What business did you start up?

I started a natural snack food company, called Snikiddy.  My mom and I founded Snikiddy in 2006 with a passion for children’s health, Snikiddy produces Snikiddy Snacks® – great tasting, family-friendly snacks.What motivated you to do it?

Having had a successful career in financial sales, I still felt unfulfilled.  I wanted to do more to give back and make an impact.  Having always had a passion for health and particularly children’s health, I felt I could create products that would help to make fellow moms looking for healthy product lives a bit easier.  With Snikiddy, families can feel good about these delicious snacks that everyone loves to eat.

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

Two children: Sunny is age 5, Sadie is 3 1/2.

How long have you been running your business?

Since 2006.

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

We were so fortunate to have had success immediately.  The Snikiddy products were very well-received from inception.  Within months we had national distribution and since 2006 have grown over 100% each year we have been in business.

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

I feel extremely fortunate to have a family with amazing support.  They are so proud of Snikiddy’s accomplishments and support me each and every day.

Easiest part of your job?

Taking calls from consumers.  To this day I still personally answer each and every consumer call and email.  It is extremely rewarding to hear how Snikiddy has impacted the lives of our consumers.

Hardest part of your job?

It’s all hard but it’s also so rewarding and fun.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Maybe not a skill as much as an attribute and I’m sure everyone on the Snikiddy team would agree that I could use some more patience!

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

I’m almost glad I didn’t have any.  In the advice you usually learn about how hard it is to start a business.  If I had known how hard it was I may not have taken the plunge.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

My family.  There is no question I look at my family each and every day and marvel and how amazing everyone is.  There will never be any accomplishment greater or more rewarding than this.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Brand positioning and marketing has become my focus and favorite part of my work day.  Now that Snikiddy has grown, each individuals’ responsibilities have become more focused.  I now handle all the marketing aspects of Snikiddy and love my new found passion.

And a few more questions, considering that American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition? Own my own successful company.

Time of day you get the most work done? Before everyone wakes up in the morning or after everyone goes to bed at night.

Favorite book or magazine? The Time Traveler’s Wife.

Least likely to…..Sky dive.

How much happiness does Stephanie get from a properly-clothed tushy?  Quite a lot.  Check out why she went the alternative route and how successful she’s become, all while as time-management-crazed as the rest of us are.

What business did you start up?

For Baby with Love.  An online baby boutique geared at promoting cloth diapering and natural parenting alternatives.

What motivated you to do it?

When my husband & I found out we were expecting twins we knew I wouldn’t be returning to work after maternity leave.  We also researched cloth diapering and realized that it was the way we wanted to go; but, couldn’t find a retailer locally to supply them so we decided to start our own cloth diapering online store.

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

We now have 3 children:  the twins are 5 and our newest is 3 weeks old.

How long have you been running your business?

We’re celebrating our 5th year this month.

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

We didn’t see a profit until year 4; however, we doubled our sales every year and continue to do so.

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

My husband was and is very supportive and a big help.  He often will pack shipments and process orders with me.

Easiest part of your job?

Promoting cloth diapering!  It’s easy to promote and sell something that you believe in with every fiber of your being.

Hardest part of your job?

Finding the work/home balance.  The downside to running a business from your home is that you’re on call 24/7.  My e-mail never stops and neither does my phone.  We often get calls at 4am from customers on the West Coast not realizing they’re calling another time zone.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Time management.

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

Definitely get a bookkeeper or accountant right from the start.  It can be very time consuming and costly to correct your books if they’re not done properly.

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

PR In Your Pajamas,  Kirtsy.com, and  Canadian Gov’t Grants & Loans.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Being recognized by the Halton Environmental Network as a Green business.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Giving a one-on-one cloth diapering info session.  There’s nothing better than providing someone with the facts on cloth diapering and showing them the options out there.

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

Childhood ambition…..it changed a lot; but, I always went back to a teacher.  I guess in some ways I am!
Fondest memory…. spending time at a family friend’s cottage.  I love the outdoors and being part of nature.
Indulgence…. manicure/pedicures.  I love to be pampered but seldom find time to do so.
Last purchase….. “Santa” gifts for my daughters
Favorite magazine….. I don’t really have time for reading these days; but, I always enjoy flipping through craft magazines to see what I can make.
Inspiration….. My family.  Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What business did you start up?

I launched a vertical learning curve into the professional speaker circuit. After speaking in venues from childcare conferences in ritzy hotels to parent programs at historical theatres, I realized the marriage between speaking and writing. At that point, I began a duel learning curve as a writer and author.

