Nathan's New Business! Introducing No-Nonsense Computer Solutions

Nathan's New Business! Introducing No-Nonsense Computer Solutions

Well...the secret is out! I guess entrepreneurial spirit runs in our new family, because Nathan has officially launched his new business, No-Nonsense Computer Solutions. Over the past year or so, as he has really dug into the IT world, Nathan has been able to help a wide variety of people with their computer issues. He also works part-time at Calvary Classical School as their IT specialist, setting up computers and fixing network problems where needed.

Each time Nathan has recovered data, troubleshot problems, or done something else for someone else, they have casually mentioned that he should start his own business helping non-profits, small businesses, creative entrepreneurs, and home users with their technology needs. He has the skills and the desire to help...so why not? One Saturday, just a few weeks ago, Nathan and I sat down with Sarah Bradshaw's 31 Questions to Ask Yourself and talked through our lives over the next year. Somewhere in that conversation we decided it was time to launch his business...

Why I Changed My Mind about a First Look | Advice from a Bride

Why I Changed My Mind about a First Look | Advice from a Bride

Today I'm introducing one of my 2016 brides, Kayla, whose wedding at Maymont in October was one of my favorites! We chatted about having a first look and she told me it wasn't something she wanted - but after considering who she was marrying, she changed her mind. This is such a sweet story and I'm so glad she is sharing it with us today!

Josh and I met in the spring of 2014 on Match.com. I think that’s an important place to start, not as an advertisement (though obviously I have no complaints about my results there) but because where and how we met has a lot to do with the kind of people we both are. Online dating is a great way for shy, nervous introverts to meet and get to know each other before having to face the pressures of interacting with a stranger in real life.

But where I warm up almost immediately after meeting someone I like, Josh stays pretty shy. He is funny, thoughtful, caring, interesting, and extremely knowledgeable about dozens of topics, and probably the smartest person I know, but he is much more introverted than I am. And where I would love to tell you a million things about myself, Josh is more hesitant with his personality, his thoughts, and his feelings. Learning to balance my talkative, overshare nature with his much more private one has been one of the great joys and challenges of our relationship. Nothing challenges those differences more than a wedding...

What I Learned about Marketing from a Dog Food Company | Business

What I Learned about Marketing from a Dog Food Company | Business

I'm probably just as surprised to be writing this blog as you are to read the title! So let me explain...

As a business owner, I am constantly observing how other businesses both big and small run their operations. I have a deep appreciation for companies who go above and beyond, especially in the customer service department, and I have incredible brand loyalty to particular products. I know how hard it is to surprise and delight customers who are already expecting a good experience at the very least, so when my expectation are exceeded I'm the first to recognize it!

I have honestly never given much thought to where I get Lilo's dog food. We chose a brand based on reviews, ingredients, and her needs (Eagle Pack dog food, if you're wondering!) and then I price shopped to find the best deal online from a company who I trust with handling my credit card information! A few months ago I found Chewy.com, which seemed to have great prices (and free shipping!) and looked credible, so I found the dog food we wanted and hit the order button.