Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Anna Muzza & Nancy Gutierrez-Rock Me! Made With Love In The USA

Anna & Nancy'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.

 Nancy and I attended college together and graduated with degrees in Fashion Merchandising fromVirginiaCommonwealthUniversity.  We always talked about owning a business.  The hardest part was coming up with the right idea!  After we both gained valuable experience in our field and then had kids, the idea came to us.

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

We went into business after we had children!  They were our inspiration. Nancykept telling me that there had to be a better way to dress babies because the snaps and buttons were so frustrating and when you combined them with a fussy, squirmy baby, they were sometimes a disaster!  After a lot of work, many prototypes, and samples later, we introduced our styles that make dressing babies quick and easy…

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 have been many trials and triumphs and I am sure there are many more to come!  Getting the business going was a huge trial.  From the government paperwork to picking a logo!  The hardest part was finding fabric companies and manufacturers to even speak to us.  When you are a ‘startup.’ they just don’t want to talk to you.  We went through many ups and downs… it is exciting and worrisome all at the same time!  Triumphs would include the bloggers that write us asking to feature Rock Me, our Parenting Magazine feature, our feature on the Today Show, and winning a contest that will be announced in September!

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.

Just keep your chin up and think positive thoughts!  The world operates on the law of attraction so you want to attract positivity!  Things always work out so try not to stress about anything.
 
                      

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Louisa Gehring-Semper Finest Care Packages, LLC

Louisa'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.

I started Semper Finest in 2010, while my husband was deployed inAfghanistan. For years, I had sent him and his friends carefully orchestrated care packages, and realized that I had developed a knack for knowing what troops needed the most, how to package it, and how to deal with the many regulations (customs forms, etc) surroundingAPO/FPO package mailing. Around the same time, I had many family members and friends say they wanted to send my husband a package, but didn’t know what to put in it. Unfortunately, after giving them tips and ideas, many of these people never got around to sending a package, because they worked full time and weren’t able to make it first to the store and then to the Post Office during its limited hours.

Given my expertise in sending packages, and my passion for ensuring that no service member went without a package simply because sending it was a hassle, I began Semper Finest. At the same time I was also completing an MBA program, and was looking for a new opportunity to work from home with my baby daughter, so Semper Finest proved to be the perfect solution.

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

Semper Finest started after my first daughter, Caroline, was born. I discovered shortly before her birth that my husband’s impending deployment had been moved up, and that subsequently I would be giving birth two weeks after he left, and raising her alone for the first seven months of her life. Despite this challenge, it allowed me to realize how fulfilling it was to be with Caroline day in and day out, and to discover how much I enjoyed watching her grow (I never intended, nor planned, to be a work-from-home mom!). This satisfaction solidified my drive to go into my own business, so I could create my own hours and make time for my daughter without feeling guilty.

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?

Well….the first thing I tell anyone about starting my own business as a single-member LLC is that your personal attitude becomes the attitude of the business! When I’m having a bad day or am in a funk, that directly affects Semper Finest. If I’m feeling extra productive and creative, Semper Finest reflects that very quickly. No matter how many times I hear it, “no” still hurts, despite the fact that I am aware that many, many successful business owners hear this word much more often than they hear one yes. These types of mind games are the biggest lows for me, because it is hard for me to remain positive and know that I can persevere.

Despite these lows, which often come after big events in my personal life that compromise my professional time (moving across country, giving birth to our second daughter), there have been many highs. I received an award as one of the Top 200 Startup Nation Mom-Owned Businesses, and have been featured in many publications, including GetMilkshake.com, The Jacksonville Daily News, Babies.com, and in an upcoming issue of a large national magazine. These highs don’t begin to compare to the biggest high, which comes in the form of thank-you emails I receive from service members who have received a donated package from one of our customers. To know that we are making a difference is a huge motivator for me.

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.

As I said above, don’t let your head take over your business! On bad days, it’s incredibly easy to want to fold up shop and close the chapter. But just remember – there are people out there who realize how wonderful your business is, and we will always be our own worst enemy. Also, being a business owner is a lot like being a mom – in the midst of seemingly normal, mundane days, a great result arises. Just keep being your best and you will make a difference!

Louisa's site is www.Semperfinest.com

 

Friday, July 20, 2012

Andrea Van Ness-Thumbuddy To Love

Andrea'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 name is Andrea Wulfing Van Ness and I started a company called Thumbuddy To Love® (ThumbuddyToLove.com) because I wanted to help children stop thumb sucking and make it a positive experience for them without the use of thumb polish (chemicals) or apparatuses thatdentists put in a child’s mouth that are costly and uncomfortable. Thumbuddy To Love® is forboys and girls and it comes with a beautifully illustrated book and matching thumb puppet in thecharacters of Ballerina Sue and/or Fireman Fred. I was a thumb sucker and I remember all the negative things my friends and family tried to do to get me to quit. To give up a comforting habit is hard and you need something positive to replace it. My grandmother made me a thumb puppet and it was her positive words and handmade thumb puppet that helped me to break the habit in no time.  I was so proud, that I took it everywhere including school.  Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier sucking can cause problems with growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth (American Dental Association). I was inspired to create Thumbuddy because there were not any positive teaching tools out there for thumb suckers. The books also come with a calendar and stickers that kids can mark off days and get involved. Dentists love it because they now have something fun and non-shameful for parents and their kids/patients. Kids love it because they don’t have to wear a glove or contraption or bitter nail polish. Thumbuddy To Love received a Mom’s Choice Award the year it came to market. My newest product is called the Binky Fairy and it helps children break the pacifier habit without all the tears or fuss. It calms children in knowing where their pacifiers go and just like the tooth fairy; she comes in the middle of the night to collect the pacifiers and leaves a Binky Fairy Puppet under their pillow so children look forward to waking and knowing she came! All of the Thumbuddy To Love® products are available on amazon or the website www.thumbuddytolove.com.

