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Home » Momma Quit Her Day Job

Momma Quit Her Day Job

Momma Quit Her Day Job: Almost 5 years ago!!

August 6, 2018 By Andrea Leave a Comment

My Latest Venture...

I've been excited yet nervous to share my latest venture with all of you! (If you are unfamiliar with my last two updates, you can check out the first one here, and the second one here.) It's one of those things that once you put it out there, there's no turning back! I'm nervous because there are no guarantees, but I am excited because I really believe in what I'm doing. I've decided to write, record, and sell online photography classes geared toward the beginner!

It all started with a rejection letter...

Well, it wasn't really a rejection letter but I didn't get the job. In hindsight, the job itself doesn't really matter, but it was what that rejection led me to do that does. I decided that I didn't really know much about online marketing (a lot has changed in the five years since I left Microsoft, plus I was always in sales executing someone else's marketing plan!) As a result, I signed up for B-School which is an online business program by Marie Forleo. I didn't really have an end goal in mind when I signed up, I just knew that I'd learn something and I knew it would benefit my photography business.

At the same time, I was teaching my photography class here in the hood. In case you don't know me, I've been teaching a beginner photography class since 2011. It all started when I asked my best girlfriends if they'd be willing to donate to my Team in Training fundraising account in exchange for a camera class. They overwhelmingly said "yes!" and thus my love of teaching began. This year's class sparked something in me. They were enthusiastic, excited to learn, and literally gave high fives when they had a breakthrough. It was so much fun to watch. One of my students said something that really stuck with me. They said "you have such an ability to explain a really complex subject and break it down into something that's so easy to understand." What a compliment!

online photography classes

So you want to teach?

After that class, I started to think that I'd like to teach more. I was toying around with a lot of ideas. Teaching my class at the library (no bueno...you can't do for profit classes there,) teaching AP photography (then I found out it was a part of 2D Art...THAT'S not going to happen,) or continuing as-is but adding more classes.

The last option had some pitfalls:

  1. Not everyone can attend on Thursday nights when I'd been the classes.
  2. Inevitably, something would come up on Thursday and they'd miss 1 or more lessons.
  3. Even the students who never missed a class could use a refresher now and then. Especially if it's been weeks or months since they took the it.

Where B-School Meets Teaching

I am a learner. If I could take a class every week, I would. I was poking around through the resources section of B-School and realized that I could teach online too! In fact, there are many affordable platforms out there to get started quickly and very professionally.

I began to really think about this and realized that I have a proven product (I have taught, rewritten, and revised for 7 years!) I have students who loved the class (many of whom are now amazing photographers because they continued to study, practice, and grow.) The curriculum is written. I have the equipment and know-how to record and edit my own videos. I just took a very thorough online marketing course...certainly I can figure that part out (right?) The actual cash money cost is very low. So all I would be out is my time.

The Big Girl School is Born

When I teach, I always say things like, "get out your big girl camera," or if I see someone out taking pictures with their iPhone I say, "hey, where's your big girl camera?" When thinking about naming my class, I wanted something memorable and something that felt like me. "Learn to Use Your Big Girl Camera" was a natural fit. The Big Girl School leaves the option open to add more classes down the road continuing to use the Big Girl moniker.

I decided that taking my class online was a viable option. I would be able to serve more people (women specifically but not exclusively!) Presently, I'm able to teach 10-15 people once or twice a year. With an online photography class, I can teach that many each month or even more. And bonus, my dining room chairs won't be in the basement for months at a time. 

Much of what I teach can be found in bits and pieces online. However, when you don't know what to look for, it can be very overwhelming. I'll teach only what you need to know to get up and running quickly. Most importantly, I will give you assignments to begin USING your Big Girl Camera.

Online Photography classes

How can you help a big girl out?

I would LOVE and APPRECIATE it if you could share this information with anyone who fits the following statements:

  1. Is in the market for a Big Girl Camera...
  2. Has a Big Girl Camera and has no idea how to use it...
  3. Has a Big Girl Camera and tried it once, got frustrated and threw it in a drawer.
  4. Uses a Big Girl Camera but wants to learn how to take it off of Auto.

You can learn more about "Learn to Use Your Big Girl Camera" here.

Not quite ready? Sign up for helpful tips and tutorials here.

Join the private Facebook community here.

Like The Big Girl School on Facebook, and follow me on Instagram @thebiggirlschool

In the community I will be answering questions and looking for student photos to share. Each week on Instagram we will post ideas to get you out shooting! Sometimes, an idea is all it takes.

