Sarah Nicoli and Lisa Edwards-Timemine.com

Sarah and Lisa's Story

1.      Tell us the story of your journey. Include details about what inspired you to go into business, was this a life long dream or a newer desire. Share as many details as you are comfortable sharing.

We met, like so many moms, when our first kids (now almost 18 and heading off to  college soon) were born. Separately but at about the same time, we each decided to leave the corporate world to reclaim some control over our work/family balance.  We both had retail and product management backgrounds. We also knew the products that we wanted to make could help lots of people live better, more organized and fulfilled lives. By making the choice to prioritize what’s important in our own lives, we’ve helped others do the same. What a perfectly gratifying thing to be able to say!

2.  Did you go into business before or after you had children? How do/did your children affect your decision to go into business.

When we started our business, it was with the understanding that we would work together with the needs of our families always in the mix. Early on, that meant working during and around nap times, nursing schedules and play dates. Since we started the company, we've both added another child to our families-- Sarah now has 3 kids, Lisa has 4. Our kids have grown up with their moms working close by-- they've always understood that sometimes it's time for work and sometimes it's time for play. The neat thing has been to see the real sense of pride and ownership our kids have about our business. Over the years, they have always rolled up their sleeves to pitch in, offered advice on cover designs and been key motivators for us. We think we've juggled it all pretty well and, at the same time, become great role models for all of our kids--sons and daughters alike.

4.      Share your trials and triumphs. We want to hear about your highs and lows. Did you have any low points or worries as well as high points and huge shining moments

In our early days, we had lots of stops and starts. At one point, before we had developed the “right” product and after a couple of failures, we had just over $1000 left from our initial investment and gave ourselves a choice: we could “go for it” one last time or we can just walk away and throw a party with the money. That one final effort we gave it was the time where it just all clicked and here we are today.



More recently, when Borders went out of business, a major point of distribution was lost for our brands AND they owed us a lot of money. It has been another challenging time for us. But, adversity sometimes brings out the best in entrepreneurs and we are happy to say we are more than weathering the storm—we’re back on our feet and are looking at a bright future ahead!



7.      Do you have any encouraging words to share with mom entrepreneurs that may help to keep their spirits up on a trying day. Not necessarily trade secrets that pertain to business but more directed toward encouraging another mom not to give up and/or to keep following a dream.

We would always say “Be true to yourself and you’ll never go wrong.” If you’ve done your homework and know in your heart AND that your business will work, don’t let the bad days get you down. Sometimes it can feel pretty lonely but don’t give up and don’t pay any mind to the naysayers Give your best, be kind to yourself and be patient with it all.

One key to survival as an entrepreneur is learning to "roll with it" when things don't work out as planned. Living and, in fact, thriving amidst chaos and uncertainty is mandatory...fortunately, these are traits that all moms have by default.

Sarah and Lisa's website is www.timemine.com

Kelly Pierson-Whole Lotta Sugar

Kelly's Story

     Tell us the story of your journey. Include details about what inspired you to go into business, was this a lifelong dream or a newer desire. Share as many details as you are comfortable sharing.

      I never thought I would end up with a cake business. I have always enjoyed cooking and baking and sharing it with others. However who knew it would lead to this!

       I started making cakes when I moved to the Weddington area 8 years ago out of necessity more than anything else. There is a certain type of cake that I enjoy, a moist cake with a creamy butter cream frosting. You think that wouldn’t be hard to find but it was. Before I had children, my professional background was in the creative field of advertising. I knew I could come up with  ideas for cakes I just needed the practical skills on how to do it. So I took some cake classes and went from there. So I have to say this path was not intended, but now, besides being with my family it is one of the only things I want to do. I so enjoy it!

      Did you go into business before or after you had children? How do/did your children affect your decision to go into business.

     I started the business making cakes for my children. From there 

     friends asked me to make their cakes. Then people at their   

    parties  started asking me to make their cakes. It just snowballed    

    from there.  Having a creative side I was looking for something I   

     could do that would not interfere with the needs of my family. 

