Getting to know Misti Pearson

First off, I apologize for not getting this up on Saturday. My husband and I went on a day trip to visit family that turned into a very early morning to very late night trip, so needless to say, I didn't get much time on the computer (or any time at all). So, I will break my normal Monday routine and put a post up today.


In the spotlight today we have Misti Pearson. Misti is the owner of Cottage Quotes , a crafty little business centering around the art of vinyl lettering. More importantly, Misti is a daughter of God, a loving wife, and a devoted mother. Here is what Misti has to say:


LDSWA: Give us a little background: who you are, where you come from, etc.


Misti: I was born and raised in Great Falls, MT. My parents are bascially amazing & I am in constant awe of them! My husband is from a farming community outside of Great Falls. I was secretly in love with him in high school. We started dating after his mission when I was 19 and were married a year later. We both went to school at BYU-Idaho. Rexburg holds lots of special memories for us. We have two darling, and somewhat fiesty, girls; Bostyn (age 4) and Kamree (age 2). Since we have graduated from BYU-I, just less than 2 years ago, we've moved around alot. We're currently in our 5th home, 3rd city, and are moving in 10 days! Not that I have enjoyed this, but it has taught me a lot about life and myself. I love my little family. We have lots of fun together. I love pretend decorating my pretend home & hoping that it won't be pretend too much longer! I dream of a white country home with a big porch and lots of land. I love to dance & am often rocking out with my girls. And I might secretly kind of like rap music...don't tell!


LDSWA: What inspired you to start Cottage Quotes?


Misti: I love the feeling of creating! However, I do not love the cost of creating. Owning my own vinyl business was the best comprimise to have both.


LDSWA: Tell us a little about your decision to stay home with your kids.


Misti: In all honesty, I have always wanted to be a stay at home mom. In a high school class the teacher once asked everyone to stand and share what they wanted to be when they grew up. I casually said that I wanted to be a stay at home mother. Never will I forget the reaction of the class. That was the first time I realized the negative views some have towards mothers who stay home. It definitely took me by surprise. However, my desires never changed; just increased! My life is so enriched and blessed by being home with my children. Now, when asked what I do, I proudly share that I am a stay at home mother. It was never a distinct choice I had to make; it was a calling I believed in.


LDSWA: What is the most difficult thing you have to face on a daily/weekly basis?


Misti: Patience. I pray for more of it everyday. It is a major personality flaw that I have!


LDSWA: Do you have any advice for women who are wanting to pursue their own business?


Misti: Don't be afraid to try something new. My business is small, but perfect for me! I was hesitant to start Cottage Quotes. I thought of the money, the time, the competition. However, with the support of my husband we gave it a whirl! We have fun with it. It acts as a stress reliever for me. I love to hop on my computer and play around with a few designs. I love people's reactions when I finish their crafts! Let yourself create something new & you'll be surprised just how much fun you will have.


LDSWA: What is the most fulfilling part of your day?


Misti: Motherhood entails lots of little fulfillments throughout the day; that's how we survive! For example; when my daughter finishes her WHOLE breakfast, when I hear them giggling in the other room, a made bed, when I am able to spend an extra minute in the scriptures, when I hear 'please' and 'thank you', when I finish a project or clean a room, when dinner is made, a squeeze from a toddler, when I hear my children singing, or when I am able to relax with my husband! I love the little things like these that happen throughout my day, every day!


LDSWA: Who, outside of your family, has been the most influential person in your life?


Misti: Bishop Garth Hall of the 51st ward in Rexburg, ID. I was called as the Relief Society President. He is a great man of integrity. I was always impressed by how quickly he responded to spiritual promptings. He served with a happy,giving heart. Even though we have long left Rexburg, I think of him often. I would love to be more like him.


LDSWA: What would you most like to achieve in your lifetime?


Misti: A happy, rigtheous family. Nothing could be better than that; although being a professional salsa dancer comes in for a tight second.


LDSWA: How and when did you gain your testimony?


Misti: Little by little. I know I have had a strong testimony of prayer since I was very little. However, other principles have come in due time. I hold my testimony very dear to my heart. It is an amazing blessing for us to have. One of my goals is to bear my testimony more often; something so simple & yet sometimes so hard.


LDSWA: Finally, what do you enjoy the most about Cottage Quotes?


Misti: I love hearing everyone's ideas. I love that I get semi-credit for the amazingly talented people who order my vinyl. They come up with they saying, the design, and all I do is cut it! So when I am not feeling crafty, I get to pretend I am!

I would like to extend a big "thank you" to Misti for her willingness to be our first interview! Head on over to Cottage Quotes to check out what she does!

* *Rae* *