MOM-E OF THE MONTH

November 2008
Megan Thomas, Owner, Peekaboo Picks

The November MOM-E of the Month is Megan Thomas, owner of Peekaboo Picks, an online magazine based
near Seattle, Washington. Megan is mom to Aiden, age 2, and Ireland, age 7 months.
Year business was founded: February 2007
Target audience: hip moms everywhere
Job held before you started this biz: Prior to Peekaboo, I worked as a Marketing Coordinator in the Real Estate arena.
Initial Start-Up Costs: Very minimal; We designed and built our online magazine ourselves.
Initial Funding Source(s): We are completely self-funded
First "woohoo!" business moment: Running Peekaboo Picks Magazine has been a constant series of "woohoos!" both for ourselves and for the companies we partner with.  When an owner emails me to let me know their traffic doubled the day they were featured on Peekaboo, that's such a great feeling.  We've also helped companies land wholesale accounts and be picked up by major media outlets and for me, that's what it's all about!
Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment: Over the past year, Peekaboo has grown by leaps and bounds.  When companies started to take notice of our site, I was flooded with product review requests and buried in a never ending inbox.  I made the mistake of thinking I could do it all myself and I ended up falling way behind.  Then a friend of mine suggested The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss, what an amazing book!  After reading the book, I decided to bring on a team of writers and product reviewers as well as a product review coordinator.  I'm now able to focus my time on growing the business as well as work on my new business.
How you feel about competition in your industry: I've spent many hours researching our competition.  When I started Peekaboo Picks, I had no idea what I was getting into but since then I have truly honed my Internet research skills.  There are now hundreds, if not thousands, of mom review sites so it was important for us to stand out from the crowd.  Peekaboo Picks is not just a review blog, it is an online magazine.  Each week we feature a fresh issue including five regular columnists, along with a "Peek of the Week" and a weekly Fab Swag Giveaway.  Other features of the site include our trendsetting product blog, video casts, and a lively hip mom community.  We're also lucky enough to have an in-house graphic designer (my husband) who makes Peekaboo really stand out from the crowd with it's amazing "look" and professionally designed email newsletters.
Greatest source of clients for your biz: Word of mouth!  We also have a great return on investment from our editorial placements.  Companies who have been featured on Peekaboo have such a great response that they often return to us for their advertising needs as well.
Your inspiration: My kids, of course!  With two small babies, it was important for me to find a way to be home with them during the day.  They are the fuel that keeps me working until the wee hours of the night!
#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow: Do what you love and the money will follow.  I absolutely love running Peekaboo Picks and consider it a privilege that I am able to do it - regardless of the money (or lack thereof).  It has opened up so many doors for me, and has led me to new opportunities that I am thrilled to be pursuing.  I believe that quality of life is the most important thing.  If you're not happy doing what you're doing, then it really doesn't matter how much money you make.  I also find that general happiness, a positive attitude, and passion for your work is where success happens.
#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance: Never wish away your time with your children.  As working moms, quality time with our kids might be limited so make the most of it.  I'm my most productive after a quality day spent with the kids (I do a lot of my work in the evenings).  And if you work from home, make sure you get out of the house (even if it's just a walk around the block) every day!

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October 2008                             
Zenana-Renee Rose, Co-Owner, Zenana Spa & Wellness Center

Each month, a new Mamapreneurs, Inc. member is chosen as the MOM-E of the Month and featured both here and on our website. The October MOM-E of the Month is Zenana Renee-Rose, co-owner of Zenana Spa & Wellness Center. Zenana is mama to Tatiana, 20 years old, who lives at home, attending Aveda Institute
 
Year business was founded: 2005

Target audience: pregnant and parenting families, mostly moms but dads too!

Job held before you started this biz: Labor and Delivery Nurse and Lactation Consultant

Initial Start-Up Costs: $535,000

Initial Funding Source(s): Cash investment and SBA loan

First "woohoo!" business moment: The day that we opened our doors I came in early to prepare.  I walked through the spa when it was still quiet and while observing how incredibly beautiful it was, I realized that we had created the entire place from the ground up.  We actually did it!  Our little dream had become an incredible reality.

Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment: Not paying very close attention to the statements from references for potential new hires.  I learned that if you do not get a glowing report from a potential candidates reference do not hire them.  My employees are my most valuable asset.  Because we are a service-based business we rely on our employees to provide exceptional services.  If I am not careful about who I hire it can be detrimental to my business.  I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful staff I have presently.

