INSPIREMS

Chris Kellum {Life}

11/30/2018

Happy Saturday everyone!
We hope you had an excellent Thanksgiving and are heading into the holiday season surrounded by joy and your loved ones! We got the opportunity to chat with the incredibly inspirational Chris Kellum. Chris is the author Igniting Your Purpose, a worship leader at Bellwether Church in Jackson, and the executive director of Ignite Sports. We are so inspired by his positivity and hope that his words leave you a little bit more inspired to be your best self on this lovely Saturday afternoon.

{Tell us a little bit about you!}

I grew up in Jackson and after college (Ole Miss) I came home and spent years in the Medical Sales industry. I’ve been married to Polly for almost 24 years and we have 3 kids. Our oldest daughter Riley (22) is in her senior at Belmont University in Nashville. Our son Reed (17) and daughter Anna (15) are both at Prep.

At 38 and in the prime of my career, I was put on Long-Term Disability after 8 back surgeries and this devastated me. I ended up in full time ministry as worship leader for Bellwether Church and Executive Director for Ignite Sports. Since then I’ve had more surgeries and procedures but it was through this process that I discovered my purpose in life. It’s what I refer to as my journey from pain to purpose.

This journey continues to teach me so much and one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is your circumstances do not define who you are.

{Tell us a little bit about what you’re up to now.}

I recently wrote a book called Igniting Your Purpose and started a company, Kellum Brothers, with my twin brother Kevin. Our “Why” is creating cultures of purpose and alignment and we are passionate about it because we believe there’s “greatness” inside everyone and it’s found in your “Why.” We use a highly effective system we developed called the AAA Strategy of Awareness, Approach and Attack to walk through this process.

{What do you like most about your work?}

For years I’ve had men and women of all ages and backgrounds come to me asking what their purpose is in life and I’m often blown away because I assumed they knew. I’ve heard it from 10 year old inner city kids to a 70 year old multi-millionaires. In fact, at some point in our lives, everyone will ask that question.

I’m a man of faith and I believe God created you, has a plan for you and placed you here on earth at this exact moment in time for “such a time as this.” To me, there’s nothing more exciting than a person who takes this journey and discovers their Why because when people and businesses allow their “Why” to drive them and filter everything they do then amazing things tend to follow. That’s the greatness I’m talking about and it’s contagious to be around because it breeds fulfillment in our lives.

The Kellum Family

{Who inspires you?}
I’m inspired by anyone with the courage to “take a stand” for what they believe in and have the courage to live their Why! At Ignite Sports we work with young teenage men and we have this saying…”Make a decision and have the guts to get it done.” I’ve watched these young men live by this and display a courage on and off the field that truly inspires me daily. I’m inspired by the men and women of our US military, first responders and public servants.

{What motivates you on a daily basis?}
My motivation is my Why and I wake up each day excited to help someone discover and become who God created them to be!!

{What's one piece of advice you would give to someone trying to achieve their goals?}
Let your Why be what drives you, put together the approach needed and attack that approach by removing “barriers” that cause you to lose focus. Greatness is in the details and we often allow the details of our lives to cause us to lose focus and keep us from our greatness. That’s why we must follow a plan and be willing to do the things necessary to limit our distractions.

Some simple things that work for me are the 50/10 rule of working 50 minutes of each hour then 10 minutes off for other things. I also make a point to run my schedule instead of it running me. I’ve learned that being “reactionary” limits one’s productivity.

I believe happiness is a choice that we must make daily!!

Chris will be signing copies of his book Ignite Your Purpose at Lemuria (Banner Hall in Jackson) on December 13th from 5-7. Make sure to stop by and pick up a copy for yourself or one of your loved ones this holiday season.

Ignite Your Purpose will be available for purchase in Lemuria on Monday, December 3rd and in Barnes and Noble by the first of January 2019.

Thanksgiving with Primos Cafe {Insider Inspiration}

11/13/2018

Hey y’all!
Is it just us or has this fall completely flown by? It’s hard to believe that we are now officially entering the busiest time of the year, the holiday season! Between checking off your gift list, holiday parties, and preparing a wonderful meal for your friends and family things can get busy - really busy. We’ve all been there, standing in the middle of Kroger two days before Thanksgiving with a mile-long shopping list and a headache! Our friends at Primos Cafe and Bakery want to help make this holiday season the easiest most delicious one yet so you can focus on the things that do matter- making memories with your loved ones.

No matter what you might need to complete your Thanksgiving dinner, Primos has you covered. They even offer a complete dinner package that feeds 10-12 people. For $170, the package includes a whole oven roasted turkey or honey roasted ham, a large cornbread dressing, a quart of giblet gravy, a large vegetable of your choice, a pint of cranberry sauce, 12 dinner rolls, and your choice of pie. You can also add onto this package by ordering any of their items a la carte, like sliced turkey by the pound and extra vegetables. Plus, everything will have specific heating instructions right on the package. There are many options to choose from and everything is so delicious so why not let Primos help with the cooking, so you can spend more time around the table?! And to top it all off, you can also order cinnamon rolls by the pan, pancake batter, and cheese grits to make breakfast extra special.

Last but not least – Primos desserts! You can order entire cakes, cookies, brownies, lemon squares, or any of their amazing bakery offerings for pick up as well. You can also send your loved ones a package of gingerbread men, Primos famous caramel icing, cheese straws and more by shopping the Primos Bake Shop store and they’ll ship a package for you. With unbeatable shipping prices, this is a sure way to put a smile on your loved one’s face this holiday season.

