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Work at Home
Mom Profile
5.7.2006
 Name:
Corie Spurling
Age: 30
Home: Greenwood, IN
Contact:
www.creativepagesandcards.com
cspurling@creativepagesandcards.com
Family's Names and Ages:
Timothy 31, Alaria 8, Sarah 6, Alexandrea (Allie) 1
Job Title:
Custom Scrapbook Designer and owner of Creative Pages &
Cards
Job Description:
Creating custom and pre-made scrapbooks, mini albums,
and cards for clients and for sale at craft shows.
How I Started My Business:
I joined Scrapbiz in 2003 and started selling scrapbook
products. Most of my clients said they loved scrapbooks
but didn't have time to create them. I also realized
that I really was better at creating than just selling
products. I design the albums and people seem fall in
love with them.
My Typical Work Schedule:
My family gets up around 6:30. I drive my older girls
to school and then take care of the baby until about 9.
She naps and I either do chores or work for about an
hour. I pick up my middle daughter at kindergarten and
we run errands or I come home and work/answer
questions/chase the baby until lunch. After lunch, I
help my kindergartener with homework and we read. Then
the baby takes another nap at about 2:00. My older
daughter plays in her room and/or watches TV while I
work until about 4:30. My oldest daughter comes home
around 2:45, so I am interrupted several times to tell
her what she can have for a snack, listen to her talk
about her day, or help her with her homework. I start
cooking dinner around 5 to have it ready when my husband
gets home around 6. After dinner, the girls finish
homework, take a bath, and get ready for bed. I start
working again around 8:30 or 9 until about 12. This is
the only solid block of work time I get all day.
What I Love About My Job:
I love the flexibility. I love creating scrapbooks for
other people. Once I start on a project, it's really
hard for me to stop. I'm really passionate about what I
do. Also, I can work when it is best for me to do so.
I am more available to my girls now. I used to work
nights every weekend. Now I just work an occasional
night at my other job. Even with the late nights, I am
definitely better rested.
Challenges I Face:
I struggle to find a balance. I don't have childcare so
I have to set boundaries with my older daughters. It's
hard not to stop every time someone wants something.
The biggest challenge is to work rather than clean my
house. It's also hard for me to ask my husband to take
on more chores. However, I realize I just can't do
everything alone.
Tips and Advice:
Once you begin a business, be open to changing your
focus. I started out selling products but we have 3
scrapbook stores in Greenwood plus many other places to
purchase supplies. Also, I'm just not really a salesman
at heart. I love the process of creating. I never
thought I'd love designing projects for other people.
Finally, if you decide to pursue a job as a custom
scrapbook designer, start by designing gifts for family
and friends so that you get an idea of the process. Scrapbooking
for others is different than just scrapbooking for
yourself.
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