Meet Briana Ainsworth | Owner of Simple Impressions

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

Hi Briana, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?

My husband and I had always thrown around a small dream that we had. We had always talked about my love or crafting and his love for wood working. How could we merge those two things together? My husband encouraged me to start thinking outside the box and let’s start with creating signs as a hobby and see where it takes us! It started off great and then it got to be too much for both of us. He was working two full jobs and I became a stay at home mom to two babies. I began to feel like maybe this dream was fading away and I would have to accept that I would need to find something else to put my heart into.

Time went on and two babies and move across the state we took a break. I had come to the realization that this might not be what God was calling us to do. After almost two years of nothing my husband and I sat down one night and had a heart to heart. Do we want this to be something more than just a hobby and make this into something more? I knew what my answer was and turned out he had the same ambition.

So we took even went as far as changing the name of the business, the look of what we wanted our business to be and started all over again. Of course I was so nervous but I was even more excited than I was scared! What was there too loose?

As we began this new journey things began to come into place and people started coming into our lives and helped us get off the ground! I knew right away this was where we were meant to be! Looking back there were so many unknowns and is this really going to work but when we know deep in our hearts that it feels right trust that gut! Keep pushing because quitting never really gets us anywhere.

I never lose. I either win or learn. -Nelson Mandala

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I have watched people start a small buisness from their couches and have grown into successful producing business. And after watching them grow I asked myself why can’t I do that too? Someone who has really influenced me and gave me the courage to pursue my dream was my Mom. My Mom was in the corporate world for as long as I can remember and one day she and my dad got laid off not too long after one another. My Dad looked at my Mom and said it’s now or never! Let’s fulfill your dream! So after searching for the right place they made their home in Estes Park and became the proud owners of a scrapbook bed and breakfast! After 6 years they decided to fulfill my Dad’s dream of living on the coast! Now she has started her own buisness from her couch creating gorgeous permanent botanical flowers with Ella Rose Flowers. I couldn’t be more proud watching them fulfill their dreams and Mom doing something that she truly loves. If she can do all these things why can’t I?

Family is the most important thing to me & Simple Impressions has created exactly what I’ve dreamed of. I can be a Stay at Home Mom with my children and be able to participate in all they do and not miss a thing, but still be able to use my creativeness and my passion to work with other people. Having a past with marketing I truly love making emotional connections with the community and beyond. I love that I can work with people who are looking for decor for their home or a for a gift and even for brides who are creating their special day! It truly makes my heart soar and gives me the passion to keep going.

I am beyond grateful to be able to create something from just a hobby to a business that I can connect with so many people and be able to still watch my children grow everyday!

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney.

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.

Well this is easy because it’s something I have been thinking about! We moved to Colorado Springs almost two years ago and she hasn’t been able to come visit yet. So I am constantly thinking about places I can’t wait to take her too!

The first place I would love to take her to is Perrys Pizza. I know it’s a chain and why would you take here there? I love the location by our house. The upstairs shows the gorgeous mountain range with the Airforce Academy in plain view. It’s also the first place we went to eat after looking for houses here and that’s when we knew that Colorado Springs was going to be our forever home! After we our bellies full I would love to take her on local hikes so show her the all the gorgeous views we have!

I would also love to take her to Ivywild Brewery. This use to be an elementary school and they shut down. The city wanted to repurpose the building which now is a brewery! You can even get a drink in the principals office! I mean how often can you say you’ve drank in the principals office and never got in trouble?!

My best friend and I have kids so I would love to take her to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. I mean who doesn’t love being able to pet and feed the giraffe’s, the elephants and so many more animals. And the view of the city throughout the zoo is just amazing! Did you know that the zoo is rated #4 in North America?! We go at least once a month and we never get bored!

Her and I have a love for shopping! So of course we have to go to the Outlet’s in Castle Rock and downtown Colorado Springs. I love the atmosphere downtown Colorado Springs and all the local shops! My favorite shop is Rocky Mountain Soap Market! They can create any flavor your heart desires and you feel so pampered when you walk out! I mean who doesn’t love to treat yourself every now and again right? After we pamper ourselves I would love to take her to Josh and John’s ice cream shop to try all the unique flavors!

And lastly we have to go to the Mountains and go to Manitu Springs! Again so much fun shopping and places to eat! But what makes Manitu Springs unique is going to the penny arcade! I’m not sure many of us anymore can say we have been to a penny arcade!

Living in the Springs there is many things to offer and to explore and I can’t wait to keep exploring! I would love to hear what your favorite place is to explore!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I really couldn’t do this without the encouragement of my mom Becky who is the owner of Ella Rose Petals and has supported us along this journey from day one. Along with my friend Sarah who is coming along beside me and helped create this business from a hobby to a business! And of course my husband for making my dream come true! I am forever grateful!

Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/simpleimpressionsco

Instagram: @simpleimpressionsco

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