Des Moines Mom Movers & Shakers is an annual series celebrating local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in the community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved in, and the work they do. Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.
Hi! I’m Liz Lidgett. I was born and raised in Des Moines. I moved away for college and came back in 2010 to start my career. I married my high school sweetheart, Nick, and we have two amazing kids Rocky (8) an Effie (6). I own an art gallery in Des Moines called Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design where we sell the artwork of 80 artists from around the world and offer full-service interior design.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? Biggest joy?
So far the biggest challenge has been cloning myself so I can be all of the places I’d love to be. I love working and I love my family, together they fill my cup, and most days sacrifices have to be made in one place or another. I’ve come to terms with it but I still feel the pull sometimes. The joys are numerous and infinite. Discovering new things about both kids, experiencing big things and everyday things through their eyes, their laughs, regular nights around the dinner table and fun adventures. Seeing my husband, and my parents, and my siblings in both kids and how they are this wonderful combination of so many people I love and at the same time they are their own unique people.
How long has your gallery been open? What’s the best part about your job?
The gallery is 7 years old, and I have owned a business in the arts for almost 15 years. I truly love my job. I believe art is for everyone and I love opening the door to the art world to others. Getting to work with artists and clients and my amazing team is a joy.
What’s the hardest part about owning a business?
Oh goodness, it depends on the day on what my answer will be. It can be difficult to not take things personally when you put so much of yourself, time, and resources into the business. Most days I can remember business isn’t personal but it’s a lesson I have had to re-learn a few times.
What do you wish you had known when you started?
In the beginning I fell into the trap of the “Martyr Entrepreneur” and that business owners have to work around the clock and feeling stressed or overworked is just the way it goes. Now, I know having fun doesn’t mean you don’t care — I love this work too much to make it miserable.
Tell us a little about your new book.
Art for Everyone is a practical, step-by-step guide to collecting and curating your own art collection that will transform your space on any budget. The opportunity to create this book was a dream come true.
What do you love about raising a family in Des Moines?
It’s the people — my family members are here and I get to raise my children alongside wonderful friends and family. It’s created a wonderful environment where I feel supported and seen.
Quick Takes:
Favorite local restaurant: Bubba
Describe yourself in 4 words: Passionate. Joyful. Creative. Rooted.
What’s the most random thing in your purse? Supplements. So many supplements.
How/where do you relax? We have a small fishing cabin in Clear Lake. Being by the water brings me a sense of peace as soon as we pull into the driveway. Feet up, Diet Coke and a book in hand, in front of the water.
If your life had a hashtag, what would it be? It’s gotta be #ArtforEveryone, right?
Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.