If you are in the market for a camera, I wrote a FREE course, "Which Camera Should I Buy?" which includes a 20-minute video explaining the key features you need to know when purchasing an entry level DSLR, and a downloadable resource guide, and camera comparison chart to help you stay sane when shopping.  You can take the FREE course here. 

Thank you so much for the love and support you all have shown me!!

Andrea Linn Photography the Big Girl School

About Andrea

Andrea is a personal branding photographer who helps female entrepreneurs, and small business owners bring their brand to life. She is based in Cumming, Georgia but you can find her shooting from coast to coast.


Filed Under: Momma Quit Her Day Job, Photography Education Tagged With: personal

Sue B. Zimmerman | The Instagram Expert

July 3, 2018 By Andrea 12 Comments

Sue B. Zimmerman Personal Branding Shoot in Boston

Meet Sue B. Zimmerman

I wanted to introduce you to an AMAZING woman and entrepreneur, Sue B. Zimmerman. I have followed Sue B. for several years now. I first saw her when she taught an Instagram class on Creative Live. Teaching on Creative Live is a bucket list item of mine. It’s one of those goals that feels so far out there, I have no idea how I would get from here to there. Just saying it feels almost ridiculous. But she did it!  I didn’t have a clue that just seven years ago she was teaching women how to use social media around her kitchen table. I saw a throwback she posted on Facebook and I was intrigued to say the least!

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet her IRL (in real life) when I attended her SBZ B-School Retreat in downtown Boston. Over the past seven years, she quite literally quit her day job running a boutique on Cape Cod. She now runs a wildly successful (I’m talking blow you away successful!) business with a team of seven talented marketers.  She speaks as #theinstagramexpert at conferences around the world. After super-stalking her Facebook page, I know that she’s accomplished this amazing success after turning 50! Ladies, this should be an inspiration to us all. That’s why I wanted her to tell her story, in her own words, below. This momma, quit her day job and reinvented herself to become The Instagram Expert. Enjoy!

Sue B. Zimmerman #theinstagramexpert

P.S. She also shares an affinity to super-expression when she sees a camera which, of course, I love. 

Q: Tell me about yourself

A: I have a wonderful, supportive husband and three fiercely independent daughters.  I met my husband Roger when I was thirteen years old at summer camp…we were wearing the same tennis shirt.   

Sue B. Zimmerman #theinstagramexpert
Sue B. Zimmerman and her daughters

I love to workout, especially rollerblade along the shore on Cape Cod in the summer.  I also love crafting.  When my daughters were younger I taught art classes in my home. Over ten years ago I taught scrapbooking and even taught on QVC. Painting rocks and shells is one of my favorite hobbies.

Above all, I like to travel and see the world.  Taking online relationships offline and meeting in person is a true luxury.

I’ve been creatively doing what I love for over 35 years.  I had my first business hand painting barrettes when I was thirteen years old. I was not allowed to be selling at recess, but I did, and it validated my craft. 

Lesson Learned - Be a rule breaker. It helped build confidence and brought me to the next opportunity.

Q: What led you to do what you are doing today?

I was using Instagram to bring customers into my seasonal store on Cape Cod. This was an eye opener when customers came in asking for what they saw us post on Instagram. This became a BIG light bulb moment - I was using Facebook, Twitter & Foursquare to market my store, but NOTHING worked as quickly as Instagram. Sooooooo, I decided to teach other business owners how to use Instagram to market their businesses. I started by doing local workshops, spoke at local events, got interviewed on podcasts and I was in the zone. My brain thinks visually, and Instagram became my happy place...so much creativity, inspiration and information. 

I closed my store after six years. I went all in and took my business online. I realized what I loved more than anything was teaching and helping others make money doing what they love.

Lesson Learned- Follow your gut.  Go where your heart is happy!

Sue B. Zimmerman #theinstagramexpert

Seven years ago Sue B. was teaching classes on social media in her community and around her kitchen table!

Sue B. Zimmerman #theinstagramexpert Creative Live

Today, Sue B. is a top Instagram educator on Creative Live.

What are your goals?​​​​

To help women, passionate business owners, entrepreneurs and creatives get more visibility online so that they can share their brand to reach the right target market using Instagram.

Are there specific goals you want to achieve, or do you do this purely for the satisfaction it brings?

I am all about being a lifelong learner. I am constantly improving my leadership skills. I want to grow this business with my amazing team and really make a difference in the world helping others have the success they dream of. 

