While she may appear straight out of the past, Byler is a thoroughly modern-day businesswoman, wife, mother and artist.
She owns and manages the vintage retail store Mommalicious on North Queen Street, where she sells home furnishings and fashion, as well as all sorts of "quirky stuff."
"It's who I am as a person, and I love what I do," said Byler, who has dressed in retro fashions all of her life.
Never far from her work, she lives in an apartment above the shop with her husband and son.
Family is near to her heart. Byler's inspiration for her own artwork — mixed media and collage pieces — always comes from her younger sister, who died 18 years ago in a car accident.
"It's always about love and death," Byler said. "It's the yin and yang of life."
Age: 41
Family: Husband, Dennis, and son, Lucas, 10.
Education: Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, diploma of fine arts; Millersville University, B.F.A., painting.
Something people don't know about me: I have been a painter/ collage artist since the late '80s and still consider myself first and foremost an artist.
Favorite things to do with my family: I love eating breakfast out with my husband, son and my mom, Eileen. Dennis, Lucas and I are voracious movie watchers.
Biggest joy in being a small business owner: The delight my customers feel when they see something from their childhood. I get to hear great stories and their pleasure is contagious.
My industry icons are: Small business owners dedicated to finding new homes for lovely old things.
Hardest part of starting my own business: Working through moments of self-doubt.
Hobbies: Painting, reading, movies, flea markets, eating great local food.
Inspiration: Cy Twombly has been my painting guru for many years.
Favorite fashion decade: I mix and match from the 1940s to the 1970s.
Favorite magazine: British Country Living.
Favorite Book: Anything by Thomas Hardy or A.S. Byatt. This is a tough one because I love to read.
Favorite website: I'd rather read a book.
Favorite food: I love Thai food. But I also love special birthday celebrations at Gibraltar (you know it, Kabi!) and romantic dinners at Effie Ophelia.
If I could go anywhere in the world: New Zealand. But I would love to visit London, too. Or Paris. Italy sounds nice. Or maybe Brazil ...
If I could have anyone over for dinner: The artist and musician Bjork.
Best fashion advice: Go against the rules.
Most influential person in your life: My sister, Janelle, who died 18 years ago. She influences all of my work as an artist.
The perfect day would include: Breakfast out. An hour or two to read. Afternoon tea with a special friend. A few hours in the studio. Family movie night with Dennis and Lucas. Then lovely sleep.
Looking forward to: My husband and I will be celebrating our fifth anniversary in Oaxaca, Mexico, this November during the Day of the Dead.
When I was little, I wanted to be: A veterinarian.
Best advice I ever received: Do what you love.
I believe in: Honesty.
If I could meet my teenage self, I would tell her: Follow your bliss.
Guilty pleasure: I like candy and chips and ice cream and ...
Snack of choice: My husband.
My idea of happiness: A balance of special times with my family and friends, fulfilling work, and creative solitude.
Favorite quote: Be the change you want to see.
The world needs more: Love, baby, love.
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/279405#ixzz1CBG4dhxU
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