What motivated you to do it?

Building stronger families through parent empowerment is my calling; my passion. I express this through speaking and writing to parent audiences.

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

My daughters are 21 and 27 years old, and our adopted son is 20 years.

How long have you been running your business?

Since 1996. That’s when I hung out my shingle as a speaker for hire.

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

Since providing a service has lower overhead than a retailer with inventory, I began to realize a profit within a year. Success is another story.  Do we ever feel successful?

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

They’ve been – and still are – extremely supportive. My family is my most enthusiastic cheerleader.

Easiest part of your job?

Book signings and speaking on stage. When I’m onstage, audiences may consider my job as glamorous, and because I love speaking to audiences it is an easy part of my career. I’m dedicated to my work; however, my at-home, day-to-day work is anything but glamorous.  It’s more pajamas and popcorn. Instead of a corporate wardrobe, I offer parenting insights and encouragement on telephone interviews while I’m barefoot and doing a load of laundry. No daily drives on the freeway; my commute is down the hall. Rather than power lunches, I munch when hungry often stealing away time to meet my husband.

Hardest part of your job?

Editor rejections and program planner rejections – when other parenting experts get the speaking gig instead of me.

What skill would you most like to improve?

I continually try improving my platform skills so I’m an entertaining and engaging speaker.

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

Everything has been a learning curve; tax records, marketing, writing, platform skills, record keeping.  It demands tenacity to start and maintain a home-based business. Success doesn’t respect intelligence, rather persistence.

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

Sure, I like The Publicity Hound for great tips on promoting your business.  I often tweet about this site and share her tips.

HARO (Help a Report Out) is a tremendous list of journalists and others needing expert quotes.

John Kremer is a publicity guru.   On the left side of his home page are several helpful articles for those going into or wanting to build their business.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

On the homefront, my proudest accomplishments are my kids and a 31-year marriage. On the professional side, it’s my parenting title, The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start, which won the 2009 Good Parenting Seal from Parental Wisdom.com.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Flexibility to take breaks or work as I please. This job works around my schedule.
With a flexible schedule, I write articles, promote my books and prepare new presentations when the mood hits and obsess at each as long as desired. This slacker-friendly “lifestyle” makes some people – and relatives – wonder if I work at all.

Final thoughts?

While I’m neither the Zig Ziglar of the platform nor the J.K. Rowling of the literary world, I am proud of what I do as a momtrepreneur.

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

Childhood ambition…. be a missionary to France.
Fondest memory…. wedding day, my kids’ birth, and vacationing on Ocracoke Island.
Indulgence…. extra dark chocolate.
Last purchase….. dark chocolate candy bar with pomegranate.
Favorite magazine….. don’t have one.
Inspiration….. my life is inspired and motivated each Sunday at church.
My Life… is blessed, exciting, rarely dull, and challenging.

I’ve heard of models and actors climbing to fame from “being spotted,” but I’ve never heard of a momtrepreneur essentially starting her business from ‘being discovered.’  Check out why Wendy’s clever lunchtime self-promotion can be a very, very good thing.

What business did you start up?

I created a unique line of handcrafted jewelry made from Brazilian gemstones and sterling silver called Nature’s Gems.

What motivated you to do it?

Two things motivated me to start Nature’s Gems; first, I was driven to find a way to fulfill my creative needs and second, I fell in love with the local Brazilian gemstone jewelry found in Rio de Janeiro.

My husband, Stephan, was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro and his family still lives there. When visiting, I would bring back this beautiful, locally made gemstone jewelry as gifts for family and friends.   The jewelry was so well received that at first I thought of importing the actual jewelry, but that wouldn’t give me the creative outlet for which I was looking.  So I decided to import these incredible gemstones instead and create my own designs here in the U.S.

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

I have two boys – Alex is 12 and Christian is 10.

How long have you been running your business?

I bought my first loose stones in February 2006, developed and made a number of designs and officially launched Nature’s Gems in March of 2007.

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

Even before I officially launched Nature’s Gems I had family and friends that purchased my jewelry.  But my first real break came one day in September 2007.  I was having lunch at an outdoor restaurant in my hometown with my sister and my best friend.  All three of us were wearing my jewelry and while we were eating, the owner of an upscale boutique, next door to the restaurant came over, introduced herself and asked about the jewelry.  For me, that was the first real measure of success – to have a stranger approach me and ask about my jewelry. This boutique became my first wholesale account!

