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

 

Felicity Birth Services

Since starting my journey with this business/blog, I have had the opportunity to learn about so many fascinating aspects of the pregnancy/childbirth/newborn world. In the past, my frame of reference in this arena was pretty narrow....I admit it. In reality, there are so many options out there for mothers and mothers-to-be and it really is about exploring all of the options out there and choosing what makes sense for YOU. No right...no wrong....no judgement from others about what is best.

Today, it is my pleasure to introduce you all to another Working Girl who is bringing the beauty of childbirth options to local mamas here in the Phoenix area. Her passion for what she does is evident and the mamas who she has accompanied through the journey of childbirth are so very fortunate to have the chance to have her in their life....

Without further ado, I welcome Cheyanne of Felicity Birth Services.....

Tell us about your business...

"I am a licensed home birth midwife in Phoenix Arizona. I offer complete prenatal, birth and postpartum care with a holistic and individualized approach. I can perform or order any tests desired and understand basic newborn care as well."

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

"I have loved horses ever since I was a little girl and as young women I owned horses and rode them all the time. I am the oldest of 9 children and I spent a lot of time with my family. We camped, adventured and enjoyed the great outdoors. I married my wonderful husband."

 

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

"Though there are some midwives who are in a partnership, many have a solo practice so that is what I anticipated when I began my apprenticeship. Owning my own business and working for myself is a part of being a midwife and part of the reason I wanted to become a home birth midwife."

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"Well, I would say being a mother but, other than lots of side jobs, this is my first professional success. :)"

How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"My biggest lesson learned is how much I need and value the support of those who love me as well as those who have gone before me in this profession. Midwifery is a calling not just a job."

 What is next on the horizon for your business?

"Owning a home where I can have a home office! I can't wait to walk next door for 'work' and then walk back 'home' to take care of my family."

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

"Spending time with my husband and two little girls. We travel, hike, swim, garden, take care of our little urban farm, cook, bake, work-out, read. Ok, lots of things!"

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

"Listen more, talk less"

Inspired? Want to learn more?

Visit Felicity Birth Services at:

http://www.felicitybirthservices.com/

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

Bloomers Play and Learn

So, I hear that the new "hip/cool/trendy" think to say these days is, "I am obsessed with _________." Well, today, I am re-upping my hip/cool/trendy badge and declaring that I am totally obsessed with today's Working Girl Wednesday business! Having almost 4 years of mama hood under my belt at this point, I have been to my fair share of mommy-and-me classes. For the most part, we always have a good time at them and it is 30-60 minutes of quality time.

When I first met today's Working Girl, Holly, I just knew that she was something special. The sparkle in her eye when she talks about "edu-taining" children is priceless and the enthusiasm with which she sings her kid-friendly, silly songs in class in simply unparalleled.  (And, I might add, she is a talented vocalist as well....)

Spend five minutes with Miss Holly, and try not to crack a smile...I dare ya! It is physically impossible....she simply radiates joy and the kiddos that she is teaching along the way, simply eat it up!

Without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce this week's Working Girl, Holly Moran!

Tell us about your business...

"I have the best job in the world.....I edu-tain kids! I've developed a one of a kind program that inspires education through play and I have the honor of sharing it with Valley moms!"

 

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

"My background is mainly in theater, performance, and of course.....DANCE! Once I became a mommy I became passionate about early childhood development. Combine the two and viola - Bloomers was born :)"

 

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

"I was in charge of story times at a ‘mommy and me’ group that met at a church. The smiles on the moms' faces and the barrage of hugs from the kiddos told me I was on to something good."

 

 What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"I hold a 'kids only' version of Bloomers at a preschool/daycare and I'm honored to say that they are so happy with my program that they've asked me to help train their teaching staff. I also have recorded some of my original songs onto a CD that moms rave about :)"

 

 How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"Anything worth doing will require both patience and persistence. Also, word of mouth referrals are priceless."

 

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"Next I imagine I'll seek out more opportunities in different preschool settings. I'd also love to get involved in some philanthropy events at local hospitals and shelters."

 

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

"Teaching Zumba at various LA Fitness locations, at local family events around town, or volunteering in the nursery of my church."

 

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

"I have a wicked break dancing handstand thingy I can do :)"

 

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

"What do you get when you goose a ghost? A handful of sheet :)"

 

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

"Life is a journey. Take each day as it comes and enjoy the ride!"

Inspired? Want to learn more about Bloomers Play and Learn? Check out their website at: http://bloomersplayplace.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

Nutwhats

I enjoy food. I just do. That is a big reason behind why I do what I do and my passion behind family nutrition. I have been fortunate enough to come into contact with several others who share my passion, and like me, have stepped away from common "corporate America" type career paths to pursue their love for all things yummy. By nature, I love those people. And likewise, I typically love their wares. Call us crazy, but a happy tummy makes for happy entrepreneurs.

Miss Lisa Rast is just one of those people I love by association. With a professional background in engineering and passion for life in the kitchen (and some figure skating here and there), Lisa took that flying leap of faith into small business life and started Arizona based, Nutwhats. A funny name for a seriously awesome product...and the story behind it is pretty cool too.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Lisa....

Tell us about your business...

"At Nutwhats our ‘free form’ unadulterated buttery nuggets are hand-crafted using only top-notch measures. Without skimping — fresh, premium ingredients and not a bit of preservatives are the rule. Flavors are magnificently unexpected. Appearance is delightfully quirky. And the taste? Unmistakable."

 

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

"I have a background in engineering but a childhood love of figure skating and cooking brought me back to the ice to teach competitive ice skating and into the kitchen to play around with recipes."

 

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

"Being able to build a business that will hopefully live on generation after generation".

