Tanea’s done it right.  She not only has a GREAT website, but she uses her company as an outlet for her creative tendencies.  And doesn’t every baby need a business card?  Me thinks so.

What business did you start?

I am the Owner & Creative Director of ShesGotPapers.com ~ a chic online paperie that features fun, witty, inspiring stationery for little girls, young women and ladies. Oh, and there’s also a business card for babies as well!

What motivated you to do it?

After the birth of my daughter, Jada, in 2007, I was ready to make a career change. My day job left me creatively unfulfilled and while at home on maternity leave I started to design my first collection, The Basics.

How many kids do you have? How old are they?

I have 2 children ~ ages 15 and 2.

How long have you been in business?

I launched She’s Got Papers in July of 2008.

How long did it take to become profitable or successful?

The message resonated with my audience almost immediately. That was all of the validation that I needed to keep me moving forward. The profiles and stories that have been written about She’s Got Papers have been phenomenal. I recall getting an e-mail from a lady that said, “Finally, a classy piece of stationery that I can send to my friends.”  It doesn’t get more fabulous than that for me.

What was your family’s reaction?

My family is extremely supportive of me. There are so many factors that go into running a business and staying sane. In the beginning stages of She’s Got Papers I had just given birth to my daughter, initiated the design process of my line as well as began taking care of the legalities and it was almost time for me to return to my day job. I remember saying to my older sister that I really didn’t know if I could juggle it all and she said to me, “Tanea, just follow through.”  That made all the difference to me and I’ve been going ever since.

Easiest part of the job?

The design phase is now effortless to me. I keep a notepad on my nightstand so that I can jot down quotes and images or even color combinations. They come to me at the weirdest hours! I have about 4 collections trapped in my head that I’d like to bring to life right now. With my first collection, it was touch-and-go which is why I call it “The Basics”.  I’m now at the point where I instantly will know what will work and what won’t.

Hardest part of the job?

The juggle.  My children need their Mom, my fiancé needs his partner, my day job needs their Executive Assistant and She’s Got Papers needs it’s Creative Director. It can get crazy but each of them is such a vital part of what keeps me going.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Hmm. Good one. Time Management. My schedule is really hectic and the perfectionist in me finds it difficult to leave a task undone even when the clock that I’ve set says that it’s time to move on to something else on the list.

Are there any websites that you recommend to other momtrepreneurs?

SavorTheSuccess.com

Entreprenette.com

TheLittlePinkBook.com

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

When I embarked on this journey with She’s Got Papers, a friend of mine bought me a copy of Pink Magazine. I loved it so much that I ordered every back issue that I could.  I hand wrote a note to the publisher and in one issue, I saw that the note had been published.  Two lessons learned there:  that there is still a lot of power in the handwritten note, and I’m so glad that I followed my sister’s advice and followed through.

Favorite part of a typical day?

I love the first 25 minutes of my morning. I get up and reach for my journal and for that short period I am at a total calm. Writing is the thing I most love to do and in those moments it’s like a smooth waltz – my pen dancing across the page.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be
featuring more momtrepreneurs…..

Childhood ambition….When I was a little girl I wanted to be an actress. My mother enrolled me in school for the performing arts. I was always very expressive and dramatic and could tell a story like no one else. With She’s Got Papers, I’ve been able to fuse that creative side with my love of paper. I don’t know what else could be better.

Fondest memory….going to lunch at Junior’s restaurant in Brooklyn with my mother and sister when I was a little girl. My mom worked two jobs at times and Junior’s was a rare treat. It instilled in me at a young age that only after hard work did you get to reap the rewards.

Indulgence…..cream cheese french toast from The Spot Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York.

Last purchase…..a 4-drawer leather filing cabinet for my office. It’s so gorgeous, I could cry.

Favorite magazine…..Uptown. It is the quintessential lifestyle magazine.

Inspiration….my God, my children, my President. My vision of what I know my life can be.

My life…..is in a constant state of evolution. I would have it no other way.

How much do we love (and need) moms helping other moms?  Support is key, and Lori has turned her desire to help others into a growing business–and book!  She even finds time to practice Tae Kwon Do…

What business did you start up?

Momnificent!® is a company focused on helping moms live magnificent lives – personally, professionally and spiritually.  Momnificent!® provides coaching and other resources to empower moms to minimize stress, celebrate balance, and create positive change in their lives.

What motivated you to do it?

