A Place To Grow Childcare

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that I have a special place in my heart for today's "Working Girl." You see, when Sweet R was born in 2009, I had to do the agonizing chore that so many new parents must face....selecting a person or place to take care of your most precious accomplishment when you head back to work. Not fun.... We decided that we wanted someone to come into our own home to care for our bundle and so the interviews began....and kept going and going...until we found "her."

Both my husband and I have professional backgrounds that include conducting LOTS of interviews and we both agreed that it was not so much about the answers that were given, but about how the candidate made us feel. In this case, who could we possibly trust as we would ourselves. When Maggie came into our home, after many luke-warm-at-best other interviews, we knew we had our match. The way she cared for and interacted with our daughter...having spent a grand total of only a few minutes with her...left us with no doubts. Thankfully, she liked us too and for the next almost 2 years, Maggie was a part of our family....and still is.

After the birth of her second beautiful baby boy, and our move to Arizona, Maggie decided to make the leap into business ownership and I have to say, I am so very proud of her!!! And I want you all to know about her as well.....

Without further ado, I am honored to introduce you all Miss Maggie....

Tell us about your business...

"We are a small in-home daycare where the primary focus is on play. I feel that through a variety of activities and interacting with others, children can grow in all areas of development. We put more emphasis on sharing, using kind words to express feelings and opinions, and working with others than "main stream" academics. All children will learn math, writing, science, etc. in their own time, but I strongly believe that being properly socialized and obtaining the ability to work well with peers will help them succeed in all areas of life."

 

 What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"Before opening my own daycare, I worked as a full-time nanny. And I loved it! I enjoyed being apart of the family, watching "my kids" grow and getting to play a major role in their development."

 

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"I decided to open my own daycare because I couldn't stand the thought of leaving my kids to go care for someone else's anymore. Yet I still wanted to make a difference in the lives of young children."

 

 What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"Opening the business and having it be successful enough to live a comfortable life has been the greatest success by far! I am not the type of person to jump into something that has such an unpredictable outcome. But its been worth the risk!"

 

 How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"I am learning daily. When working with children you have to constantly be flexible and willing to change when change is needed. Finding a schedule that works on a daily basis was a trial and error at first, but now have found a routine that works for all ages!"

 What is next on the horizon for your business?

"As the demand for childcare increases, my goal is to open a daycare location that is out of my home and that will be used specifically for childcare."

 

 Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"When I am not working, I spend most of my time out on adventures with my family. Since I am home all day during the week, I like to spend as little time at home on the weekends :)"

 

 If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Karaoke. Get me warmed up and I can't resist a good belting out 80's song!"

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"I have the worst sense of humor and never get jokes! Seriously!"

 

 If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"Be patient and enjoy life. Don't rush to grow up cause there are blessings beyond your wildest dreams waiting ahead for you!"

Inspired? Want to learn more?

Visit "A Place To Grow" at

https://www.facebook.com/aplacetogrowchilcare

 

Socorro Counseling

Every once in a while in this life, you stumble upon someone whose career is such a perfect fit for their personality that you think, "how awesome is that?" When I first met today's Working Girl, I was floored by just how connected I felt to her in such a short amount of time. Her sincerity and genuine ways simply made me feel instantly comfortable and at ease. She was relaxed, yet invested in our conversation (something pretty inane I am sure, since our first meeting as at a Fourth of July BBQ)...all while managing a 2 year old and a brand new baby girl. Impressive.

Elisa and her husband relocated back to the Phoenix area just about two years ago and decided to grow the business that they had started in their previous home in Seattle, Socorro Counseling and Consulting. In their time as a business, they have touched many lives and hope to be able to reach out to so many more in the years to come. Their services are based on support, compassion, and understanding...all in a safe and welcoming environment.

She is truly changing lives each and every day....good stuff for sure.

It is my honor to introduce you all to Elisa.

 Tell us about your business...