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

I went into business after I had children. I wanted to be more available and at home so I left my real estate job and started Thumbuddy to Love out of my home.

 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?

The only low points were really getting the business off the ground. Doing samples, getting the website up and spending money on marketing to get a business going can be stressful when money is not coming in yet. The high points were receiving a Mom’s Choice Award in my first year in business and then a PTPA Award for my product was a feeling of accomplishment.

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.

I would stick with your gut feelings, believe in yourself and your product and the rest will work out in due time. Always remember that business does not succeed overnight. It is over a period of time and it may take years, but hard work does pay off.

Andrea's website is www.Thumbuddytolove.com




Friday, June 15, 2012

Ros Guerrero-Ficklets

Ros'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.

The concept of entrepreneurship was first introduced to me in my early twenties and was intrigued from the get-go. It wasn’t until years later after learning about my daughter’s mental disability when my entrepreneurial passion soared like never before. Since then I have started a few businesses in my search for the business with the right fit – real estate investor, window drapery design and nail salon. And now Ficklets, the most inspiring and most fulfilling venture to date.   

Ficklets, the name of my busines and the product I invented in 2007, was an idea inspired by my teen special needs daughter, Gem who has worn glasses since she was 6 years old.  Ficklets are the first  interchangeable charms for eyeglasses in the marketplace and in 2009 was granted patent. I endearingly refer to my invention as my "couch potato" (instead of the proverbial “kitchen table”) idea because the idea came to me as I was literally sitting on the couch one evening watching one of my favorite business shows. My daughter walked into the room and all I could see were her eyeglasses. As I focused on her eyeglasses, it got me thinking, “Wow, we need to add some color and life to your tired, old glasses.” This, I believe, was my ‘a-ha’ moment.

2. 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 most of my businesses after my daughter was born. Her disability was my biggest inspiration to go out on my own. I felt realistically the job opportunities for her would be limited or non-existent and wanted to provide that for her. Moreover, I wanted a business that would ensure financial security for a quality life long after I’m gone. 

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?

Oh boy, the first time we received an online order was a big thrill! I think I did the “happy dance”. Another high point was the positive reception, praise and orders we received at our first industry trade show the first year we were in business. We’ve also been very grateful at the fact that the optical industry has embraced us. In 2010, we landed our first US distributor and a second distributor the following year; both reputable, long-standing companies in the optical industry. This year, we landed an optical distributor in the United Kingdom. We’ve also been featured twice in one of the top industry magazines. 

One of the lowest points was almost letting the business go as we were going into our second year. I had placed the business aside to care for my cancer-stricken sister fulltime. After several months of treatment, she lost her fight with cancer. I was devastated beyond comprehension and lost my passion and desire to continue building the business. As you know, once momentum is lost, it’s very challenging to regain that forward movement.

That is, until one day after all was calm from my sister’s passing and funeral… as if the Universe timed it perfectly, we got an online order out of nowhere. That was the little spark of inspiration that helped me get back on track.

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.

I’ll start with this quote: “pain is temporary… quitting is forever”. Truth be told… there are moments/stages the passion for my business wanes or days when it is almost non-existent, and the stress and disappointments sometimes too much to bear. To be an entrepreneur, I’ve learned and still learning, is that I have to embrace the good, the bad and the ugly of business… it’s all a part of the journey. So, in order to get through these trying times, I prepare, fortify and reignite my passion to remind myself the reason I chose this arduous path.

I think it’s so important to refill your passion cup by indulging in what feeds your spirit and engaging in “inspirational activities”. This shouldn’t be something you have to plan extensively or require too much effort. It should be simple and easy and most importantly bring you joy. You work 24/7 on your business, so the last thing you should have to do is work to get inspired, which essentially defeats the purpose. 

For me, this may be perusing interior design magazines, window-shopping at furniture stores, coffee date with a good friend, going to the movies (which I do regularly), or call a friend and chat for hours. Remember, it should be simple, easy and fun! 

Ros's website is www.Ficklets.com



 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Phyllis Pometta-Baby Swags & Tots To Teens Magazine

Phyllis'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.

 I have a degree in Marketing and Retail but instead of following my initial dream, I stuck with a career that was secure and paid well. Then I left my job to raise my children…but I needed something to do. I was always crafty and started making cute little blankets for babies, and then experimented with another medium, the bandana. Before Baby Swags was even a thought, I had turned my hobby into a little business, Bandana Boutique. I would create anything and everything using bandanas. It was a huge hit. I made home décor, pillows, baby blankets, shower curtains, tablecloths…you name it, I made it! I am self taught in html, coding and dabbled a bit in graphics and photo editing, which isn’t my strong suit, but I did what I had to do to get my business started. Everything I have done, I have taught myself…even now. I had my bandana products seen on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition as a result of my own SEO. I was then covered in local media and was asked to take part in a celebrity gift suite.

 As you can imagine, I was beyond thrilled to take part in a celebrity gift suite. When I was there I noticed that moms like me owned many of the participating companies. We were all on tight budgets and the event pretty much ate all of our advertising and marketing money. Yet, I saw what the celebrity world could do for my own business. So when I came home, I wondered if there was a better and more affordable way to reach celebrities. It suddenly hit me: celebrity gifting, using gift baskets. Within one month after my light bulb moment, I had my website completed, I distributed a press release, and had emails from fellow mompreneurs who wanted their products to be part of my gifting venture.

