LITTLE ALOUETTE
{please visit Little Alouette here}
Indie isn’t just for adults. Even the wee ones should benefit, right? Actually, we think the wee ones should especially benefit and learn from the entrepreneurial spirit that goes into becoming an indie company. Joe and Amy Sharp of Little Alouette feel the same way. In fact, they cite the more balanced family life and the work values they have imparted to their children as two of the key blessings gained since taking the leap of faith to operate Little Alouette full time.
That’s right, full time. But first, a back story. The Sharps first met in a midwestern university town. Joe Sharp hailed from Great Britain; Amy Sharp, Ohio. They met, married, and started full time careers in carpentry (Joe) and education and politics (Amy). When their first son was born, Joe made him a few wooden toys, which they watched him appreciate in the 1.5 hours a day they saw him between jobs, daycare, and early bedtimes. During a financially trying time, the couple decided to sell their toys on etsy, hoping people would love them as much as their friends and family did. The Oxford English Dictionary would define that as an understatement. Little Alouette is an etsy featured seller who this past summer won the title of Favorite Baby Shower gift by fans and peers alike. It became clear, quickly, that with a few sacrifices and hard work (of a different sort they were used to) this could be something they could do together as a family. And that’s exactly what happened. Everyday, while raising their children, they produce by hand wooden toys for wee ones made from locally sourced hardwoods. If not left unfinished, they use organic flaxseed oil to give the wood luster. The hours are long, but they are spent as a family. Their lives are sweet and full, working the toughest job they have ever loved, aside from parenthood.
Little Alouette is giving away the darling Fiona Fawn, a new and gorgeous addition to the wooden toy line up. In order to win, please answer the following question by Wednesday, December 30, 2009.
If you could live two lives- where would we find you right now? Tell us the narrative of that path you did not take.
Please start checking the winner’s box on Wednesday, January 6, 2009 to see if you won. Good Luck!
I would have been a teacher. A University professor of studio art, to be exact. I loved teaching beginning art classes when I was in grad school, and I dreamed of getting a tenure track position somewhere. I imagined myself leading students on study abroads, organizing student art shows, and sharing my love of printmaking with college students.
Instead, I bought a letterpress of my own and set it up in our dining room. I worked part time at a stationery shop to learn the business and put food on the table while getting my letterpress business going. I had no idea how far my letterpress would take me.
2 years later, my husband has joined me full time at Sycamore Street Press. We hope to have children, and like you, this career will allow us to spend more time together as a family.
Although a teaching position at a University would be more stable and seems more prestigious, I’m so happy with the way things worked out. I get to work with my husband at my side everday. And I still get to do the printmaking that I’ve always loved! We’re even starting to teach letterpress workshops in our studio which satisfies the teaching itch I sometimes still get.
Thanks for the chance. I’ve loved your products for a while, and my new little nephew would love this beautiful toy.
Ooh, I’d love this for #3, which we’re expecting next year! If I had followed my “original” path, I’d have gone to grad. school and acquire enough experience to be a curator in some amazing museum in Europe or NYC….aah, that would be amazing. BUT I wouldn’t have my amazing husband who comes home to me every evening. I wouldn’t have my two incredible children who adore me and smother me with hugs and kisses every day. With another on the way, can it really get any better??? :)
Wow, that’s some serious introspection for a give away. I try not to go down those paths…I don’t find shouldas, couldas, wouldas very useful. I’m content with the path I’ve taken, even the sharp turns have thrown me a bit, lately.
This used to be my favorite game in the whole world…what if I took that job, when to a different school, didn’t chicken out about moving to NYC, etc etc etc….but now? Now I have an amazing hubby and a perfect baby boy and any what-ifs I have would not contain both of them – which is simply unimaginable. But before them, my answer would have been that I discovered Modern Dance sooner instead of beating my non ballerina self into the ballet mold and ending up retiring with chronic injury at 19 (sigh)