By Katie Moosbrugger
Today we’re thrilled to introduce you to three lovely ladies who work hard at their jobs, but also within their own families and communities. Please meet Elizabeth, Robin and Sara. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know them, as well as what they do!
If you would like to recommend a local mom for a future Mom on the Move profile, please email me at katie@triadmomsonmain.com. We are always seeking to feature women/moms who are doing great things!
Elizabeth Caddy
High Point resident Elizabeth Caddy remembers her Grandmother once saying, “I’m going to teach you to sew, and no matter where you go you’ll be able to work, and then when you’re too old to sew, you can teach others to do it.”
Following her Grandmother’s advice Elizabeth grew up taking sewing classes in person, and then online to sharpen her skills. Years later, as people started asking her to sew, make, and paint items, it seemed like the next logical step for Elizabeth to officially start a business. Today, she runs Caddy Custom Goods where she does everything from creating custom garments, to designing costumes from comic books, or making a “proof of concept” garment to go with a patent application. Elizabeth offers custom sewing of dresses and other items, as well as mending and alterations. Just bring her your creative idea and she will make it for you. ‘I am so fortunate to say that I have a very eclectic, creative, fun clientele that keep me very busy with all sorts of creative projects.”
Elizabeth and her husband, Teddy, have two children: Wilson (6) and Pearl (3). With a studio near her house, Elizabeth is able to carry on her Grandmother’s tradition of having her own children watch her work, and help with projects by collecting pins or organizing fabric. How is she able to keep her business running alongside raising a family? “I have a very supportive network of family and friends that help pick up the slack when a project takes over my time, and that’s really what makes it work. That and coffee. Lots of coffee.”
You can find Caddy’s Custom Goods on Facebook HERE, and on Instagram @CustomCaddy.
Robin Bralley
It is the ideal month to feature someone many of you will recognize by name or by title. Robin Bralley, owner and publisher of Forsyth Family magazine, is proud to celebrate her 100th issue this March! Forsyth Family magazine currently distributes 20,000 copies at 1,000+ distribution points in and around the county, and has become a household resource for families in our community.
Robin grew up in Clemmons and has called it home all her life. One of her favorite things about the Winston-Salem area is being a part of a city that’s just big enough to offer things many smaller cities cannot, but small enough to feel connected. “We’ve always had a vibrant arts community that seems to keep expanding, and it’s been so exciting to see our downtown revitalized.”
She and her husband, Tim, have two grown daughters, Briana and Morgan, and a soon-to-be son-in-law. After finding herself downsized from her marketing position in corporate America, Robin joined forces with Forsyth Woman publisher and friend, Keela Johnson, in 2007 to launch Forsyth Family. “Luckily my girls were a little older when Forsyth Family Magazine was first started and so I’ve been able to involve them and my husband in many aspects. It is truly a family affair,” says Robin.
Robin and her family are avid Carolina Panthers fans and enjoy going to the movies and summer concerts. She is also an active member of Sunrise United Methodist Church and volunteers for bimonthly bread pick-up to support the Clemmons Food Pantry. What does she like best about running a local magazine? “It’s hard to narrow it down to one specific thing, but meeting all the wonderful people I come in contact with and being a small part of local businesses’ success is top of the list!”
Sara Lester
Upbeat. Energetic. Optimistic. It’s not easy to describe Sara in three words, but if I had to, those are the first words that come to mind. Sara starts her mornings early (4:30 am!) with prayer, reflection, and a workout. From there she embraces the challenges of being a mom, wife, friend, and co-worker every day with a big smile and encouraging words.
Sara and her husband “Moose” have three children: Jack (11), Sam (9), and Kate (5). She works part time as a Home Health Physical Therapist treating mostly geriatric patients with a variety of medical conditions. Health and exercise are extremely important to Sara, and as such, she teaches ME (Metabollic Effect) classes at her church, to friends, and at a local ME facility. She is also a consultant and advocate for Isagenix.
In her free time (if that ever exists!), Sara enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to pod casts, playing tennis, yoga. She also volunteers with Mission Feet First, as well as with Challenge Farm. Just last month, Sara and her son, Jack, returned from their second mission trip to Kitale Kenya at Challenge Farm, a trip that was sponsored by her church. It took them 22 hours by plane, and another 32 hours by car to reach their destination where the provided medical missions, painting, crafts/games with kids, and community outreach (including helping to baptize 23 children!).
“I am busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love life and love to live.” When asked for advice, she added, “Put God first, prioritize your marriage, enjoy your kids, exercise 5-6 days a week, feed your body optimal nutrition, live in the moment, surround yourself with people who lift you up, stay positive, sleep 7-8 hours every night, and have fun!” If you are interested in learning more about ME, Isagenix or Challenge Farm, please email Sara directly at sarawvupt@gmail.com.
