Puyallup Newborn Baby Photographer | Small Business Feature

I am so excited to have the opportunity to feature an amazing small business jewelry company. Sweet Pea's in a Pod by Kelli O offered her time to allow me to ask some questions about her company! Keep reading for an exciting offer at the end. 

I came across Kelli's small business one day and just had to order my own breast milk jewelry piece. I pumped milk on my Sons 1st birthday to send to her so that I would always have a special keepsake to represent making it to 1 year on our breastfeeding journey. 

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First off, tell me a little about yourself!

Hello!  I am so honored to be featured in your blog!  A little about myself, I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio, which was where I met my husband.  We married in Ohio and shortly after moved to Oklahoma for his job.  We have been married for 10 years and have two children.  Our daughter is 7 and our son is 2.  Before children I worked as a drug and alcohol counselor for a few different agencies.  After children I have been a stay at home mom with a few of my own businesses.

Photo Credit: Kelli

What sparked your interest to start your business? How did you come up with the concept of breastmilk jewelry? 

I first heard about breastmilk jewelry about 5 years ago when I overheard someone talking about it.  I looked into it and was amazed at what could be done with breastmilk.  I did lots of research and lots of trial and error in my shop and after about a year I finally came up with the perfect method to preserve breastmilk. 

 

Do you make jewelry as your full time job?

Is this my full time job, well I would say my 2 children are my full time job.  As we all know, being a mother is a big job and takes lots of time!  Lucky for me, my shop also has a playroom so I can work while my son plays.  Nap time, evenings and weekends are also my work time.  

 

"Sweet Pea's in a Pod by Kelli O" How did you come up with your name? Is it meaningful to you? 

My business started out with me making what I called sweet peas in a pod.  Little pea pod pendants with peas to represent your children.  I used to call my daughter "Sweet pea" so it was also a meaningful name. 

 

What pieces do you currently offer in your shop? 

I offer quite a few different piece in my shop right now.  I am always looking for new pieces to offer, so my inventory is also always changing.  I offer earrings, rings, European style beads, bracelets, pendants and sweet peas.  With each piece that I offer, I also offer many different inclusions to go into that piece.  Some of my inclusions are, first lock of hair, umbilical cord, placenta, fabric, flowers, shimmer, pearlization, color, opal, fire opal etc.

What is your favorite piece to date? Can you even choose? 

Right now my favorite piece is my halo ring.  It is a sterling silver ring with a breastmilk stone set into the middle.  Surrounding the stone are cubic zirconia that also trail half way down the band.  The cz's are also set into the side of the stone setting. 

 

What is the best part about your job? 

The best part about my job are my customers!  I do this because it is so rewarding to hear from moms that are just in love with their jewelry.  Breastfeeding is a very hard job and to be able to preserve that memory in a tangible piece of jewelry is priceless.

 

What goals do you have for the future of your business?

I would love to increase awareness of breastmilk jewelry.  All to often I hear from a sad mother who wishes she would have know breastmilk jewelry was a thing but has long ago thrown all her frozen milk out.  I currently offer little breastmilk drops that can be kept in a memory book or a shadow box. 

What advice do you have for any entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business (wether that be jewelry or anything else)? 

Research research research!  Figure out what you want to do and do lots of research on what is already out there, prices, how to market yourself, websites etc.

What is your advice for first time moms who are choosing to breastfeed? 

Breastfeeding is hard.  At the beginning breastfeeding hurts.  Stick with it and it is very rewarding and you will be glad you did.  If you cant stick with it for whatever reason, don't beat yourself up about it.  However you want to feed your baby, Fed Is Best!

Is there anything else that you wish to share with us? 

In addition to breastmilk jewelry I also offer formula beads for formula fed babies.   I also offer ashes preservation to preserve the ashes of a pet or loved one.

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I am so thankful you took the time to tell a little about yourself and your small business to share with us. I think that everything you offer is so amazing! These are truly keepsakes you don't want to miss out on. Go take a look at her page HERE to see what you can order! 

When you place your order, mention this blog and receive 15% off! 

Thank you again so much for your time Kelli! A special thanks as well for my amazing breastmilk jewelry pieces. 