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

My family has been extremely supportive and encouraging. The boys were younger, 10 and 8 at the time.  They thought this ‘jewelry stuff’ was cool, but were a bit unfazed. My husband has been awesome. Stephan has not only been my biggest fan but also a vital part of Nature’s Gems as I rely on him to translate communications with my gemstone dealers in Brazil.

Easiest part of your job?

The easiest part of my job is coming up with the designs and making the jewelry.  I really enjoy the whole creative process.

Hardest part of your job?

The hardest part of the job is managing all of the business stuff details – tracking and reordering supplies, maintaining the website, invoicing… I need a business manager!

What skill would you most like to improve?

My sales skills. I am a little shy when it comes to promoting my product.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Besides raising my sons and being blessed with such a loving family, starting Nature’s Gems is what I am most proud of.  I do not have a business background or formal art training, but I found something I truly love doing and took a risk.

Favorite part of a typical day?

My favorite part of the day is the morning. After the boys are dropped off at school, I go for a walk/hike/snowshoeing with friends. Then it’s back home to get some work done. I love the outdoor exercise and time with friends, but the excitement I feel when I get to work and the sense of accomplishment I receive is truly invigorating.

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

Childhood ambition…..to be a veterinarian. I have always loved animals; was always saving some little creature in our yard growing up. Once I learned that I’d also have to tend to injured animals and possibly perform surgeries, I changed my mind.

Fondest memory…..it’s hard to pick just one but visiting Versailles with my husband to celebrate my 40th birthday stands out.

Indulgence…..Finding opportunities to travel with my husband…

Favorite magazine…..Reader’s Digest – it’s full of substance. We always had a subscription to this growing up. I just love the mix of real life stories, recipes, and humor.

Inspiration…..other successful momtrepreneurs – it’s such a balancing act to have your own business, raise children, manage a household that I get encouraged hearing about other momtrepreneurs succeeding.

My Life…..is busy, exciting, full and still unfolding.

Beth Remmes brings an entirely new meaning to the term Earth Mother.  Inspired by Mother Nature herself, she is the green pied piper (not to be mistaken with the Green Giant) inspiring others and making change in many, many ways.  Make sure to watch her YouTube video, below.

What business did you start up?

Zola was set up as a company in July of 2007, and it went online in March 2008.

What motivated you to do it?

I have always been interested with environmental issues, but what finally led me to take action was that I saw a disconnect between the threat of climate change and people’s everyday behavior. I wanted to help people bridge the gap between the learning about the our impact on the earth and taking actions to live more sustainably.

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

My step-daughters are 24 and 22 (Lauren & Lisa).  My daughter Carlyn is 7 and son Frankie
is 4.

How long have you been running your business?

2 and a half years.

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

The business is still in the early stages, so I am still working towards becoming profitable, but when I talk to other moms who have signed up as Coordinators and they are excited by the great conversation they had with family and friends at a party about how they can all “go green,” or when I hear from someone that their neighborhood started a community garden as a result of a Zola party, it is very validating.

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

They have been and continue to be very supportive. I could not do it without them, especially my husband, Frank. My children even draw the logo and write cute messages like, “Zola Goods helps the earth.”

Easiest part of your job?

Networking! I love to go to Green Events around town and talk to other people in the field.

Hardest part of your job?

Managing sales taxes in various states.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Quickbooks.

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

I thought that the second my site went live that I would be inundated.  However, it takes a lot of hard work, and constant networking to get the word out there. SEO (search engine optimization) is also important. Like life, your business will go in cycles, and in most cases your life will not miraculously change overnight.

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

For me, the sites I go to the most are in the green industry – but what I would say is to find: a) a site that inspires you daily – whether it is a quote, or a song, or a joke, make sure that joy is a part of your life every day b) a site that keeps you in the know about what is going on in your industry c) a site where you have community support – even if that means Facebook. It is important to connect with other people, especially if you work from home.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

For Zola, I am proud to be a Green America approved business, and that I did not compromise my integrity in any way. The business is completely transparent and is based on the 3Ps, people, planet, and then profit.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Putting my children to bed and then coming down to the kitchen for a hot cup of tea and quiet house with my golden retriever, Suzie, at my feet.