"My husband and I started a small private counseling practice, Socorro Counseling, years ago in Seattle. Since our move to Phoenix 2 years ago, we have developed and expanded the practice and are now Socorro Counseling and Consulting. We now offer premarital counseling and have a mom's group along with the individual and group counseling & consulting. Socorro means "assistance in a time of need." We believe that sometimes you just need someone to walk along side you and meet you in those places of great joy, deep sorrow, and many areas in between. Sometimes that means a person comes to us in crisis and despair, other times it is because of relationship issues, times of transition, or life's challenges."

 

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"I have worn many hats that have ironically prepared me for starting my own business. I have been a graduate student for a Masters in Counseling Psychology; worked as a full time employee at an inpatient eating disorders facility; traveled the nation as a part of a Speakers Bureau and Marketing team addressing issues of eating disorders and anxiety; and most challenging, thought provoking, & rewarding I have been a stay at home mom. There is nothing so real and amazing as to watch your own kids become their own little people."

 

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"Private Practice allows me to do the work that I love and feel called to do, but have a more flexible schedule to be able to play, enjoy, and be home with my kids while they are still young."

 

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"I don't know if it's a success, as much as gratitude and feeling honored that I get to walk alongside people and witness change and hope emerge in their lives and relationships."

 

 How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"Finding a work/life balance. It is easy to "work here and there" when you run your own business which turns into working every day. We try and find a time of rest and play for our family where gadgets are turned off, ideas aren't bouncing, and we are just being present with one another…it's been a journey."

 

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"We are super excited to have recently moved to our new offices! We are now located downtown at 6th Ave and Roosevelt. We are excited about being a part of this community, and look forward to developing new relationships."

 

Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"Most days, just trying to get through the day with two little girls - making it to all our activities, being creative around the home, filling our bellies, and getting sleep (if that happens). I most enjoy playing out doors with my family (walks, hikes, or at the park or pool), finding new places to eat and drink on dates with my husband, and relishing any quiet, alone time I can get my hands on with a cup of coffee and something to read or a project to work on."

 

If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Oh my, it may be my moves on the dance floor…that is if this cocktail party is the kind with a dance floor. :)"

 

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"I am much more of an improv comedian. :)"

 

 If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"Breathe deep, and breathe it all in. Life moves quickly, try to slow down. It is ok that life is hard and dark sometimes, this doesn't mean that it isn't also very, very good."

 Inspire? Want to learn more?

Check out their website at: http://www.socorrocounseling.com

FunBites!

So if any of you have spent some time on Pinterest lately (and I am willing to bet my left arm that you have....), chances are you have seen dozens of pins of carefully crafted bento-style lunch containers containing gallery-worthy, piece of art sandwiches, carved fruit statues, and tiny nature-scenes built only of hummus and pita bread. It really is quite impressive...and frankly has me a little stressed out about the coming days when I have to send my kiddos off to school with such high standards to live up to.  I mean, everyone makes lunches like that for their kids EVERY day right??

Ha! Well, we all know how different reality can be from Pinterest-life, but today I am so excited to introduce you all to a product that may make those crafty lunch boxes just a little more within reach...and elevates you just a wee bit closer to rockstar mama status.

Enter, FunBites....pure bite-sized, mealtime magic! FunBites was created by super-mama Bobbie Rhoads when she and her hubby discovered that their younger daughter was less-than-willing to try new foods. In fact, she was downright picky! They tried every trick in the book and what seemed to work best was cutting their daughter's food into tiny, bite-sized, fun shapes. Awesome that it worked, but oh so very time-consuming. And what busy family has time for that?

Thus, FunBites was born! Each FunBites pack includes a high performance curved blade cutter  (don't worry, it is just sharp enough to cut through soft foods like bread or fruit....it is plastic and not metal....not dangerous for little fingers) that quickly creates small bites and a matching popper top that pops out food instantly so hands are clean, food is untouched.  Currently, they come in two shapes and colors....versatile cubes and geometric shapes that come together in a heart shape. Bright green and bright pink....colors all kids love! FunBites is 100% made in the USA, is of course, BPA free, Mom invented, and completely dishwasher safe. What is not to love about that??