 It took a lot of research at first, but everything just sort of fell into place. I didn’t have a budget, since I already had a budding business; this was something I was just going to test out to see if it worked and if I liked it. When I received my first signed autographed celebrity photo, I knew I was on to something. Then came the celebrity thank you notes and calls, and paparazzi photos featuring my client moms’ products. It was a whirlwind experience and still is! I didn’t have a business plan, or any real goals. I did a lot of the work myself (and still do), with the exception of having a friend help design the initial logo and website. It got to a point that I only had time for one business, and had to decide between Baby Swags or Bandana Boutique. I asked myself: Which makes me happier? What do I get more excited about? Which one can I see myself doing for the long haul? The answer was Baby Swags. After 5 years, a collapsing economy, and seeing other gifting companies pop up and then disappear; Baby Swags is still standing, and getting stronger every day! This year I put together a fully functioning business plan. Now I have goals that I know are within reach.

As if Baby Swags weren’t enough, I always loved writing and sharing my points of views and so I took on another adventure and started Tots To Teens Magazine.  It was my vision to have it become a printed buyers guide for all products relating to tot to teens and in*B*tweens.  I have published many digital magazines since I started it in 2010, however the website itself is something that is also becoming quite popular.  Now I am finding myself having to juggle two businesses once again!

2. 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 my businesses after I already had my three children.  I started my bandana business after my oldest (then 5) asked me to make her a halter-top using her dad’s bandana she found.  I did, but that wasn’t enough.  She needed a skirt and that is what lead to the start of my business journeys.  My children have always loved watching me work.  They get a thrill when they ask who is going to get that gift and for instance, I sent a rather large gift basket to Ellen DeGeneres on behalf of my clients, and when it was all packaged up, my daughter (7) asked whom I was sending this one to and I replied, Ellen.  She just looked at me with big eyes and said, “THE Ellen? The one on TV?”  It was so cute that it just made me smile because I think at that moment, she finally got it, and she understood what I did for a living.  They may not have fully understood what it was I did for all those years when they were younger, but I know they admired me because at one time or another because they would tell me that they want to do work just like mommy, or they want to have their own business too…which as you know, is music to any entrepreneur’s ears!

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?”

I have had many high points over the last 6 years.  My first thank you note was from Jennie Garth and many more followed.  I’ve had my clients products spotted on A-List celebrity children such as Jennifer Lopez’s daughter, Emme, Jessica Alba’s daughters, Honor and Haven, Halle Berry’s daughter Nahla, and Jennifer Garners girls, Violet and Seraphina.  Then I had the amazing opportunity to work with Tori Spelling and her clothing line, little maven by Tori Spelling, I got to have my clients products featured on the tv show, The Doctors and be included in a celebrity baby shower hosted by Jennifer Love Hewitt, the list goes on!  There are also low points when you don’t receive the recognition that you were hoping for, for your clients and for yourself.  There are also competitor issues to deal with…even in the product placement business, you always have to be thinking and you have to be one step ahead of your competitors as you would in any other business. 

3. 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.



  • Every day is a challenge when you run your own business.  I do have my moments just like any other entrepreneur.  “Am I doing this right”, “Could I be doing this or that better”, “How do I get more clients in this type of economy”, “Am I doing what I’m supposed to be doing”, those types of thoughts enter my head and when they do, I have to remember how far I’ve come, the things I have accomplished, the companies I have helped by getting their products to their most favorite celebrities.  It’s a lot harder to knock yourself down than build yourself up.  We tend to hold on to the things that did knock us down and we really have to put a lot more effort into remembering all the good that we have done or what accomplishments we did achieve.   Dreams and visions can change over time.  What you once thought you wanted may not be what you want today.  One twist or turn of events could open another door for you and take you to a place you never thought you’d be.  You have to be completely open to any type of opportunity for those opportunities to come to you.  Being a mom entrepreneur is an extremely hard balancing act.  You will have people pulling you from every direction imaginable.  The one thing to remember is you are doing this so you can stay home with your children. Your strength will be put to the test, many times. You must never forget who you are: You are a business owner and a mom. Most importantly, you are a woman… a very strong woman who can do anything she sets her mind to.

Phyllis's website's are www.Babyswags.com and www.Totstoteensmagazine.com



 

Friday, June 1, 2012

Leslee Kanar-Real Ryder Revolution/R3


Leslee'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.

I was always a cyclist and spinning instructor and wanted to open my own studio. After several years I finally followed my passion and desire and decided to pursue my dream. I knew I wanted to be successful so I traveled to New York and Toronto to research all of the cutting edge equipment and methods. I opened my studio while going through a divorce.  We started with 15 bikes in a temporary studio and it was so successful that we quickly outgrew our space and moved into a larger location. We now own 4 locations. I have three studios in the suburbs of  Detroit and one in Chicago. I went into business with an old friend of mine and the husband of one of my clients who had been looking to start a new business. I work at all four locations and I work seven days a week! I run the Michigan locations during the week and travel to Chicago on the weekends. 

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 kids are so proud of me, that is the best part of all of this. My son was 8 and my daughter was 11 when I first opened and they were worried for me. They were concerened about the financial risk that it could be and they were worried because they weren't used to me working. Their lives changed quite a bit because now they had a full time working mom where before I was teaching classes when they were in school and I was able to work around their schedules.

Soon after we opened, the community had such a positive response and people would literally walk up to my kids and tell them how wonderful their mom is and gave such great feedback about the workouts and the mission. They loved hearing numerous success stories from parents of their friends who were losing weight and feeling great. Their friends were even coming to school with Real Ryder Revolution water bottles. They realized that everyone who was getting involved with R3 felt so good about themselves and they wanted to get involved and be part of it too. They are already asking to work the front desk and eventually want to teach classes.

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?

  The biggest challenge was finding the best quality instructors. It was a huge goal for us and at first not all of them turned out to be great. Our high points have been obtaining the best equipment, having nothing but respect amongst the fifty plus employees and owners and feeling like everyone who is part of R3 is a family. There is nothing more fun than checking my facebook wall at the end of the day and seeing all of the wonderful posts from our members who are excited to share their success stories.