     Creating cakes gave me the ability to work around their schedules.

      Share your trials and triumphs. We want to hear about your highs and lows. Did you have any low points or worries as well as high points and huge shining moments?

      I have learned a lot on this sugar sprinkled journey! Although I didn’t want my cake creating to cause friction with my family it eventually did. I am such a perfectionist, so when I was working on an idea or actually in the act of creating, I often times would not be in the best mood. I always want my product to be the best it can be. So I am hard on myself, and I would in turn be hard on my family at that time. I have learned to let that go. It is a lot easier now for me to leave the cake at the work table. I also stopped doing big cakes. I now focus on my cake balls, which I call itty bittys, and whoopie pies. Those all my true calling. Themed cakes were fun but I could only do one a day because they were so labor intensive. Now I don’t have to turn away as many customers. With my “itty bitty” cake balls and whoopie pies, I can make multiple customers happy a day!

       I have learned that, for now, while my children are young I want my continued focus to be on them. I want to help them become the wonderful people they are blossoming to be and to be positive contributors to the community around them. So although I come up with new cake ball and whoopie pie flavors ideas all the time I need to keep it in check. My goal is to have a healthy life/work balance. I want to enjoy all aspect of my life. So I remind myself everyday to slow down, don’t drive myself crazy and enjoy the present! That can be hard to do!

      My highest highs are always when I get feedback from customers about how much they enjoyed my product. Nothing means more. I am lucky that I get to create edible art for occasions of celebrations. To add to that happiness is my ultimate goal. And there is no better compliment than when someone becomes a repeat customer.

      I had the opportunity to highlight my itty bittys on Charlotte Today earlier this year which was very exciting!

      Do you have any encouraging words to share with mom entrepreneurs that may help

to keep their spirits up on a trying day. Not necessarily trade secrets that pertain to business but more directed toward encouraging another mom not to give up and/or to keep following a dream.

What I can share is this - don’t push yourself to hard. Remember that you are doing this because you love it and you want to share your talents with others. Some days are crazy with heavy workloads or insane time crunches. But if you don’t have the support from your family it is not worth it. So try to keep a good balance. For me, some days are better than others, but everyday my goal is to be the best I can be for my family but most of all for me. Because if I am not able to express my true self than I cannot be good for anyone!

 Kelly's site is www.wholelottasugar.com

 

Romy Taormina-Psi Bands

Romy's Story

Tell us the story of your journey. Include details about what inspired you to go into business, was this a life long dream or a newer desire. Share as many details as you are comfortable sharing.

I always knew I wanted to run my own business, but had no idea that months of debilitating nausea would lead me there! My product is Psi Bands (www.psibands.com), stylish acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness, motion sickness/travel, chemotherapy, and anesthesia.  I discovered the positive effects of using wrist acupressure to alleviate my nausea after experiencing numerous months of terrible morning sickness during my pregnancies. Dissatisfied with existing products on the market, I decided to quit my day job as a grant writer, and create Psi Bands, an FDA-cleared product that is both fashionable and functional for others who suffer from nausea.  Without any experience in product design, medical devices, acupressure, getting a product in front of large retailers and landing a deal, or learning a new language – the lingo spoke by the large retailers (i.e. “slotting”, “TPRs”, “MDF”, “planograms”, “clip strips”). The resulting Psi Bands come in five fun designs, and are uniquely adjustable at two areas, around the wrist like a watch and at the acupressure point for personalized comfort. They are also waterproof (no more soggy wrist bands), reusable and affordable. With Psi Bands, those who suffer from the VERY common, yet debilitating condition of nausea can feel better – in style and comfort!

Did you go into business before or after you had children? How do/did your children affect your decision to go into business.

Of course, without having been pregnant (and suffering with morning sickness) I never would have conceived of Psi Bands. So, I certainly have my kids to thank for the idea! I strongly believe in using my business to teach my kids (now ages 11 and 9) life lessons. Our children intuitively understand many things for which we often do not give them credit. Involve your children in the business wherever possible. Share with them why you are doing what you do. They learn determination and hard work through our example.