So craft away those school lunches super mama...and be sure to show those other mamas in the drop-off lane....no pressure! FunBites just made it a whole lot easier!
 

This is definitely one of the Things We Love! Be sure to check them out today at: www.funbites.com

Aimee Martin Consulting

A little while back, I had the pleasure of meeting a woman who is just one of those people. You know, the ones who are brilliant, outgoing, crafty, AND a super mama. Yep, she is one of those....and she is awesome with a capital A! With an eye for the creative and a mind for problem solving, today's Working Girl has put those skills, well, to work, for her quite nicely!

Miss Martin has started not one, but TWO businesses. The first was a creative outlet full of designer baby wares that she created herself to keep stylish mamas stylish.  Along the path on entreprenuership, she developed the second, which is her current professional focus. Aimee Martin Consulting seeks to help other business owners become "known". Troubleshooting marketing woes and navigating the social media matrix for business owners looking to make their break!

Let's allow her to tell you all about it. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Aimee....

Tell us about your business...

"Business & Marketing Problem Solving. While what I do looks a lot like a marketing agency, I don't claim to be one. I act as a problem solver, helping business owners resolve issues and reach new milestones. From simple projects like rewriting/redesigning a brochure, to launching a new product or website, I act as creative director and project manger. Adding creative capital where I can, and finding partners for specialized skill sets as needed."

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"I was a VP of Marketing for a regional bank. While I enjoyed my co-workers and exposure to the creative people in the marketing industry, banks aren't really known for taking risks, or cutting edge style. I've enjoyed the freedom of working with different brands and tastes."

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"Like many businesses, the bank I was with went through a restructuring and downsizing in 2010, it coincided with a case of Shingles, a pregnancy loss and the birth of my first child. It was a stressful, busy, sad and joyous 12 months. I actually didn't decided to start a business. I decided to stay home with my baby. After several months I was fortunate that my growing restlessness at home (love my daughter, but being at home full time doesn't suit all personalities) was met with needs from past contacts. I started getting small freelance offers, and put my toes in the water one project at a time."

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"Walking away from a business venture. Sounds crazy right? While I was slowing taking on more freelance marketing work, I was also starting a soft goods business, specializing in baby products. From design to materials sourcing and sewing, I was doing it all. I reached out to a consultant to help create logos and improve my sewing, designs etc. My husband and I set aside a small "nest" for me to invest in this business (all funds I had made freelancing). As the nest shrunk, I struggled with what to do. Invest more? Raise capital? Take on investors? I created a pro-forma, talked to patent experts, and amazingly, a family member offered to support the project for partial ownership. But the decision to move forward never seemed right. I sat on it for months. Ultimately, I noticed that my consulting business soared while I put the other project on the back burner. I increased my consulting business by more than 100% over 3 months. Because I wasn't distracted, and I was doing something that relied on my core competencies. It was a hard lesson to learn. But invaluable. Do what you are good at. What comes naturally. It will still require work, discipline, effort (read late nights) but the rewards will be worth it."

How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"See above!"

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"Maintain...and...balance. I'm working to creating balance between my work and home lives, while also maintaining balance at work between building a pipeline of future work and completing current projects. It is a daily battle. I've spent the last 6 months building a pipeline of business, and I'm very blessed that I wake up each day worried I won't have enough hours in the day to complete my work and home tasks."

Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"The days we are home together, I try to get out of the house with my little one. Some days that means the park or zoo, other days that means visiting neighbors with the wagon or favorite toy of the day in tow."

If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"After 7 years of marriage to an airline employee, I tend to default back to discussions about travel and favorite vacation spots. The opportunities are fewer and farther between than they once were, but a girl can dream...."

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"What do John The Baptist and Winnie The Pooh have in common? The same middle name....lame.....eh. It is cuter if you are holding a glass of wine and can give a sheepish smile".