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.

My advice is to follow your dream. If you want something so badly and you're passionate about it, have confidence in yourself and do it. I knew I was a hard worker and I could do it so I followed my dream and succeeded. My mother died young and from that moment I knew then that you have one life so it's so important to be with who you want to, do what you want to do,be positive and always try and do the right thing. I am so lucky to be in a supportive relationship and to have wonderful and supportive friends. My support system was there for me throughout my divorce and though the process of starting and growing my business. This has played a huge role in my success.

Leslee's Website is www.Realryderrevolution.com



 

Monday, May 21, 2012

Cristie Ritz King-Real Life Wellness

Cristie'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.

I wish I could say being in business for myself was a life-long dream but that would imply I’ve always known what I wanted to be when I grew up! What I’ve always known is what I love, which is working with people, sharing knowledge and doing it as I see fit. I’m not a control freak in most things, but when it comes to how I spend my time, I am most comfortable deciding that on my own. So I guess I’ve always known that I wanted to be my own boss. I just didn’t know how. I started a business years ago in direct sales and learned from the incredible women I was surrounded by how to be successful, work hard, and be happy raising a family. I knew from those women that you needed to be passionate about your work to succeed on your own without being miserable. I knew I wanted what they had, it just took me a while to figure out how to do it. My passion wasn’t sales, so I stumbled around a bit before hitting on the right formula. I was a teacher before I had kids so I knew I liked and was good at talking to groups. I started blogging and freelance writing while I was home with my kids so I knew I loved writing and the online world. I also knew I loved cooking and talking to people about food. I got very into health and wellness when my youngest child had some digestive issues and I had to learn how to shed “baby” weight within the confines of my crazy schedule.

I thought of med-school, personal training or counseling. But I had a Master’s degree already and the financial burden of that much more school for perhaps one subject that wasn’t quite right was daunting. Then I found a school that taught Integrative Nutrition which combines dietary theory and coaching/counseling theory and I knew I found what I was looking for. Now I get to help other women navigate the world of food and nutrition for themselves and their kids. I get to apply all I’ve learned by guiding others toward a better life. And I get to do all of this on my own terms. Finally, I have what those women in Direct Sales demonstrated to me all those years ago; passion for what I do and freedom to do it as it works with my life.

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

 I worked full time for someone else until the birth of my second child. After quitting that job to stay home with kids, I  was always sales and freelance writing jobs on my own time. When the kids got older and it was time for more, I couldn’t imagine going back to a job where my hours were set for me. I have gotten very used to designing my own work schedule to optimize the time I can support my kids and build our family. Also, I had truly found what it was to love what you do and work with passion when I started writing and being a mom, so I didn’t want to settle for a plain old job anymore. I was determined to find something that fit the lifestyle I had grown to love.

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?

High points are always when clients are noticeably happy. I love being the support system for women to find their true greatness. There is no better reward than their joy. As for low points, it’s always money for me. I struggle with balancing my inherent need for security and my desire to take risks in order to grow. Leaving full-time work to stay home with kids presented many financial sacrifices. So, my part time work was always for money that went directly to taking care of our family. It’s been a difficult adjustment back to making financial investments in myself for professional purposes. Of course, my work money is separate from my home money, but whenever I invest in something for my business, I often find I have to remind myself it’s ok to use that money for something other than my family. It’s not necessarily a low point. Rather it’s a constant reminder to now accept myself as the professional that I am.

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.

Man, I know it’s hard. There were days where I was ready to throw in the towel and go back to a 9-5 with a steady paycheck and predictable goals and responsibilities. What got me through those days (and still does-they creep up even now) is the knowledge that I can ALWAYS be here for my kids without having to answer to anyone else and that I’m teaching my kids that you CAN be true to your heart in life and work. I really wanted to model for my kids that you can love what you do for work without it being your whole life. I didn’t want my daughter to identify me only as mom because it is important that she knows there is more to women who have kids than just their role as mother. I also don’t want any of my kids to think they have to settle in life. Whenever I think of going back to a job working for someone else I know that will be settling for me and I don’t want to model that as the only viable option. I want my kids to know that they can reach for what feels like a dream. I want them to see firsthand that hard work doesn’t mean misery and that following your heart isn’t just for artists and dreamers but be for anyone willing to do the work. Being in business for myself, doing something that feels good in my soul, that is a dream come true. I want my kids to see that’s possible-no matter how old you are.

Cristie's Website is www.Reallifewellnessnj.com


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Tia Song Roberts-Luv Handles

 Tia'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.

   Tia: I am so thankful to have stumbled upon the business of my dreams!  I never thought I would be one of “the lucky ones’ who truly find their passion and get to live out their dreams.  Thank goodness there was something greater in store for me than what I had initially planned!  I am loving every part of this journey I am on! Every life experience (good or bad) that has occurred has really just been a stepping stone to get me in the right place and at exactly the right moment! 

My journey began after I graduated from Washington State University with big dreams of becoming a news journalist.  Although, I did have a part-time job at Fox Sports in WA, I quickly realized I wanted a full time job.  So, I then worked in the finance industry, which was such a humbling yet rewarding growth experience.  It was also a great foundation to plant the seed for where I am at today!  I can honestly say now, fortunately I did lose my job and what a true blessing in disguise!  Naturally that chapter of my job loss in my life was one the hardest times I have ever been through, yet unknown to me the best blessings in life were just around the corner!  The birth of my 1st son, Talon and then the “accidental” birth of Luv Handles.  I will be forever thankful that my kitchen counter idea sparked by hosting friends for dinner would land me an editorial feature by Martha Stewart as her Dreamers into Doers and then I was giftingHollywood celebrities all within one short year of business!  