Sue B. at the SBZ Boston Business Building Retreat

Sue B. showing us Instagram strategy while exploring downtown Boston.

What have you learned from the process of reinventing yourself?

It takes a #SHITTON of hustle, heart and drive to get what you want.  I always check in with myself to make sure I am enjoying what I am doing. In fact, Morgan, my COO, checks in with me and asks me if I like what I am doing and if there is anything else I want to be doing.

What advice do you have for other women who are considering a change?

DO YOU!  Embrace your unique self - everything - your gray hair, wrinkles, voice and fucking own it!  When you confidently show up as yourself others will fall in love with your gifts, your products and your services.

SBZ Business Building Retreat

Sue B. doing an Instagram Live stream with her students in downtown Boston.

How have you dealt with obstacles and setbacks?

I like to reflect on them as life lessons.   Live and learn - move on!  Being an entrepreneur is a journey and I love the ride.   I had my first business at thirteen years old and I have had seventeen after that.  Being the leading Instagram educator is business #18 and I am in my genius zone. When you have a setback, bounce back and keep the ball rolling - it gets you to the next opportunity.  

Sue B. Zimmerman B-School Boston Business Building Retreat

Sue B. with her students at the SBZ B-School Retreat in downtown Boston.

Would you do it all again?

Absofucklinglutely!   

Each business has taken me to where I am today.  Without the building blocks of each one - I think I would have stumbled more.

There is no such thing as instant success.  Show up consistently, do the work, make an impact, be kind and help others.  Success and happiness will follow... I am living proof. xo

You can follow Sue B. at the following:

  • The Instagram Expert
  • Sue B. Zimmerman
  • ​Sue B. Zimmerman Facebook
  • ​Sue B. Zimmerman Website

About Andrea

Andrea is a personal branding photographer who helps female entrepreneurs, and small business owners bring their brand to life. She is based in Cumming, Georgia but you can find her shooting from coast to coast.


Filed Under: Momma Quit Her Day Job, Personal Branding Tagged With: careers after 40, reinventing yourself

The Reinvention of Kathy Duffy

November 2, 2017 By Andrea Leave a Comment

I met Kathy at a local networking group called Positively Female. I was instantly fascinated by her story! She introduced herself and said that she aspired to get to the Olympic level in dressage. How fascinating! She tried to tell me that she was not that interesting and I could certainly find someone else to blog about. I wholeheartedly disagree! How many 50 and fabulous women do you meet on a daily basis who are following their passion, let alone doing it on a horse? I'll let Kathy tell her own story but once her daughters left the nest, Kathy decided it was time to make her dreams come true. I hope she inspires others to do the same. That's why I called this "the Reinvention of Kathy Duffy." Enjoy.


​

Kathy Duffy Dressage Reinvention

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: My name is Kathy Duffy. My husband, Bill and I have been happily married for 27 years. We have raised two wonderful daughters, Summer and Savannah, and we are now empty nesters. We live on a seven acre hobby farm with horses, dogs, cats and chickens in Milton, Georgia.

Kathy Duffy Reinvention Milton Georgia
kathy duffy chickens farm milton georgia
Kathy Duffy farm Milton Georgia fresh eggs chickens

Q: What did you do in your first act?

A: I don't feel I can tell you about my First Act, or even Second Act, without going back and giving you some detail about my childhood.  As a child, I loved to hang out with my daddy.  He taught me so much in so many ways. There are two specific incidents in my childhood which formed me as an adult today, and both are thanks to him. 

The first was when I was about three years old, Daddy came home from work with a gift for my sister. He gave her a book on Astronomy. As a child you can imagine I was a little jealous he didn’t give me a gift and I asked him why. He told me he had brought me a gift but I would have to get it out of the pocket of the coat he was wearing. I stuck my hand inside the pocket and pulled out a tiny, perfect kitten. In that moment I became bonded with cats and today I am proudly one of many with the label, “Crazy Cat Lady,” and my favorite, “The Cat Whisperer."

cats silhouette kathy duffy farm milton georgia

The second life altering incident was when I was four years old. Daddy took me and my sister to one of his friend’s house. The man had a pony and a foal. I was so young I don’t remember all the details of that day but what I do remember was that I was riding home in the back seat of our station wagon with the foal. This I remember clearly because I was wearing a dress, and the pony pooped on me in the car, so I cried most of the way home. Daddy told me he won the pony in a poker game. About two weeks later, he bought a saddle and bridle, handed them to me and said, “Figure it out.” Almost fifty years later and I am still trying to figure it out. Now with these two stories in your mind I feel like I can tell you about my life.

