Archive for the ‘women entrepreneurs’ Category
Monday, October 25th, 2010
Maxine Gardner has an elegant, yet practical, concept to change the way people buy gifts. She’s also changing the fundraising landscape.
Through her new (and growing) online company, Artful Vision, people can buy original art and fine crafts made in the USA, while directly supporting participating non-profits.
Site visitors can browse a variety of lovely – yet affordable – gifts, including jewelry, scarves, prints, photography, sculpture, baskets, pottery and more. Then they select a non-profit from a (growing) list of non-profit partners, to receive a 20% donation from the participating artists. Gift certificates are also available.
“When people buy gifts at the mall or an independent gift store, they often purchase things made overseas. I’m an artist hoping to help our country’s economic recovery, so I focused on the two communities in the United States I’m most passionate about – artists and non-profits,” Gardner explained.
Her target market is busy women/moms who want to buy unique gifts they love.
“As moms, we begrudgingly buy items that we don’t want or need to support our schools, churches and other organizations. Moms, overwhelmed with so many things to do, will find it easier to support a fundraiser that lets them purchase something they want, when they want.” Gardner continued.
“Artful Vision offers gifts of value that will be enjoyed,” Gardner added. “The recipient gets something unique, and will feel special knowing that a worthy cause has benefited from this purchase.”
The site, which launched August 1, already has an impressive list of participating artists and non-profits.
Michigan-based Gardner, mother of two adult sons, will keep the roster of artists manageable – under 500 – to spotlight the artists’ unique talents and to prevent shoppers from becoming overwhelmed.
Additional non-profits are welcome, with applications available on her website. She provides each non-profit partner with customizable marketing materials for their promotional efforts.
Gardner, a mosaic artist and photographer, came up with the site’s concept three years ago. Tired of the “art fair circuit,” she wanted to sell her art online, with an “emotional connection” for shoppers.
As an artist, she had a vision, but she “had to grow into being a business person” by taking business
classes, meeting with career counselors, and networking through groups like The Mom Entrepreneur Support Group.
Artful Vision is off to a strong start. Two months after launching the business, Gardner was thrilled to be included in the News & Documentary Emmy gift bag, an incredible, high-profile opportunity. She donated 700 gifts, emphasizing that “it showed what can happen when you pursue your dreams.”
For more information, visit Artful Vision at The Mom Entrepreneur Co-op Shop.
Tags: art, fundraising, gifts
Monday, June 14th, 2010
Yvonne’s Invitations & Favors is a Long Island home-based online wedding invitations and favors company, fulfilling orders nationwide.
Shirley Yvonne Vitelli, the company’s founder, operates a unique online business model, offering “red-carpet personalized service” that impresses even the most demanding brides. The company’s customized, friendly service takes the fear out of ordering invitations online. Yvonne helps clients every step of the way, with flexible phone appointments to answer questions and provide support. They provide free instant online proofs and can print and ship the same day on most orders.
Their best selling products are invitations, followed by favors and accessories. Their most popular themes include beach/destination, hearts, autumn/fall and fairy-tale weddings.
Shirley started the company as a hobby, and says it’s been tremendously fulfilling to nurture and expand her business. According to Shirley, self-fulfillment leads to happiness, and happiness is the key to healthy relationships and a happy home.
To maintain a healthy work-life balance, Shirley regularly schedules quality time with her two young
children. During family time, Shirley makes it “completely about them,” putting away her laptop and work projects. And when she works with clients, she focuses on them exclusively. A night owl, Shirley works mostly in the evening after her children are sleeping. That way, she can tap into her creativity, uninterrupted.
Shirley’s biggest challenge is being a “one-woman show.” She’s not only the head of the company, but also the accountant, publicist, sales rep, etc. Like many mom entrepreneurs, her resources are limited, and she has found huge value in networking. By securing key partnerships, especially with other vendors, she increases referrals, advice and bartering opportunities.
Shirley’s strong retail background includes Hallmark, Victoria’s Secret, Bloomingdale’s, Elizabeth Arden and Bed Bath and Beyond. She has “worn many hats” in the retail industry, including store manger, retail trainer, corporate buyer and recruiter.
