Moms Who Mean Business: Spring 2014 Edition

I’m constantly in awe of the moms I come into contact with who are not only growing a family, but are growing a business to help other moms too. These women are creative, strategic, inspiring, and — I’m guessing — exhausted. So I’m thrilled to give a few of these ladies a moment in the spotlight. I’ve loved getting to know each of them — and their businesses — and I’m confident you will too.

Stacey Delo
Mother of Rory (almost 4) and Toby (almost 2)
Maybrooks: Where Smart Moms Help Each Other Find Flexible Careers
http://maybrooks.com/

Amy’s Intro:Stacey actually reached out to me last May after my lovely and talented WordPress expert told her about this blog. She asked if she could feature *my* story on Maybrooks. I was pretty sure she had the wrong person, but of course I said yes. Now I’m thrilled to have the chance to return the favor. I love getting my Maybrooks emails and seeing so many awesome companies posting flexible jobs for talented moms. (No wonder Stacey was recently on stage at SXSW!)

What inspired you to start your business?
I was an online video reporter and producer for The Wall Street Journal Digital Network and I negotiated my work-week down to three days after having my daughter. I was so grateful and wondered what I would have done had my manager not agreed to this set up. Where would I have turned online to research my options? When I couldn’t answer this question, I began researching and concepting Maybrooks.

What’s one of the most rewarding things about your business? Hearing from moms who have found smart, flexible jobs through us, or have simply found Maybrooks to be a great resource. I also love hearing from employers that they’re finding great candidates through us!

This week’s mom “high”:
Presenting about logger-head turtles to my daughter’s pre-school class and watching her chime in and present with me.

This week’s mom “low”:
Showing up at a birthday party in regular clothes where the kids were supposed to wear jammies. Note to self: read the party description from start to finish!

 

Kari Ness Riedel
Mother of Gabe (9) and Beck (6)
Bookopolis (a fun and safe online community for young readers to connect with friends to share their favorite books and discover new ones)
http://bookopolis.com

Amy’s intro:
Kari’s boys are in school with Big and our paths have crossed many times — most recently in our local entrepreneurial mom’s group. I can’t get enough of hearing about her passion for this business, and I love that it encourages kids to read, read, and read some more.

What inspired you to start your business?
Seeing my kids, who love to read, wanting to spend more time playing online and then having less time to read. I wanted a way to engage our tech-loving kids to be excited about reading by giving them an online place to talk about the books they are reading and see what books their friends love. And, of course, they love earning points and badges for all of their reading accomplishments.

What’s one of the most rewarding things about your business?
Talking to kids about books and watching them getting super excited to share about the latest awesome book they read.

This week’s mom “high”:
I was blown away watching my son and 130 other elementary school kids gussied up in suits and dresses delivering eloquent speeches at a debate tournament at our elementary school.

This week’s mom “low”:
Having my boys overhear me talking to another mom cheering that baseball practice was rained out again. Busted.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Being a solo entrepreneur is a lot like being a mom — not a lot of ‘thank yous’ or positive feedback. And even though you’re talking to lots of people every day , it can feel lonely. I’m grateful for being a part of two wonderful entrepreneur groups that provide a great support system and boost me up when I need some positive reinforcement!

 

Angela Broxterman
Mother of Jake (7) and Maddie (4)
Just Between Friends Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sales Event
http://www.sanmateo.jbfsale.com

Amy’s intro:
I met Angela online and love the idea of this event. I also happen to be a huge supporter of InnVision Shelter Network, and have seen the good they do firsthand. I knew local families would want to know about this awesome event where they can sell their goods without having to deal with the hassle of a garage sale. It’s right up my alley (just ask my attic).

What inspired you to start your business?
I’m a die-hard deal finder. I love getting great things for my children at rock bottom prices (who doesn’t right)?! They grow out of their clothes and toys so quickly, it’s hard to justify paying full price for them. When I learned about Just Between Friends (JBF), I was living in Texas and pregnant with my second baby. I attended an event there and was overwhelmed by the enormous selection and great prices! We knew we were moving back to the Bay Area and I kept thinking to myself ,”Why do we not have an event like this on the Peninsula?” As soon as we moved back, I purchased the franchise and started JBF in San Mateo! In 3 short years, the event has grown to occupy over 20,000 square feet and over 35,000 items at each event. I’m currently preparing for my 7th JBF sale in San Mateo on March 28-30th.

What’s one of the most rewarding things about your business?
I just love it when my consignors tell me that the money they make from JBF helps them contribute financially to their families. I’ve had parents tell me that the extra money from JBF has paid for outstanding bills, car payments and vacations for their families! Every little bit counts and it’s awesome to know that JBF helps them in this way. I also love that our charity partner, InnVision Shelter Network, completely fills up their donation truck after each event and delivers these donations to the 4 shelters they run up and down the Peninsula. It really is a win-win in our community.

This week’s mom “high”:
My kids and I belting out ALL of the lyrics to the entire Frozen album in the car on the way to school. And my 4-year old insisting that only she can be Hans.

This week’s mom “low”:
Crawling under the public bathroom stall to rescue said 4-year old because she locked herself in (after she insisted 100 times she can “do it by herself”). I still feel like I need another shower.

 

A special thanks to all of these entrepreneurs for sharing their stories and their lives with me. I wish them great success and happiness as they grow their businesses!