Kathy Duffy dressage horse farm horses milton Georgia

My first act is meeting William John Duffy outside of a bank at an ATM machine. I was working at an apartment complex and he was working for RTM which was an Arby’s franchiser. Our epic love story grew into marriage, his passing the CPA exam and going to school for his Masters. Once he graduated we started a family and had two amazing daughters, Summer and Savannah. I was a stay at home mom and it was my absolute dream job. To me, there could not have been a better job than raising my daughters and taking care of Bill and our home. Many women do not feel this way and I totally understand, but for me it felt right down to my core. When our youngest daughter went to Pre-K I told Bill I was bored without the girls being there. He told me to get a hobby. Famous last words. I decided to take a few riding lessons. Then I bought myself a horse and began competing in the sport of Dressage. Well, the girls wanted to ride also so I bought them each a pony.  If you have three large animals you might as well have a farm so I bought the farm, literally. At this point our daughters were competing and the cost added up so I decided to put my lessons and competing on the back burner. There was nothing for an Adult Amateur to gain, but as high school students there were opportunities for our daughters to receive college scholarships.  

We taught our daughters about helping those in need and they were always willing to volunteer to help when they could. This led us to helping the Feral Cat Program of Georgia, a non-profit organization that works on trapping, spay/neutering and rehabilitating non-domesticated cats. We have fostered and helped find homes for over 100 cats.

 I could not have loved my job more, it felt like everything was exactly as it should be. And then the girls grew up and we became empty nesters. 

Fired. I had just been fired from the job God made me to do. Fired from the only thing I was good at, really good at, and loved. Fired! Now what? How can you be a stay at home mom when your  children are grown and more importantly who am I without my children living at home?

spider web farm milton georgia

Q: Act Two

A: One thing that is certain about me is that my glass is always half full or at least refillable. It is never half empty, but for almost two years after the girls were gone I felt like my glass was as dry as a bone. It wasn't just that I missed them, which of course I did. We did everything together to the point that many of my friends called us the Three Amigos. The house was empty, quiet and there was no laughter during the days, only when Bill came home at night. My glass also felt dry because for the past 20 plus years I gave up personal goals, dreams and finances, very willingly, so that the girls would have better lives. I had lost touch of who Kathy Duffy was and I was now just Mommy. For the first time in decades I had to think about me. I knew who I had been, but now I had to figure out who did I want to become as a person. Sounds so simple to you I'm sure but it was brutal for me to think about myself like this, put myself first over my children. Unheard of!

One morning I woke up and decided to put my big girl panties on and deal with it. I took a long, hard look at myself in the mirror, literally and figuratively. I was 50 so it was time to make a plan for the next phase of my life. It was time to look forward to the future, fill up my glass and enjoy. The number one goal for this phase of my life is to compete in the sport of Dressage to the Olympic level. Did I mention I’m over 50? Okay, so normal people work all of their lives in a sport to accomplish an Olympic level but I’ve had a late start and I am willing to put in the overtime to accomplish my goal.

Kathy Duffy dressage Charming Milton Georgia horse farm
Charming Dressage Kathy Duffy
Dressage Kathy Duffy Charming