Discovering my life purpose and having a heart-felt desire to make a difference in this world.  I am a mom too, and I know how hard it can be.  I want moms to know there is support available to them as they walk through the journey of motherhood.  I also have a heart for children, and want to do what I can to contribute to raising the next generation.  Moms are models for the next generation, and we have the ability to make the world a healthier and more positive place to live.  I want to be a part of that movement.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I have two wonderful boys.  Kai is 18 and a freshman at Mizzou, and Ian is 7 years old.

How long have you been running your business?

I started my coach training in September 2003, and opened my business in July 2004.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

It took about two years for me to become profitable.  I have always poured the majority of all my income back into my business because I am still building it.  This year has been tougher, not only because of the economy, but because I had a few major business ventures – rebranding and publishing a book.  It’s all uphill from here!

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

My family has always been very supportive.  My husband has been my biggest supporter, often promoting my business because he is so proud.  My older son has done work for my company, and even my little guy loves to promote Momnificent!®  He loves to hand out marketing postcards.

Easiest part of your job?

The easiest part of my job is coaching my clients.  I’ve been doing it for years, and it comes very natural for me.

Hardest part of your job?

The hardest part of my job is marketing a service/products that moms view as a luxury, rather than a necessity.  My challenge is understanding my market and what they want or need in the way of personal and family growth.  I have always been a sponge for learning and growing, so sometimes I assume all moms are like me, but all moms are different.

What skill would you most like to improve?

I am constantly striving to improve in all areas of my life.  I guess if I had to pick one area I wish I were much better at, it would be sales and marketing.  After all, you can’t really build a business without that skill.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I would have to say that knowing how to build a business is critical to success.  When I first started my business, I knew how to be a coach.  Even though I had worked in business and knew how to run the administrative side of a business, I had no idea how to build a company.  I have spent years educating myself on marketing, business building strategies, successful business models, writing sales copy, etc.  It would have been easier if I had known all that when I started, but the journey of learning has been good, none the less.

Can you recommend 3 essential websites for moms in, or going into, business?

Ali Brown
Kendall Summerhawk
National Association of Entrepreneur Moms

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Writing and publishing my new book, The Momnificent! Life ~ Healthy and Balanced Living for Busy Moms, and creating my brand Momnificent!®

Favorite part of a typical day?

I love my quiet time when everyone has left the house for work and school, and I get to dive into what I love – my business!  I love being home for my son when he gets off the bus, and I love snuggling up in bed at night with whatever book I happen to be absorbing.

Anything else I should have asked you that you should answer?

Start a business because you love what you do!  No matter how discouraged you feel, don’t ever give up on your dream!

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….When I was a kid, I wanted to be a pediatrician.  God had different plans for me.

Fondest memory….When I was young, I had been outside playing in the snow (I really don’t like cold weather).  When I came in, I remember being so cold.  My mom put my feet in those old hair dryers that you used to wear on your head, and turned on the heat while she went to make some hot chocolate for me.  I remember drifting off to sleep feeling blissfully happy and warm.

Indulgence….chocolate, chocolate and chocolate!

Last purchase…..creamy tomato soup and barbeque chicken chopped salad from Panera Bread – yummy!

Favorite magazine…..when I make time to read magazines, I like Entrepreneur and Oprah Magazine.  I know that Ali Brown’s new magazine (Ali Magazine) is going to be a favorite of mine!

Inspiration…..positive people that have a zest for life, people who smile and laugh a lot, people with amazingly good energy.

My Life…..is rich and full.  I am blessed in so many ways.  I have amazing friends, a loving family, and I get to do work I absolutely love!  I love my Tae Kwon Do family, and feel wonderfully empowered by practicing Tae Kwon Do.  I love to read, watching good movies, and of course, creating.  That’s what being an entrepreneur is all about!

I’ve been having a hard time actually admitting to the world that I picked up Donny Deutsch’s book, The Big Idea.  His show is not my cup of tea.  And most of the time, I pass on those books filled with generic, full-of-zest pep talks about how to succeed by making green tea and just dreaming big!

To my surprise, Deutsch’s collection of success stories was inspiring.  From Alton Brown to Miley Cyrus to Martha Stewart to Spanx’s Sara Blakely, he succinctly writes about the biggest names entrepreneurial success stories.  But he does so in a way that does not distance these superstars’ stories from our own.  Deutsch turns each of them into real people and actually had me making notes like, “how to get Tarte Cosmetics‘ distribution” and “change the world like TOMS Shoes.”

I did spent the last two months reading through about 20 different business books — and while it still pains me to write it, this book was one of my faves.  Read through the hokey bits to the real life stories and tell me if they inspire you, too.