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"Dump the boy. He just isn't that into you. Turns out, that applies to friends, jobs, clients, etc. Good advice, but hard to learn from the inside out."

Inspired? Want to learn more? Check her out at: aimeedmartin.com

Jakob's Ladder

For some of us, our journey to small business ownership is inspired by something that we have learned along the way....a specific skill or service that we can provide that will help others in their everyday lives. For some, it is inspired by a need....a new product that is dreamt up as a way of solving a problem. For others, their business is quite simply a "calling." It is something that they have been inspired to do due to the circumstances they find themselves surrounded by.

For Michelle, owner of Jakob's Ladder, her business stems from more than her passion for creating and crafting. It stems from her dream of providing her young son with the resources and therapies that he needs in order to overcome several medical conditions. Her business is truly one from the heart and one that is sure to leave you just as inspired as it has left me.

Without further ado, I introduce you all to Michelle....

Tell us about your business...

"Jakob's Ladder is my small "sew at home" business I run to help make extra money to help cover my son's therapy and other needs. He has a rare kidney disorder and Autism."

 

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"Before becoming a stay at home mom to Jakob and starting Jakob's Ladder, I was in Property Management. I am still hold a valid, up to date real estate salespersons license in Michigan."

 

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"Staying home to care for Jakob and his needs was an easy choice, but bills (especially medical, therapy, medications, etc) pile up very quickly for a single income family!"

 

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"I have saved enough from the business to successfully pay off a couple of big therapy bills, held a fun auction that only included all handmade items, and helping to pay for some of the other day to day needs for my little guy makes me feel like I'm successful :)"

 

How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"We as women can do anything we set our minds to! Setting goals and working hard to focus on them and achieve them is key. I'm also not one for giving up on a challenge. Ever, lol!"

 

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"Would love to do some actual craft/vendor fairs. Business up till now has been almost totally online!"

 

Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"Mostly here at home, caring for the coolest 4 year old boy I know!"

 

If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Whipping out the mini sewing kit from my purse and fixing any wardrobe malfunction that came my way!"

 

 

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"People usually tell ME the jokes--I have a sense of humor and love to laugh but not a ton of one-liners in my repertoire :)"

 

If you could go back in time,

 what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"Don't rush. Time goes by so very fast! Take the time to enjoy, see, hear, taste, and learn from every moment that you can!"

Inspired by this story? Want to learn more? Be sure to visit Jakob's Ladder at: http://hyenacart.com/stores/JakobsLadder/

G-Baby Designs

When it comes to being crafty, today's Working Girl just may be the queen! This was truly a business started out of necessity....necessity to not be a public spectacle when co-owner Allie ventured out of the house with her three kiddos for the first time. She was a mama to a sweet 2 year old boy and beautiful newborn boy/girl twins. As any mama knows, when traveling with her cubs, the goal is to get in, get what you need, and get out....without any significant damage.  With newborns in tow, this mama knew she would need a  tool to help her achieve that goal. Allie sat herself in front of her sewing machine and made two car-seat canopies. The next time they ventured out, they did get stopped - but this time, it was by people asking where she had bought her canopies.  And that's how it all started...

 

G-baby Designs is truly a family based business, involving a daughter (Allie, mother of 3), her mother (Ellen, mother of 2), her mother-in-law (Denise, mother of 3) and LOTS of love. G-baby Designs is born out of the desire and passion to share stylish, functional baby products with other mothers. With all of us being mothers (and mothers of multiples at that), we understand not only the importance, but the necessity of baby things being functional yet having the desire for them to be cute and adorable. One should not ever have to comprise style with practicality... G-baby Designs has made it their mission to surround your baby in style and love. 

 

Without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Allie....

Tell us about your business...

"It is a family business, myself, mother and mother-in-law, that started out of the necessity of making fashionable, yet functional hand-made/sewn baby goods, and has now turned into a passion!"

 

 What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"Grade 9 Biology teacher- LOVED teaching but so very excited at the chance to be home with my own kids!"