 

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"Being featured in Oprah's blog on Oprah.com"

 

How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"There is no easy road. My hours are pretty much 24/7 and owning a food type business is far from being glamorous as one might think watching the foodnetwork."

 

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"I am currently working on getting Nutwhats on to shelves of gourmet retailers.....Ajs, Wholefoods, and small gourmet shops."

 

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

"Watching my kiddos playing tennis"

 

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

"Being asleep in a chair still holding my wine glass with out spilling a drop. A definite sign that I work too much! LOL"

 

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

"Hmmm.....I've never been good at telling jokes but I can do a few impressions".

 

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

"Enjoy life!"

Inspired? Want to learn more about Nutwhats? Check out their website at: www.nutwhats.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/

Nurtured Beginnings

Along this journey of small business ownership, I have been fortunate enough to meet some fellow mamas who seem to really have it together when it comes to running a business, making a living out of their passions, and raising healthy, beautiful, families. It is my pleasure today to introduce you to one such mama. A self-proclaimed "birth junkie", Amanda Santana is the owner of Gilbert, Arizona based Nurtured Beginnings. Amanda knows that each and every woman's desired pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience is different....and not always "textbook". She has made it her mission to help women achieve their ideals when it comes to the life changing experience of pregnancy and birth.

The services provided by Nurtured Beginnings include Doula service and Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness classes . A current member of DONA International, CAPPA, La Leche League International, Babywearing International, you can be assured that Amanda is one well-versed mama in her areas of expertise.

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

Tell us about your business...

"My business consists of me being a doula, teaching prenatal and postpartum fitness, Dancing For Birth classes which is also a prenatal postpartum and baby-wearing fitness class with a mix of childbirth education and then I also make ring slings which I've been a little dormant in but I'm looking to start that back up in the next month!"

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

"I was working two jobs that I was fortunate enough to like what I was doing and going to school full time for a degree I thought was what I wanted to do."

 

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

"I wasn't spending as much time as I wanted with the kids and I kept picking up and dropping off with school and the degree I was pursuing. So when I got pregnant and my husband asked me to stay home with the kids I knew I was going to be satisfied spending more time with the kids but I had to do something else I knew something was waiting for me. Then I stumbled upon the doula world and  I was hooked! I knew I had to do it."

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"Educating my friends and family! No matter what I do I will always view that as my greatest achievement."

 

How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"It is HARD getting started and you need surround yourself with supportive and uplifting people, take advice when it's given and never give up."

 What is next on the horizon for your business?

"Branching out I'm starting up again with making ring slings maybe to sell but mostly for clients and to have for classes. I'm just going to see where it goes. Also I've been working towards learning placenta encapsulation and starting an official Attachment Parenting International support group to serve valley wide."

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

"At home with my small army of daughters probably crafting something".

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

"I honestly have no idea it's been so long".

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

"What does a nosey pepper do? Get jalapeno business! I swear I laughed forever when I first heard it myself!"

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

"Be patient, stay focused, fight for what is right and you really want to be a midwife don't waste your time on anything not related to that field."

Inspired? Want to learn more about Nurtured Beginnings? Check them out at: http://www.facebook.com/AZNurturedBeginnings

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""

Epiphany Tutoring

They say that having the right teacher makes all the difference. Today's "Working Girl" proves once again that that is indeed, a true statement. A certified teacher, Kara , found her passion in helping teach students how to learn. She found that while there were plenty of services in the Valley for older students and those seeking college/test prep services, there was a true need for services geared to the younger students, those in elementary and middle school. Thus, Epiphany Tutoring was born!

Kara understood that if academic concerns were caught early on and corrected, it was a platform that would set students up for ongoing success and positive self-esteem. She also knew that so many young students feel they are “bad” at a particular subject, and it doesn’t take long for a student to mentally give up, setting him or her up for struggle and distaste for that subject, possibly for life. Kara has made it the goal at Epiphany to help students and their families see that difficult subject (or school in general) in a different, more enjoyable way, so he or she will break the cycle of disliking and failing. She has made it her mission to make learning fun!

It is my pleasure to introduce you all to Kara!

Tell us about your business...

"When parents notice their child is struggling in school, but they don't know why or exactly how to help; when they've tried what they can but are limited by time, resources, or experience.... they turn to Epiphany Tutoring, because an experienced, certified teacher who comes to their home can make all the difference in their child's education."

 

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

"I have taught all grades PreK-8 over 7 years. I left teaching to work in finance for 3 years to make a decent living, then returned, using what I learned in corporate business to start an educational tutoring company."

 

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

"I love teaching, but I won't accept the pathetic amount of pay. I feel it is unethical what we pay teachers, so I won't stand for it. I had to find a way to teach, but be able to make a fair living. No one goes into teaching for the money, but unless we start to say no, the low pay will continue."

 

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"It's hard to pick out a singular event; being a teacher gives you so many little successes to celebrate all the time. I guess I'm pretty proud that I survived being a financial advisor for 4 years during the recession, and then took that business knowledge to do what I really wanted to do."

 

 How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"A huge lesson I've learned is that you don't have to take everyone as a client. You need to do business with people who are a good fit for your business. If you say yes to everyone with a heartbeat, some of those clients will turn out to be a poor decision later, and cost you in time, money, or stress."

 

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"This summer, we will be hiring more employees to grow the business. We're excited to have a waiting list of potential clients and we need more certified, experienced teachers to help!"

 

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

"Sometimes it's hard to pin me down! On the weekends I love to enjoy the outdoors with my husband, Ryan and our dog, Spud. We like baseball games, the park, outdoor events, etc."

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

""Math is like love; a simple idea, but it can get complicated." I LOVE math jokes :)"

 

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

"Enjoy your butt while it is that size! :) "

 

Inspired? Want to learn more about Epiphany Tutoring? 
Check out their website at www.etphx.com