The proverb says necessity is the mother of invention, but as many moms can attest, motherhood makes creativity and invention a necessity. As I put together this issue, I kept seeing a theme appear in stories: Mothers looking for creative outlets that allowed them to care for their family—both physically and financially.
Since I happen to be a mom of three in a creative field, and have redirected my career to accommodate family (several times), I’m especially sensitive to the push and pull that goes into fulfilling duties as a mother, as well as creative and career goals. So when I first met Michelle Sharp, the mastermind behind Meet the Minnesota Makers and a member of our Editorial Advisory Board, I recognized a kindred spirit. Sharp was a Spanish professor before she found her passion for promoting local artisans, cottage bakers and businesses. Working for herself allowed her to pursue her passions while raising two children—and we all can benefit by reading her blog and gift guide, which is set to drop in November.
The theme reappeared with Safeera Inayath of Sugar Dust & Sprinkles (I learned about her thanks to Sharp!), who created a baking business because she realized that she could bake and parent at the same time and again when I was interviewing artist JuliAnne Jonker about her creative space and artistic career that evolved as she raised her four children.
I was inspired by each of these women, and I hope you are, too.