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

Childhood ambition….To be a park ranger.
Fondest memory….I loved going to nature camp over the summer when I was a kid.
Indulgence….just put up bamboo shades in our bedroom.
Last purchase…..beautiful photograph by surf photographer David Pu’u.
Favorite magazine…..It’s a tie – Ode and Oprah Magazines.
Inspiration…..everyone who finds a way to be of service in this world (notably; Zainab Salbi, Julia Butterfly Hill, Greg Mortenson, and Paul Farmer).
My Life…will hopefully make a difference.

Finally, a momtrepreneur who talks about the challenge of closing up shop at day’s end, an all-too-common issue among us.  Doesn’t Gigi’s business idea make you want to have a baby all over again just so that you can try the stuff out?

(The question is rhetorical, people).

What business did you start up?

I started Plum Organics, an organic baby and toddler food company.

What motivated you to do it?

My son was very interested in food from the very start.  I think it was because we were giving him homemade baby food from scratch.  When I noticed this, I started noticing how many babies are not interested in food at all and this sparked questions in me.  Upon further research, I found out that food preferences are formed by the age of two.  When you consider how baby food hasn’t changed in over 50 years, it is no surprise that the next generation of kids are becoming so disconnected from food.  Through Plum Organics, my goal was to create company and product that parents could feel better about giving their babies.  It would be an alternative to making it yourself or the traditional jars – depending on which way your coming.

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

I have one son who is six years old.

How long have you been running your business?

I started my business in 2005 and launched the brand in 2006.

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

Both as a company and as an entrepreneur, I feel I have achieved success.  For the company, the brand has been adopted by consumers and retailers are embracing the point of difference we bring.  For myself personally, I started and launched a company in an industry and product space I had no previous experience.  In 5 short years, the company now has 22 products in distribution in over 1,500 retail stores nationwide.  I feel pretty proud that I was able to take an idea and make into something real.

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

My husband has been extremely supportive.  He is an architect and also runs a business so he knows what it takes.
My father is an entrepreneur so needless to say, he was anxious for me because he knows the pitfalls of having one’s own business.  But, when he realized how important my mission was to me, he was very proud of me for starting this venture.

Easiest part of your job?

Talking to consumers and connecting with their experiences of parenting, the challenges and rewards.  I love to hear stories and meet people.  This really informs how we think about the brand and it’s continuous evolution, making sure we remain relevant to that community we are serving.

Hardest part of your job?

Keeping sight of the big picture.  Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the details and there is always so much to do.  It is important to always come up for air and have a gut check to make sure that all those things on the to-do list still make sense.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Being able to “shut down” at the end of the day.  I am a night person so I am always trying to cross off a few more items off my list and the next thing you know, it is 12 am and I still need to get up at 6:30 to get my son ready for school.

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

In contrast to my nature of wanting to finish my to-do lists, I also learned that nothing will explode if you don’t finish the list.  When I realized this, it was extremely liberating and it also helped me to continually re-assess priorities which often helped with the big picture piece.

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

That is a tough one.  It really depends a lot of the type of business and what the individual’s specific goals are.  Local resources for women businesses are always helpful.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

That my son is a fantastic eater and is becoming quite the foodie.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Bedtime with my son – reading to him, talking about his day and just snuggling.

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

Childhood ambition…..something in fashion.

Fondest memory…..when my son was born, it was in the middle of winter and the city was so grey and cold.  We cocooned in our apt for 2 days before the grandparents arrived.  For 48 hours, it was just the 3 of us and time seemed to stand still.  It was magical.

Indulgence…..cupcakes.

Last purchase…..2Do list organizer app for my iPhone

Favorite magazine…..Vanity Fair.

Inspiration…..my son.

My Life…..is just where it should be.

From waterproof labels (that don’t wash off those sippy cups) to stationery to luggage tags, Ellen has created an inspiring business full of creations that inspire.  This award-winning momtrepreneur figured out how to turn a artistic interest into a profit.  Couldn’t we all be this lucky?  (Yes.  Yes we can.)

What business did you start up?

Little Lamb Design, LLC, a custom order stationery and design business.

What motivated you to do it?

I’ve really loved stationery for as long as I can remember. When my oldest son was one, I wanted to be able to quit working outside the home and for someone else. I really desired to spend more time with him and at home. I always heard people say “do what you love,” so I decided to go after this dream wholeheartedly.

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

Two boys who are 3 and 6.

How long have you been running your business?

I began working from home 5 years ago, but 2 years ago, I joined forces with my business partner and we have been in an office since then.

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

Initially it took about 6 months to turn a small profit when working from home.  After moving into our office, it took us another several months to turn a profit.

