Meet Naomi Perkins of Lees Summit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Perkins

Hi Naomi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a 32-year-old wife and mother of two rambunctious boys, ages 2 and 4. In addition to those titles, I would also describe myself as an artist, baker, and writer. Before I gave birth to my first child in 2020, I worked as a paralegal in a big law firm in downtown Kansas City. I quit my job after my son was born to become a stay-at-home mom and raise my baby. Being a stay-at-home mom has always been a dream of mine, and I feel so blessed and grateful that I’m living out this dream with the support of my amazing husband. Becoming a mother and breaking out of the confines of Corporate America also reawakened my natural creative abilities that had been suppressed. I started making candles, painting, gardening, learning how to make foods from scratch, and blogging.
For the first time, in my thirties, I feel like I’m finally living and doing what I love … raising my babies and making art. I’m constantly learning, growing, and trying out new creative endeavors. A few of my latest hobbies have included scrapbooking, camping with my family, and decorating a custom-patched backpack for my four-year-old as he prepares to head off to preschool in the fall.
I started my business, Made with Hippie Love, when I began making all-natural soy wax intention candles in 2021. I have a lot of fun selling my candles at local craft fairs where I can interact with the community and meet other local artists. I also run an online Etsy shop and write for the Greenwoman blog on Substack. Writing for Greenwoman has brought my creative endeavors full circle and given me a platform where I can share recipes, my love for nature and the stars, and whatever DIY project I am into at the time.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As an artist and full-time stay-at-home mom of two young boys, the biggest challenge for me is finding balance. I’m bursting at the seams with creative energy and new ideas, but I’m always scrambling from one thing to the next and it’s difficult for me to carve out the time to work on my art projects and writing. When I indulge in my passion projects, I’m riddled with guilt for taking time away from my kids. I know these first few years of their lives are precious and I want to be as present as possible. I also know that one of the most important things for them to thrive is for them to have a happy healthy mom. For me to be a happy mom, I need to take the time for myself to do things I care about that give me a sense of pride and accomplishment. I wish I had some inspiring words of encouragement for other moms and artists that might be struggling here too but, to be honest, I’m still trying to figure it out. I just try to take it one day at a time, listen to my gut, and follow my heart.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I hand-pour each Made with Hippie Love candle into recycled glass jars that I collect from friends and family. I make my candles with organic soy wax and non-toxic scents. Finally, I set an intention for each candle, like my patchouli-scented “Self-Love Club” candle that I adorn with rose quartz crystals and rose petals.
My love for art and expression has blossomed beyond candle making. My online shop has grown over the years to include hand-painted denim clothing that I upcycle from local thrift stores, digital collage art, photography, and handmade home décor.
In addition to working with my hands to make art, I’m also passionate about what lies beyond our reach … in the stars. I love astrology and offer astrological birth chart readings in my Etsy shop. Astrology is a beautiful tool that’s helped me lean into my strengths and navigate challenges. It makes me feel more connected to nature and in tune with life’s cycles. I’m better able to understand myself and the people I care about. I believe that we are each uniquely created of dazzling stardust to express life in an infinite number of ways.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
This year, my creative focus has been pouring my heart and soul into writing for the Greenwoman blog on Substack. This column was founded by my friend and mentor, Sandra Knauf. Sandy is an author, publisher, master gardener, and mother of two adult daughters. My childhood best friend and Sandy’s daughter, Zora, is the third member of our dynamic trio. Zora writes for the blog and professionally edits each article. The Greenwoman publication is focused on nature and gardening, sustainability, and women’s issues. Zora has described the blog as being written from a multi-generational perspective on these issues with Sandra, the Crone, as the wise voice for mental and spiritual health and healing. Zora, the Huntress archetype, shares her expertise in physical health, nutrition, fitness, and sexuality. As the Creatrix archetype, my focus is writing about motherhood, cooking, crafts, and fashion. It’s been the highlight of my creative experience to collaborate with these two extremely talented women and learn from them personally and professionally. Together, we’re growing and nurturing a platform where we can share our stories and passions and inspire others.

Pricing:

• Birth Chart Reading $100
• Annual Substack Subscription $50
• Intention Candles $10 – $25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madewithhippiielove.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacebunsmommy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomi.d.watson
• Other: https://greenwoman.substack.com/