My horse, Charming, is very capable of achieving this level and we are on the right path with the training I am receiving from Kim Sosebe. At the time of this writing,  we are four levels away. I am aware that most people do not understand the levels in Dressage so I won't confuse you with the details. Let’s just leave it at "as long as neither Charming or I go lame, and God willing," we are getting there. Every week of riding I am feeling stronger and more confident. Charming is a willing and eager to learn dance partner. We have a strong bond because I am his first person. What I mean by that is Charming’s life started out in a breeding barn. He was bred to perform, it was a matter of finding the right person for him. Most horses need confidence, a person who makes them feel safe when they are afraid. Horses are fight or flight animals. When they think their life is in danger, they fight to stay alive or run for their lives. To a prey animal, such as horses, something as simple as a flag blowing in the wind makes a horse think there is a danger about to kill me. Therefore, a horse needs a rider that says move toward the flag and the horse relaxes because he knows his rider would not take him into a dangerous situation. When Charming and I were first introduced to one another he had been sent to Georgia for a specific buyer from United States Olympian, Clayton Fredricks. Mr. Fredricks is an Eventing rider which  is an Equestrian sport that includes both Jumping and Dressage. Charming is horrified of jumping so that was not a fit. The buyer in Georgia declined to purchase Charming because he had several Sarcoids on his body. Sarcoids are masses that grow on the body which often can become cancerous. While Charming was waiting in Georgia to be sent back to his owner the barn trainer asked me if I would ride him and keep him in shape because she was pregnant. I jumped at this opportunity! The problem came when I fell completely in love with this horse. He was for sale and the price was WAY above anything I would ever be able to pay. Long story short, I decided to have a vet check done on the horse and make the best offer I could in hopes it would be enough. The day of the vet check came and I was heart broken knowing my dream horse was leaving forever. The vets arrived as well as the local trainer. Keep in mind I have been riding this horse for weeks and I had even competed on him two days before the vet check. He was in great shape. The vet asked me to trot the horse in a straight line and when I did Charming acted like he only had three legs and would fall over and die at any second. What in the world had just happened? Again, the vet asked me to turn the horse around and trot the other way and again Charming acted like he was in horrible pain. Needless to say, not only did Charming not pass the vet check but the vet recommended I not buy the horse. Her opinion was so strong that on the certificate she wrote in bold, red letters, “Do not buy this horse.” My heart sank. The certificate was sent to the owner who’s comment was something like, I don't want the horse back, just get rid of it. Basically he is of no use to me. I still had hopes for this horse so I offered less than half of the original price and it was accepted!  I put Charming on the trailer and brought him home. The day after the vet check there was nothing wrong with Charming. He was his usual self. Now some people tell me that Charming threw the vet check just to belong to me. Others say he may have had a bruised foot. Believe what you will, personally, I believe with all my being that God gave me a gift by making a horse lame for a day and assuring that horse that he finally had his own person.

 Thanks Daddy, for putting that pony in the station wagon. I'm still trying to figure it out.

Kathy Duffy Dressage Charming bond Milton Georgia

Remember that day when I said I literally looked in the mirror? Well, I didn't like what I saw. I looked old, haggered and covered in sun damage. A Facebook friend, Amber Desantis, had been posting before and after pictures of people with  amazing results from a skincare line called Rodan and Fields. I reached out to her and started using the products. My skin changed and my friends were asking me what I had done, as in Botox or peels. All the complements I was receiving from my husband and friends gave me a boost of confidence, something which many people struggle with. 

On my road to the Adult Amateur Olympics, as I like to call it, I had been looking for a very flexible part time job. We still owned the farm and I need to be able to work it everyday, be a mom, wife, ride daily and go to competitions. There really isn't much time to go to an office. However, the further I climb up the Dressage levels the more expensive it becomes. It is not fair of me to ask Bill to continue working for a few extra years so I can go ride horses, nor would I. I’m looking forward to his retirement. So, when Amber approached me about the business side of Rodan and Fields it was a God send. I already loved the products I was using and was seeing results. I looked into the company and was amazed by the success. Now I was going to help people have confidence and get paid for it. I am proud to be a part of Rodan and Fields and yes, it is paying the way to my goals. 

As I am answering this question I have a cat licking my arm, another snoozing on the back of the chair and one sitting on the ottoman giving me a death glare because her food bowl is not at 100% overload capacity. All of these babies are rescues as well as the two cats in the barn. I am still volunteering for the Feral Cat Program of Georgia and I love it. I guess I root for the underdog, or undercat in this case. Ferals are misunderstood. They simply have had no contact with humans and see us as a predator. They can be domesticated with time and patience but in today's society people want instance gratification. Feral cats make amazing barn cats because they know how to hunt and keep your barn rodent free. If you are ever thinking about adopting a cat, check them out online.

 And it all started because of a kitten in a pocket.

Horse fence on Kathy Duffy's farm in Milton Georgia.
glistening weeds in the morning dew

Q: What have you learned from the process of reinventing yourself?

A: More than I could have ever expected! Riding at the higher levels has taught me about perseverance, determination and love. Yes, love for the horse. These are 1200 pound animals, or more, that could so easily kill you but by working together and building a relationship horses are so willing to work and learn. Patience is a virtue that does not come easily to me but I am learning I can not force Charming into anything. I need to clearly teach and praise him for his work. 

I have learned that Charming and I both have physical limitations. I imagine anyone competing or training in a sport will have ailments. So, you find new ways to work on your weaknesses and never let them become an excuse.

