Beautiful things

~Misty Dowd Davis has her artistic iron in many fires -- a children's clothing and accessories web shop call Lilly Anna Kids; a portrait photography gig, three kids at home...How does she juggle it? Well, for starters, they don't own a TV (it's amazing what you can accomplish without one, she says). But mostly, Davis explains, it's easier to find balance when you know what's important in your life.

Davis will tell you there are two reasons she's where she's at today: God and her family. Which is why she places such a high priority on both. "I'm a wife and mother doing what I love -- being with my kids and creating beautiful things, whether it be relationships, images or clothing." She's the oldest of five children, the daughter of a pastor, and is a Southeast Missouri native. She began sewing in high school, and eventually made blankets and clothes for her own children -- two boys and a girl with her husband of 12 years. "These four people are my life! Family relationships were very important growing up, and still are today...I truly believe in the power of family. They have been my support system through the years. I cannot tell you what it means to have a family that encourages you to create."

Q. You seem like you have a lot on your plate...Lilly Anna, Misty Davis Photography, artsy-crafty projects at home, three kids being home-schooled...where do you find your inspiration (and your energy)?

A. Inspiration.......something that seems so elusive to so many people, but it is everywhere! I tell people that to come up with amazing ideas you have to be exposed to amazing ideas. Find your niche or hobby and read and study everything you can find related to it. Once you get used to seeing it on a daily basis, you will start finding inspiration in things as common as a magazine advertisement. You have to be exposed to ideas to stimulate your own ideas. Usually something I've seen will give me an idea for something totally different. Like a shirt I seen in a sale bill will give me inspiration for a pillow. Inspiration will come easier when you learn where and how to look for it.

Energy: You have to understand, I come from a family of inventors and entrepreneurs. We don't know how to stop creating...it's bred into me.....I tease them because we're not happy with making something for ourselves. We want to sell it to everyone else! Not having a TV has played a big part in how much work I am able to get done. I have to make myself stop working. If I sit down, I feel like I need to be doing some needlework or computer work......its an inherited sickness.

Q. How did Lilly Anna Kids get started?

You know, it's kind of funny because I remember talking to my counselor in high school about a career in sewing for others. Never did I dream it would come true and never could I be more happy about it! I really didn't have this end in mind when I started sewing blankets for my firstborn, and then dresses for my daughter. It hasn't been fast or furious progress, just a little here and there, enough to support my hobby. But I've been happy with it. My dream and true passion is in teaching others how to create beautiful things. I was a very shy and timid child and teenager, and I can't explain what sewing did for me as a person. It gave me self confidence and a sense of self worth when I could create beautiful things that others valued. There is nothing like being able to create something with your own hands. My goal for Lilly Anna Kids is to sell my designs as patterns. I have so many ideas floating around in my head, but I don't have the time to create them all if I try to sell the finished product. I will still have a few items in the shop that can be purchased pre-made, but my main goal is to cater to those who want to learn to sew or are looking for something new to make.

Q. When it comes to family life, what is most important to you?

Balance, no question! My life is a delicate balance of family, schooling, church and hobbies. Knowing how to divide time between them is key to having a peaceful home. I've had to learn how to quit "working" after a certain time each day and no working on weekends and how to work around schooling and appointments. If I want to sew during my "off" hours it's for my family or pleasure. I can't say that I've always had it balanced right, but it's gotten easier since I've learned how to turn off that feeling that I need to be working at all times. Limiting the number of photo sessions I do per month and how many clothing items I sell also helps keep it all balanced. Family is always first, hobbies can go at anytime.