Meet Kathleen! The mom behind OMP Art Shop. We have enjoyed getting to know Kathleen and hope you’ll enjoy reading our interview and checking out her online shop – perfect for personalized gifts and small businesses looking to get their logo on some swag! Kathleen lives in Scituate with her family.
This has always been a tough question for me. I grew up moving to different parts of the U.S.A, Asia and Europe., My family always spent our summers in the South Shore so it has been the one constant throughout my life so it has felt like home. I would say I’m from the south shore.
◇ That seems liken exciting upbringing! How many kids do you have? Glad you settled where you feel most at home.
I have 2 kids. My daughter, Olivia, is 10 and my son, Mateo, is 7.
◇ What is your favorite local *covid friendly* activity?
As a family we recently discovered the South Shore Quests book showcasing different hikes and have really enjoyed discovering them all. As for my husband and I, we have loved supporting the local restaurants/shops and ordering in a charcuterie board and some delicious adult drinks to go.
◇ Such great ideas! Tell us one of your favorite moment as a mom to date?
One of my favorite moments was the first craft fair I did as a small business owner. It was nice to see the kids proud of me. I think it was the first time they saw me as a person other than their Mama (not that having a job was necessary for this but I feel I got lost in the day to day of their needs and schedules completely forgetting about mine). They saw how much work I had done leading up to the fair and my husband and kids all helped. We were a real team. It was nice to show them hard work can pay off (literally) and the power of our family unit as a team instead of just telling them that lesson.
◇ Wow! So special. I love that. What would you tell our readers the toughest part about being a mom is?
Balance. Trying to balance being a good mom with my other roles of wife, business owner, friend, daughter, and sister while trying to maintain my own sense of self (being active and reading for example). Some days I completely miss the mark or solely focus on one role. It’s good to recognize when there is a lack of balance, but also important to not be too hard on myself, recognize the imbalance, and strive to do better the next day. Keeping in mind I am a constant work in progress.
◇ So true. Best advice you have received as a mom?
The days are long but the years are short. This was especially true when they were both babies. It amazes me that I have a 10 and 7-year-old now. Whenever I’m reminded of this and how fast time is going by I try to stop what I’m doing and be present in the small moments because I will be wishing for them back someday.
◇ What is something you wish you had known and would like to pass on to a new mom?
Sleep now because you will never be able to wake up when you wish again..ha but seriously SLEEP NOW!
◇ What is one thing you never leave the house without these days?
A mask. Found myself in a predicament where I had to use an article of clothing as a mask and thought I was hiding it well until the store clerk at the checkout line smirked and asked “Would you like a mask honey?”
◇ Ha! I should know by now that is likely everyone’s answer these days. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a chemistry major in college and have a master’s degree in Advertising
◇ Favorite Quote?
“And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been” This is my favorite quote around this time of year because it reminds me of my ability to make the life I want, it all depends on how much I am willing to work for it. It also reminds me to not get bogged down by past events and the excitement of all the wonderful moments and memories a year can bring.
◇ Love it. Favorite book? Podcast?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho was inspiring and life-changing. I love the Ted Radio Hour podcast because it gathers all the foremost minds on one particular topic and shares their experience and knowledge in a memorable, story-teller way.
◇ Feel Good Song?
Anything Paul Simon or Van Morrison. New songs that I love but would die if someone saw how I totally getting down to are “Sunday Best” and “Savage Love”
◇ Amazing. So, tell us all about OMP Art Shop.
I sell custom gifts- silhouettes drawn from photos, maps, ornaments, vinyls, apparel, and word art. Looking back through my life retrospectively I have always thrived when I was being creative. I loved any graphic design work I did in my marketing career so I made it a point to be a focus when I got my masters degree. The year my youngest, Mateo was going off to kindergarten I knew I wanted to do something to keep my mind occupied as well as contribute to the family while the kids were at school. My husband, who has always been my biggest cheerleader and an amazing partner, encouraged me to pursue something with my artistic abilities. The name OMP comes from the names of my family members (Olivia, Mateo, and Paolo) because they are my inspiration. I have a website. Orders can be placed through the contact form on the site or by a direct email to me at [email protected].
The pictures on my site are just samples of what can be done. If you see something you like out there that you would want a little different or have an idea for a gift please email me I love collaborating with customers and making truly customized special products.
For business owners I can work with you to have your logo placed on ornaments, mask clips, cups, apparel, etc.
Thank you, Kathleen! We love your beautiful work, those personalized mask clips have come in handy with three kiddos!
