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
