ETST Behind the Business: Pampered Paparazzi

February 6, 2013 By Kelle

I broke my favorite lens two weeks ago and immediately felt that wish-I-could-go-back regret I’ve felt in similar situations, like getting pulled over for speeding. It was my fault, and I knew it. I had my camera out of its case and was switching lenses, walking around with my camera dangled over my shoulder and carelessly ignoring the risk of damage. As soon as it happened, I told myself I wasn’t going to do this anymore. I knew better, and it was only a matter of time before something like this happened. Even though I have a couple camera cases I love, I still take my camera out by itself, dangle it over my shoulder while we’re out and about or throw other kid junk into my camera case–all risking damage to our important investments.

I got my lens back from the camera “hospital” today, and there’s a new routine for how everything is protected. I still love and use my bigger cases but now everything inside has further protection, thanks to Pampered Paparazzi–homemade neoprene camera and lens cases (think scuba suits for camera gear).

Ever been toting your camera over your shoulder only to swing around and hear it ding the doorway or bang into the wall? Nice. We won’t be dinging anymore with the protective glove that slides nicely over everything. And I’ll feel so much better heading to the beach with this baby.

Brett got a nice “I told you so” out of this, and he’s thrilled to see Mama being responsible.

Mama of two, Nicole Roberts, is the creator of Pampered Paparazzi and shares a bit of her inspiration:

Why protective camera gear? What inspired you to start this shop?

Nicole: As embarrasing as it is to admit, I used to throw my camera into my purse every day. I hated doing it, but with two small kids in tow, I didn’t have enough hands for my giant camera case as well. When a sippy cup of apple juice spilled into my purse and on my camera I knew something had to change. I still wanted to take my camera with me wherever I went so I set out on a search to find what I needed. I wanted something that would protect my camera but it had to fit into my purse. When my search was unsuccessful I simply decided to create what I needed and build it to fit my needs. Pampered Paparazzi was born and over the last few years many cameras have found the protection they needed.

I love hearing about creative work spaces and routines. Describe your work space and a typical day of creating camera cases.

With two children on the go, my typical work hour is anything but typical. I find time between school drop off and pickups, dr. appts, ballet, dinner and baths. Among the chaos, I find comfort in the quiet moments that I can steal to be alone with my thoughts, a cup of tea and my sewing machine. My workspace is located at the base of my bay window which opens up to the hills behind my house. The natural light shines over the piles of fabric, laundry, toys, and magazine cut-outs of dream projects. Someday I hope to have a large sewing room in which I can expand my skills and my business.

Favorite thing about running your business?

As a stay at home mom, I love every moment with my children. However, when I created Pampered Paparazzi it gave me an outlet to be creative and to help provide for my family. It is also very satisifying to know that I have created a product that has been useful to others. With every camera case order that I receive I feel the same pride as when I completed my first case for myself. It is a simple pleasure and pride that I carry with me as I venture back into the carpool lane and into another day of kids, crafts, and craziness.

*****

Pampered Paparazzi offers a variety of styles and colors for camera and lens cases–check them out!

My 50 mm is much happier now.

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