This Sunday, moms everywhere will be celebrated with breakfast in bed, flowers, homemade cards and lots of love. But today I wanted to celebrate some moms in a different way. I was talking to a couple friends this week and realized that I have some very talented mom friends who run wonderful family-focused businesses. I’ve been friends with some since high school and college (I’m featuring them in the hopes they’ll keep the stories to themselves), and others I’ve known only a short time, but they’ve had a big impact on me.
Today I’m celebrating these women—women who embody creativity, the entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to make other moms’ lives a bit brighter. Who knows, after you meet them, maybe they’ll be women you want to connect with—and support—too.
Allyson South
Mother of Nicholas, age 13
Creator of Allyson South Designs, Photo Book Designs
www.allysonsouthdesigns.com
How long have you been in business?
Since 2010
Why did you start your business?
I started my photo book design business so that I could do something more rewarding with my creativity while achieving better work/life/home balance. After almost twenty years in the corporate world, it was time for a change. I was able to channel my strengths and interests into a job that I really enjoy. By combining my love of photography, books and design, I get to help people and businesses tell their unique visual stories and create something meaningful and memorable for them. It’s very gratifying.
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
Seeing my son become his own person, succeeding and excelling—all at his own doing.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Second guessing myself and my parenting decisions, seeing my child struggle or in pain/distress and not being able to help.
On launching a new business:
I love the idea of connecting with other women who are also entrepreneurs—having a network of like-minded ladies can only result in good things!
Amy
Mother of a little girl, E, age 5
Creator of Moxie Bibs
http://www.moxiebibs.com
How long have you been in business?
3+ years. It takes a long time to get a small business up and running!
Why did you start your business?
I saw a need for a better option for my little one who was a super messy eater, plus I wanted something soft next to my little girl’s skin as opposed to the plastic options. I also didn’t like the hassle of the plastic bibs that you had to wipe clean. I needed a time saver and being able to just toss it in the wash was my preference.
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
Sharing in the experiences of doing something for the first time and seeing the happiness and excitement on my daughter’s face. Experiencing her strong sense of curiosity, wondering how things work, or just why things are the way they are. And having snuggle tickles as often as possible. When was the last time you could have a ticklefest at work, even though you could probably use one…
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Finding the balance (cliché, I know), but it truly is hard. While I teach my little girl to stop and smell the roses, and it makes me stop too, I feel like we could still use more of that time to slow down and not be on the habit trail wheel of life…
On Mother’s Day:
For any mom out there that has lost their mother, it’s always nice to do something or have a moment in the day to find a way to be close to them. My mom used to love to garden, so we’ll be planting some flowers for her.
Cari Thomas
Mother of Madeira, age 6
Creator of Be Gifted
www.sbgiftbaskets.com
How long have you been in business?
5 years
Why did you start your business?
I was looking for something that would allow me flexibility in my schedule and the ability to combine creativity with business.
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
I love that I truly enjoy spending time with this sweet little person who keeps me entertained and shows me a beautiful example of kindness and unconditional love every day.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Finding the balance between being a mommy, wife and business owner and squashing down the guilt that creeps up when I feel like you I am letting everyone down!
Carolee Hazard
Mother of two daughters, ages 9 & 11
Creator of 93 Dollar Club (A pay-it-forward act turns into a social media campaign for the hungry)
http://www.facebook.com/93dollarclub
How long have you been in business?
20 months
Why did you start your business?
I landed on this path inadvertently, but felt an enormous pull and responsibility to follow where it lead. The people I have encountered and their stories have been truly amazing—so many people are working on making our world a better place, even if it doesn’t seem like it in the news. I feel very blessed to be having this wonderful journey. And, it continues still!
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
Hugging my kids in the morning when they are still “bed-warm”. Seriously, how can I answer that? Can you give a favorite? Impossible! This is just the first thing that came to mind.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Sassy back-talk makes me see RED, even just a little makes me nuts! So far, we don’t have much in our house (maybe because I lose it!), but I’m sure it’ll increase as we move into the teen years (probably because they know it makes me crazy! Didn’t we all torment our parents with the thing that drove them most crazy?)
On what her experience with the 93 Dollar Club has taught her kids:
I love that my kids have seen the power of many people doing a little and giving what they can—enormous change is possible when we all row in (roughly) the same direction! As they go through their lives, they put good out, knowing that their act may start a chain reaction—even if they don’t see it happen. I love that view of the world. Be kind to others without expecting recognition and you just never know what goodness may come from it!
Jenny Lee
Mother of 2 boys, age 3.5 & 7
Creator of Jenny Lee Photography (SF Bay Area)
www.jennyleephotography.com
How long have you been in business?
Since 2006
Why did you start your business?
The business started on its own. I was always passionate about photography, but when I became a mom, I started taking millions of photos of my baby. I was obsessed with his everyday moments and ever-changing expressions. I shared my photos with friends and family and they shared them with others. Eventually, I was being asked to come photograph my friend’s baby, then their friend’s baby and many others around the Bay Area.
