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

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

She can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/MarketMommy, http://twitter.com/MarketMommy, http://pinterest.com/MarketMommy, http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dawn-berryman/20/863/244