Kathy Duffy Dressage practice

As far as my Rodan and Fields business goes, there have also been some unexpected surprises. Since always being a stay at home mother my daughters had never seen me in the roll of a “Boss” or even an employee. Now that one is a college graduate and the other soon will be they are seeing me as an example of a woman in the working world. My daughter, Savannah, made the comment to me one day about how proud she was of me by watching my dedication to my business. Comments like this are priceless from my children. Also, the responses from people who have started using the products is very surprising. Women who I didn't even know felt bad about their appearance come up to me and hug me and thank me for helping them. They tell me that having better skin or looking younger has boosted their confidence so much. This means the world to me and makes me proud to be part of this company.

Kathy Duffy Charming washing off sunflare

Q: What advice do you have for other women who are considering a change?

A: Do it! Don't wait! Don't overthink it, just do it! This is your life, you deserve to be happy. Don't look back one day and think I wish I had. 

Q: How have you felt with obstacles or set backs?

A: Sometime life is not in our control. I love the saying, “Give God a good laugh, plan your life.” There are days and even hours I feel like this could apply but I pick up the pieces, regroup and forge ahead. I’d like to tell you that I would be competing at the Olympic level next year but that is not realistic. If I go too quickly Charming or I could end up seriously injured. The work could become so overwhelming that Charming begins to hate his job and refuses to work or preform. These are risks I'm not willing to take so I have to wait until the time is right to add more and more and then more again. One day I WILL be a Grand Prix rider.

I loved being a stay at home mom and I liked who I was. Being lost for a while was probably a good thing. It gave me time to become another person I will like being and not rushing into a tile of some sort just to fill a hole. We all need to be true to ourselves, hopefully no one else will have to lose their self in order to find out who they are.

Q: Would you do it all again?

A: Without a doubt! Part of me wishes I started more serious training and my own business sooner but I honestly feel I am exactly where I should be.

Kathy Duffy's red barn in Milton Georgia

If you would like to follow Kathy's progress check out her Facebook page at ​https://www.facebook.com/kathy.r.duffy​​​

For more amazing women who are following their passions and attaining their goals after 40 check out this link: ​Momma Quit Her Day Job​​​

All images Copyright Andrea Ferenchik 2017

Filed Under: Momma Quit Her Day Job

Cathi Huff: Goga

May 7, 2017 By Andrea 4 Comments

I had the great honor of meeting Cathi earlier this year and I was instantly drawn to her warmth and positive energy. She is one of those people with whom you instantly connect. What I loved most about her was the fact that when she turned 50 she bought herself a horse. Why? Because she always wanted one! While some might say, “Woe is me, I always wanted a horse but now I am 50…wa, wa, waaa…” Cathi said, “I have always wanted a horse, I am 50, and there is no time like the present.” How cool is that? She’s acquired some additions to her farm which has led her to goat yoga and I am excited for Cathi to tell you her story!

Cathi Huff-Goat Yoga
Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: I am a visionary with determination. If I believe, there is no looking in the rearview mirror…only through the windshield. Type A personality, with a tendency to be controlling. Passionate in sharing my dreams with others. Compassion for all animals. It’s dangerous for me to stumble upon a pet adoption…I’ve found myself in trouble with that several times. I am always up for a challenge. The more difficult the challenge…the deeper I dig. My family comes first…I feel blessed and full of gratitude every single day to live on this beautiful farm.

Cathi working in the barn

Q: What did you do in your first act?

A: I consider my first act adopting two of the most beautiful children a parent could only dream of having. Sam was 3 ½ months old when I kissed his cheek for the very first time. My delivery room was the United Airlines gate in Des Moines, Iowa. He gave me such a bright smile and that was after a 24 hour journey home. My husband traveled to Seoul for our precious daughter. Katie was 4 ½ months old when she came home to me. We bonded immediately and to this day we have a deep rooted love and connection with each other.
I gave up my career to raise Sam and Katie. I was the typical Soccer Mom…PTA Chair, Cheerleading President, etc. I loved every minute of being there for my children. For 18 years my title was CEO of the Huff Household.

Q: What led you to what you are doing today?

A: I purchased a retired Thoroughbred race horse at the age of 50. I dreamed of one day having Bronx in my backyard. My life was in transition…it was a tough time for me. My babies had grown up and I had such a deep void. When I walked in to the house on Five Acre Road…I knew I was home! I looked out my kitchen window and I saw the most beautiful barn where my handsome boyfriend, Bronx would be living. Fast forward 12 months and Atlantis Dream Farm (Bronx’s racing name) was born….three miniature horses, 4 Pygmy goats, 2 cats, 2 bunnies, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy.

