We’re excited to present our newest editorial series, Mom About Town. In this series, we will highlight mothers in Flagstaff that are doing amazing things! From business owners to volunteers and community ambassadors we hope these interviews are encouraging and inspirational.
Renae Springer
:: Meet Renae ::
Tell us a little about yourself, and your family:
I’m a transplant from the Midwest (Michigan), been in AZ 20 years, and Flagstaff 13 of those. My husband (Matt) and I have been together 15 years, married for almost 11, and we have an awesome 5 year old daughter who just started kindergarten.
Share a little history behind your passion, and how you got started:
Both of my grandmothers and my Mom were bakers, so I grew up watching them in the kitchen. I always associated baked goods with love and celebration. My Mom and grandmother would always bake special requests for each kid/grandchild for their birthdays. In fact, my favorite was rhubarb pie, and my grandmother would freeze rhubarb from her garden so she could make me a pie in November for my birthday! As soon as I went off to college, I started baking special things (using all of my family recipes) for my friends and swim team whenever there was a special occasion. I’ve continued that tradition through the years, and was trying to decide what I was going to do once Syd started school. My fabulous friends suggested I sell my baked goods, and that was the beginning…
What’s a bit of insight you would share with yourself if you could go back in time?
I’m pretty sure I had postpartum anxiety that went undiagnosed for years. My advice is, if you don’t feel like yourself, don’t be afraid to talk to someone to figure out why. Don’t be afraid of the stigma!
What motivates and inspires you?
I’m motivated by my kiddo and wanting her to see her Mom follow her dreams, and I’m inspired by making people feel love and joy through food.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Seeing people’s faces when they pick up their orders. Knowing they trusted me to provide what I think is the most important part of their celebrations ? And also hearing the feedback about how much they love what I’ve made.
What is the most challenging thing you encounter as a mother pursuing her passions?
The Mom guilt. Constantly feeling like I’m somehow shortchanging my kid by spending my time doing this.
What advice would you share with another mother starting her own journey to follow her passion?
It might not feel like it, but you’ll be a much better version of yourself (as a mother, wife, friend, etc.) if you’re doing something you love that’s for you!
What are some of your Favorites?
1. Bookman’s
2. For Dates my husband and I are foodies, so we love to try new restaurants in town and eat as much as we can! Then do an escape room. So fun!
3. We love to hike and do National Parks to get Sydney Jr. Ranger badges.
4. Pedicure and facial for self care
5. Mommyshorts, P!nk, smittenkitchen, jenhatmaker, jugglingthejenkins, i_weigh