 

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"I had made car seat canopies for my twins (as we were constantly getting stopped by onlookers due to two babies) BUT then we were getting stopped by inquires as to where we got the canopies... And had several people ask if we do custom orders. So just for fun...I went into look at fabrics and well, the rest is history"

 

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"While in the grocery store, I was soo excited to see someone have one of our car seat canopies. Truth be told... I followed her up and down an aisle as I just wanted to be sure it was ours, so I asked her where she got it. She said it was a gift from her mother (who had gotten it at market) and said she loved it! I was just giddy with excitement!!"

 

 How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"Everyone has very different taste and just because I may not like a combination of fabric, doesn't mean someone else won't. As well, by fabric in bulk - make at least 3 of whatever item in the same fabric, as it makes it so much easier for inventory and putting up in our online store (www.gbabydesigns.com)"

 

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"We just launched our online store and are anxious to see it in action. Next step is to get our name out there - to spread the word."

 

Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"Trying to be a super mom! I had an amazing role model and see/hear of extraordinary mothers- daily , and I want my kids to have the most of their parents. Nowadays so many kids and parents miss out on family time due to schedules and busy work days/nights. I feel that us being the best for our kids is the best gift we can give them."

 

 If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Making wickedly-awesome martinis! Mmmmmmmm!! I love creating fun and "dangerous" drinks ;)"

 

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"I have a 2 1/2 year old and 8 month old twins... Not sure of the joke but somehow it always seems to elicit laughter."

 

 If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"I would say (after I finish chuckling at my naive 18year old self) "Buckle up! You have no idea what a crazy life you're gonna have!" And "Be strong and true and do what makes you happy""

Why Not Girl!

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you all to Why Not Girl! - a business inspired by this little journey we are all on called "life." For so many of us, there is something about approaching that magical age of "30-ish" that causes us to really take stock of our lives. Where we have been, what we are doing, and where we want to be. Some of our achievements can be measured quantitatively, while others are a little harder to define. Some of our dream and goals have been realized, while others have been placed on the indefinite back-burner. Some of us are fortunate enough to be living our passions, while still others of us are still searching for them.

It was as founder, Lauren McCabe Herpich, was approaching the magical three-oh, that she she started to really evaluate what it was in her life that made her happy, and what it was that made her proud of what she had become so far. She realized that it was not just the material things, or the titles she had earned along the way, but more the experiences and the journey as a whole that had molded her into who she was today. It was a realization that Lauren knew immediately that she wanted to share with other women not only in her own life, but around the world. In 2012, the Why Not Girl! website was launched and today, it is empowering women everywhere to take a step back and say, "Why Not!"

It is my pleasure to introduce you all to a friend of mine since college, Lauren McCabe Herpich!

 Tell us about your business...

"Why Not Girl! (www.whynotgirl.com) is a website empowering women to try new things, live life as an adventure and say Why Not!. Why Not Girl! currently shares stories of women who are expanding their horizons across multiple facets of life: career, love & relationships, health & fitness, travel and everyday adventures like trying a new food or playing new games with their kids. Since launching the site last year, Why Not Girl! has featured over 50 amazing women as part of our Why Not Girl! of the Week program and has had close to 10,000 visitors and hundreds of fans and followers across Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest."

 

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"Prior to deciding to make Why Not Girl! my full-time job, I worked in the digital marketing and brand communications fields for many notable companies such as CNBC, Discovery Communications, PBS and Sears. What's been great is that my new life is not a far stretch from what I was doing before. That definitely helps make this venture not as scary."

 

 What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"I have had the idea for Why Not Girl! for a number of years when my boyfriend (now husband) asked me what my ideal job would be. Encouraged by a bottle of wine during an evening full of tears (it had been a really bad day at work) I told him that I had purchased the URL for Why Not Girl! back in 2009 when I was in grad school with the hopes of one day creating "the Girl Scouts for adult women." I felt like what was lost as we got older was this notion of learning and just experiencing all of the amazing journeys and everyday adventures that life can bring. I realized that for so many people just the idea of traveling somewhere new or learning a new hobby could have such a profound impact on someone's life. It was about having fun and feeling that sense of accomplishment. I told him that I felt like there was nothing out there celebrating this. Since Chris is the most amazing man in the world, he encouraged me to start blogging to see if this idea resonated with people. It did. So flash forward a year later; Chris and I get married and decide that along with a move to the west coast, I should say Why Not! in trying to make Why Not Girl! a full-time business. We felt that there was no better time than the present."