 

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

     Tia: I always knew I wanted to have children, I just always felt that it could wait because I have always been so “career” driven, goal oriented and business minded.  I add that losing my job was a blessing because it was a time that I had no choice but to reflect and realize what really mattered to me.  I often wonder if I would even have stopped to “smell the roses” or raise a family if it wasn’t for the loss of my job and the finance industry crash.  Nothing in this world could make up for the birth of my child, he is my life’s reward!  He and my husband are truly the loves of my life and what makes my entire life so fulfilling and literally go around.  I may have learned the hard way but at least it was learned that for me life is not about business awards, climbing the corporate ladder and making tons of money.  To be perfectly honest, I know that I got caught up in that mind set temporarily.  So it is such a blessing to have finally found balance, a true passion for what I am doing and less stress yet more excitement about this time around.  I can honestly say my recent path is what my wildest dreams are made of and more!  It wouldn’t be the American Dream without family, the things that really matter most in life. 

Even before I became a stay at home mom, I always knew being a stay at home mom was one of the hardest jobs in the world.  A job which I never ever pictured myself doing!  Yet look at me now!  But I am forever grateful for this path!  Women are strong, powerful and have the capabilities of doing it all while still chasing their own personal dreams!

 

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.

Tia:  It’s funny when I think about thisNOWand look back at my journey.  I honestly believe that all the bad or low trials in my life were just a stepping stone to get me on the path that is truly meant for me!  Trust me I am not just saying that to sugar coat it!  Yes of course there have been many tears and struggles but I have become a true believer in destiny.  Everything good or bad has really just set the platform for me and my business today.  I believe that is why my Luv Handles sort of took off.  I’m living my life for the right reasons now and it’s leading me to endless opportunities, its actually quite surreal!    I know its easier said than done but I’ve learned its truly about doing what you love, finding your passion as well as life balance, learn from your mistakes, work hard, believe in your gut and that every obstacle placed in your life is only a blessing to make you a stronger person!  What amazes me most and I never take for granted that I have had the opportunity to inspire others!  I never would have dreamt of the day I could inspire someone to live out their dreams and creativity!  I mean I have a hard time inspiring my 2 year old to eat his veggies let alone inspiring 1 other person to live out their full potential! J  That’s what it’s really all about!

 

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.    

                              I am a quote addict!I have a ton to recite but a few of my favorites are these; “Everything happens for a    reason”, “Failure is the tuition for success”,  “Big risks equal big rewards”, “Do not be   timid about your actions, all life is, is an experiment”, “have faith, trust yourself”, and the “things that scare you are probably the things you should be doing”!  It’s truly what all the positive people always say!  If you believe in what you are doing, have a real passion for it, work hard toward your goals then all the pieces will fall into place for you.  Let the “no’s” only fire you up to keep going for your dream and what you want out of this ONE life we are given!

 Tia's Website is www.Luvhandlesbytia.com





 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Erica Diamond-Women on The Fence

 Erica'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. 

I have wanted to be an entrepreneur since I was a little girl playing in my basement pretending to own stores and various businesses. At age 24 I had a plan which was to get my MBA, get a great job and eventually start own company. I ended up failing my GMAT so that plan didn’t work out. At that point I decided to cash in my five thousand dollar savings and start my first company which was promotional products company. 

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

 After I had my first baby I knew I only had one chance to get motherhood right. I had tried juggling my business and motherhood and when I became pregnant with my second son I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. I was thrilled to get an offer I couldn’t refuse from a large company who wanted to purchase my business. After I sold my business, I stayed home as a full time mother from 2006 to 2009 and spent those three years focusing on and loving my kids. In 2009 I got the itch again to do something creative but knew that I did not want to work for someone else. I was very much on the fence. I decided to launch my business as a hub for women who were also on the fence to come and share their stories in the forum. I was excited for other women in a similar position, to have a place to go where they could find women to identify with and get “unstuck" with.

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?

My first shining moment was when that large company wanted to buy my company. I was so honored. Then in 2011 I made the Forbes list for the top 100 sites for women/entrepreneurship twice. Later I was named one of the top 20 women in Canada. Watching my kids grow up is my biggest honor and privilege everyday.

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.

 On a bad day I always say thank goodness there are only 24 hours and that a new morning will always bring new possibilities. All success comes from failure so don’t be afraid to fail. To watch Erica’s speech on Why It’s Good to Fail click here

Erica's website is www.Womenonthefence.com



 

 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Stephanie Shaterian-fLO Content Marketing

Stephanie'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.

       I have always been a person that likes to have control over my own destiny, so the seeds for becoming a business owner were always there, but it took me a while      to recognize that that was my path. For years I led a dual life. I am a creative person with a background in theatre (Graduate of Depaul University Acting Conservatory Program). When I graduated I found that I was more interested in creating my own projects than auditioning for others. (There’s that control thing I was talking about!) I started a highly successful puppet company with my husband in 2001 that performed in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. I also fronted a few indie rock bands. So that takes care of the evenings. During the day, I was holding down a corporate job to pay the bills and working my way up the ladder. I held a number of supervisory positions but ultimately was thrust into the role of a one-person training department. With no experience, I had to build the department from the ground-up, locate resources and train myself. And I loved it!

All this is exhausting enough, but when we decided to have a child the situation really became untenable. I couldn’t have a day life, a night life and be a parent. That’s when I really started thinking seriously about starting my own business as a means of fulfilling all my needs: a creative outlet that utilized my corporate skillz (and pay level) and allowed me time with my child(ren)

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

As I mentioned above, having my daughter was the catalyst for the idea to go into business. I started fLO Content Marketing shortly after my second child was born.

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?

Well, in my limited experience, the life of an entrepreneur tends to be mostly highs or lows with very little in-between! My business ultimately was born out of a spectacular low.