Shirley credits her mom with being her biggest source of inspiration. A successful career woman herself, Shirley’s mom demonstrated how to juggle career and family and maintain a healthy work-life balance. While her family is supportive of her business endeavors, Shirley’s biggest supporter is her husband, who also happens to be a hands-on dad. She values the partnership they share and truly feels blessed to have a husband like hers.
Shirley’s advice to other mom entrepreneurs: when you start to feel guilty about not spending “enough” time with family or at work, remember that quality is more important than quantity. When you’re with your kids, focus exclusively on them and when you’re at work, concentrate on the task at hand.
For more information, visit www.invitationsbyyvonne.com.
Tags: brides, invitations, wedding favors, wedding invitations, weddings
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009
On Tuesday, January 27th, I told you about a great contest we were running to giveaway a $300 credit for MarketSplash by HP services. Unfortunately, I gave the wrong link to answer the trivia question.
So here are the details again with the correct link for answering the trivia question. Thanks for your patience!
For our giveaway, we will be offering $300 in MarketSplash by HP credit.
Examples of what $300 in MarketSplash by HP credit could purchase:
- Business cards (starting at $9.99)
- Letterhead
- Envelopes
- Loyalty cards
- Appointment cards
- Promotional post cards
Or, winners can choose to use their prize towards custom design work such as:
- Custom logo design (starting at $299)
- Custom business card and stationery design (starting at $199; great for businesses who already have a logo)
- Custom post card design (starting at $299)
NOTE: MarketSplash by HP is very flexible, and the credit can be a “mix and match,” depending on what the winner determines works best.
OK…so here are the simple rules:
- You MUST be a subscriber of our blog. Our awesome giveaways are for subscribers. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can do so via email or in a reader or click on your favorite web aggregator to the right.
- Answer the following trivia question correctly: As shown in “A Delicious Dilemma” video, what is the name of the award that Goobers, Sno-Caps and Oh Henry! are vying for? (HINT: the answer can be found at adeliciousdilemma.com.)
- Email your answer to traci@themomentrepreneur.com and confirm you are a subscriber of our blog. (You may only enter once.)
- Wait patiently until 5pm EST on February 5, 2009 to see if you are chosen at random as the winner. (Winner chosen at random from all correct entries using a sequence selection of numbers from random.org.) Winners will be contacted via email and announced on this blog.
That is it! Easy enough. GOOD LUCK!
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
I am excited to announce a great giveaway from MarketSplash by HP. The contest will run until 5pm EST on February 5, 2009 at which time the winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.
The contest has a twist. You will need to answer a trivia question. The prize package is awesome so we need to make it more challenging to win.
MarketSplash by HP provides small businesses with premium do-it-yourself (DIY) online templates and custom design offerings for a wide range of marketing products and services – from business cards, stationery, postcards, logos and website design to one-on-one brand design consultation.
Even if you do not win our contest, you can still take advantage of free business cards. To introduce customers to the high quality of MarketSplash designs and the ease of use of its services, HP is offering first-time customers 100 free business cards.
Small businesses can choose from more than 1,400 professionally designed templates, pay no processing, shipping or other fees, and receive their cards in seven business days or less.
MarketSplash also offers custom design consultation services. They have one of the industry’s largest network of design and brand experts.
Examples of what $300 in MarketSplash by HP credit could purchase:
- Business cards (starting at $9.99)
- Letterhead
- Envelopes
- Loyalty cards
- Appointment cards
- Promotional post cards
Or, winners can choose to use their prize towards custom design work such as:
- Custom logo design (starting at $299)
- Custom business card and stationery design (starting at $199; great for businesses who already have a logo)
- Custom post card design (starting at $299)
NOTE: MarketSplash by HP is very flexible, and the credit can be a “mix and match,” depending on what the winner determines works best.
OK…so here are the simple rules:
- You MUST be a subscriber of our blog. Our awesome giveaways are for subscribers. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can do so via email or in a reader or click on your favorite web aggregator to the right.
- Answer the following trivia question correctly: As shown in “A Delicious Dilemma” video, what is the name of the award that Goobers, Sno-Caps and Oh Henry! are vying for? (HINT: the answer can be found at adeliciousdilemma.com.)
- Email your answer to traci@themomentrepreneur.com and confirm you are a subscriber of our blog. (You may only enter once.)
- Wait patiently until 5pm EST on February 5, 2009 to see if you are chosen at random as the winner. (Winner chosen at random from all correct entries using a sequence selection of numbers from random.org.) Winners will be contacted via email and announced on this blog.