 

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"It gives me such great pleasure to feel like I am making a positive impact on someone's life. Through the stories that we publish on Why Not Girl! to the fun conversation and challenges we share on our Facebook page and Twitter feed, I get so elated to hear that someone tried sushi or Indian food for the first time or that they are motivated to start training for their first 5K. This gives me so much more gratification in what I am doing. No mid-year review could ever do that!"

 

 How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"Time management. While I have always been someone who has been highly involved or had multiple projects going at the same time, when you work for yourself (and by yourself) out of your home it is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of items on the to-do list, including the laundry and unpacking boxes (my husband and I just relocated to Berkeley, CA). Why Not Girl! has certainly been a test in self-motivation and organization."

 

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"Coming up in early 2013, Why Not Girl! will start hosting experiential events in the San Francisco Bay Area that will give women the opportunity to say Why Not!. The plan is to expand to other cities in the near future."

 

 Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"What I love about Why Not Girl! is that I feel like it really is a true reflection of who I am. I've always loved being a jill-of-all-trades who is constantly learning and doing new things. You can find me trying out new restaurants, watching independent and foreign language files and going on a run or a bike ride with my husband. While I'm not the fastest runner on the course, I absolutely love challenging myself to do longer distance runs. I'm currently training for a 10 mile race in Washington, DC with a good friend. That being said, I love any excuse to travel and be with friends and family."

 

If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Hmmm ... that's a good question. Ok, this may seem weird, but I can pick up things with my toes. What's so funny about it is that almost everyone in my family can do it, too. Who knew this was a genetic trait?!"

 

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"This has been my favorite joke since I was five years old: Q: Why do vampires have no friends? A: Because they're a pain in the neck! (Come on, you've got to love it!)"

 

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"Be true to yourself. Sometimes I think we are so busy trying to live up to being someone we think we should be that we forget to just be ourselves. Even though it took me a while to realize that I had a Why Not Girl! in me, I am so glad that I was able to find the courage to recognize it and embrace it."

  

Inspired? Want to learn more about Why Not Girl!? 
Check out their website at www.whynotgirl.com

Turns out, this is kinda hard....

Who knew that being your own boss could be so difficult? After a number of years in the corporate world with some amazing, inspiring bosses and some....well, to be kind....not so amazing and not so inspiring ones, I dreamed many a long and detailed dream about what it would be like to be THE head honcho. The one who calls the shots, makes the hours, and gets it done HER way. Having been at this seriously almost a year now...geez....I can say with gusto, that it is tougher than I thought. And right now, I am still just a party of one, making some baby food, blogging some blogs, and trying to build a brand. I don't even have anyone to compromise with, negotiate with, or go head to head with.

Well, no one that is, that works for me...or is over 3ish feet tall.

As it turns out, I still have 2 tiny humans that I work FOR....Sweet R and Mr B.

When I decided to go after At First Bite officially, one of the primary drawing points, was that I would be able to be a "work at home" mama, spending valuable hours at home with my littles while still having a project to keep me challenged (as if raising two littles isn't challenge enough....) and to be very honest, so that I wouldn't have a big old honking blank spot on my resume when/if I choose to return to the corporate world sometime down the road. And yes, these motivations are still critical to what I am doing here, but the balancing act is a bit more difficult that I had envisioned in my mental business plan.