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
The hugs, the kisses, they’re so innocent and pure.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Trying to balance life, work and family altogether—especially having a son living with childhood cancer.
On helping moms capture little ones.
1. Take pictures of your kids everyday (even if its just with your iPhone).
2. Take pictures WITH your kids together. Do this every week. (Just remember, who actually looks at their baby pictures of their mom and points out that she has no make-up on or has black circles under her eyes?)
3. Don’t pose the kids. Get down on your knees and just snap.
4. Turn off the flash and shoot near a window (or go outside) for good natural lighting.
5. Take pictures of happy moments AND not-so-happy moments too. I can promise you, when you look back at the crying shot, you will only smile.
6. Write a diary to your child. Or make a visual diary with your everyday photos. Here is my diary –> www.adiaryforcooper.com
Jill
Mother of Abigail (& soon-to-be Ford, in a few days)
Creator of Jill Cate Designs, Perfectly Custom Paper Goods
www.jillcate.com
How long have you been in business?
6 plus years
Why did you start your business?
I love letterpress and design and after getting married and having my husband be my biggest advocate, I bit the bullet. He’s the reason I followed my dreams.
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
The laughter. The hugs. The kisses.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Repeating myself. Every. Day. Zillions of times.
Kristen Gara
Mother of Ruby, Oscar and Theodore
Creator of Three Knocks Design & Co-Creator of Tin Parade
threeknocksdesign.com
How long have you been in business?
12 years
Why did you start your business?
To be able to do something for others, to do something I love.
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
I love how my kids are always changing my life, every day in new ways.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Trying not to yell.
On working for other moms:
I love to design invitations, save the dates, baby announcements, programs, logos, business cards, website style guides…you name it.
Leslie Barber
Mother of Emily, age 2
Creator of BellyBar
www.bellybarproducts.com
How long have you been in business?
6 years
Why did you start your business?
I wanted to make prenatal nutrition easier for women—the horse pills just didn’t make sense to me. So, we developed solutions (like chewable prenatal vitamins) that are delicious and make getting your vitamins fun!
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
I love all of the laughter motherhood brings—my daughter keeps me giggling!
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Balancing the juggling act between family, the office, a social life and me time.
Monica Holder
Mother of 3- J (son) almost 5, C (daughter) age 3 & a baby boy due any day!
Monica Holder Photography (San Diego)
http://monicaholderphotography.blogspot.com
How long have you been in business?
Since August 2009
Why did you start your business?
I have always been passionate about photography and I love being creative. I wanted a career path that I could follow while also staying at home with my children and this has turned out to be an amazingly perfect fit for me and my family. I can’t wait to apply some of my ideas and start growing my business in a couple of months, after I get a handle on our life with 3 kids.
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
I love that they need and want me around them so much and being the recipient of such honest and pure love.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Being needed and wanted 24 hours a day. And trying to figure out what is best or “right” regarding vaccinations, food choices, choosing schools, etc.
Ryan Larson
Mother of a little boy, age 6 and a little girl, age 2
Co-creator of Tin Parade Vintage Party Goods
www.tinparade.com
How long have you been in business?
2 years
Why did you start your business?
To stay creative, to speak to the need for stylish parties that are more classic than paper and cheesy.
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
The smiles I am blessed with throughout the day, given and received.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Finding time to think.
On being happy:
I love being an entrepreneur, especially one related to childrens’ items. I feel like it all makes sense with where I am in my life and allows me the flexibility to be present with my family, but remain creatively fulfilled.
Suzannah Scully
Mother of a little boy, age 2 & a bun in the oven
Creator of Suzannah Scully, Career Coaching
http://suzannahscully.com
How long have you been in business?
4 years
Why did you start your business?
To help women find work that they love and that doesn’t feel like “work”.
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
Snuggles before bed.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Cleaning, prepping 3 meals a day and not having a break.
On being a working mom:
It’s amazing to have a support network of other entrepreneurial women.
Mother of twin boys, age 6 & a little girl, age 2
Creator of FlyingPeas
flyingpeas.com
How long have you been in business?
Since 2006
Why did you start your business?
Because I worked so hard to find hip and high-quality products for my little ones, I wanted to share with the world!
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
Sounds cliché, but I love watching them grow and become the people they want to be. I also love seeing my hard work pay off as a mom, and there’s nothing better than listening as they have a conversation with each other. The things that come out of their mouths sometimes are pure comedy and raw beauty—all at once.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?
Eh-em… when that hard work doesn’t pay off. Most challenging is having patience and remembering that they are just little people doing their best to listen/behave/understand/tolerate me.
On motherhood:
For me, raising children has been the most rewarding thing of my life. It ain’t easy—and sometimes I miss those days of only worrying about thy self—but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
It’s your turn. Put your friends with mom friendly businesses in the spotlight. We want to hear about them!
this is fabulous. that’s it. just fabulous. oh, and inspiring. love.
we have some pretty amazing friends, huh?
You just get better and better every day! (And make me want to move out west more and more every day too!)
Thanks my friend. You seem like a California girl…do it!