Because of some mis-communication, we have two wonderful Mommy Monday businesses to share with you today!
Caryn Antonini is the mom-founder of Early Lingo, Inc. The company offers animated and live-action videos to teach a child (ages 6 months to 6 years) the basic foundation of a foreign language. The company launched in January, 2011.
The first six DVDs of the series are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin Chinese, with more languages and titles to follow in 2012. This past holiday season, a six DVD box set in all languages was released and has proven very popular.
When businesses are new, they require a lot of time and energy. “Given that I have a new start-up, balancing work and family can often be a challenge!” Antonini said. “I feel like I’m always “working” though I do create balance by making time for myself and sticking to it. I do the same for the time I spend with my two-year-old and my husband. When I’m with them I’m completely present. With another baby on the way, this is very important!”
She encourages other mom entrepreneurs to ask for help when they need it. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and make sure you get what you need, whether it be free time, help, or even emotional support,” she said.
Marketing strategies used for Early Lingo, Inc. include social media, advertising, PR and tradeshows. You can find Antonini’s business online at her website, and on Facebook and Twitter.
We’re also featuring Dominique Molina, mom and owner of Certified Tax Coach, today. She started her business in February, 2009 and since then, the business has grown to 200 members across the country.
Certified Tax Coach provides professional designation for tax planning specialists including education and support services and connecting small business owners with this network so they can pay less tax through proactive planning!
Molina admits that balancing work with family is a juggling act! “I use as much “found time” as possible ie: folding laundry while I’m waiting at sports practice, taking conference calls in the parking lot waiting for school pickup, and meticulous scheduling,” she said.
Her advice to other mom business owners is to be present. “It doesn’t matter if you are physically there with your child, if your mind is thinking of all the million things you need to get done between work and home, the time is not quality,” Molina said. “I use meditation to “reset” my day when my brain has taken off and I need to be present with my family.”
To market her business, Molina most often uses media and PR along with strategic partnerships with accounting professional organizations and networking to grow her business.