Mount Vernon resident Kristin Matheis didn’t want to give up time with her children, but she also didn’t want to give up her career.  As it turns out, she didn’t have to choose.

Matheis has a design background, innate artistic talent, and a true appreciation for children and family; key ingredients that helped her launch Preschool Palettes in 2008. Her home based business digitizes children’s artwork and prints it into hardcover books.

“I think it’s important, people hold onto the memories from their kids’ childhood,” Matheis said.  “They just don’t last, unfortunately, in their present state and storage is a big issue too.”

Matheis says the books are easy to keep track of and share with family members, but most importantly, they won’t disintegrate with age like a construction paper painting might.  She says her business started small, but has grown beyond expectation in recent past.

“The state of the economy did not impact me at all, I still have steady business,” Matheis said.

She said her Facebook page has helped her grow to the point that she now receives requests from around the country. 

Matheis said she loves the work flexibility she has to spend time with her son and daughter.  She also likes setting an example for other parents torn about incorporating work into their home life.  Her advice to them is simple.

“Take the plunge!” she laughed.

For more information on Preschool Palettes, click here.