August Mom of the Month | Puyallup's Premier Maternity Photographer

It was such an honor to have Codii as August's Mom of the Month! We enjoyed our evening at Point Defiance in Tacoma, Washington for her premier maternity portrait session. I am so excited to be offering this new high end session experience to my clients at an affordable investment! One mom will be chosen each month to be featured as Stephanie Ratto Photography's Mom of the Month when they book a Mom of the Month session experience. Click HERE to find out more information regarding these limited session spaces! 

My goal with this session experience is to get mom's connected! Pregnancy can cause so many emotions, up's and downs. I want to let all expecting mothers to know, you are not alone on this journey!

Without further ado, meet Stephanie Ratto Photography's August's Mom of the Month, Codii! 

Codii and Chris have been married for almost two years now and couldn't wait to start a family! 

“We have been trying to start a family since we got married, however, after over a year of trying i was told by doctors that it would be very difficult and nearly impossible for me to naturally conceive. Less than a few weeks after i brought it up we were blessed with this little miracle.”

They are having a little baby boy this October and can't wait to meet him! She has luckily had an amazing pregnancy. I asked Codii about how pregnancy has affected her emotionally and physically. She explained that being diagnosed with a Bipolar Disorder, it has been difficult having her moods and emotions go crazy. She is very thankful for Chris knowing how to handle the situation when she gets worked up. Codii was also about ready to compete in a body building competition! It was difficult for her being so far into prep to see her body change but as baby boy was growing she was very excited to see her stomach grow.

“For me it got easier once i stopped looking like i ate a few too many donuts and more like I’m actually growing a baby.”

 

She embraces and loves her baby bump. 

The most difficult part of her pregnancy has been the heartburn. 

“Who knew you could get heartburn from water? I sure didn’t.”

 

Codii has been planning and researching information regarding labor since she found out she was pregnant. She is nervous but has amazing support from her friend who is a Doula to help her achieve a natural birth! She knows she is not alone, and she will have an amazing support group by her side on this special day.

August Mom of the Month | Puyallup's Premier Maternity Photographer

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 Maternity Photographer | Stephanie Ratto Photography

Puyallup Maternity Photographer | Stephanie Ratto Photography

I was so excited when Miranda contacted me looking for a photographer in the Puyallup area. We discussed her vision for her portraits and I instantly knew of the perfect outdoor location to truly capture the beautiful Washington landscape. 

It was so much fun having her come over prior to her session to try on gowns from my handmade gown collection that I offer exclusively to my clients. She is an absolute vision in these gowns that we narrowed down for her to wear for her outdoor maternity session. 

Their session was definitely a favorite of mine and I was so honored to have been chosen to be a part of this special time in their lives. Their connection is undeniable! I can't wait to see their beautiful baby.

Puyallup Maternity Photographer | Stephanie Ratto Photography