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