Elevate Martial Arts

Martial Arts are a family affair for the Ruiz family, homeschoolers in Chandler.  "We began training 11 years ago in Mesa under Sensei Daniel Spalding," Marcus recalls.   "We actually got my daughter enrolled and I began to train with her when my work schedule would allow. When our boys got old enough ( 4 & 6), I continued my training."  They now have three Black Belts in their family.

The Ruiz family's love affair with Martial Arts doesn't stop there, though.  As owners of the Gilbert-based Elevate Martial Arts, Marcus and Vanesa have gone one step further and opened up their own studio.  Keeping it a family affair, everyone in the family participates.  Marcus runs most of the business side, including the instructing and coaching.  His wife, Vanesa, handles the marketing and communication with the competitive team.  Their 11-year-old gives private lessons, and their 6 and 8- year-old boys take classes.

"We offer Martial Arts classes for adults, teens and children ages 4 and up. We teach an eclectic style, mixing Karate, Tae kwon do, Kenpo and other arts together. We also have the top Sport Karate Competition Team in the State of Arizona," Marcus says, proudly.   "We offer Zumba and Boot Camp classes during the weekday mornings as well as Saturday mornings."

They homeschool in the mornings during the work week.  With both parents home, it leaves Vanesa free to work with Noah while Marcus works with the two older boys.   Marcus leaves for the school by 3pm daily.   "I have an opportunity most days to answer emails and do community work depending on the needs of the boys," he says.

Marcus and Vanesa have poured their passion into their business.  It is more than just a business, and more than just Martial Arts to them.  "It has been my calling.  God placed this school in front of me and expected me to act," Marcus shares.  "My wife and I prayed about it and it is what He wants for us.  We have been able to introduce people to Christ and shine His light on those who are not believers." 

Even the name they chose for their studio reflects that higher vision.  "We chose Elevate because we want to assist people becoming better. Everyone has a starting point and we are here to help them Elevate themselves in all areas of life, not just Martial Arts," Marcus explains.

Shining His light on those who are not believers means that Marcus and Vanesa use their business, their talents, their time, their energy and their money to bless their surrounding community.   "We do a lot of work with the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley as well as donating to Central Christian Church's ACTS Ministry on a regular basis," Marcus explains.  "We have service projects planned for next summer as well. This December, we have a goal of building 500+ Help the Homeless Bags (stay tuned for a future blog post about that and how the homeschooling community around the Valley can get involved!), which also will be given to Central's ACTS Minstry."

The Ruiz family is also looking for a way to serve the homeschooling community around them.  "Right now, we are trying to see if we can work in a homeschool program twice a week during the days," Marcus says.   "I think it could be huge for home schooled children to have the opportunity to exercise and learn Martial Arts within their schedule."  If you are a homeschooling family interested in more information about homeschool Martial Arts classes, please contact them.  Contact information is available on their web site.

Mercie J Auto

"Maybe it's in our blood?" wonders Chandler homeschooler Rebecca Glandon, chuckling as she ponders her family's history in the automotive business.  Husband, Michael Glandon's start in auto mechanics began well before high school ended. His father, who currently owns a custom auto shop that builds hot rods, was a self-employed diesel mechanic for many years. Michael did an apprenticeship and went to school to earn his ASE Master Technician certificate.



In 2001, Michael went to work for Rick Smith at Rick Smith Auto Care, which had been in business since 1995.  By 2006, he and wife Rebecca were made full partners with Rick and Mary Smith.  They changed the name to Mercie J Auto Care.  The name comes from a blending of the first initials of each family member in both the Glandon and the Smith families.  "We also love that the name reminds us of the mercy of our wonderful Savior, Jesus!" Rebecca reveals.

Mercie J is "pretty much bumper to bumper mechanical repair and maintenance on all Asian and Domestic vehicles. Our certified master technicians are especially skilled in the areas of electronics, engine performance, emissions, and air conditioning," Rebecca explains.

The Glandons have been homeschooling their four children for the past seven years.  "Our homeschool balance is fairly typical," Rebecca says.   "Michael works at the shop full time, and I stay home with the kiddos. The nature of the business does not require him to regularly "bring work home," though we have certain issues or projects that sometimes require after hour attention. Usually, we work together on these. From home, I work as the administrator of our facebook page, and Michael manages the business finances."

Their 14-year-old son, Christopher has aspirations of his own to become a technician.  He is currently helping out in the shop three afternoons a week, managing the shop's janitorial needs.  In the process, he is also learning a lot about the business!

Above and beyond the technical aspects of the automotive trade, clients of Mercie J will be leaving their vehicles with people for whom honor and integrity is of the utmost importance.  "Our heart's desire is to be a local business that serves in our community the way Christ served others around Him," Rebecca states. 

In the spirit of service, Mercie J offers car care clinics for teens, for ladies, and for seniors.   "A clinic is a one day, hands on class that lasts approximately 2-3 hours," Rebecca explains.   "Past clinics have gone very well and we are currently considering when to have our next one (we don't have them over the summer, as the shop gets too hot)."

