Mom on the Move
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Carrie Wilson Eller
Monday, July 05, 2010Meet Mom on the Move Carrie Wilson Eller. Carrie is the mother to two young children as well as a business owner and artist. She shares her story and what she hopes to teach her children about giving to others:
(photo by Yellow Chair Photography)I am the mother of Savannah, age 3 and Brock, age 1. We have 3 dogs, 1 cat and approximately 30 living plants rounding out our household. Our furry babies are all rescue animals.
Graduating from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado I packed up and moved to Tulsa. Although, I loved living in the mountains for almost 5 years, it was nice to come home to family and friends. I received a Bachelor of Arts in degree in Fine Art and Art History. My career began in the non-profit realm of Philbrook Museum of Art working in the Development department assisting with special fundraising events and general fundraising, as well as Development Manager at Tulsa Opera.
My husband and I are the owners of Sproutz…a delicatessen located at 26th & Harvard. We feature many kosher, organic, and artisian products. We have a great selection of New York style sandwiches such as our corned beef or pastrami. Also, have an array of delicious wraps offering gluten free tortillas. We have been open for 12 weeks and our customers have favorites such as our Sproutz house salad, Lobster Roll, Allen Brother Steaks, Tamales, Tabouli, Hyman Roth Sandwich (chicken liver) and our delicious baked goods. Everything is made “in house” by either our baker, executive chef, or very talented staff. If anyone knows my husband, he is a tremendous chef himself – so we want Sproutz to be as delicious and welcoming as our home kitchen. Many think the name Sproutz means that we are a total health food store….however, we are not! We have delicious items as well, but thought it was crucial to have healthy options for folks especially the gluten free and sugar free items. The name Sproutz originated when we were developing our concept. We wanted something fun and family friendly in our market survey. Our concept package rested in a desk drawer for two years. Occasionally, we would blow the dust off and it always sounded good. Our key was to be in the “Steve’s Sundry Center” and to be on the endcap, where we could have a drive through. Our wish was granted last October, when Verizon moved out.
In addition to assisting with the marketing and managing of Sproutz --- I am a working artist. I have painted ever since I can remember. I have always had a tremendous passion for all arts, but mainly visual arts. My husband and I have started a program in which Sproutz buys canvas for any/public or private school and we hang it in Sproutz for a direct donation to the schools art department. Currently, we have a painting from Lee Elementary 5th graders and Riverfield Country Day School. We believe that art should be kept in the schools, as it’s a vital element to learning and are happy to do whatever we can to help education.I am fortunate to have an amazing husband to help balance our life with small children and a new business venture. Finding that balance is always easy, but I think if you support one another it always falls into place.
I hope my children learn the most valuable gift you can give someone is your time. For the past 3 years I have been a volunteer for DHS spending time rocking babies or taking all our gently used clothes or brand new items to help kids get on their feet that have lived in the shelter and are working on establishing their own life with no family. I also hope that they learn anyday that goes by where you are not helping someone is a day wasted-----I am a true believer in helping others on every level….. even if its just with a smile and friendliness.Motherhood is an honor and I am so thankful and proud of my children. I am thankful for their giggles, smiles, hugs and even their nasty tantrums! Being a mother not only makes me a better person, but as a whole, makes me a better women. Motherhood has given me a high respect for women in general – to never judge a mother and to do my personal best at supporting women as a whole.
My advice to new mothers is do the best you can do ---Do what works for you! Being a great mom is not always easy--Laugh often and don’t take it too seriously, AND…..be good to yourself even if that is just taking a shower first thing in the morning, getting pedicures, or picking up a canvas and paint while you listen to your favorite music…the latter is my gift to myself.
Comments
Posted By: Susan
Saturday, Jul 10, 2010
Carrie is my cousin - so I am automatically biased, but I believe she is an incredible role model for mothers, wives, and entrepreneurs!