In the summer of 2009 I was pregnant with my second and living a guilty and miserable existence. My corporate work hours had extended to a point where my daughter was in childcare for 10 hours a day including travel. When I was offered the choice between ANOTHER pay cut (the second in less than a year) and a layoff, I took the layoff. In a striking twist of recession-era fate, the start-up my husband was working for shit the bed 2 weeks after my last day. We ended up short-sale-ing our house in Chicago and moving across the country in with the in-laws. Somehow, through all that turmoil I realized that this was the opportunity to build a new life for myself, on my terms. I got the idea for fLO Content Marketing in May of 2010, my first client in October 2010 and officially launched in January 2011. In March 2011, my husband joined me in the business, by June we moved out of the ILs and we closed 2011 not only well in the black but primarily supporting our family on the strength of the business.

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.

This is my favorite part of the other stories shared on Darcee’s Hope! Oh gosh. This is a little counter-intuitive, but sometimes you need to allow yourself to feel bad. Have a pity-party for yourself. Have a good cry.

When I don’t acknowledge my frustrations and disappointments, and I try to push them down and pretend they don’t exist - they keep coming back up! I’ve found that only when I truly accept and acknowledge those feelings, am I able to let them go and focus on what I need to do to rectify the situation.
 
 

 Stephanie's website is www.flocontent.com
 

Friday, April 20, 2012

Jill Salzman-The Founding Moms

Jill'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 journey has too many starting points, but I chalk my entrepreneurial endeavors up to the New York City Marathon.  Really. 

My mom used to watch the NYC Marathon every year on a tiny TV in our kitchen.  She would cry.  She was awestruck.  She impressed upon me that these people had solid determination, patience and an incredibly high threshold for pain.  They impressed my mom, so I wanted to be one of them too.  If you’ve met me, you know that I don’t have a runner’s body…so fortunately for my knees, I did not endeavor to become a professional athlete. 

Instead, I turned the qualities I so desired to have (and the ones that made my mom so happy) and put them into launching a business in the arena I knew more about:  the music business.  After college I worked at a record label for several years watching what happened – the good, the bad, the extremely drug-and-alcohol-afflicted ugly – and I knew after grad school that I wanted to help artists succeed.  So, in 2005, I launched Paperwork Media, a management firm wherein the artists would focus on what they do best and I’d take care of the rest (paperwork, phone calls, etc).  And I loved it.  I woke up every morning raring to go, excited about what opportunities I could create for myself.  It was a freedom I didn’t experience beforehand.  I loved it so much that in 2007, after my daughter received a baby anklet as a gift from family inThailand, I thought I could sell them in theUSand launched a baby jewelry company, The Bumble Brand.  You’d think 1 kid and 2 companies would tie a girl down, but I was ever more productive after having my little girl.  So much so that in 2009, pregnant with baby #2, I launched what was originally “The Momtrepreneur Exchange,” a meetup here in Chicagothat welcomed anyone who self-identified as a mom and entrepreneur to come hang out.  The meetup was so fantastic that I decided to do it monthly.  Six months in, we had 200 members online.  It kept growing…so I decided to open another meetup in a nearby city.  Then I opened one inLos Angeles.  Then New York City.  Lo and behold, 2 years later we’re in 30+ cities around the world, including cities in Canada and Australia. 

I shut down my music management company at the end of 2010 and sold my baby jewelry business last August.  I’m now a full-time Founding Mom and love every second of it.  I speak a lot on small business, entrepreneurship and social media, and this year I came out with a book, Found It: A Field Guide for Mom Entrepreneurs which has been a blast.  Oh!  I did end up running 2 marathons – long before the kids arrived – but those darn knees have stopped me from doing theNew York City marathon.  I’ll leave that accomplishment to others because I’ve found my niche – knee-pain free!

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

            I went into business before I had my first child, but knowing that I wanted to have kids and making sure I build any business in a home office so I could be available for my future children.  I always knew I wanted to be around my kids while working and I’d just figure out a way to work them into my schedule somehow.

 

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?

 Highs and lows?  I have at least 4 of each within each day.  They’re always about different things.  Some days I am on a high because I heard back from a producer of a national network television show about having me on as an expert.  The next day I go into a major low because I discover that the show has been canceled.  The next day could be a website mishap, followed by nasty comments on a blog post, followed by three new members and one Founding Moms’ Exchange (our meetup) who are so inspiring that I’m tickled pink to be doing what I do.  I worry each and every day that I’m not doing enough, and I also have moments each and every day where I realize that I’ve been doing so much, I should slow down.  It is the entrepreneur’s affliction to be on a constant roller-coaster ride, but it’s what makes me tick, too.  And I love it all, or I wouldn’t be doing what I do.

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.

I do!  I have seen too many moms talk themselves right out of launching a business, whether it be a kernel of an idea or a full-fledged dream of theirs.  There are myriad fears:  that there’s no time, that there will be too much guilt about the kids, that they don’t know enough or are not smart enough or don’t have experience enough to do what they really want to do.  And then they sit down and write a business plan that is obviously all theory but again, pushes them right off the edge and convinces them that FOR SURE it would take a miracle to bring in profits so they just shouldn’t bother.  To them I say:  nonsense.  I’ve built 3 successful businesses from scratch and without business plans.  I have two kids (currently ages 2 and 4) who are physically and emotionally demanding but I make it work.  It beats the heck out of working a corporate job where you’re making money for someone else and having to pay for full-time daycare when part-time daycare and flexible hours are king (or queen?) for moms.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and the only way to succeed is to remember that failure is not an option.  Get out there and do it.  Now.

                        Jill's website is www.Foundingmoms.com

                     

 

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Beth Aldrich-Restoring Essence Nutrition

Beth'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.

