinner after a long day at work so I can finish orders, runs orders to the post office, and he even takes the kids for a couple hours while I work. He is amazing and I wouldn’t be doing as well without all of his support. I cannot say enough about the amazing man I am married to who puts up with all of this and lets me be who I am.” Kari said.
I thought of Kari’s kitchen when I saw this quote and I know she’ll giggle when she reads this. “I’m not messy, I’m creatively organized.” While walking through her kitchen she showed me her kitchen drawers and so had your basic kitchen stuff, but most had craft stuff galore. Hey when you work around your families schedules, being a mom and also run a business without a huge space a girls got to do what a girls got to do. I loved it, and we both laughed as she showed me her work space, which is the kitchen.
If you have ever seen Kari’s work you know how amazing it is. I asked her what her favorite thing to create would be and Kari said “I love using the jig saw and my favorite sign to recreate would be the Montana signs. I am a Montana girl through and through.” I have tried my hand at making a sign or two and the writing, the letters, and the spacing is always an issue for me as I am a perfectionist when it comes to my own work. So while I watch Kari write out the letters and do it all freehand I am in amazement. She does all her signs freehand! She will use a stencil once in a great while but only when there is certain font someone asks for in their sign. I asked her what it takes to place an order or how does she come up with all the beautiful things she does. Kari said “Most of my orders are something my customers have sent a picture to recreate or a quote they want made into a sign. They can either send an email with a picture of what they want or Facebook message me on my business page requesting a certain thing. I get ideas from pinterest but most are custom orders that they have requested. I haven’t had time lately to come up with my own designs.” Kari makes close to 30 signs a week on top of her family schedule. She says Christmas is her busiest time of the year and that she is more motivated during the holidays.
I asked Kari what inspires her to create, to do this day in and day out. “Words inspire me. I love a good quote or a verse or especially a good speech. I'm very emotional and a good speech can make me cry my eyes out... No political speeches lol...I'm talking Monty Williams eulogy for his wife, even Peyton's retirement speech a few days ago. MVP speeches from Kevin Durant, Curry, or Rose, can you tell I am a sports fan. Hearing another person’s story, I love it. Hearing a great quote and feeling like it was made for you or seeing how it applies to you and your life. Good words give me goose bumps and to put good words on a sign I created...gives me a wonderful feeling. Also the people I love inspire me, my husband and my children. I love to give a gift (who doesn’t) but when it is something I built and made with love it inspires me to create. ” Kari said
Getting to know Kari….
What is your favorite color to paint….Grey stain! I love the look of wood!
What is your biggest struggle running a small business from home….That I have a hard time "shutting it off" like kick back, relaxing, and not working. As much as I love working, it's good to take breaks too and I have a hard time doing that when it's so easy to grab a sign and work.
What is your greatest accomplishment….My family! My Children! I am so proud of my husband!
What is your biggest fear….Without a doubt something happening to my children. They are our world!
What is something on your bucket list….When the kids are all in school, I would love to take this business to the next level like have a shop or store front.
What is something you want your customers to know about you that they may not…. Things people don't know about me. Yes I'm a tomboy, but I'm also 29! I'm also a huge sports fan. The only thing I check more often than my page is my ESPN app. I hate silence. I always have music going. I write the best when I've had a glass of wine I swear it steadies my hand. Besides my husband, my dog Macie is like a best friend to me.
What is your favorite quote….“Live the Life you Love, Love the Life you Live.” and “Some people look for a beautiful place, some people create a beautiful place.”
One word to describe “Kari” and why she inspires you…..