Bronx…a.k.a. Atlantis Dream

Q: How did you come up with the idea for yoga with goats?

A: I had 2 friends that would come over to have coffee with my new baby goats. My friend Kristin had seen a video of goat yoga and suggested I give it a try. My husband came up with the name GOGA and so it began….

Goat Yoga in Session!

Q: What are your goals? Are there specific goals you want to achieve or do you do this purely for the satisfaction it brings?

A: My goals are to share my beloved animals with others. I love watching people walk through the barn or relax listening to the fountain. It brings me such joy and peace when others can “be in the moment” and embrace the beauty of Atlantis Dream Farm.

Cathi and her goats

Q: What have you learned through the process of reinventing yourself?

A: I have always struggled with impatience. As I grow older, I am finally coming to term with not everything has to be perfect. I am comfortable being in my worn out jeans and cowboy boots shopping at the mall. I no longer feel the need to be competitive with others. Meditation is my new best friend! I try my best to be present and in the moment and enjoy the beauty around me.

Cathi and Cappy

Q: What advice do you have for other women who are considering a change?

A: Go for it! Never look back. Be passionate and go after the dream!

Q: How have you dealt with obstacles or setbacks?

A: I am experiencing one right now…a broken hand. That may seem ridiculous to others but a broken hand is tough when running a farm and a new business. I am not one to rely on anyone and I’ve had to ask for help…so not my style. Because I am competitive by nature, if there is an obstacle or setback…I charge forward. No stopping me. My orthopedic surgeon literally throws his face in his hands every time I see him. Yep, I am still mucking stalls, cleaning pastures, corralling goats and horses one handed.

Q: Would you do it all again?

A: Absolutely in a heartbeat!! Without a doubt its hard work and long hours but I love every second of what I do. As I type this…my goats are super vocal at the landscaper, Bronx just peeked his head in my tack room window which caught me by surprise and a sleeping puppy and cat by my feet. Life is so good and I feel blessed and full of gratitude with each new day!

To learn more about Goga in Milton go to http://www.lovegoga.com. For the latest schedule of classes vist  https://www.lovegoga.com/classes.

It is impossible to be in a bad mood when goats are head butting while you are in down dog!
A session of Goat Yoga

Filed Under: Momma Quit Her Day Job

Amy Lyle: Author and Comedienne

May 1, 2017 By Andrea 7 Comments

The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures

When Amy approached me about her idea for a "Book of Failures," I was intrigued. We met for lunch and she told me about all of the absurd ways she wanted to bring her brand to life that involved toilet paper and dresses tucked up in her underwear. I mean, how fun does that sound?

But truly, I was most intrigued by the idea that a 40+ woman, like myself, would write about her failures for all of the world to see. Plus, she didn't come from a writing career. She was pursuing her dreams by writing a screenplay and subsequent book because it was something she always wanted to do. 

Stories like this are so inspiring to me and I know that it inspires other women who have been thinking they want to do something different but aren't sure where to start. Let's get started and learn more about Amy Lyle's journey in this latest #mommaquitherdayjob feature.

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: I grew up in Marietta, Ohio, which is in the thick of the Appalachian region.  It has been suggested that it is an area filled with people that are uneducated, partial to moonshine and prone to acts of violence and I don’t disagree. However, I think if you go fifty miles outside of any major city, you’ll most likely find a similar crowd, people trying to persevere.

I love literature, films and people that celebrate survival. It’s extraordinary when people turn the most humiliating and tragic aspects of their lives into something that helps other people.

My husband, Peter, and I live in North Georgia and are raising four teenagers.

Q: What did you do for your first act?

A: I spent 15 years working in the staffing industry in sales, management and eventually as a corporate sales trainer in the Atlanta area.

Q: What led to what you are doing today?

A: Today, I am a comedienne, screenwriter, and author. My family and I attend a large non-denominational church with an amazing children’s program and through my kid’s encouragement, I auditioned for an on-going, comedic role. A few years into the role, I inquired about contributing as a writer.  Writing hundreds of mini-comedic plays gave me the bug to do larger projects.​

For my film, my girlfriends are my source of inspiration. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by amazing, accomplished and hilarious women. Regardless if they are working and raising a family, stay-at-home-moms or empty-nesters, women have common threads of managing relationships and trying to raise their children the best they can.  The film is a comedic twist on how working moms and stay-at-home moms have such set perceptions of one another.