One day while I was working on my PBS TV series in 2007, I was on my way to filmChicago’s Mayor Daley for a project I was volunteering on. Within minutes (in the back of a taxi cab), I was involved in a very serious car accident. While in the hospital, I had time to think and I realized that the long hours working on my TV series was taking me away from my family, too much. After I got home, I was catching up on some office work and came across an online ad for the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). It hit me like a bolt, “I really want to study holistic nutrition and live my life helping others” My husband agreed and I started my holistic nutrition company, Restoring Essence, LLC. The mission was to help people get back to their true essence in life, health and through nutrition.  After completing my program at IIN throughColumbiaUniversity’s Teacher’s College, I began coaching individuals (mostly moms) as well as corporate wellness programs. Through natural progression, the TV bug pulled me back and I began doing TV news segments on food and nutrition. With this exposure, I was offered the job of national media spokesperson for two companies. A couple of years later, I partnered with my friend, Eve Adamson on the proposal for my book, Real Moms Love to Eat. We were fortunate enough to garner a deal with Penguin Book’s New American Library and we wrote the book in 2010 and the publisher published itJanuary 3, 2012. Throughout the year leading up to the book’s launch, I worked on tour sponsorships and partnerships to help offset costs and to support a successful launch of our book. This was a full-time process, however successful. We were blessed to partner with Bare by Solo, Eco-Forward paper plates/cups; Flatout Bread, the healthy, high-fiber bread alternative, Dreamfields Pasta, the “better” pasta, offering a low glycemic product that’s safe for diabetics, Vitamix Corporation-the world’s BEST blender, ever and Kitchen-Aid, a fantastic kitchen appliance company that offers everything you need for your kitchen. We also partnered with SocialMoms.com, a fantastic online community for moms, for twitter parties, blogger contests and online content, as well as a wine partnership with The Naked Grape Wine, an earth friendly wine that offers the “real” grape.



Writing a book has been something I’ve always wanted to do since I was in college and it’s the perfect complement to my nutrition and media work. It’s such a rewarding feeling when Real Moms come up to me at book events or email me and share with me their positive experiences with my book or website—a feeling that all of the hard work is worthwhile.
 2.      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 my business after I had children. I started my media company, For Her Information Media, after I had a waking dream while nursing my 3rd son to sleep for a week. Having children while starting a business, gave me a appreciative look at what it takes to make a business or idea to work. It’s a long, hard road to TV, media and publishing success (I’m sure like most businesses), and the payoff hasn’t always been what I starry-eyed dreamed, but it gave me invaluable experience that could never be “bought”.  I’ve struggled with “mommy guilt” many times, but I have such an amazing support system from my husband and family. My sons give me inspiration, ideas and they don’t hold back. Truth prevails in my household. If my idea stinks, they tell me!

 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?

SO many ups and downs. There have been days when filming a TV segment was so hard, or the editing just wouldn’t “cut it” and then there are days where I’d syndicate my series to Israel or Turkey and it would blow my mind. The money wasn’t anything like I hoped, but if I turned back to my mission, I would remember that my goal wasn’t always monetary, but to impact women all around the world…and I did. I had very high hopes with my book launch because of all of the hard work and time I put into the launch for a year, however the first week wasn’t a New York Time’s Best Seller. I woke up from my dreamland and realized that good things take time and ate some humble pie, only to open an email from a friend who informed me that I was on the best seller’s list on Amazon in three categories. CAH-RAZY! I was so happy, I took a computer screen grab three times, just to make sure and pinch myself. The reviews on my Amazon page have been so amazing, so genuine and so true. The readers “hit” the point exactly. I know my book has inspired thousands of women and I hope that the profound ripple effect will help my book “touch” more and more women each day. I get so frustrated when I see how women are with food and if they’d just give my suggestions a try, they’d have such a lovely love affair with food, for life. My shining career moments have been when PBS picked up my TV series, when I syndicated my PBS TV series to 60 cities (including Israel and Turkey), when I landed an interview with Dr. Jane Goodall and organic snack food guru, Nell Newman for my PBS TV series, when I landed my book deal, when Dr. Christiane Northrup agreed to share a cover quote for my book (I adore and admire her), when I got a book quote from Dr. Barry Sears, when I was hired as a media spokesperson for various brands, the day my book launched, seeing my book on Amazon’s Best Seller’s list in three categories and when my sponsors agreed to support my book tour. My low points or worries were when I was in my accident in 2007—it rocked my world, but I got back up on top of the horse! Another tough time was trying to find the perfect agent. The publishing process can be very trying, but luck finally was on our side when our dear agent, Claire Gerus came into our lives. Another tough time was going through the long book tour sponsorship process. Months and months of negotiations and correspondence and many “no’s” but we found the perfect fit in the end…isn’t that always the case?

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.

I am always open to helping other mom entrepreneurs. I try to answer emails or calls, but when I share ideas and tips or ideas, moms have to know that there are hours, weeks, months and years of hard work. I also have discovered that by putting myself in the right place at the right time and by networking every chance I get, has helped me exponentially in my pursuits. My biggest bit of advice is to be very clear of what you idea/plan is and how you are going to fund it. It pays for itself over and over again, to WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN. It shows you your company’s ideas and strengths AND holes that need to be filled, in a snapshot. I feel like any time away from my sons better be spent in a worthwhile way. I’m not one to waste my time or spin my wheels, and if it’s not productive, I won’t be away from my sons. Look at your idea and see if it’s more important than spending time with your family. I always worked when they were asleep, at school or while they were busy playing. Sometimes we’d work side by side (them, homework, me writing). I also think every mom should never give up on their dreams, always help other moms when they can and remember that their first priority is being a MOM.

Beth's website is www.Realmomslovetoeat.com

 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Rebecca Rescate-Citi Kitty Pet Products

Rebecca'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 founded CitiKitty 2005 after moving into a small apartment in New York City with my husband. Having no place to hide my cats litter box I decided to toilet train her.