(By the way, kudos to Catherine Whitney whose name is on the cover and who I’m guessing co-wrote the book–I don’t know who she is but further proof that behind every great man is a greater woman.)

This resourceful momtrepreneur has turned a very personal, real issue in her family life into a highly successful book and then company.  Read on about Linda Coss’ great successes…and then pass it on.

What business did you start up?

I have two businesses:
•    Plumtree Press is my book publishing business, formed in 2000 to publish my first book, “What’s to Eat? The Milk-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free Food Allergy Cookbook.” Since then I have published two additional titles, all meant to help fellow parents of severely food-allergic children cope with this difficult condition.

•    Plumtree Marketing, formed in 2006, is my freelance marketing writing business. I help businesses (primarily small, entrepreneurial companies) succeed by writing targeted and effective copy for their websites, brochures, newsletters, and other marketing materials.

What motivated you to do it?

•    Plumtree Press: When my oldest son was first diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies, this was an extremely uncommon and almost unknown condition. Very few resources were available. Once I learned to accommodate his special needs I was motivated by my desire to help others do the same for their children.

•    Plumtree Marketing: I’m really quite a homebody, and the thought of being my own boss and working from home was very appealing to me. When I looked back on my many years in the marketing field I realized that what I truly enjoy the most is writing. So becoming a freelance copywriter was a perfect fit!

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I have two boys, ages 16 and 19 (and my 19-year-old is now off at college).

How long have you been running your business?

Since 2000 and 2005.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you chose to measure success?

•    Plumtree Press: Financially my first book broke even in about a year or so. However, I considered it an amazing success when three months after releasing this book I had an experience that made the entire project worth while: my book may have saved a little girl’s life.

To make a long story short, here’s what happened. There was a mom who had a heart attack and went into a coma. While her husband stood vigil at her hospital bed, her sister-in-law came in to care for their two small children, one of whom (a 3-year-old girl) had life-threatening food allergies. This little girl immediately ended up in the hospital with a severe allergic reaction, because the aunt didn’t know how to cook for her or what to do. The aunt reached me, I overnighted my cookbook to her (plus gave her a bunch of advice), and this woman was then able to successfully care for the children for the next few weeks. Eventually the mom came out of her coma, and last I heard everyone was doing well.

•    Plumtree Marketing: Within a year my income exceeded my income from my previous job.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

They were very supportive.

Easiest part of your job?

Doing work that I love.

Hardest part of your job?

Stopping. I can be quite a workaholic. That’s the problem with doing work that you love!

What skill would you most like to improve?

Sales.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Creating books that have helped over 20,000 families to make delicious dairy-, egg-, and nut-free food, and to keep their children safe and alive.

Favorite part of a typical day?

My morning walk.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….I assumed that because I was born in Hollywood I would be a movie star.
Indulgence….dark chocolate.
Last purchase…..alarm clock.
My Life…..is wonderful.

Yesterday’s Momtrepreneur Meetup was fantastic.  I’m still in awe of the fact that there are 100+ momtrepreneurs in my hometown alone!

Lots of discussion was to be had regarding work/life balance.  It appeared that particularly for the moms with older children, finding time to work and also being able to spend quality time with the kids is a particularly hard struggle.

Then, this morning, I received an email from my current favorite — Wisebread.  I’ll paste clips of this article about how little time is spent removing oneself from work, something I think is worth evaluating in our efforts to find that balance.

*The Center for Economic and Policy Research calls the U.S. the No Vacation Nation. In a 2007 study, they determined that the U.S. is the only advanced economy in the world that doesn’t guarantee paid vacation for employees. That means you can take a job, work your 40 (or more) hours a week, and it’s considered a bonus to be given paid vacation time.

*According to the Expedia survey, people who don’t take their vacation time do so for several reasons. They hope to receive compensation for unused time, they have a hard time planning ahead or their partner can’t travel during the same time period. What’s worse? One in five respondents admitted to canceling a vacation because of work.

*Americans may take less vacation, but are they really more efficient than their European colleagues? Figures from the World Economic Forum certainly show the US remains the world’s most competitive country. Yet other data, including countries’ GDP per hours worked, reveal Europe still gives America a run for its money. That means many parts of the Old World are at least as productive as the US, if not more, with the added bonus of up to eight weeks off a year.

*So why are Americans more committed to their jobs than to themselves? You may know — or be — one of these people if you have heard them say they don’t have time to work out or eat well because of their work schedule.

*Do we accept extra work being dumped on us because the company is laying people off and we consider ourselves lucky to have any work at all?  Are we working all those extra hours to pay off our consumer debt?

The full article is here.