I’m excited to feature a Smarty Mom I’ve known my entire life, my sister. I’m fortunate to have a great big sis that has been my best friend. She moved to the Queen City five years after me and it’s been great to have our families grow up together. She’s getting ready to open her own business that kids will love, too! Let’s get to know Michele!
SmartyMom: Michele Oger
Name: Michele Oger
Married to: James Oger
Children: Andrew (10); Mikayla (7)
Years in Charlotte: 7 (in October)
Originally from: Indianapolis, IN
Occupation: Creative Manager, Private Brands for Family Dollar
When you moved to the Queen City, you came with both kids until your husband got the house on the market. A new city, new job, new daycare – how did you do it all? Adrenaline and family! We had an awesome opportunity and knew we needed to make the move. We sort of just did it and figured it out later. My sister’s family and my brother-in-law’s family were a huge help. After all, a new city, a toddler and a 4 month old, single momin’ it in a second floor apartment, yep… about as fun as it sounds! Very thankful family was around!
Your starting a new endeavor, tell us about it. Well, sort of the “just do it and figure it out later” again (laughing). I’ve wanted to do the non-corporate art thing for a while, and James & I put out heads together to map out a plan. We came up with Art for All Studio, and found a wonderful location in Matthews, at 51 & Monroe Road. We’ll open June 12, and are looking forward to our open house events on the 12th and 13th. Art for All Studio, as it’s name eludes to, will have something for everyone. We’re offering a kids afternoon camp in July – August, kids nights out, parents nights out, BYOWine painting, etc. We’ll feature local artists, who will come in to teach classes too, ensuring we have something for everyone – Art for All!
What are you looking forward to doing this summer with your family? With the studio opening very soon, we’ll be close to home. Our son Andrew is on the MARA 10U All-Star Baseball Team, which means we’ll be “vacationing” in unknown counties, hanging out at ball fields for a portion of the summer. Beyond this, and spending time getting the studio in full swing, we’ll be on the deck, enjoying family and friends. 
How do you balance it all? We have a strong family, and we’re okay with a cluttered house. I’ve realized that it’s just not possible to work full time, and do everything else, so we let the house work slip just a little! And, I have a lot of coffee! Never enough coffee!
What’s your advice for other working moms? Don’t stress everything. Your coworkers and neighbors aren’t perfect, either – so do what you can, have fun and don’t sweat the small stuff!
Favorite place to eat with your family? We like to go to Your Mom’s Donuts, a local gourmet donut shop in Matthews (right next to Art for All Studio). They have the best tasting donuts, and some really amazing flavors!
Favorite activity to do with your family/kids? Going to the movies, because we don’t go very often, is always a hit with the kids. We often are on the run with baseball, softball, the studio, and our work and school schedules, so getting out to dinner and a movie (Family Date Night) is a favorite activity of ours.
Something you like about Charlotte? All the retail pockets; however that could be bad as I often find myself at a Target and then three minutes down the road, another Target, then three minutes down the road yet another Target. You get the point.
Minivan or SUV? SUV, but it’s not really all that rugged, and I sort of miss the old minivan remote control doors!
Favorite Smarty phone app? I’m sort of addicted to facebook. I really like Pandora and my Michael’s app too. I’m not too flashy – just want to keep up with friends, listen to good music and save a little money on my art supplies!
I could not live without…my sister’s chocolate covered orange peels and dark roast coffee – that’s a must!