That is it! Easy enough. GOOD LUCK!
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
A fellow member of The Mom Entrepreneur Online Support Group, Psi Bands is a past winner of the Make Mine a Million $ Award sponsored by Count Me In. They are generously offering to sponsor one winner for this year’s contest. Read on for details!
Create, Grow and Thrive in 2009
Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE
After years of coaching women business owners on how to pitch their business to a dream client or potential investor, Count Me In had the opportunity to deliver their message to the new Obama administration. Here’s what they said: we provide expert business building resources to a national network of women — when they thrive, they create jobs that will rebuild the American economy. If 175,000 women grow their businesses we can create 500,000 jobs.
Count Me In created the Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE (M3 RACE) to do exactly that. The M3 RACE is open to everyone — past winners, community members and women who just have an idea for a business. Stand up and declare that you will grow your business in the M3 RACE. You pick your revenue target, Count Me In will help you create a road map and track your progress. There is no extra time commitment. These are things you are already doing to grow a sustainable business. The M3 RACE provides you an online platform to get answers to your questions and network with thousands of like-minded women racing with you.
What You Get
- Starting January 27, 2009, at the click of a mouse, you will have access to experts, resources and opportunities tailored for YOU!
- Cutting-edge online business assessment
- Expert advice and education
- Personalized “dashboard” to track your goals and annual revenue
- Social network to find other M3 RACE participants and post questions
- Invitations to three national educational and networking events
- Opportunities to reach new national markets with partners like American Express OPEN,
- Reader’s Digest, Dell and Sam’s Club
- Prizes and national recognition for crossing your personal finish line, as well as the chance to win our Grand Prize of $100,000 cash!
How To Register
- Go to www.makemineamillion.org/race
- Click on the `Enter the M3 RACE’ button.
- Click on `Add Racer’ to enter your contact information
- Enter Ambassador Code CRFT (that’s Psi Bands unique code) under PROMO CODE. The
- Ambassador code is case sensitive so be sure to enter it in ALL CAPS and click APPLY.
- Enter your Billing Information and your Billing Address information.
- Enter your Mailing Address information.
- After you have reviewed all registration information, click on Complete Registration.
Congratulations! You are “In”!
Note: you will be asked in the registration process to set your 2009 revenue goal at $250,000, $500,000 or $1,000,000. Even if you don’t think you can get to $250K, you still need to set a goal for your business. Set it at $250K. Perhaps you reach $100k or some other amount that you may not have otherwise reached without the support and tools of this community.
Pay It Forward
We believe in random acts of kindness and paying it forward. As such, Psi Bands will happily sponsor one women-owned business into the RACE.
To enter provide the following:
- Your name, business name, number of years in business, web site, email, phone #
WHY we should sponsor you (in 200 words or less)
- Your RACE goal (i.e. $100k, 250k, $500k)
- Submit your answers to romy@psibands.com no later than 12am EST on Sunday, January 25, 2009. We will announce the winner on this blog at this link: http://www.savorthesuccess.com/member/romy-taormina/blog/448 and directly contact the winner via email or phone on January 27, 2009 – the RACE’s kick off date.
- We will pick from the submissions the one we feel is the most deserving. Yes, this is subjective and up to our sole discretion.
If you are able to pay if forward, please do the same!
The country is watching. Let’s show them we are committed to growth and can lead the charge towards economic stability and job creation. Register for the M3 RACE today, and let Psi Bands know that you’ve done so! They want to support your efforts and follow your successes!
If you have questions about the RACE, please email Romy Taormina at: romy@psibands.com.
GOOD LUCK!
Sunday, January 18th, 2009
Baby Fish Mouth is the brainchild of two friends who met in college and always talked about doing something big together. But soon real life intervened – careers, marriages, children. Even though life took them in separate directions after school, they held on to their friendship and their dreams to work together someday. Then one summer, Danielle Hughes went to Cindy Lyons with an idea.
The company, established in 2007 combines these two mom entrepreneur’s love of movies with their passion for children and desire to do something they truly enjoy and feel proud of.
Recently, we caught up with Danielle, mom to one son, to learn more about how this economy has affected her family and the business.
Here is her story…
How has this economy affected you, your business and your family?