The last day to place your Thanksgiving order is Tuesday, November 20th at noon so check out their menu and give them a call soon at one of their three locations. You can also place orders in person. All Thanksgiving orders must be picked up on either November 19th, 20th, and 21st by 5:00 pm.

To view Primos’ Holiday Menu please click here!
To place an order at the NEW Madison location call 601-853-3350
To place an order at the Ridgeland location call 601-898-3600
To pace an order at the Flowood Location call 601-936-3398

For more information on shipping Primos baked goods to your family and friends, please visit the Primos Bake Shop homepage or call 1-844-PRIMOSSHIPS
Be sure to keep up with Primos on Facebook and Instagram @eatPrimos

Miriam Shufelt Art {Life}

11/8/2018

Hey y’all!
We are so stoked that it’s finally Friday! We know that many of y’all have had a fantastic, very busy week and we wanted to kick off your weekend with a little bit of pretty! Miriam Shufelt is absolutely one of our favorite local artists; we are constantly inspired by her work. Her ability to capture the most special moments of a bride and groom’s big day through her live painting is incredible and her abstract paintings add joy to any room they’re in! We had the pleasure of chatting with her about her life as an artist. Keep reading to hear from Miriam and have a lovely weekend!

{Tell us a little bit about you!}
I was born and raised in Brandon, Mississippi where I currently live. I cultivated a love for art at a young age. Spending my summers at art camps, I learned the beauty and versatility of oil pastels, oil and acrylic paints.
My family is everything to me. My husband, Josh, is a physician assistant in Jackson and together we have a little boy, with another boy on the way! We are so blessed. When I am not painting (or cleaning the house, or being mom, or being a wife), I am a family nurse practitioner in Brandon. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to care for others and work alongside my father, Richard Randolph, MD. We make quite the dynamic duo! I am thankful that my parents have always encouraged me to pursue my passions!

{Can you speak a little bit about the role being an artist plays in your life?}
About five years ago, I started a business from my third story apartment as a newlywed and a newly licensed registered nurse. One sweet little boy with another on the way, two houses, a family nurse practitioner degree, and 5 years of marriage later, somehow I’ve ended up here. And I’m so blessed. I’m so thankful for this little art business that occupies such a big place in my heart. Balancing family time, my job as a nurse practitioner, and my art career has been a bit challenging at times. I have learned that when things get busy, I have to remind myself to focus on what is most important. You can’t do it all. I would not be here without the love of my family, especially the support of my husband. If you were to ask me five years ago where I thought I would be today, I would have had major doubt that this would be the case.
The Lord has enabled me to use my gifts to bless others, and in turn, I am blessed from it. “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

{Where do you do the majority or your work?}
Currently, I do most of my painting in a room inside my home. A dream of mine would be to own my studio or have a little bit bigger space to work in. I wish I could say that I that I have dedicated, uninterrupted hours to work, but that would be a lie. You learn how to paint through the sweetest of interruptions (especially the cute, brown-eyed toddler wanting to play in your paint). Thankfully, I have a husband and family that keeps the little one occupied, so mom can get some work done.

{What is your favorite thing to paint?}
Oh, it is way too hard to choose a favorite subject matter. If I had to choose, I would say wedding scenes are the most special to me. Some of my other favorites are florals, abstracts, and landscapes. I currently paint on gallery wrapped canvas and focus on textures, lines and metallics. I love to contrast neutrals with bright pops of color. My unique linear abstracts and florals are the core of my work.

{Do you have a favorite piece you’ve completed?}
My wedding scenes— I have always thrived under pressure. I set goals and deadlines for myself, lest they won’t get done. I think painting live at events, such as weddings, sets that same scenario for me. When I begin a live painting, I have minimal distractions. It is just me, my paint, the canvas, and the scene in front of me. Guests get to enjoy watching the process unravel throughout the day/night. They really seem to enjoy it, and the bride and groom get to have a new showpiece from their biggest day to display in their home. It is always such an honor for me to be a part of these events.

I love working alongside some of the greatest vendors and planners in Mississippi. I have to give a shout out to my friend, Kendall Poole Ellis. It has been such an honor to get to know her as a fellow female business owner (Kendall Poole Event Planning and Gifts by KPEP) and friend. She is such an inspiration, as she works magic within every single one of her events. She could attest to the importance of balance. Balance is crucial when you wear many hats. I repeat, do not forget what is most important.

{Who are some of the artists you admire and get inspiration from?}
Teil Duncan Henley and Elaine Burge are two female artists I adore. They are absolutely amazing at what they do, and I am always so inspired when I see their artwork.
Christie Farese is hands down one of the female artists here in Mississippi that I admire. Her use of pastels and delicate brushstrokes are just stunning.

{What’s your favorite part about being an artist in Mississippi?}
Mississippi has a great art community. It has become even more appreciated in the last few years as art festivals have become a popular leisure activity. I am honored to be a part of this growing community of artists here in Mississippi!

{What advice would you give to any other aspiring female artist?}
Firstly, do what you brings you joy! If art is your passion, go for it! Don’t forget that your gift is a blessing! Get your work out there, whether it be on social media, or in galleries or retail stores! Don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back.

You can keep up with Miriam by following her @miriam_shufelt_art, her Facebook page, and by checking out her website www.miriamshufeltart.com
You can purchase a piece of your own at Gifts by KPEP at the Renaissance in Ridgeland, Gift by KPEP in Oxford, Allyoops in Brandon, and Yates Building Supply in Philadelphia, and other retailers listed on Miriam's website.

-all photos of artwork provided by Miriam Shufelt- -First picture by Chandler Greenwood Photography-

Chris Kellum {Life}

Thanksgiving with Primos Cafe {Insider Inspiration}

Miriam Shufelt Art {Life}

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