Mommy Monday:: STC

Sherrie Tennessee founded her spa Management company, Sherrie Tennessee Consulting – STC in July, 2011. The services she provides include consulting services for those starting or growing a business in the beauty and wellness industry. “In addition, I also teach continuing education courses to massage therapist and spa management courses as an adjunct at various colleges,” she said.

Like others, Tennessee sometimes finds it difficult to balance work and family. “It has been a challenge finding the balance between being an entrepreneur and up until this month a stay at home mom,” she said. “I make the most of nap and bed times, plus I use my support system to switch off child care and allow time for me to work on the business.”

Tennessee prides herself on strong time management skills. “I think that time management is key to success. I have a time chart breaks down my day in 30minute increments. I put in the must do-first; grocery, laundry, work, quality time with family. Then I put in the other items that need to get done, including writing, posting, and creating new leads, it really helps to keep me on track.”

She is encouraging when talking to other aspiring mom entrepreneurs. “My advice to other mom entrepreneurs is to not be afraid to follow your dream. I feel as a mom we are already super hero or she-ro as I like to say. Why don’t we share our talent with the world and earn a living as well?”

For marketing, Tennessee utilizes social media and word of mouth to advertise. She also has a writing blog where she features stories about the companies she has worked with.

STC can be found online, or Tennessee can be reached via e-mail.

Mommy Monday:: StormSister

Becky Sturm launched StormSister Spatique in 2005. The spatique offers hair, skin, nail, body lotions, potions and serums. She followed by launching her own multi-use beauty and grooming product brand in 2011, 3waybeauty.

Although she admits it doesn’t work for everyone, Sturm has her office at home. This, she said, helps her to balance business with family. “I have a teenager left at home and if he is home when I'm working I drag him with me wherever I go. I did this with both of my sons, even when they were little. It's a great way to stay up on what they are doing and expose them to business culture and people.”

That is the advice she gives to other mom entrepreneurs most often, have the kids help you as much as possible. “Even if they don’t like it,” she said, “it is great experience for them.”

Sturm’s marketing tactics include her website, Facebook, Twitter, other social media and some magazine ads. You can find her online at StormSister and at 3waybeauty.

Mommy Monday:: Greenloons

Irene Lane is the mom entrepreneur behind Greenloons. The company officially started in May of 2010 and launched online in December of the same year. Greenloons makes it easy for eco-conscious travelers to find high-quality, certified eco-vacations all over the world, and helps communities help themselves by educating travelers about greenwashing.

Lane’s son is in school so the majority of her work takes place while he’s in class. “Overall, I'm fortunate that I can answer customer inquiries, write articles, talk to my suppliers, and make website improvements from home while my son is at school,” she said. “It also helps to have reliable after-school care for additional meetings or eco-travel presentations that I'm asked to give.”

When Lane was asked for her best advice for other mom business owners, she gave us the best advice she said she’s ever received. “Put together a business plan or at least an executive summary of a business plan and seek out at least two business-minded people you trust to read it and give their honest opinions about the idea and its financial viability before you invest your own money; or ask someone else to invest their money into your company.”

Before putting together her business plan, she read “Mom 3.0” by Maria Bailey, “Starting a Web-Based Business” by Steve Slaunwhite and “Content Rules” by Ann Handley & C.C. Chapman.

Greenloons focuses a lot on SEO and marketing through natural search results. In addition, they have a biweekly e-newsletter, offer contest giveaways, write original content for other travel sites, deliver presentations at conferences as well as environmental organizations, contributes to online forums, incorporates iContact marketing technology into the customer communication lifecycle, and also makes use of the various social media platforms all of which contribute to SEO. Lastly, we heavily utilize social media channels (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and LinkedIn).

Mommy Monday:: Parties by Dylan & Company

Dylan Glanzer started her business, Parties by Dylan & Company, in 1992 after working in children’s theater for several years. She provides fantastic musical birthday parties and events for children ages 1 – 5. A year ago, she expanded and hired and trained other talented performers. She plans to hire two additional performers by the end of the year.

According to the Parties by Dylan & Company website, “We are more than entertainers.  We are teachers, musicians, and parents. We understand how to motivate young children to feel like they can sing, dance, play, and just have fun being who they are.  We create a positive atmosphere that enables children to feel safe to play together enjoying games where everyone can be the best they can be.  We bring the energy and the inspiration – the children do the rest.”

Glanzer admits that balancing family and business isn’t easy, but it can be fun she said. “When Mommy is happy with her job, she can be in a much better mood when having to do the everyday things like cooking and cleaning and driving!” she said.

She advises other mom entrepreneurs not to do it alone! “We don’t have to be Super-Moms! Get help on anything you don’t want to do yourself! You can hire, barter or get volunteers.”

Glanzer also suggested getting professional help and learn from others about how best to do business. “I have an amazing business coach who has helped me grow my business and manage my time,” she said. She also recommends joining networking groups and spending time with those who have a positive influence on your life. “There are enough things in our busy lives that can drain our energy, so it is important who you “hang” with.”

Mommy Monday:: Jack's Harvest

Heather Schoenrock started her business, Jack's Harvest, in 2006. Her company manufactures frozen, organic baby food. Schoenrock credits her success to having a supportive network.

Her business partner is her brother, so he affords her quite a bit of leeway when it comes to meeting the needs of his nieces and nephew. “My kids are such big supporters of Jack’s Harvest that they also give me time to work when I need to,” she said. And, she has an incredible support network beyond that, she said.

According to Schoenrock, the balancing act between family and business makes her anxious. “It is a fine balancing act,” she admits. “There are nights where I am working at 2 a.m. because I absolutely couldn't miss a school party, play or recital!” However, she said that she feels very blessed that her schedule is primarily determined by her and her children’s needs. “I don't mind missing some sleep in order to be there for the important things with my kids!”

When it comes to advice, Schoenrock encourages mom entrepreneurs to love what they do, not just like it. “Your passion for your product/service is what will carry you through the inevitable road blocks and troubled times” she said.

Jack’s Harvest utilizes social marketing tools such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And, their PR agent does a nice job getting them a lot of local and national press attention. Schoenrock has also worked to establish herself as an industry expert by doing a good number of cooking demonstrations. These are all great marketing strategies!