Alisha
I’m an artist by nature and a mental health therapist by trade! My artistic journey began at the tender age of 6 when I drew my very first piece—let’s just say, the reviews were somewhat mediocre (side note: my mom is a realist who loves me beyond measure, but she wasn’t about to let me have an inflated sense of my artistic genius, and for that, I am eternally grateful).
The artist inside of me has never been a choice—it’s as natural to me as breathing. Sure, my 6-year-old heart was a little bruised by the feedback, but I was determined to fulfill my destiny. Over the years, I “dabbled” in the arts—drawing, sketching, painting—but I didn’t call myself an artist until we were in the art business for 2 years!
It is my personal belief that everyone has an inner artist, waiting to be unleashed. And while it took me a little time to fully embrace my artistic self, I’ve come to understand that art is an integral part of who I am. I’ve been in the helping profession for 20 years and a therapist for 13, specializing in the LGBTQ+ population, with a focus on teens. I’m a licensed clinical social worker and a registered play therapist-supervisor. In my work, I’ve blended my love for art with my therapeutic skills. I started creating sand tray figures—not just for me, but for those I was serving.
My first creation? A homemade tornado made out of paper, shaped like a snow cone. (Yep, you heard that right. Talk about a twist on traditional art, right?) I’m happy to report that my skills have improved quite a bit since then, but hey, we all have to start somewhere!
When I’m not painting, you can find me tending to my small greenhouse filled with rare plants, loving on my beloved rottweiler, or teaching myself a new skill, like printmaking. There’s always something new to learn and explore!
Catherine
Meet Catherine, the brains behind Momma Owls Minis (and yes, I would definitely agree with that title!). Originally from sunny Arizona, Catherine made her way to the beautiful panhandle of Florida in 2009. With 25 years of experience as a social worker and 15 years as a licensed clinical social worker, she’s got a heart full of compassion and a mind sharp as a tack. Catherine is also a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, specializing in birth-5 populations, adoptive families, and the LGBTQIA community.
In 2012, she met the love of her life (that would be Momma Owl) and we married in New York City in 2013. We adopted our amazing daughter (aka Baby Owl) in 2014, who also happens to be the biological sister of my youngest sister, adopted by my parents in 2011.
When it comes to Momma Owls Minis, Catherine handles all the behind-the-scenes magic—shipping orders, answering customer questions, managing production, and, most importantly, keeping me on track. (No small feat, right?) While I am the heart of the operation, Catherine is the one ensuring everything runs smoothly. She finds peace in organizing products and managing inventory—seriously, it’s her idea of relaxation. Think of her as the creative problem solver who helps make Momma Owls Minis the success it is!
So, whether she’s solving inventory puzzles or keeping things on track, Catherine’s the quiet powerhouse that makes everything happen with a smile.