Share your trials and triumphs. We want to hear about your highs and lows. Did you have any low points or worries as well as high points and huge shining moments?

We did not know that Psi Bands were considered a medical device and had to have FDA clearance. When we found out, we pulled product from shelves and later re-launched. This was a huge obstacle, but we overcame through determination and hard work. Psi Bands make a measureable and positive difference in the lives of those who suffer from nausea so we kept focused on getting our product to the masses.

Probably the characteristic I have that is most essential to success is determination and not taking “no” for an answer. “No” may mean “no” right now, but it doesn't mean “no” forever. For example, when I first approached a major retailer, I was told that until we had our FDA-clearance that he would not even speak with me. The day after we received our clearance, I was on the phone telling this buyer that he promised to speak with me once we had our clearance. He was all ears, and we eventually landed that account.

Do you have any encouraging words to share with mom entrepreneurs that may help to keep their spirits up on a trying day. Not necessarily trade secrets that pertain to business but more directed toward encouraging another mom not to give up and/or to keep following a dream.

Believe in yourself. (If I could add one more, it would be: There will be bumps. Savor the Journey.) I would strongly recommend joining other female entrepreneur support groups such as Savor the Success or Make Mine a Million $ Business. The women in these groups are dynamic, experienced, creative, and believe in the motto: “give, give, get”. There is sharing of information, both professionally and personally. I feel so fortunate to be able to provide and receive feedback from these talented groups.

Romy's site is www.psibands.com

Dylan Glanzer-Parties By Dylan

Dylan's Story
I had always wanted to be on stage singing and acting since I was a little girl. Nothing could have swayed me from this dream. But after majoring in Theatre in undergrad and spending about 5 years in the NYC doing LOTS of auditions, some acting work, and waiting tables, I audtioned for a children's play program that changed the course of my life! Once I decided that the "Big Break" wasn't coming (well, fast enough!) I opted for marriage and was hoping one day to have children. Fast forward a few years and I was lucky enough to have my first child at the same time that I got my teaching degree. Wanting very much to stay at home with my son, I didn't want to go for that full time teaching job. Time to get creative! What was I good at? Hmmm. Singing, Performing, and Teaching! I put that all together and started calling preschools to see if they needed a music teacher. Doing children's parties just came right out of that! So now another fast forward, and I have been running my own children's party business and teaching my own music program at a variety of preschools for almost 20 years. I love my job, and thanks to my business coach and to Savor, I am expanding it. I now have 2 employees doing parties in my company! This is so exciting and fun. I have 2 children now 11 years old and 14 years old. I am proud to have created not just a job for myself, but a home based business that allows me so spend my energy singing and performing for my favorite audience, children under 6 AND I still have plenty of time to enjoy being a mom!!

Dylan's site is  www.partiesbydylan.com



Melody Stevens-Time Millionaire

Melody's story

I became owner of a music academy in 1997, before I had my daughter. I worked feverishly and was doing almost everything myself- the voice and piano teaching, admin, book keeping, dealing with customer service, marketing, advertising, etc. I was exhausted and was making peanuts for money. This went on for 4 years and then it struck me.

I was 33 years old and I wanted to have a baby.

It was that desire that inspired me to start to develop my time wealth. As it was, there was no way I was going to find the time to actually birth a child, let alone allow my body to heal for a few weeks.

And there was no way I was giving up on my business.

Long story short, I hired a business coach, read Michael Gerber's "The E Myth," hired an office manager and a book keeper. 6 months later, I was earning a steady, respectable salary and then got pregnant.

9 months later I had my daughter Sarah (now 9 years old) and I took a 2 month maternity leave from my business while it not only ran without me, but we expanded into a satalite location. I did nothing but breast feed my daughter and allow my body to heal; oh, and I tried to re-negotiate one of my leases because I got a little bored on my maternity leave (LOL).....but that's a whole other story.

I collected disability while on maternity leave, and upon my return, my salary was there for me and my business was up in enrollment.