Each day in the shower....you all know that is where we do our best thinking....I plan out my day, hour by hour. I divide up the business time, the kiddo-only time, the multi-tasking time, and if I am particularly ambitious, some "domestic goddess" time (please note the use of sarcastic quotations here...). In my mind, each segment of time is divided off in a different color with a solid bold line around it. In reality, the segments are varying shades of gray (no...not quite 50 shades...) with blurry dotted lines around them. Inevitably, I slap my own hand when I pick up my iPhone when it should be "kiddo-only" time and flick my own fingers when I find my browser magically ended up on my personal Facebook page when I should be planning the puree menu for the week. For someone who has always prided herself on being intrinsically motivated (how bout those vocabulary words?), I kinda suck sometimes at keeping on task.

Also, I have always known that I was a competitive person, but this whole small business ownership thing, has taken that to a whole new level. I look at other mamas who are out there doing the same thing I am (not necessarily pimping baby food, but you know what I mean....), and for every success I hear about, I am thrilled for a moment, and then I start to kick myself. Why did I not do that? How do I reach that point? What opportunity did I miss out on? Constantly assessing what I am doing right....what I am doing wrong....where my priorities lie.

And admittedly, I am a product of the "I want it NOW" generation. The mentality that seems to be so rampant in our society is hard to get away from when you are building a small business. Success takes a LONG time. I have watched enough "Shark Tank" to know that successful enterprises are not built over night. Or even over a year....or five. Growth is growth no matter how small and setbacks happen. This has been the hardest for me for sure....by a mile. I get antsy real quick when it comes to making things happen so this whole "one step at a time" thing,  and I, we are still working on becoming friends.

Funny how life works....So often the things we are most passionate about and the things that give us the most energy are  also the things that completely drain us. Mentally, emotionally, intellectually. But the way I see it, that is a good thing. It means we care enough to fight for their success.

I have no way of knowing where At First Bite will be a year from now....5 years from now. And by all means, I am stoked for the ride. But as difficult as this has been  in so many ways, I feel we are already a success. In my eyes, I have made a dream come to life. We may not yet be a household name, but we have a name. We may not yet be worth beans in the scope of big business, but it has been worth it. We may not yet have made our big move, but we are on the move. And those are ALL good things.

I promise not to use this blog as a venting board, but whether you are in small business mode or not, I feel like my sentiments can apply to so many things in this life, so I wanted to share. So, keep swimming, keep working, and keep dreaming my friends. We only get one shot at this...

Sinfully Sweet Motherhood

Why is it that when we send our little ones to "time out" it is considered a punishment, but for so many mamas (this one included), a "time out" seems a delicious little opportunity? A time to step away from the all-consuming job of motherhood even if just for a few minutes, to reconnect with  other women, our passions, and most importantly, ourselves. Today's Working Girl, has built a business around just that, helping mamas take a well-deserved "time-out."

In 2011, Diana Brandt became a mama and her world was forever changed. She was in love with her new role, but it wasn't long before she realized that being a mama is tough work. And it is even tougher when you don't have a strong network of other women who have "been there" to help you through the tough spots. In fact, for six months, Diana struggled with feeling along. So, she stepped up and created Sinfully Sweet Motherhood, a place where women can connect with other mamas and mamas-to-be, build lasting friendships, and most importantly, never feel alone.

It is my pleasure to introduce you all to Diana....

Tell us about your business...

"Sinfully Sweet Motherhood is working hard to connect moms and moms to be to each other and to some of the best resources out there. I wanted to create a place where we could all get together with our kids and without and have some fun, relax, laugh and learn. The events (most are free) I put on are all relevant to mamas whether it's a mom's night out, a workshop by a sleep coach or nutritionist or simply a fun bash for the kids. If you're a mom or are planning to be a mom, you should check this group out!"

  

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"Everything and anything. I was searching for the right thing, the best thing, my path. I once started a baking company called Sinful Sweets (I still get asked to bake for events), does the name sound familiar. I love to be creative and I'm always seeking a challenge."

 

 What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"I can't stand being stagnant in a position and I always wanted more out of what I was doing. It was time to break off and go where there was no ceiling."

