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

                     

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

 

 

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