Luckily it has not affected us that much – yet. Business is slower, but January is always bad for retail so I am hopeful things will pick up. I also freelance copywrite to help pay the bills and have noticed a slight downturn, but again, I am confident things will get busier soon.
How are you making lemonade from lemons? 
Many people tend to cut their advertising and promotion budgets during a recession or economic downturn. But statistics prove that businesses who continue to spend on advertising actually increase their sales. So even though times are tough and business has slowed, we are taking out an ad with other Mompreneurs in Peter Shankman’s HARO (Help a Reporter Out) Newsletter for Valentine’s Day. This will give us exposure we need to 50,000 media outlets and other businesses, and by offering his readers a promotion code, hopefully spread some goodwill in return. I am confident that this lemon will result in pitchers of lemonade for our business!
Any encouraging words you would like to offer mom entrepreneurs?
Find a supportive community online to help you navigate the world of small business. I was lucky enough to find The Mom Entrepreneur Online Support Group. The women are not only smart, but willing to help others without asking for anything in return. Don’t be afraid to use the resources around you and ask for help. Pride has no place in business.
For more information, visit bfmwear.com, or email Danielle@bfmwear.com.
Friday, January 9th, 2009
Stacey Kannenberg is a serial entrepreneur. She is an author, publisher, motivator, consultant, spokesperson, successful blogger and most importantly…a MOM. In 2004, she established Cedar Valley Publishing, 2006 Stacey Kannenberg Unlimited, 2007 Mom Central Consulting and in 2008, Mother Talk.
This mom entrepreneur is the epitome of the phrase…”if you want something done, give it to a busy person.”
As the “Get Ready to Learn Mom”, Stacey is a nationally renowned education expert and award winning author with an expertise in children’s education, and “Mom-entrepreneurship”. When Stacey is not busy running her two publishing companies or consulting, she is spending every possible free moment with her two adorable girls. Here is her story…
How has this economy affected you, your business and your family?
My husband and I are both entrepreneurs – he runs his family tool and die company, which started seeing a shift in contracts moving overseas in the 90’s. I have learned from watching him.
He noticed the trend and started to diversify his customer base to include clients from all industries, looking for specific niche markets that would be a good fit for his company. So when I started my publishing companies, my marketing plan was diversified to cover many niches so that if one industry failed I would have other avenues to pursue, such as grandparents, parenting groups, bookstores, schools, preschools, libraries, etc. Looking back, that has been the key to my success.
How are you making lemonade from lemons?
I continue to look at obstacles as opportunities. I have seen the results of what hard work can bring within four years and I am looking forward to see how I will continue to evolve in the future.
My kids think it is hilarious that you don’t have to be a teacher to write successful educational
books or that you don’t have to speak or write the language to release a Spanish book. To quote my seven year-old daughter Megan, “Just hire a translator, duh, anyone can do anything as long as they put their mind to it.”
Education is a recession proof industry so it helps that I sell books geared for ages 2-6 involving the Kindergarten and First Grade curriculum. I also have my consulting work that allows me to work with brands, authors and other mom entrepreneurs as a way to keep myself diversified.
Any encouraging words you would like to offer mom entrepreneurs?
My husband gave me a crystal clock in 2004 to celebrate Christmas. It had Cedar Valley Publishing’s logo engraved in white on it with the following phrase that he coined:
The Dream is Clear
To Believe is the Reward
To all the mom entrepreneurs: congratulations, you already have your dream started, keep believing and continue to surround yourself with a network of people who believe in you and your dream. It’s not going to be easy, so keep jumping those obstacles and may you get to a point where everything isn’t a struggle and it seems as if good things magically appear from nowhere. That for me is the reward!
For more information, visit cedarvalleypublishing.com, cedarvalleypublishing.com/blog, momcentralconsulting.com, mothertalk.com or staceykannenberg.com. You can also reach Stacey directly by calling 920-994-9906 or emailing Stacey@cedarvalleypublishing.com.
Maxine Gardner has an elegant, yet practical, concept to change the way people buy gifts. She’s also changing the fundraising landscape.
Michigan-based Gardner, mother of two adult sons, will keep the roster of artists manageable – under 500 – to spotlight the artists’ unique talents and to prevent shoppers from becoming overwhelmed.
classes, meeting with career counselors, and networking through groups like The Mom Entrepreneur Support Group.
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