I recently sat down with Emily McAdams and one of my best friends to talk about her busy family life and her new boutique DIY store AR Workshop Pearland.
How many children do you have?
Emily with her husband Justin and their daughters Isobel and Rowan.
Two children, Isobel is almost 4 and Rowan is 1 1/2.
How long have you lived in Pearland? What made you decide to live here?
I have lived here for a little over a year. We moved here to start a business and settle down in a nice neighborhood.
What’s your favorite family activity?
We love going to the pool. In the winter we look for local community events that are family friendly.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and or shop?
First Watch has now become our new breakfast hang out, or Rollie’s Frozen Custard, their hot fudge Sunday is to die for.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I speak Mandarin Chinese fluently and so do my kids.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
All my friends and family. My husband and sister were really there for me when I had my first. I had really bad post partum and before I was put on medication, I would just sit and cry for 8 hours a day. I surround myself with a support network. Overall, I firmly believe it takes a village. My bestie Amanda is a phone call away, we pick each other’s kids up, find things to do all the time, and just listen when the going gets tough.
Tell us about your new business.
We moved to Pearland and started the first franchise in the Houston Metro area in February 2019- AR Workshop Pearland. Nationally, AR Workshop is a boutique DIY craft store. We are in the business of making memories and creating on-trend pieces of home décor. From wooden signs, crafty trays, canvas pillows/wall hangings, to chunky knit blankets, we are always adding new types of DIY projects to our repertoire. If you are looking for a Mom’s Night Out, a place to host a pARty for your kids or friends, we are it. If you own a business and want us to come to you, for your next networking, team building, or corporate event, we are it! If you are looking to order a custom piece as a baby, wedding, or closing gift, we are it! You just contact your local store, or go on our website www.arworkshop.com/pearland and register for a class. All available DIY classes are on our online calendar. Please follow us on Instagram @arworkshoppearland and facebook @arworkshoppearland to stay in the know of all of our cool events!
How has the community been instrumental in getting you where you are now?
My business target market is 97% women, and 99% moms. I have met so many accomplished, generous, and tenacious women since I opened AR Workshop. Most everyone, as been super eager to be a part of our story and the word of mouth is legit. When I first opened, I did not know what to expect. However, I have been never felt more supported than by the Moms of Pearland. Pearland Moms have sent their kids to me for camp, have hosted their children’s birthdays with me, and have brought in their friends to share the love. I have clients now who feel like good friends and they now use AR Workshop in their own personal businesses from realtors, chefs, and other small business owners, I have felt the love and collaboration from all of them. Thank you Pearland Moms for making my dream come true. I look forward to helping your dreams come true too!