My daughter remains my main inspiration.

Melody's site is www.Timemillionaireonline.com

Kim Shanahan-Book Bouquet Gift Baskets

Kim's Story


1. Tell us the story of your journey. Include details about what inspired you to go into business, was this a life long dream or a newer desire. Share as many details as you are comfortable sharing.

In 1998 I came up for the idea of a "book bouquet" when I wanted to send a gift to a sick friend in the hospital. With my busy two year old son in tow buying, wrapping and sending my gift took longer than I liked. I found myself wishing for a company that would do just that. Since there was none I decided to create it. I named my company Book Bouquet because I wanted giving books to be just as pretty as a bouquet of flowers.

2. Did you go into business before or after you had children? How do/did your children affect your decision to go into business.

My decision to start my own business was affected by two big things.  First my husband is in the army and that means we move more than the average family.  Second I had one child and wanted to leave the stress of working and worrying about him from my life.  Back in 1998 when I first came up with the idea the internet was very new.  I realized I could build a business online that would allow me to move and raise my child without having to change my business every time my life changed.

3. Share your trials and triumphs. We want to hear about your highs and lows. Did you have any low points or worries as well as high points and huge shining moments?

There are a lot of trial and triumphs when you have been in business more than 10 years.  For me the biggest triumph is having three kids who I am able to take to doctor appointments, attend school functions and be their Mom while running a business.  Having worked when I had one child I know that I am truly blessed to have a life that I make work around the things that are important to me, and not a life where I have to work around my "work" schedule.  The low point came three years ago when the economy really started to tank.  I was lucky in that business always found me and I didn't have to really work hard at sales.  Since the shift in the economy my sales have been down and it's been more challenging to do business in this economy.  I find myself learning about social media, facebook and marketing now that I have to work harder for the sale.  (PS, that is not a bad thing, learning is growing!)

4. Do you have any encouraging words to share with mom entrepreneurs that may help to keep their spirits up on a trying day. Not necessarily trade secrets that pertain to business but more directed toward encouraging another mom not to give up and/or to keep following a dream.

If you believe in your soul that you are on the right path then follow that path.  Early on I had a product that I believed to be a great product, but it was not selling.  I was getting ready to remove the product from our line when a new drop shipper of ours came on board and started selling it like crazy.  Now it is our 3rd bestselling product out of 100 different gift baskets that we offer.  I kept that product around because I knew in my heart it was a good product.  Turns out the issue was with the marketing for it not the product itself.  The lesson I learned on this was before you give up on something that you truly believe in look at it from new angles.  It might be it hasn't worked because the approach is wrong, but the idea itself is still right.

Kim's site is 

www.Bookbouquet.com

Julie Cole-Mabel's Labels Inc.

Julie's Story

1.      Tell us the story of your journey. Include details about what inspired you to go into business, was this a life long dream or a newer desire. Share as many details as you are comfortable sharing.

My business partners and I were all working in the traditional workforce and managing our young families. When my eldest son was diagnosed with autism, I quickly realized the law books would have to be shelved and the search for a family-friendly and flexible career began. In addition, there was a product missing from the market. We wanted to create adorable but incredibly durable labels for all the stuff kids lose. Our clever little business plan combined with the needs of our families provided all the inspiration we needed!

2.   Did you go into business before or after you had children? How do/did your children affect your decision to go into business.

The product idea came as a direct result of having children and noticing a product missing from the market. This observation would not have been made if not for being young mothers!

3.      Share your trials and triumphs. We want to hear about your highs and lows. Did you have any low points or worries as well as high points and huge shining moments?

   

There are several reasons we have felt successful. First and foremost, we are doing what

 we love. There are four business partners who together have a fantastic range of

knowledge that we've been able to apply to the business.