“I would describe Kari as selfless & a great friend! She always has been there for me. She's the type of friend who can be in the middle of something & she will drop everything to help me out. She's picked up my kids when she didn’t have the time. She made a sign & donated it to one of my sons for a fundraiser smack dab in the middle of her busiest season. She is so selfless & such a loyal friend. I love her & her kind heart!” -Deanna Cheney
“Busy! Kari is constantly inventing some new, adorable, creation for people to enjoy, she has three beautiful kids, a husband and a house to run. Her creativity never runs out and she manages everything with a smile on her face! Kari truly is an inspiration!” –Stacy Wood
“Inspiring!” –Kelli Rogge
“Goodness one word to describe this beautiful soul...AMAZING!!! I am so thankful that she was placed in my life. I adore her and her sweet family and, my baby Owen thinks the world of her and her boys. Kari is so kind hearted and she's such a great friend, and mom. Secretly, I wish she has a at least 42 more kids because (1) She's a fantastic mama, and (2) Her kids are ADORABLE! Kari, thanks for always being there. You mean more to us than words could describe! XOXO” –Marissa Beard
“Giving! Kari is a phenomenal person who is always so giving of her time, love and creativity. I can't thank her enough for all of the things she's done for Kaysen and myself.” –Kiley Kocher
“Innovative!” –Megan Tillard
“Sweetheart!” –Rex Asselin
“Courageous! To be able to come to a new town and have the courage to start a new business and put herself out there is truly an inspiration. She manages to run a first class business while being a great mom and an outstanding example of hard work and dedication to our three kids. I am truly blessed to be able to call her my wife.” –Kellen Palmer (Husband)
“Expressive! I know Kari through her amazing works of art. I've been stalking her through her projects since she started selling them on social media. I can't even count how many things are displayed or hung in my home that are touched by Kari's creative hands. Every piece she makes shows how much she loves what she does and how much time goes into each piece. She takes pride in everything that goes out her door. I have never been disappointed in her work. She's professional, super sweet and my favorite - a boxer mom. That's a win in my book. People with boxers are always good, good people.” –Tiffany Tschida
“My word for Kari Jo is Committed! She is committed in everything she does. Walk through her house; talk to her family or talk to her, everything about her represents a commitment - to being a great mom, to being a great wife and a great person. This attribute then threads itself into everything she does. Which is why everything she does is so great, except cutting hair.” Love Ty
“Oh my gosh...I don't know if I can pick just one!! Creative, Talented, Awesome, Giving, and Gifted!” –Stephanie Melchor
“Kari is my daughter so the love I feel for her is beyond words but when I think of just one word to describe her it would be "determined". She is the most determined person I have ever known. I have witnessed her determination in every aspect of her life; from early childhood through high school to becoming a wife and young mother.” -Jane Uribe
“Esteemed. Kari is held in high regard and respected by those who know her. She is always there for her family. She patiently helps the kids when they want to do a craft project, or bake cookies or play a game. I am amazed at her ability to manage a family, work at the fitness center and also run a successful business. One of Kellen’s loves is coaching. Both she and Kellen have a passion for basketball, and the Chicago Bulls. Kari is there to pick up the slack at home when Kellen is gone and Kari supports and encourages him in this endeavor. Kari Palmer: A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1” -Melody Rohrer
"Goodness! Kari has the biggest heart, works harder than any stay-at-home mom I know and is the most creative soul. Her work is impeccable, her friendliness means so much and she is a role model for any mom to follow. I am so thankful to have Kari in my life, not only as my sign maker, but as my friend!” –JoEllen Hockley
“Kari is a beautiful, talented caring person. As Grandparents to Kellen and Great Grandparents to their three beautiful children, we have been the recipients of several of Kari’s Kustom Creations. We appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness.” -Walt & Louise Schock
"Driven! Would be the one word I can think of to describe my daughter. She is hard working and constantly drives herself to provide a good living and quality life for her family while at the same time; she strives to put out quality products for her customers. Like all artists, she is constantly improving her work product.” -Joe Uribe
"Compassionate! Would be a word we would use to describe Kari. She is compassionate about her family, home, craft and her physical well-being. She never does anything half-heartedly. We are privileged to have her as a granddaughter-in-law and truly admire her!” -Vonnie Fifield
“Kari is the most “human” superwoman I know. I say human because behind that beautiful smile, bright confidence, and infectious laugh there is a real woman there. She is a dedicated wife. She is a committed mom. She is a loving daughter. She is a constant friend. She wakes up every morning determined to make her family’s life the best it can possibly be. See it is easy to be superwoman, that title infers magical powers that take no effort at all. But not Kari, she works hard for what she wants. If that isn’t admirable, I don’t know what is. Oh, and all of our houses look cuter because of her amazing talent.” -Malory Janzen
Kari was so much fun to capture. She is shy if she doesn't know you very well, but once she gets to know you, you can see how much love for life she has and the work she does is her true passion. I have used many of her pieces in my sessions. If you haven't checked her work out I highly recommend it. She is talented, creative, love sports, and has the best laugh! Thank you Kari for all the work you have done for myself but also for being that mom we all look up to and admire. Your are a true inspiration to so many and I for one am honored to feature you on this blog. So thank you again for all your hard work and can not wait to see what the future holds for you!