My book was inspired by 45 years of my own personal disasters, and a handful of borrowed failures from friends and family.

Q: What are your goals? Are there specific goals you want to achieve or do you do this purely for the satisfaction it brings?

A: As a sales person, I would have to forecast what deals would be closing for the next quarter including, specific companies, sales volume, and revenue predictions. At the time I called it “crystal ball sales projections,” because how in the world would anyone know what they will be closing in the future?  Now I appreciate the exercise: thinking about your goals forces you to have a plan and builds accountability.

I have very specific targets for marketing my film.  I would like to align with director/producers that have had success with female-centric comedies such as Judd Apatow (Bridesmaids), Paul Feig (Ghostbusters, The Heat), Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect) or Ben Falcone (The Boss, Spy). I have an A, B, C, D and even E list of targets!

I’m self-publishing my book, The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures through Amazon. A super ridiculous dream come true goal would be on Amazon’s bestsellers list for comedy memoirs for even one minute. If I have just one review that says, “This book made me feel better about my own failures,” or “It made me smile,” I’ll be happy.

The journey of creating something original, in any form, is rewarding in itself. There are millions of unpublished books, unproduced films and unread poetry in the world, but that doesn’t make the work unimportant. The journey is rewarding​.

Book of Failures

Amy's book is Available on Amazon!

Q: What have you learned through the process of reinventing yourself?

A: Creativity is subjective. I learned this invaluable lesson from my content editor, Rodney Henson. You should seek wise counsel for content and structural editing if you are doing a creative project, nonetheless, it’s your content. If you feel strongly about something specific, push back.​

In the process of marketing a film/book, you are forced to go through content editors and directors, press coverage editors plus hundreds of gatekeepers and assistants, whom all have opinions about your work.  Select a few, trusted friends, hire a recommended editor and keep moving forward. If you get stuck in the circle of making everyone happy, you’ll never complete your project.​

I have learned that almost everyone on the planet has a creative side and seeks to share at least a piece of their lives with others.​

amy lyle book of failures

Q: What advice do you have for other women who are considering a change?

A: Regardless of how you pitch your project, be prepared to receive a whirlwind of “NO!” Make people tell you no in person!  Email is “easier” because you are looking at a “NO!” on a screen rather than hearing it over the phone or in person.  But a person can’t really capture your personality on email, give yourself an advantage over the other thousands of submissions and start by calling the publisher/producer/director’s office.  Research who you are calling, start with why you like their work and ask for a meeting or the right to submit your project.

Ask for help! No one will give you anything, but if you are sincere and friendly, you may get help. My girlfriend Marjorie, introduced me to Rodney Henson, my content editor. Rodney introduced me to an entertainment attorney. The attorney introduced me to a film press coverage professional. The press coverage woman is a Second City comedienne who went to film school with some heavy hitting producers and directors. Most people want to help you, but they will not if you don’t ask them.</p>
<p>Create a budget, and then be prepared to triple it.  If you are serious about getting your work published/film produced you will need editors for content and grammar, photographers and designers to do your book cover, head shots, etc.  Additional expenses to enter film/book contests, fees to attend film/book markets/festivals and for MARKETING. Even if you self-publish or have an independent film, budget to promote your work at a minimum through social media (Facebook and Twitter sell ads) and through Google and Amazon. Take advantage of the free advice on YouTube regarding navigating the world of self-publishing or film production.

There is an insatiable need for content. Find a topic you are interested in and start a blog, search online for freelance writing positions or volunteer for a publisher or at a film studio. Getting immersed in an area you are interested in, even on a part-time basis will help you learn the business.​

Amy Lyle Book of Failures

Amy navigating the world of self-publishing.

Q: How have you dealt with obstacles or setbacks?

A: I originally worked on a film for over a year with a friend when it was revealed that we had completely different ideas about the direction of the project. We had respect for one another’s ideas so we agreed to disagree and work on our own projects.  I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, the time spent on the “wasted” material only further defined what I wanted to do on my own.​

Q: Would you do it all again?

A: YES!​

You can purchase your own copy of the The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures on Amazon. 

Update: Her follow up to The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures "We're all a Mess. It's Ok!" is available now on Amazon as well!!

Visit Amy's Website.

Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Amy Lyle Book of Failures back cover

About Andrea

Andrea is a personal branding photographer who helps female entrepreneurs, and small business owners bring their brand to life. She is based in Cumming, Georgia but you can find her shooting from coast to coast.


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