We had the good fortune of connecting with Amie Hazlett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting a business is a huge decision. When I opened my photography business in 2012, so many individuals were already asking me to take their photos. It seemed like the proper thing to do. When I envisioned my ideal business, it was multifaceted. I imagined a small children’s clothing store with a photography studio attached. That had always been my “big dream.”

Dreams take time though. Paying for space can be expensive. We moved to Alamosa in the summer of 2022. I wasn’t sure if I would continue photography in a new place because of the time that it took away from my family. I spent 5 months being a mom and making sure my daughters were adjusting well. Then I realized that having a studio would control my hours away from my family.

I felt confident in finding space, but then I would sit in that space and dream. It just seemed to make sense that this was a space that could handle a children’s clothing store as well as a photography studio! Members of the community, like the Chamber of Commerce and the SBDC (Small Business Development Center), were very supportive and informative! I couldn’t have done it without their guidance and advice. They pointed me to First Southwest Bank who offers Community Fund Loans for small businesses like mine.

With all of the community assistance, I opened Bullfrogs & Butterflies, A Children’s Clothing Store, in November of 2023. We carry everyday items and lots of boutique options. Customers can find a lot of our items in our online store, but our brick and mortar store has much more variety!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Creativity runs deep inside of me, I am a dreamer, a painter, a writer and a photographer. Photography is the avenue that I focused on for a business. Although I am capable of most forms of photography, I am most excited about images that capture the whimsy and imagination of childhood.

When I started my business, I was unsure and questioned if I was good enough. In contrast, today I am confident in my knowledge and my skill. I try to not be shaken, but as an artist, my heart and mind are always communicating. My feelings are all over the place and my head knows that it will be fine. Getting to this point was difficult because it took determination. I had to keep going when I didn’t feel like it.

Along the way, I have learned how to be consistent. I have learned to admit when I am wrong. I have learned that I am valuable. I have learned that teaching others is rewarding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My family and I have had the opportunity to live all over the state of Colorado, but recently we moved to the San Luis Valley. Some of our favorite places to visit are The Great Sand Dunes, Zapata Falls, The Gator Farm (Hooper, CO), and Sand Dunes Recreation (Hooper, CO). Alamosa, also offers a great variety of good restaurants in their charming downtown area. Our favorites are 4th Street Grill, Nino’s, The Purple Pig, San Luis Valley Brewing, and for a sweet treat, Frosty Acres.

What I thought was a small and slow town, is actually a fantastic get away with great food and fun activities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The most supportive people in my life are my family, my husband and daughters. My husband, Nick, has supported all of my big dreams and ideas. He listens patiently and gives kind feedback. Since I am an “ideas” person and a verbal processor, this is very helpful. As I talk through things (daily), I will realize when things line up with my dream and when they a taking away from my dream.

My daughters are my real life inspiration. They have let me dress them up for years and photograph them in every landscape and location. They are happy for my dreams and support my efforts. They help with everything at the store from processing clothes to teaching kids when we do art projects. They are the extra hands that I need and the company that I love.

Website: https://www.bullfrogsbutterflies.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bullfrogs.and.butterflies/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bullfrogsbutterfliesboutique

Other: Amie Hazlett Photography
www.amiehazlett.com
www.instagram.com/amiehazlettphotography
www.facebook.com/amiehazlettphotography

Image Credits
All of these photos were taken by me, Amie Hazlett or by an associate of Amie Hazlett Photography.

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