 

 What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"Each time I finish an event and I can shake off all that fear and anxiety and tell myself how silly it was to worry. That is where my success is right now because it reminds me to just keep moving forward and stop doubting myself."

 

 How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"I am constantly learning with this job because I had only done food events and certain aspects, not every aspect. Each event is a learning experience and I'm becoming more confident with each one."

 

 What is next on the horizon for your business?

"We have some fun events coming up, a mommy mixer at Whole Foods, some free yoga classes with Blissful Yoga and an informational event on getting your kids to eat healthy and be happy. We are also working on an event in March with a sleep coach because everyone could use more info on helping your kids sleep better. I know I could!"

 

 Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"At home, park, mall, play date with child. If I'm without child you can find me kickboxing, drinking coffee with a friend or laid out on the couch watching Scandal, Fringe, New Girl...etc."

 

If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Um, I could play a mean game of air hockey, wait that probably wouldn't be at a cocktail party. I can shake my eyeballs...creepy :)"

 

 When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"Two peanuts walk into a bar. One was a salted."

 

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"I was having too much fun to listen to anything!!"

Inspired? Want to learn more about Sinfully Sweet Motherhood? 
Check out their website at www.sinfullysweetmotherhood.com

Stones of Healing

There are some people in the world through whom creativity and artistic ability flow in abundance. They are able to capture the essence of a moment in a word, a photo, a painting, a piece of jewelry. They have the innate ability to make the intangible, tangible, and they allow us to touch and feel pure beauty in its rawest form. Without question, this ability is a true gift and not possessed by all.

Here is where I introduce you to Cara Laird. A native Tucsonan, a mama to two sweet little boys, and a true artist. Cara's passion for life had lead her to her current endeavor, Stones of Healing, a company which specializes in nursing necklaces and other wellness jewelry. Like so many of us aspire to do, Cara has found a way to live her life's passion through her work. She combines the elements of art, healing, and parenthood in her beautiful jewelry and is sharing them with the world.

It is my pleasure to introduce you all to Cara....

 Tell us about your business...

"I make baby-friendly jewelry for parents, i.e. mommy necklaces or nursing necklaces. I use natural gemstones and raw organic wood for most of my designs, and everything is made in my home in my spare time while I stay at home with my two little boys, ages 1 and 3 years."

 

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"I was a social worker. I worked in the mental health industry with high needs children, mostly in the foster care system. It was a rewarding but soul wrenching job."

 

 What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"I went back to work part time after my first son was born, but found the transition difficult and hated leaving him, pumping, and just all of it! I needed something I could do at home with him, and making jewelry was a long time hobby of mine. I also realized most of my usual jewelry could not stand up to being worn with a baby in tow, hence the baby/mommy friendly aspect of my designs."

 

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"I did not invent the concept of the mommy or nursing necklace, but I have created some my own totally unique designs that have become extremely popular! Although other shops have copied some of my designs, such as the Stone in Wood nursing necklace, I am proud to be the original designer of such unique and popular concepts. (Imitation = flattery, right? ;))"

 

How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"I am still learning the lesson of balance, between my home life and family and my business. Working at home can be challenging in that it is ALWAYS there with you, so it is difficult to separate the responsibilities at times."

 

 What is next on the horizon for your business?

"I am always looking for new inspiration. My husband and I are considering several concepts right now to either expand the current business, or to open a totally separate online shop. We enjoy creating and look forward to actualizing some of our newest ideas!"

 

 Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"At library story time, the grocery store, the kid's gym, or just hanging at home with the kiddos, baking something or doing arts and crafts."

 

If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"I am "double" jointed and can bend my fingers backward to touch my arm!"

 

 When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"I am horrible at jokes, my delivery is BAD! I don't even try anymore. :P"

 

 If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"Being ambitious and hard working is great, but don't get too attached to your Plan - life has other ideas at every turn! Go with the flow and know you'll end up in the best place you can be, even if it's nowhere near where you imagined."

 

Inspired? Want to learn more about Stones of Healing? Check out their website at www.stonesofhealing.com