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

My husband was (and still is) very supportive. I could not have done it without him! My boys are fairly understanding for the most part, as much as small children can be   They love going to “Mommy’s office” and are usually fine if I tell them I have to go to work today.

Easiest part of your job?

Creating new and exciting designs…I dream about colors and patterns and relish the chance to put them on paper whenever I get the chance!

Hardest part of your job?

Finding time to create new designs and products. Also finding time to make my family top priority. Just day to day operational duties take away a lot more time than I would like

What skill would you most like to improve?

My sales abilities!

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

SCORE and the SBA.  Both host free seminars that are SO helpful when you are getting into a new business, and SCORE helped us rewrite our business plan about a year ago when we were seeking some additional funding.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Being named one of 20 Rising Stars under the age of 40 by Printing Impressions Magazine.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Being home when my son gets off the bus.

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

Childhood ambition…..really nothing more than to be a mom. Oh, and for a while I wanted to be the first woman president.

Fondest memory…..the day I married my husband.

Indulgence…..store-bought white birthday cake with white icing!

Last purchase….. spray paint for my kitchen chandelier.

Favorite magazine….. Martha Stewart Living.

Inspiration…..the women in my Community Bible Study Group.

My Life…..is a dream come true.

What business did you start up?

My best friend, Helen Huckaba, and I started an online baby boutique offering clothing, accessories, and gear for little ones up to 24 months. We were two peas in a pod with a knack for hunting down the most unique baby gift, and so Two Blue Peas was born.

What motivated you to do it?

Helen was pregnant with her first little pea, I was queen of giving the perfect baby gift, and we were both simply looking for a way to leave our corporate jobs and hang out (and of course work tirelessly!) together all day.

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

My husband and I are still hopeful, and Helen has two precious little girls – 9 months and 3 years. Working out of Helen’s home, I definitely feel like a second mom to them at times. Although I do love my “favorite Aunt Boo Boo” status.

How long have you been running your business?

We made the leap from our previous jobs nearly three years ago and launched Two Blue Peas in March of 2007.

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

Business started with a small bang thanks to our closest family and friends, and then slowed down a tad until we really found our marketing groove. I’m happy to report that we turned a small profit in our second year, and we’ve been growing exponentially ever since. Our repeat customer base is also a huge marker of success for us. Once customers started coming back again and again, we considered our website and service a success.

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

Both of our husbands were more than supportive during the start-up process. They urged us on when we were scared and pitched in when we were overwhelmed. They were fully on board with our ultimate goal of staying home to raise the kiddos while working together on something that challenges and excites us. Starting your own business is tough enough, and I can’t imagine enduring it without the full support of your spouse.

Easiest part of your job?

Customer service. We love working closely with customers who call in asking for advice on what to buy their friend or sister for her baby shower.

Hardest part of your job?

Walking away. It is very hard to be so invested in something and force yourself to walk away from it to take a vacation every now and then.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Thicker skin and a more hardball attitude. I wish we were better able to negotiate deals with our vendors. There are many expenses associated with an inventory-based business, and passing some of those costs along to the customer can be really tough in these days of comparison shopping.

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

I wish someone had told us that failure is not necessarily all negative, and not to beat ourselves up over it. Had we not made some of our mistakes and wrong turns, we would not have learned and evolved from them. Now we know to take missteps in stride by turning them into opportunities for growth and improvement.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Our proudest moment to date was landing ourselves in the Oprah Magazine 2009 Holiday Gift Guide. The sheer satisfaction of seeing our name on that beautiful glossy page was amazing…and the sales impact was not too shabby either. It takes lots of hard work, creative spinning, and persistence to crack the pages of the famous book, but we did it! And yes, the “Oprah Effect” really does exist.

Favorite part of a typical day?

We still love waking up to an in-box full of orders and seeing what customers have picked out. Did our “delicious pea picks” (recommended items) make it into any shopping bags? Are any of our latest additions making a splash yet?

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

Childhood ambition….to be the next Joan Lunden.
Fondest memory….our midnight champagne toast the night Two Blue Peas officially launched.
Indulgence….anything from the bakery next door, but specifically their “brookie”, a brownie/cookie hybrid.
Last purchase…..knocked out all of my Christmas shopping in one day – online of course!
Favorite magazine…..still pouting from the loss of Domino.
Inspiration…..my amazing family.
My life…..gets better and better each day thanks to my successful business, loving husband, and a true appreciation for the beautiful world we live in.

What business did you start up?