Mercie J is interested in developing a curriculum for a homeschool auto shop class, and would appreciate feedback about what such a class should look like via their Facebook page from homeschoolers who would be interested in such a class.

To have an opportunity to earn trust, there is a $40.00 discount (no minimum purchase amount required) given to everyone on their first visit as an incentive to give them a try.

 

Ladybug Portraits

It is the best of both worlds for Christy Zamboni.  She gets to homeschool her four children and run a growing business as a photographer in the Phoenix area.  Christy is the one behind the camera for Ladybug Portraits. 

Photography has been a lifelong passion for her.  During college, she worked at a photo lab, and after college, she spent seven years working in a portrait studio until she struck out on her own.  "When I left the portrait studio, I pursued working for myself more, to support my habit," Christy chuckles.

She has been in business for herself for about 15 years.  She started with family and friends, and then began accepting other clients through word-of-mouth.  Her specialties are family, teens, children, babies and pets.  She works mostly in the West Valley, although she will travel east for an additional fee.

*portrait used with permission from Ladybug Portraits

Photography is a family affair in the Zamboni household.  "One of my older daughters accompanies me on my photo shoots as my assistant," Christy says.  "They (my children) have also helped me address and stamp mailings to clients."  Above and beyond actual participation in her business, the creative aspect of her business allows Christy the opportunity to both teach her children about art and learn from their creative expressions.

The nature of the photography business makes it fairly family-friendly.  Christy is able to focus her attention on her children and their schooling during the weekdays, and turn her attention to sittings and events on the weekends.  "As my kids get older, I have more time to dedicate to my photography," she admits.

One of the things she has been able to do within the homeschooling community is to offer portrait days for homeschool groups at a fraction of the cost of a regular, full photography session.  "I also happily offer a discount to homeschool families for full sessions," Christy says.

Her portable studio can take your portraits in your home or an outdoor location.  Contact her on Facebook for more details.

Inspired Occasions

Who knew that the simple decision to bake and decorate a cake on her own for her oldest daughter’s first birthday would lead to a new career for Queen Creek homeschooling mom, Bonnie Adams?  “I had decided to play around with it and see if I could make her cake myself,” Bonnie recalls.  “I took a beginning cake class at Michael’s.  I picked it up fast and right after her first birthday, I started my business.”

Almost nine years have passed since Bonnie opened Inspired Occasions in 2003.  After she fell in love with cake decorating, she knew she had found her calling.  She baked in an inspected kitchen to adhere to health and safety codes.  The rest of the time, she was able to spend decorating, studying and playing around with the various tools and techniques of the cake decorating trade.

When Bonnie opened Inspired Occasions, she had only one child, who was then a young toddler.  In the years since then, she went on to have two more children and begin homeschooling the oldest.  “This (balancing work and homeschooling) is a little tricky,” Bonnie admits.  In her household, it’s important for her to plan ahead for her children’s schooling and the cakes clients have commissioned her to bake.  “We try to get our school done in the morning,” she says.  “Depending on the week, it could move to afternoons.”

Flexibility is key.  Being well organized is crucial.  While Bonnie can and does bake her cakes and work on school with her eldest child at the same time, she must give the frosting and decorating her full attention.  “I stay up late a lot,” she reveals.  “I have a schedule where I try to get all the baking done one day, and the icing and boards another day.  I like to have my cakes done the day before they are needed, as it leaves room for anything unexpected.  However, each week is different for both work and school.  It’s important to be flexible.”

That flexibility has allowed Bonnie the freedom to bake and cook with her children, playing with fondant and supporting and encouraging her oldest daughter to enter several cake decorating competitions herself, as well as do the community service work she finds so important and give Cake Boss a run for his money with some local celebrities.  She has made cakes for Randy Johnson’s daughter and Louis Gonzales’ daughter.  She made a baby shower cake for a group of football players’ wives, and a birthday cake recently for Chester Taylor of the Arizona Cardinals.

Yes, it is very special to have a celebrity clientele, but from (an author’s) personal standpoint here, Bonnie’s commitment to serving her community is more impressive.  She regularly donates cakes for the monthly birthday parties and other special events sponsored by HopeKids and Icing Smiles.  “I enjoy giving back a little bit and helping to make a bright moment in their lives,” Bonnie says of the chronically and critically ill children that both organizations serve.

Bonnie has also recently expanded her services to include decorating classes for homeschoolers.  Her very first class was in my home, and was attended by 10 children who all had a blast with their cupcakes and frostings.  “I really enjoyed teaching the homeschooled kids,” Bonnie says.  “It was a lot of fun and it was nice to see them enjoying it too.  I plan to teach more now!  I have plans for more homeschool classes and to start offering decorating events for birthday parties.”

Homeschooling and military families each enjoy a 10% discount on orders placed with Inspired Occasions.  Homeschool groups can also contact Bonnie about the classes she offers at Bonnie@InspiredOccasions.com.