Category: Elgin, Texas

Jordan (jd.stitch): The Five Question Interview

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Jordan is the owner of jd.stitch. She designs and creates unique, and often salty, one of a kind embroidered pieces as well as kits for those that want to try their hand at the craft. Her classes at The Clever Tiger are very popular, so keep your ears to the ground for those in the future.

She finds mornings to be her most productive/creative time and can be found outside with a cup of coffee and her sketchbook or tablet in hand.

1. Why did you move to Elgin? 

 I moved to Elgin about 4 years ago to be with my husband. We have known each other since 6th/7th grade. 

2. What compels you to spend time creating?

I have always been a maker, but discovered embroidery shortly after the birth of kiddo with the support of my husband (at the time boyfriend). What started out a fun new medium of art-quickly became a passion! I love every step from drawing out the patterns, to transferring, to stitching and watching my ideas come to life! It really is the best! 

3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.

1: being more open with my art—to make things I am passionate about!      

2: to get over the fear of judgment! Letting myself and my art be who and what it is. Not everyone is going to like it or want to buy it and that is just fine.      

3: not to freak out—things will work out! 

4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?

I currently have maybe 6+ different projects I’m working on! From painting hoops, a new kit, some tattoo flash style art(thanks to a dear friend Juanito from better days tattoos out of Killeen TX, and some new fun products! I am always bouncing around between things! 

I have very little time to read for myself but am very excited to have started the series of unfortunate events by Lemony Snicket with my child. 

Music I listen to-it ranges depending on my mood, but at any give time you can find me with CD’s from my younger days. Can’t go wrong with Jack White, Nirvana  or Alkaline Trio! 

5. Cake or Pie?

BROWNIES! And the best I’ve ever had came from The Cookie Farmer-Ashley! 

Instagram @jd.stitch
Ko-fi jd.stitch
Etsy JDStitchEmbroidery
Society6 jd.stitch

Let’s Keep in Touch!

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I am so grateful for the opportunity to show up in your inbox. I respect your privacy and will never share your email with another party… I pinky promise.

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Monica Nava-Barker: The Five Question Interview

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photo credit: @viralmediausa

Below: My Five Question Interview with Monica from July, 2020

Monica is owner of Chemn Cafe on Main Street in historic downtown Elgin. She opened her doors in July 2019 and has already established herself and Chemn Cafe as a mainstay in our community. She features locally made goodies when she can, and collaborates with her neighboring businesses. The cafe’s bright and inviting decor is inspired by classic educational design… think chemistry class, with its beakers, dark countertops, and periodic tables.

During this time of Covid-19 she has remained opened by providing take out and curbside ordering, and encouraging guests to wear masks and social distance while in the cafe. She also recognized the need for certain hard to get items such as milk, eggs, and even toilet paper, and has them available for her guests to pick up with their lattes.

1. Why did you move to Elgin? 

I moved from Austin after I became engaged to my now-husband, Emzy, who grew up in Elgin.

2. What compelled you to create a business in Elgin?

I knew that I would eventually become a small business owner someday; after a year of hating the commute to Austin, being injured at work, and then the company I worked for closing, it was time to decide what business venture was closest to my heart. I’ve always wanted a coffee shop of my own, so thus began the journey forward. 

3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.

Family is everything, and having really wonderful people in your corner will inevitably help your success.  

Being forgiving is easier than you think, and will make you happier.  

Believe not only in yourself, but trust your instincts as well.

4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?

I don’t enjoy cooking after working very long days (and wasn’t a big fan to begin with) but I do enjoy making new drink ideas for the shop. 

I like to read a little of everything that I can quickly skim through to be caught up in current affairs, so Facebook and Twitter are my go-to. 

I watch things that are entertaining to me albeit a little ‘weird’; I am currently watching The Blacklist, 13 Reasons Why, Dr. Pimple Popper, and Cooked with Cannabis (Netflix/Hulu) but am open to anything. 

I listen to NPR in the car and Spotify most of the day, everything from Bach to Post Malone, from Queen to Willie Nelson. 

5. Cake or Pie?

Oh my! Pie!

Visit Chemn Cafe at:

114 Main Street
Elgin, Texas 78621
(512) 827-9747

Instagram @chemncafe
Website chemncafe.com

Let’s Keep in Touch!

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and receive early notice for workshops, shop updates and links to some of my favorite things. While I can’t promise it will dazzle, it will always be cheeky, handsome, and useful. I mean, how bad can it be?

I am so grateful for the opportunity to show up in your inbox. I respect your privacy and will never share your email with another party… I pinky promise.

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Sonia Browder: The Five Question Interview

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Sonia Browder is a photographer, designer, and owner of Lordnidesign. She is a busy portrait photographer and loves taking photos of Elgin.

1. Why did you move to Elgin? 

Paul and I were living in south Austin when we started looking for a home in the country. We wanted land big enough to settle a couple of families—ours and my sister and hers. We found enough acres to raise our kids in the country just outside of Elgin. Soon after, my parents and brother with his family moved out here, too. It’s our retreat!

2. What compels you to spend time creating?

I’ve always enjoyed making and creating. I’m sure I picked up this idea that I could from my mom and her ability to make and create. When I was growing up, we didn’t have much money for extras but we still never did without. If we saw something we liked to wear, my mom would sew it, crochet it or knit it —for us AND for our dolls! It’s always been good therapy for me to create something—it’s a good feeling to make a family portrait, a plate of enchiladas, a hand-lettered sign for a friend, or a T-shirt for a much loved small town festival! It’s art to share!

3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.

1. Gardening: Water regularly.

2. Jesus went INTO the fire with  Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego (Daniel 6.) We need to invite Him into our tough situations. It’s better to go through life with Him than without Him.

3. Spanish was my first language, but when I don’t use it, I lose it! Im glad for the many opportunities I’ve had in recent years to speak more Spanish. The practice has helped me. I am able to translate and communicate in Spanish more and

4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?

Making:  I just finished working on the Western Days 2020 Commemorative T-shirt. The printed shirt just delivered. I am also working on a couple of logos; one for Evergreen Farms and another for Nanny Goat Salsa and have an engagement photo session planned for the weekend.

Reading/Listening to: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Watching: Just started watching Outlander—I’ve got a very long way to go!

5. Cake or Pie?

Pie —coconut cream, cherry, pecan & millionaire pies for starters!

Instagram @lordnidesign
Facebook @lordnidesign
Website enyecreative.com