Decatur – Page 15

November 24, 2016November 21, 2016

Black Iron Coffee | Small Business Feature

If you know me you know I drink coffee like a Gilmore Girl so of course when any new coffee shop comes to the area it’s on my radar. This one popped up in a much needed location so now my (any many others) caffeine needs are met even when on the south side of town!

And their homemade baked goods are delicious enough to warrant a trip across town even when you don’t find yourself in the Mt. Zion area.

The Details: Jason Feller, Owner of Black Iron Coffee Co. | In Business: 1 year this January

Hours: M-F 6am-5pm, Saturday 6am-Noon (Closed Sunday)| Location: 121 and Lost Bridege Rd (Next to Ace Hardware)

Tell us about your business… What do you do?

We offer the finest quality espresso based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, many different frap flavors, smoothies, fresh brewed coffees, baked from scratch in house b

What makes your business unique/special? Our employees and our attention to detail.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? Latte’s!

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have donated many times to wonderful causes.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Bring the employee’s flowers and chocolates.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Espresso machine. Because then we would not be able to make our wonderful drinks.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? For many years now. It all starts with my love of coffee.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? The Blue Spoon. They have amazing food. I had breakfast there earlier this week and have to agree, we may have to get them in the lineup to feature soon!

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family.

Describe your PERFECT day… Easy, spending time with family, doesn’t matter what we do.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Dani Feller- Owner, all around awesome boss, lover of all things Italian.

Amanda Roberts- Manager, baker extraordinaire, barista.

Emily Kunzeman- Product development, baker, barista.

Sarah Starshak- Marketing, social media management, graphic design, barista.

McKenzie Bartlett- Barista

Misty Grossman- Barista

Elayna Feller- Awesome daughter and cashier.

See the latest news at:

https://www.facebook.com/blackironcoffeecompany/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

November 15, 2016November 14, 2016

| Kaitlin | Central A & M Senior Model | Class of 2017 |

I’m beyond excited to get to share this beautiful senior with you today. Kaitlin is one of our class of 2017 senior models and I’ve had the pleasure to photograph her a number of times throughout her senior year.

She was a part of our parachute dress model session at the Decatur Airport and for her senior session we spent a little time in the studio where we were sure to highlight her dancing talent along with creating a few colorful looks. I had the most fun out around town though. We stopped at a little rustic place I’d been itching to have the right session for and I think it worked perfectly for a casual look for her and we spent the rest of our time (spring and this fall) creating a variety of nature looks at a number of beautiful areas around town.

I also had the chance to photograph Kaitlin with her best friends at her BFF session!

Take a look at all her favorites and be sure to head over to our Facebook Page to show her some love with your likes, comments and shares.

October 27, 2016October 27, 2016

Shop On Main | Small Business Feature

shop on main, main street deactur, il, deactur, small business in decatur, downtown shops decatur, clothing, purses, handbags, style shops, sjp, small business feature, sarah jane, commercial photography, business photos

I have a fabulous local business to share with you today!! I’ve had the honor to work with Cindy, the owner of Shop on Main, in a number of ways in my time here in Decatur. She’s designed beautiful wedding decor for a few of my brides and just a couple years ago I had the chance to photograph her and Mark in their beautiful home. But today, I’m even more excited to be able to show off her boutique located right in the heart of our city. Shop on Main is really the perfect store for all things lady; clothing, stunning jewelry, handbags, accessories, décor, gifts…. ladies if you want it, this shop has it (and I guarantee you’ll find things you didn’t even know you needed, but you do, you so do!).

So enough gushing from me… read on to hear more about this shop straight from Cindy herself (and get out those Christmas lists ladies, you’re going to want to take notes).

The Details: Cindy Deadrick Wolfer, Owner at Shop On Main | In Business: 39 years

Hours: M-F 10-5, Sat 10-4 By Appointment | Location: 407 N. Main, Decatur, IL | Phone: 217-422-2674

Tell us about your business… What do you do? We are a unique boutique featuring women’s clothing, accessories, gifts and décor.

What makes your business unique/special? Our boutique is special in many ways:

We do not “over order” meaning that we order just a few of each item.

We work with our clients to make sure the items they select are used in a fashion that reflects their personality.

We carry special lines of accessories that are only available at our location and in one local store

We have great customer service, including private shopping, client “wish lists for special occasions, gift wrapping, delivery and shipping.

We have plan “special events” including Sip and Shop Saturdays and informal modeling at the Wildflour on the last Thursday of each month.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? I love the south so I love the Hilton Head inspired Spartina Collection of purses, jewelry and accessories. These linen and leather handbags are awesome.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have private shopping for those that just can’t get in during regular hours. Our dedicated staff also makes sure that our clients are thanked and called when a particular line of item arrives at Shop On Main.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Let us decorate their home for the Holiday using our wonderful Holiday décor.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I love each of the boutiques downtown because they each have their own personality. As store owners, we try hard to carry a variety of lines so that the same item is not seen over and over.

Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? I have always wanted to be in business for myself and I have loved retail forever. Displaying the merchandise is my favorite part of working at the Shop On Main

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? Early early early in my childhood. Wanted to have the ability to be creative on a day to day basis.

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family and my community.

Describe your PERFECT day… Every day is perfect in some special way.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Paulette– wears about 6 different pairs of shoes in a day and is a dynamo when it comes to serving our clients.

Madalyn– only works one day a week, but is great with putting together a “special individual look” for our clients.

Cathy– creates awesome displays and unique combinations of attire to make a “statement”.

Donna– knows everyone and often has people stop in to see her newest “look”.

Renee-plans our events and style shows using her knowledge from her modeling days.

See the latest news at:

https://www.facebook.com/ShopOnMainIL/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS – We’re looking for new businesses to feature in 2017-2018 and we’d love to talk with YOU. These features are FREE and you can contact us at mail@sjanephotography.com now to get yours scheduled.

October 20, 2016October 21, 2016

| Hughes-Callison | 35 Year Anniversary Portraits | Decatur IL |

Did you miss me? You may have noticed (or may not have) that I was MIA on the blog last week… The reason was a combination of a SUPER busy fall week with a total of 24 of my usual 40 hour work week being spent out on session and then being hit hard for a couple days with flu/strep.

But I’m so glad to be back on the blog this week sharing this lovely couple with you. Randy and Elizabeth just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary and wanted to create a portrait to commemorate the big milestone. I was so happy that Elizabeth thought of me for these special portraits and glad that our shorter Limited Edition sessions were the perfect fit for something quick and easy. Here’s a look at their absolute favorite from their session!

Don’t forget to take a minute to head over to our Facebook Page and give them some love and congratulations for 35 YEARS together!!!

October 5, 2016October 6, 2016

| Hannah | Senior Class of 2017 |

It’s time to show off Hannah’s session!!! Hannah’s a senior at Warrensburg-Latham High School this year and she was so fun to work with! We kicked off her session near downtown Decatur and even included her adorable and sweet dog, Mellow.

Once we finished up downtown, Hannah and I headed over to the Scovill Zoo gardens to work in some beautiful nature/color to her session and even got a little sunset before the clouds rolled in.

Be sure to head over to our Facebook Page to give Hannah some love with your likes, comments, shares!