I read countless toilet training success stories, mostly using homemade devices, but could not find an easy-to-use cost-effective toilet training kit. I knew the process could be simplified. Realizing that most cat owners don't have the time to become a cat toilet training expert I created the first complete toilet training kit available to cat owners worldwide - CitiKitty.

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 CitiKitty before I had children and I feel very blessed to have a business that enables me to stay home with my kids while also working part-time.

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 haven't had many low-points - its all about your outlook! As long as I keep the numbers in the black I am happy! 2011 was a high-point for me. After 6 years of business my company reached new heights after being featured on ABC's hit show Shark Tank. Also, my main product CitiKitty rolled out to hundreds of new pet stores and my line of pet treats, TunaTreats, started to take off. A very exciting year!

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.


No business is an overnight success. Overnight successes are years in the making! Keep a planner and each night jot down 3 simple things you want to get done the next day and just keep chipping away one task at a time.
                    
Rebecca's Website is www.Citikitty.com


Sunday, February 5, 2012

Dawn Berryman-Market Mommy

Dawn'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.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in English, communications and journalism. I have worked in the marketing/communication field for the past ten years. I became a mom for the first time in November of 2005. In 2006, I started my first online business selling photo cards. So, I understand first-hand the struggles moms {on a budget} face when starting and marketing a small, online business. Because of that, I started Market Mommy® in June of 2009. Since then, I’ve been busy helping mom entrepreneurs understand marketing and put low-cost {and free!} marketing strategies to work for them. Oftentimes, mom business owners see marketing as an expensive part of business that can be skipped. That shouldn’t be the case. There are plenty of marketing efforts that moms can do themselves that will help them grow their businesses. That’s where Market Mommy® comes into play. We help moms know how and where to market their businesses. That is what I love the most about owning my own business, helping other moms learn and grow. We’ve helped hundreds of moms and can’t wait to help you, too!

2.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 my businesses after having children. I thoroughly enjoy what I do, even the months when I don’t bring in much money. By having my own business; I feel as though I’m showing my children that they can do anything they set their minds to.

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?

Every business has high points and low points. It’s extremely hard to get started and unfortunately many small businesses close before they really have a chance to get going. Now, almost three years in, I’m still growing and learning new things all the time. I think it’s important for business owners to be open to change, to be flexible and to constantly strive to learn more. In 2011, I was named one of StartUpNation’s Leading Moms in Business. Also, in 2011, I received notification that my trademark had been approved.

 

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.

As I mentioned before, it’s extremely hard to get a business started and off the ground. Not to mention the stresses added by raising children, running a household, maybe holding another job, etc. Stick with it. Overnight success is not common. However, hard work and persistence can and will pay off. Give it time. Plan ahead, budget and write out your goals. Hold yourself accountable, but don’t beat yourself up. Make connections and build your support system.

Dawn's Website is www.Mareketmommy.com




                     

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Michelle Ebbin-Basic Knead

Michelle'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.

 As a ballet dancer growing up and later in hip-hop music videos while at ColumbiaUniversity in New York, I learned about the body and the importance of keeping it strong and supple. After experiencing the healing effects of massage therapy after an injury, I became interested in the power of touch and how it could be used for optimal health.  I immersed myself in every type of massage class I could find and quickly became one of the leading massage therapists inHollywood.In addition to hands-on therapy, I tried to educate my clients about massage and created my very first product, a pair of Reflexology Sox™, to teach my clients about reflexology.

 Since then, I’ve dedicated my work to teaching everybody about the benefits of touch.  I’m passionateabout the healing power of touch. I founded my company, Basic Knead, in 1994 with the goal ofcreating unique massage products that everyone can use to bring the healing power of touch into theirdaily lives. As a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (C.I.M.I.) and a member of the American Massage Association, the International Association of Infant Massage, and the Reflexology Association ofAmerica, I try to keep myself at the forefront of everything pertaining to massage, reflexology, touch, and wellness.

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

I went into massage before I was married and long before I had any children.  Although it is difficult raising three children while maintaining a business, I would have it no other way.  I think it’s extremely important for children to see their mother working and having her own interests and passions outside of the family.  It’s important to me that my kids see me working towards my own goals, such as writing a new book or creating a new product, and fulfilling my personal ambitions that are separate from them. 

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?

I’ve had a few many ups and downs with my work.  My high points have been authoring four books on massage, producing six award-winning massage dvds, and creating best-selling original massage products that have touched thousands of people.

 My current triumph is partnering with City ofHope, one of the leadingNCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the world, to develop an exciting new touch therapy program designed for cancer patients and their partners, parents, and caregivers.  I’m leading a series of workshops teaching massage techniques to help alleviate some of the physical and emotional symptoms of cancer patients during and after treatments, to speed recovery, and to help caregivers and partners nurture, soothe and communicate their love to patients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.  My goal is to incorporate touch therapy into the healing process of patients and complement mainstream cancer care with safe and effective techniques that can be done in the hospital and at home.

I’d say the low point for me was the legal battle I had with a company that had stolen the designs to one of my products and had cheated me out of thousands of dollars of royalties.  It was not only the financial concerns that hurt me but the fact that people with whom I had worked for years and with whom I thought I had a good personal relationship would do this to me.  On top of this, I found out about this situation when I was 4 months pregnant with my first child.  The silver lining is that I won my legal battle and was able to move on quickly and learn from what happened.

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.

My advice to women is just don’t give up! I’ve told many friends who come to me with ideas for business that they should try not to overthink everything and just jump in and get started. That’s not to say don’t have a strong business plan and don’t expect everything to fall into place immediately.  But I tell them to get over any fear they might have over not succeeding and just give it a go.

Michelle's website is www.Michelleebbin.com