We are excited to introduce you to local mom Amy Miller, who has a deep personal connection to Under the Moonlight Magazine as its owner.
Tell us all about you and what inspired you to start your magazine.
Under the Moonlight Magazine was brought to life through a culmination of influences and experiences. Several years ago, I read the book “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer and felt so hopeful about the idea of cultivating a relationship with the earth as a way to help take care of her. In “Braiding Sweetgrass,” Kimmerer writes, “Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate.
But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” Under the Moonlight Magazine was born out of a desire to create something that might help foster this kind of connection to the earth with children and their families. I am a big proponent of preserving childhood, and I place a high value on art, imagination, and creativity. All these values were woven together to form Under the Moonlight magazine.
Tell us all about your magazine. What can parents/kids expect?
Families and children reading Under the Moonlight may be transported to an imaginary world where a tiny village of gnomes, fairies, and miniature winged horses could be just underfoot. They may be reminded that being outside, feeling the sun on your face, looking for butterflies, or listening to the birds sing fosters true happiness and joy.
They may feel a gentle nudge to spend more time amongst the trees, flowers, and creatures right outside their door.
What do you love about Minnesota? Why is this a great community for local small businesses?
I’m not sure I understood what made Minnesota so special when I was younger. I took for granted the up-north, pine-scented summers and hot chocolate, sledding hill winters. As an adult and now raising my own family, I see the true beauty and uniqueness of Minnesota. I love living in a state with such dramatic changes throughout the year, where the weather (and our landscape) gives us opportunities for such a wide range of experiences. I have found the Twin Cities to be very supportive of smaller, local businesses, including my own. I’ve also been encouraged by the many women-owned businesses that love to collaborate and lift each other up. I feel very supported by the local community!
What is the best way for the Minnesota Parent community to support your business?
The best way to support us is to give our latest issue a try! If it sparks your imagination or ignites a desire to head outside, let us know. Or better yet, share it with another family you think might enjoy it.
How does your magazine inspire parents and their children?
I love to imagine parents and children snuggled up before bed, reading Under the Moonlight together, or packing up for a picnic inspired by our latest issue. The stories, activities, and crafts are designed specifically to nurture a connection with each other and the earth. They are filled with art and words that are life-giving, nature loving, and imagination filled.
We try to keep everything very simple, so there is nothing to buy or do before getting right into a recipe, activity, or craft.
We lean heavily on time-trusted, old-fashioned ways of being together or being outside. We believe our magazine is very user-friendly while helping to instill a sense of wonder and magic in relation to the natural world.
Tell us about you! Your family, why you love being a parent. What brings you joy?
I love puttering in the garden, painting in my studio, reading a good book, and visiting the North Shore. I also love to learn and would probably go to school forever if it were free. I finished my master’s degree in art therapy the year my youngest was born.
I have four children, ages 7 to 18. While it is definitely the hardest job I’ve ever done, it’s also the title I wear most proudly. I’m happiest when I remember to be present in the little moments of family life: reading our latest read-aloud book, the random walk on a Tuesday afternoon with our pets trailing alongside us, saying yes to ice cream after a river swim. Watching them grow into themselves has been one of the great joys of my life.
Tell us about your favorite places to go with your kids? Restaurants, roads trips, parks etc.
Restaurants: In the Stillwater area, we love Feller, Mon Petit Cheri, and The Velveteen. If we are heading into the cities, we always love French Meadow.
Parks: We love Interstate Park or anywhere along the St. Croix River.
Road Trips: We love the North Shore, hiking the various parks around Lake Superior, and taking classes at North House Folk School.
Let us know where our readers can find you!
Website https://www.underthemoonlightmagazine.com
Instagram @underthemoonlightmagazine
Email amy@underthemoonlightmagazine.com