Puyallup, Professional Maternity Photographer | When life gives you lemons...

Samantha was looking forward to her custom professional portrait session that was going to take place this August. We had all of the details in place! I received an email late one evening from Samantha explaining a turn of events with her pregnancy. Baby V may make her way into this big world a little bit sooner than expected. Mommy was admitted to the hospital at 27 weeks for close monitoring until she gives birth to her rainbow baby. She may have baby girl tomorrow, or in a month from now. Only time will tell.

I know how terrified these two with their future so unknown. But, what I do know is how much they love each other. Their love radiates throughout their portraits. My prayers are with the Falzone family. I can't wait to meet Baby Vienna.

“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade”

I was not going to let any hospital stay come between me and a clients maternity session. I stress to my maternity portrait clients that each session will never be the same. Every pregnancy is different. Every story is different. These may not be what we had planned, but they are perfect. 

“They are perfect because this is their story. ”

Meet Gianni & Samantha. 

Puyallup, Professional Maternity Photographer

Puyallup, Professional Maternity Photographer

Puyallup Professional Photography | A Forever Love

I had the amazing opportunity to take professional portraits of Betty and Charles (who happen to be my grandparents) while I was back visiting family in California. 

December 2, 1955 was the day they said I do. This December will mark 62 years of marriage! Their love story began on the day that my Grandpa asked my Grandmother to lunch one day at school. Every day following, my Great-Grandma made sure that Charles had an extra dollar to buy Betty's lunch for her. Wouldn't it be nice if a burger and coke were still only $1? 

During their session we shared a lot of laughter and many smiles. I asked them to grab something special to them to photograph. Naturally, we had their wedding day portrait. My Grandma knew of what object she wanted and instantly and made her way to grab her gold thimble my Grandpa had made and engraved for her for their 50th Wedding Anniversary. 

“But Ma is what means most to me ”

"But Ma is what means most to me"  is the first thing that came to my Grandpa's mind. We ended up grabbing his toy tractor which is the oldest of his collection and one of his favorites! 

I loved traveling from Puyallup,WA to offer my Professional Photography services in California. Having the opportunity to take my grandparents professional portraits really topped off the end of my trip! 

Special thanks to my Grandparents for allowing me to photograph this special time in your lives. 

Puyallup Newborn Photographer | Safety First

“This may be a stupid question, but do you do the pose with baby’s head rested in their hands like they are holding themselves up? Do you just let them balance?”

This was a question that I was recently asked during a client consultation regarding their newborn portrait session. 

Some photographers get baby balanced enough and let go just long enough to take a picture. Sadly yes, this happens. A lot can happen in a split second.

I would rather take the additional time post processing than risk injury to your sweet baby. 

Safety is always my number one priority here at Stephanie Ratto Photography as your Puyallup, newborn photographer. I know my little one's parents are always at ease during their newborn session because hands are always on or near baby at all times and baby is NEVER left unattended.  

*You can see below, the edited image from above, where I composite two images together to make it appear baby is holding her head up.*

“I really want _______ pose! Can you make sure to get it?”

So...here is the thing...Baby is boss during their session. I watch and listen for their cues and never force them into any position. 

Every baby is unique and not all babies will go into the same pose. That doesn't mean that we won't get amazing portraits capturing all of their loving newborn details. There is still such perfection when it comes to a baby in their natural sleeping position.

“Can I bring my own props?”

Of course! I love being able to capture YOUR family. As long as I feel it is 100% safe and I can achieve the pose, then I am happy to include any special props. 

“Are you vaccinated?”

I sure am! I am up to date on all of my vaccines. I understand and know babies haven't had time to build up their little immune systems and always keep my hands sanitized during your session. If there is any doubt that I may be sick, your session will be rescheduled. 

These are just some of my most frequently asked questions regarding newborn portrait sessions. If you have your own questions to ask, please never hesitate. 

To anyone looking to book a newborn session for your little one, either with Stephanie Ratto Photography or with any Photographer: 

Never feel stupid asking questions regarding your newborn and his or her safety.

Period. 

Your Baby Thanks You. 

Do you feel that I may be the right photographer for you during this special time in your life? Please follow this link to get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you! 

https://www.stephanierattophotography.com/rsvp/