Kristie Serra Photography Blog »

If you are like me, you have a favorite store that when you walk into it, you wish that you lived there?  That’s how I feel every time I visit the Blue Moon Trading Company.  I could get lost there for HOURS, exploring every little nook and cranny.  Every visit is so different for me too because there are always new treasures to explore.

It was last year when I discovered Blue Moon and met, Katie, the energetic and entrepreneurial owner of the South Tampa store that specializes in eclectic furnishings and accessories.  Much of what she sells is either vintage or custom-made from architectural salvage and recycled material.  I love it all!!   And, the icing on the cake is there is a little playroom for children in the store.  Katie could tell you about the time where one of my twins asked for “15 more minutes please” when I told him it was time to go get ice cream.  Yep, they turned down ice cream to stay longer at Blue Moon!

For me, it started with a yellow metal folding chair (you might have seen it in some of my work) and then my next visit it was a beautiful wooden chair and this horse statue, that is sitting on my china cabinet.  And,  just this week it was a bird cage, which will be soon hanging from my new office wall, and a turquoise little caddy.  I can’t visit without bringing something home.

Since 2004, Katie has handpicked treasures that inspire design professionals and homeowners alike. She selects distinctive pieces, and researches their histories whenever possible, giving each piece a story.  Katie also provides design services such as workshops, custom furniture and design consultations through Studio Blue Moon.

I really could go on and on, but I think I’ll let the images of her studio, store and one of kind items do the talking…  If you are in the area, stop in, say hi and shop like you mean it.  You’ll love Blue Moon (located in South Tampa off of S. MacDill Avenue)!

[the studio]

[the business partner's, Sydney and Andie]

[the store]

[the one of kind items]

I am thrilled that it’s Friday because I been looking forward to featuring the AMAZING Michele Anderson of Pinkle Toes Photography on the blog this week!  She and her beautiful work have been such an inspiration to me, so much so that I still remember the first time I visited her blog–I was blown away and I know you will be too!!  I could go on and on, but I’m sure you’d love to read what she has to say, so without further ado, here is the Q&A with Michele:

[1] What led you to a career in photography? Tell us about your journey…
I left my job in marketing to stay home with my kiddos, but the clock was ticking and I was eventually going to have to go back to work. I was working part time at a department store and I hated it. One day,, I called my mom in the parking lot and just bawled, “I have a degree in Communications. What am I doing with my life?????” She asked me what I really wanted to do in my heart and I told her that I wanted to be a photographer. So, I put in my notice and within a month, I had bought my first SLR and started a business.

[2] In five words or less, how would you describe your photography style?
Changing, changing, constantly changing. (that was less than 5 words, right?)

[3] What inspires you?
Other photographers for sure. Movies (Pan’s Labyrinth…wow!) and music videos and then there’s just driving around, looking for beautiful light and color.

[4] What’s your workspace like?
I really, really try to keep this somewhat organized. I’ve attached a pic. I still need more room. We’ll be working on that, soon, but meanwhile, you don’t even want to know how I store all my props and equipment. Ugh!

[5] So, how do you make it all work… business… family life… happy marriage?
I’m constantly trying to find a good balance. Sometimes, I’m really bad at it. One thing I did recently was to set office hours. I don’t always get to abide by them, but it’s nice to have permission to not work once in a while and just be with my family.

[6] What do you love most about what you do?
Meeting so many different people. A photo session is such an intimate experience and I always walk away from a session feeling like a family friend.

[7] What are you doing today that wouldn’t have imagined doing five years ago?
You’re lookin’ at it, sister. I never would have imagined in a million years that 1. I would have my own business and 2. That I would get to take pretty pictures all day long.

[8] What are you grateful for today?
Summer rain. It makes everything feel cool and refreshed. I wish I was brave enough to take my camera out in the rain sometime.

And, for fun… the speed-round:

If you had three wishes what would they be?
1. At least one of my children would take an interest in photography.
2. That my mom would get a new job so she can move to Austin, too.
3. That I never get tired of my career.

Oh, and world peace.

What are some of your favorite websites that you visit?
www.babyrazzi.com
www.jinkyart.com (she’s the one that started it all for me)
www.aliciapricephotography.com - so, so, so very talented.

Read any good books lately?
*still* working on the Twilight series that I started months ago. Sigh.

If you had to pick one song to be your theme song, what would it be?
Theme song? Crud. Now I have to have a theme song, too?

Fries or onion rings?
Depends on what else is on my plate.

WARING:  The following images have been known to produce uncontrollable ooooh’s and aaaah’s and even drool!!  Okay, now that you’ve been warned, please enjoy Michele’s GORGEOUS images…