One Tiny Suitcase – a baby equipment rental company serving clients in Calgary & Edmonton, Alberta in Canada .

What motivated you to do it?

Traveling with my twins when they were just babies made me realize how unrealistic it was to be able to bring all the gear we needed with us. I wish there had been a company like mine when I traveled to visit my parents.

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

My twins (boy/girl) are 5 now.

How long have you been running your business?

My business opened in May 2006 and I am now starting my 4th year in business.

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

My rate of growth has been in direct relation to how old my children are. I started the business in part so that I could be home with them. I couldn’t grow the business as fast as I wanted to then, but now that they are starting school I have been able to do things like open a second location, expand my product range, etc. One Tiny Suitcase was profitable after the first 2 years of running it very part time.

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

I don’t come from a family of entrepreneurs and I left what my dad considered a really good job (good pay, pension, etc.). In the end, my family supported my decision to try and create a business that supported my desire to stay at home with the twins for as long as I could. There have been ups and downs but I know I can always count on my family to help me out when the hiccups happen.

Easiest part of your job?

The best part: talking to excited families about their upcoming family vacations. Grandparents are always so excited when they have a baby coming to stay with them, too.

Hardest part of your job?

The hardest part: running a home-based business, I have some customers that pick up gear from me directly. Making sure the dog, kids and husband are quiet when someone is at my door as well as having the house clean and presentable is tough.

What skill would you most like to improve?

My sales skills! I have a hard time really ‘selling’. I like talking to my customers and making recommendations for gear I think would help them enjoy their vacation but there isn’t a lot of ‘up-selling’ going on. My customers appreciate that I am a mom as well and can relate to the stress of traveling with young children.

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

In the beginning I kept telling myself that I would ‘try’ running this business. I always wanted to give myself a way out if things didn’t work as expected. I know now that as long as you are willing to change and adapt when plans don’t go as you thought they would, you can be successful. The ideal business I pictured in my mind when I started is not the business I am running today but that ‘imaginary’ business just wasn’t profitable.  If I had stuck to that ‘ideal’ I would be out of business today.

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

BizyMoms.com
Lisa Druxman’s column on being a Momtrepreneur
TheMompreneur.com – Calgary’s local resource for everything mom and business.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

I’m really proud of some of the press coverage I been able to get for One Tiny Suitcase. My kids have been able to participate in some of the television and print coverage. They are always so impressed when they see pictures of themselves on TV or in the newspaper. That’s cool! Getting PR coverage is hard work but that hard work has resulted in a lot of free advertising I could have never afforded.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Typical? There is nothing typical about a day running One Tiny Suitcase, raising twins, preparing meals, cleaning the house, walking the dog. I like the unpredictability of each day.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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

Childhood ambition….to become a lawyer.
Fondest memory….finding out my husband and I were having twins.
Indulgence….my dog walkers, they help keep me (and my dog) sane during the week.
Last purchase…..expensive facial cream (on Ebay).
Favorite magazine…..In Style, totally not work-related, full of stilettos I will never wear, and a great escape.
Inspiration…..successful entrepreneurs who have made it big.
My Life…is going in the exact direction I want it to. My goals are in sight!

What business did you start up?

BearHugs Unlimited.  I produce and sell the BearHug, a 3-in-1 Kids Blanket.

What motivated you to do it?

The incessant requests from neighborhood families for a BearHug after I made the initial ones for my own kids…and my husband…

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

Three. The oldest is a girl, 12, then a boy, 9.  Our youngest is also a boy, 4.

How long have you been running your business?

Since June of 2006.

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

Quite a while, I must say, as my growth had to happen during a recession!

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

They were the ones pushing me to do it! I think the kids thought it was pretty cool.

Easiest part of your job?

The creative process.

Hardest part of your job?

Selling.

What skill would you most like to improve?

A ‘take-no-prisoners’, ‘eye-on-the-ball’ zest for the Big Sale.

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

I love the community and support of Citymommy.com, WorkitMom.com and hatchnetwork.com.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

The design of the BearHug.

Favorite part of a typical day?

I feel so moved when a parent emails me with their kids’ reaction to the Hug!

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

Childhood ambition…..to be happy.
Fondest memory…..riding my horse through the forest on a fall morning.
Indulgence…..my daily soap opera!
Last purchase….. fabric for my kids’ Halloween costumes.
Inspiration…..nature, music, people.
My Life…..is full of surprises, occasional detours, love, wisdom, pain, beauty.