15 minutes with Jessica (Foltz) Pratt
Interviewed by Liz Gordon-Hancock

Jessica married Jeremy Pratt from Findlay. She is a stay-at-home mom with three children: Noah, age 8; Ruby 4; and Ellis, 10 months.

Where did you grow up and go to school?
I grew up in Bluffton until I was in my fifth grade of school. I then moved to Arlington, and that is where I graduated high school. I then attended the University of Findlay. 

What brought you back to Bluffton?
I have always wanted to raise my children here in Bluffton. When my husband got a promotion in Lima we decided to move here to be closer to his job. (I convinced the "city boy" to move to a smaller town and he loves it!) We bought a house in Bluffton last year.

What was your first-ever job?
I worked at an Ice cream shop called the Corner Dairy Bar in Mt Blanchard. 

Back in school, what was your favorite cafeteria meal? Who was your favorite teacher or subject and why?
I enjoyed the salad bar. I probably ate it every day in high school. My favorite elementary school teacher was Mrs. Reese. She was my third grade teacher. She was very kind. I also loved art class.

I loved Mrs. Reese too! I think she was everyone's favorite third grade teacher.

Did you ever take music lessons? What instrument?
I did take music lessons here in Bluffton. I was in the strings class where I played the violin.

What do you do in your free time?
When I do get a minute or two, I love to knit, crochet, and sew. I make memory bears out of articles of clothing for people that have lost loved ones or that would just like to have a keepsake. (See picture.)

I understand you're quite crafty, and you sell on Etsy. Can you tell me more about how that got started and what you make/sell?
My mother and grandmother are my biggest inspirations. They both were very crafty: my mother (Linda Foltz) with her painting and just overall craft making; and my grandmother (Ruby Foltz) with her sewing. I have been self taught for the most part with knitting and crocheting. But I owe that talent from my great-aunt. I do sell on Etsy but most of my business is by word of mouth. I make crochet animals and dolls. Along with the memory bears, I have also made quilts and pillows. 

What did you want to be growing up?
Growing up I wanted to be many things from a princess to a veterinarian. I went to school for psychology at the University of Findlay. But at this point in my life I don't see myself being anything other than a mother to my children.

What’s your favorite movie? One where you know all the lines by heart?
My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. It is my "go to" movie for any occasion.

If you could marry any fictional character, who would it be?
I wouldn't want to marry any other person than my husband.

Not even Mr. Darcy? Whoa!

If you weren't raising kids, what do you think you'd be doing?
I would have traveled more. I would have liked and will some day travel to Europe, Australia, Japan, and China.

Additional info:
If you're interested in Jessica's handmade crafts, contact her on Facebook or [email protected].