I am thrilled to introduce and shine the spotlight on another amazing member of our community! Amy Kavelaris is such a generous, kind, creative and ambitious woman here in Lake Country, and I’ve been inspired by her since we first met. Every time I hear more about her story, see her beautiful creations come together, or learn of the great things she is doing in our area, I continue to be amazed. She is a wife and a mom of three girls; an incredible artist, author, illustrator, and designer; a local volunteer for many non-profits; a business owner; and so much more.
Amy serves on the Oconomowoc Area Foundation, raising funds for some of the most outstanding local non-profits: the Oconomowoc Area Free-Clinic, Blessings in a Backpack, etc. She is also a committee chair for the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts. She also works with Zachariah’s Acres foundation, which makes nature accessible to children with special needs, and volunteers are her girl’s school, LCCA.
I hope you enjoy reading more about Amy, her story, and her involvement in Lake Country! – Jessalyn Rich
About Amy Kavelaris
Q: Please tell us about yourself.
I grew up sketching and writing poetry, in a tree overlooking the lake, and I suppose I never really grew up since I am still doing that in my career today.I graduated from UW-Madison in 2007 with a degree in Journalism. Concerned that a career in the creative arts might strip me of my creative joy, I tried just about every job possible from the medical industry to sales.
In 2013, I decided to stop running and we launched an art school in downtown Oconomowoc. Four years later, we closed our doors when we moved out of state.However, after some encouragement from my husband, I reluctantly started sharing my artwork on social media.
We were quite surprised when I began receiving contracts, which ultimately lead to designing hand-painted artwork for stores like Target, Walmart, Anthropologie, Casetify, BeBe Au Lait, Altar’d State, Better Homes and Gardens, and others. Then, we went on to collaborate with brands including: Skecher’s Shoes, Pampers Diapers, The Miss America Foundation, etc.
I have painted for wonderful families, corporations, Grammy-Award-Winning artists and for Universities. And now, I also spend my time writing and illustrating for Harper Collins Publishing in Nashville, TN.
All of these things, however, will one day pass away. Most importantly, I am a follower of Jesus Christ and I am unbelievably grateful for every opportunity that I have to create, for His glory. My family is a treasure to me. I have a wonderful husband and together we have 3 precious young girls.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
When moving back to Oconomowoc, I knew I wanted to live right downtown so our family could walk to the local events and have our girls grow up close to everything! I have lived in several places around the country and in Italy. There is NO place like our beloved Oconomowoc! My husband Nick, our 3 small girls and I, have loved renovating our 1906 Victorian home and 1940’s cottage. When we are not working on the house or in the yard, we love to explore, paddle board, travel, play tennis, hike, bike or head up north to the cabin. The girls and I also love to study God’s Word together, paint and create portraits out of items we forage outdoors.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I work full-time from home as a writer, artist, illustrator and designer. I have worked with some of the most fascinating humans in the business and I thank God every day for the work that He provides for me. Some of my most favorite work is being a part of the phenomenal non-profits that Oconomowoc has to offer. Serving on the Oconomowoc Area Foundation has been an absolute honor, raising funds for some of the most outstanding local non-profits: the Oconomowoc Area Free-Clinic, Blessings in a Backpack, etc.
I am also a committee chair for the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts. After all this community has done for me as an artist, it’s a joy to work with them. One of my favorite non-profits to work with in in the area is the amazing Zachariah’s Acres foundation, which makes nature accessible to children with special needs. Volunteering with our girl’s school is also one of my favorite ways to spend my time. You can find us decorating the LCCA parade float every 4th of July!
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
The important messages I get to share, meeting with so many precious children, and getting to do it at home, while hanging out with our girls.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Rising above insecurity. I’ve always been insecure about my work. Sharing said work with the world always felt arrogant or boastful. When I started to understand the idea that God gives us abilities to use for His glory and to encourage others, it became much easier to share.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Hearing from children that they truly enjoy our books and my paintings. It always blows me away that of all the books in the world, anyone would want to take the time with reading mine. It’s priceless and precious to me to be a part of a little one’s life in this small way.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I have some wonderful painting projects underway, one special commission that will hang in the Milwaukee School of Engineering – MSOE. But I am working primarily on books this year, which I cannot wait to share more about! Another whimsical children’s picture book is underway with Harper Collins Publishing and another very exciting book for women!
Amy Kavelaris & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
Oh my word. I couldn’t possibly choose one thing. I was born and raised in Oconomowoc and it will always be my favorite. After living in many places, truly there is no where else in the world that I would want to raise our family. The generosity of this community astounds me. The more I work on different boards and committees in Lake Country, the more overwhelmed I am by spirit of giving and caring for the welfare of others here.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
That’s the thing about Oconomowoc. Who haven’t I been inspired by? There are so many it is hard to pick. However, I can’t help but think of 2 Mary’s. Maribeth Bush serves the community of Oconomowoc like no one I have ever seen. Her light shines everywhere she goes. She is a true gift! And Mary Steinke is also another legend in the Lake Country area. The way she opens her heart and home to everyone she meets is truly something to behold.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Laurel and Pat Whelan of Whelan’s Coffee and Ice Cream are dear friends and we love the family friendly atmosphere they offer there! I love writing my books both there and at my other friend Hilary’s coffee shop, Roots Coffee.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Historic. Philanthropic. Charming.
For Fun
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Favorite books: The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsay and CS Lewis’ Screw Tape Letters. I could read them countless times and find new inspiration every time. Of course I write children books so in that genre, my favorite all-time literature would be anything illustrated by Eloise Wilkin.
Movies: would be “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I cry without fail every single time. A close second would be “You’ve Got Mail” — its gloriously mindless escapism, taking place in my favorite season… fall! And Kathleen Kelly owns a children’s book shop in the city. It doesn’t get more dreamy than that! In fact, I was so influenced by that film that I cut all of my hair off like hers in college.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents. Watching their generosity over the years, the way they love on our family and on others in the community is breathtaking. I want to be like them when I grow up!
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
I would be a chai tea latte. Tea is my favorite always — its sweet with a hint of spice — but versatile. Great hot on a crisp fall day. Or iced on a sunny paddle-boarding summer day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Taking our entire family to Israel, or back to where I lived in Italy or Hawaii.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Spending time with my husband, holding our babies. And knowing that our kids are walking with The Lord, gives me no greater joy.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
If you are feeling down… help someone. Give back. In a “selfie” generation — there is no greater pure joy than focusing less on the self and focusing more on the welfare of others. And most importantly: follow Jesus. It’s the hands down best decision I have ever made in my life.
Where to Find Amy Kavelaris
Amy Kavelaris
hello@BloomPrintsStudio.com
(920) 629-0446
