the momtrepreneur maven. » about me.

Notes From A Junkie.

The Momtrepreneur Maven — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:55:14 +0000

It took five years to gain the courage to actually do it.

It took three weeks of planning around my worst fears to do it.

But I did it. Ten whole days without the internets. No surfing. No emailing. These were the notes I took on a yellow legal pad in pencil while experiencing the Ultimate Out-Of-Office Experience:

Day 1: What are you supposed to do in line at the grocery store without a blackberry??

Day 2: While circling a parking lot waiting for a spot, toddler sighs and remarks, “I don’t have time for this.” Can’t Twitter it. Depressing.

Day 3: Unsure of what to do about finding recipe for cherry pie without internet. Took twenty minutes to realize that I’ve completely overlooked our 20+ cookbook collection.

Day 4: Just realized that not receiving emails on blackberry means not having to recharge it so often. (Is “it” a metaphor for self?)

Day 5: Massive relief in the fact that I know my kids just as well without work as I do with work. Haven’t missed a beat. Doing ok as a working mom? Check.

Day 6: Got online to make bank transfer–could not avoid. Husband used my “excuse” to get online to check movie times. Both asked the question: is 777-FILM still around?

Day 7: Played lots of piano. Amazing how much time there is to play the piano without an incoming stream of emails to get to.

Day 8: Found peace with Comcast.

Day 9: Want to poke and pinch and prod and nudge and nestle and cuddle and nuzzle my 6-month old 24/7. Some things are internet-proof.

Day 10: Prepare for re-entry. Fear the return. But much like an addict, take pleasure in the knowledge that it will be painless and give me a rush to get back into the swing of things.

Time away from technology was the best thing that I’ve done in years. My family enjoyed it so much that we’re going to do it three times a year. I love me some technology, but to have the courage to step away was that much harder and that much more rewarding. Life-changing, really. Highly recommend.

Money Smart Week: My First Book Signing!

The Momtrepreneur Maven — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:05:47 +0000

How much do you love that Money Smart Week is going on right after taxes are due?

I’m doing my first book signing! My first book signing! Since being profiled in A Cup of Cappucino For The Entrepreneur’s Spirit (Vol II), I will be speaking at Money Smart Week’s April 21 lunchtime event and signing copies of the book. I’ve been practicing my autograph for weeks and I may have juuuuuust right by Wednesday. (My husband actually asked me who I was seeing, what with the hearts that I started drawing around my own initials.) If you’re in the area, please show up (naked, to help my nerves) at:

Money Smart Week Chicago 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 12-2 PM
Columbia College
33 E. Congress – First Floor Gallery
Chicago, IL 60605
Be Empowered by Successful Entrepreneurs:
Enterpreneur Panel, Q&A, and Book Signing

Just typing this is post is throwing off my penmanship. Must stop here.

A Cup of Cappucino For The Entrepreneur’s Spirit.

The Momtrepreneur Maven — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:17:51 +0000

Can I throw humility out the window at holiday time?

I was just profiled in a brand new book. A Cup of Cappucino For The Entrepreneur’s Spirit (Vol II) is now published and on sale thanks to the wonderful folks (especially Cindy Thompson) at Entrepreneur Enterprises. It’s chock full of stories by and about entrepreneurs of all shapes and sizes. Makes for an interesting read over the holiday season–you can revv up on your momtrepreneurial spirit by checking out these profiles!

Happy Holidays, all.

Bumble Bells on Gwen Stefani’s Baby Zuma!

The Momtrepreneur Maven — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:29:36 +0000

We can’t believe it.

Our Bumble Bells have made it to Hollywood. Gwen Stefani has such good taste, too.

Pictured here is baby Zuma wearing one of our very own Bumble Bells!

Now I’m just hoping that we’ll get to outfit all her Harajuku Girls with these sterling silver baby anklets. They have tiny ankles, right?

(P.S. Click on the link above to see a close-up of the anklet as well as Perez Hilton’s comments about how stylin’ it is!)

Momtrepreneurs: Apply Here.

The Momtrepreneur Maven — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:43:53 +0000

Are you a Mom? Do you have a great idea for a business but don’t know where to start? Want to grow the business you’re already running?

You’ve come to the right place. Let’s get down to business.

Jill Salzman is The Momtrepreneur Maven. Jill started her career as an entrepreneur at the wise old age of 5 when she became CFO (Chief Five-Year Old) of her first lemonade stand. Since then, Jill has started up several of her own companies to much success and praise of buyers, clients and investors alike. After starting up several media companies, including the creation of two magazines and music media company Paperwork Media, Jill launched her biggest professional achievement to date: giving birth to a baby girl. Two months after her daughter was born, Jill started up the successful baby-based business, The Bumble Brand. The Bumble Brand’s success spawned several more successful baby-related ventures.

Throughout this busy and exciting time, Jill couldn’t help but notice that many fellow Moms had brilliant business ideas of their own–they just lacked the time and the help necessary to implement those ideas. With Jill’s honed business skills, she resolved to reach out and begin helping other Mommies realize their full entrepreneurial potential.

Do not hesitate to contact Jill with any questions. The Momtrepreneur Maven is here to help.