 As business owners, we are committed to Mabel's Labels and we have a team of amazing and loyal staff whose contributions are endless. Our products are innovative and fun and we recognize that our customers are at the heart of our business. We have been willing to take risks, and for small businesses that is a hard step to take. Because we took risks, we have reaped many rewards – from incredible press to prestigious business awards. The downside to risk-taking is the worry and stress that goes along with it! We self-funded this business and all left professional careers behind in order to pursue this, which made for some scary moments especially in those early days.

4.   Do you have any encouraging words to share with mom entrepreneurs that may help to keep their spirits up on a trying day. Not necessarily trade secrets that pertain to business but more directed toward encouraging another mom not to give up and/or to keep following a dream.

Women are starting successful businesses and a phenomenal rate. There is no reason why you can’t be one of those women. I have a few bits of advice that might be useful. Firstly, be sure to use your social capital. You know people who can help you so don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Also remember that you have to be the strategic thinker in your business so don’t get so busy working ‘in” the business and forget to work strategically “on” the business. We also remind ourselves that if you don’t love it, don’t do it. This applies to everything – how an ad looks, how a phrase in your brochure sounds, to the actual work you do every day. Know that sometimes you have to put the cart before the horse if you want to grow. That can be very frightening, but if you don’t take risks, your business will not move to the next level. Finally, while you may be the ‘boss’, treat everyone else like they are your boss – your customers, suppliers, employees, etc. If you are not completely accountable to them, you won’t be the boss for long!

Julie's site is www.mabel.ca

Cindie Baines-Dazzle Designz

Cindie's Story

Even as a child, I had a passion to create and loved writing poetry, short stories & drawing.  As I grew into adulthood, I was always looking for something to do usingmy creative side so would spend a lot of time at the craft stores.  As a stay at home Mom,creative time was limited but I would find some spare time here and there and  tried everything from sewing to beading to ceramics and painting.  My kids had their own creative sides and also enjoyed a variety of crafts.  They would pick out their own crafty projects such as modeling clay, painting by numbers and beading kits.  My sister was crafty too and after our kids started school, we did tole painting, made earrings and other things and sold our items at craft fairs.  Of course, we spent a lot more money on supplies than we ever made back but still had fun doing it!  I became interested in ceramics at some point and purchased a small kiln, dabbled in clay, and used cookie cutters to cut out heart shapes and pressed them with lace and various other textures to create hanging banners. The hearts were strung together with ribbons and decorated with a variety of dried flowers.  I began selling them to a local gift shop and found that the time I had to spend drying and baking the clay was overwhelming.  I decided to move on to another passion which was painting.  I learned about faux finishes and loved painting the walls in our house, using a variety of techniques and decorating my kid’s rooms was so much fun!

I soon began painting florals on pottery and furniture and a neighbor who owned a local gift shop would send me pieces to paint on a commission basis.  It was so exciting to get paid for something I loved to do!  I did this for a couple of years and decided to open an online business to try selling my furniture items.  I soon discovered that it was too time consuming but wasn’t going to give up on using my creativity somehow.  That’s when I discovered website design.  I thought “wow”, I can learn how to do that! So, I scoured the internet and found lots of tutorials about building websites and taught myself the basics.  In 2006, Dazzle Designz was born and I got my first sale after only a couple of weeks of

opening!

The business grew quite steadily from there and I have lots of clients that I still do work for from several years ago.  A majority of my clients come to me by “word of mouth” referrals from other clients which is the best and most satisfying way to grow…just knowing that my clients are truly happy and send more business my way is the best kind of compliment I could ever receive!

My creative and entrepreneurial spirit has driven me to try many things before finding my dream business and has taught me to never give up! Cindie's site is http://www.dazzledesignz.com

The Mission

When I started my business www.violetgumdrop.com in 2007, I looked for inspiration from other moms in business. I wanted to find success stories to read but it was surprisingly harder than I expected. I didn't necessarily want to find trade secrets or how to tips, but instead I wanted to hear about trials and triumphs and the day to day ups and downs. I have started mom accomplished in effort to gather stories from wonderful, successful, moms in business and share them with you (and me :) ).If you want to submit your story or know someone who does, please send them our way. Happy reading! :)
xo
Darcee