How you feel about competition in your industry: I really like to work cooperatively with everyone in my industry.  I try to create relationships with my colleagues and find ways in which we can work together to support each other.

Greatest source of clients for your biz: Word-of-mouth.  Women talk to each other, especially mothers.  Our customers are our biggest source of clients.  We have a great referral program that keeps more customers coming in all the time.

Your inspiration: I love to read about other businesses and how they have become successful.  Oregon Chai has been a big inspiration for me.  They started out as a small, local mother/daughter business.  As I read their book, Nirvana in a Cup: the Story of Oregon Chai, I felt I wasn't alone and that many of the struggles and triumphs I have experienced are normal for a new business.

#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow: Test your advertising methods very carefully.  Don't spend the money if it doesn't bring you it's worth in clients.

#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance: Get plenty of sleep.  I work hard but I make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night (at least most of the time).  I also practice yoga.  Yoga has been a life-saver for me.  It helps me to stay in touch with my body, mind and spirit and to maintain a sense of balance in my life.  And getting massages, of course!  As with our business motto, in order to be the best wife and mother that I can be, I must make sure to take time out to nurture myself.

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September 2008 Dani Juhala, owner, PDX Shopgirl

 

Each month, a new Mamapreneurs, Inc. member is chosen as the MOM-E of the Month and featured both here and on our website. The September MOM-E of the Month is Personal Shopper and Image Consultant Dani Juhala, owner of PDX Shopgirl. Dani is mama to Joseph, almost 7-years-old, and Max, age 2.5.   Year business was founded: 2006 Target audience: Every Woman that wants to look and feel better - my motto: "Dress for the Life you Want!" Job held before you started this biz: Sales and Marketing for a major appliance manufacturer (!) and after that Stay at Home Mom to Joseph for 2 years. Initial Start-Up Costs: around $4000 Initial Funding Source(s): my incredibly supportive husband:) First "woohoo!" business moment: Within my first month of business I was featured on AM Northwest - what an incredible experience! Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment: I once was asked to drive an hour and a half to see a client in a teeny tiny little town and was wondering if it was worth my time to go this far south for a client...this client became one of my most loyal customers and has become a very dear friend ! You never know what doors you open for yourself when you just say :"YES!" How you feel about competition in your industry: There sure is enough business for all of us! Greatest source of clients for your biz: First of all word of mouth, my gym (Club Sport) and my monthly segment on AM Northwest Your inspiration: I was born and raised in Europe - Vienna, Austria, and I take a lot of inspiration and ideas during my once yearly trip back home! #1 piece of business advice everyone should follow: Ask other women for help! It is amazing what we can do for and with each other. #1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance: Some days we just cant do it all - find time for yourself to think and breathe - I get my "time-outs" while running or at a great massage!

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August 2008

Sadie Lincoln Owner, Barre 3

It's back! We're re-instating the monthly Mom Entrepreneur of the Month (MOM-E) in this issue. Each month, a new Mamapreneurs, Inc. member will be featured, both here and in our newsletter. The August MOM-E of the Month is Sadie Lincoln, owner of the new exercise studio Barre 3, where the ballet barre meets yoga and pilates. Sadie is also mama to Audrey Charlotte, age 4.5, and  Drew Joseph, age 3. Target audience: Moms!  I will have childcare for busy Moms (Dads) too.    I am also targeting busy professionals (mostly women) looking for an efficient and upbeat mind-body workout.    Job held before you started this biz: Brand Marketing and special projects for CEO of 24 Hour Fitness, Inc. Initial Start-Up Costs: All in - $250k Initial Funding Source(s): Self-funded and Angel investor First "woohoo!" business moment: I have so many!  I suppose the first one that comes to mind is developing MY OWN brand identity, logo, colors, and studio design with no decision committees or red tape.  WOOOOOHOOOOO!  Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment: Saying yes before thinking it through. I am still working on this one.  How you feel about competition in your industry: There is room for all of us.  I am trying to avoid making fear based decisions and instead listen to my instincts and be open minded.  Greatest source of clients for your biz: Word of mouth and referrals.  I have a feeling the success rate of existing clients will inspire others to experience barre3. Your inspiration: #1 piece of business advice everyone should follow: Seek to understand before being understood. #1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance: Create work that is not a chore but an integrated part of life.   The very essence of my brand is BALANCE. The 3 in barre3 is a symbol of balance like a triangle or tripod. Developing a practice to continually cultivate balance in the body and in life is my goal.