Something we notice quite often when we ask woman business owners why they started their business is that they often have a bigger purpose or a lesson they’ve overcome that has brought them to their passion. Mary Frost, owner of Frosted Designs, is no different.
In the following interview, Mary shares how a tragic diagnosis brought together her passion for interior design with photography.
Thank you, Mary, for sharing your story with us!
Tell us about yourself! What makes you, “you”?
I am a creative person that enjoys using my skills to provide unique photography and interior design. I hold an undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University in Interior Design, with a minor in Art. I furthered my education at the masters level with classes in interior design focusing on design for aging in place at Eastern Michigan University.
I am the wife of Robert Frost (not the poet) and mother to 3 children, two boys and a girl. My daughter was the one to really get me into photography after she was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD). Documenting each and every moment of my daughters life became more important and so learning more about photography developed as my daughter grew.
I enjoy being outside and in nature, my favorite season is winter, as long as it snows, this is considering my last name is Frost!
Describe your business/services and then tell us about what brought you to creating this business and why you’re passionate about it.
Frosted Designs is a photography and interior design service providing unique designs and photography for your home and walls. As no two snowflakes are the same so your space and photographs should be just as unique as FROST! Creating a unique space or photographs that work for how unique you are is what this business is about, adding a little FROST to your ideas!
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
Current goals are to grow in reach beyond Swanton, Ohio and reach more of Northwest Ohio. Future goals include a design and photography studio.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is giving back to the Congenital Heart Defect/Disease community by sharing my photography through my ‘CHD Awareness Photography Project’. The project is in honor of my daughter who was born with a broken heart and has had 2 open heart surgeries. I provide a free photography session in January to a local heart family that will help spread CHD Awareness through out February which is Heart Month. I tell their CHD story and what they went through to help inform the community of Congenital Heart Defects in newborn children.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a business owner and how did you overcome it?
I think my biggest challenge is finding the right network of people to help build my business and this is where I hope HerHub will help me overcome that.
What advice would you give to a woman looking to start a business or get into a leadership role? Is there one thing that has helped you specifically?
Humble perseverance. Keep going and persevere but be humble in the trials and successes.
What made you want to join HerHub?
The feeling of being welcomed and knowing others have been there and done that.
Why do you feel it’s important to collaborate and empower other women?
Lifting others as you rise is wonderful feeling so that you are not alone.
If you could recommend one resource (book, podcast, quote, class, website, etc.), that has helped you in life or in business, what would it be and why?
The Bible. As a christian woman the bible is my go to resource that is always helpful in life and business. I am blessed and inspired each time I read it to become a better person to serve others as God created me to be.
We love spreading love to other woman-owned businesses and we bet you do too. Give a shout out here to your favorite, local, woman-owned business (besides your own)!
I would love to give a shout out to some of the women owned businesses of Swanton, Ohio. There are so many women that have helped me grow and I greatly appreciate them!
To find about more about Mary’s business, please visit:
www.frosteddesignsbymaryfrost.com
