Interview with Gina Flanagan of Lunch Box Cards - Creative cards to make your child giggle

Q: What is your name? Gina Flanagan

Q: Company name and website? KidsLunchBoxCards.com

Q: We launched in: March 2008

Q: What is your business or what do you sell? We manufacture and sell fun, colorful lunch cards full of interesting facts, riddles and wacky true stories to make your child giggle at lunch.

Q: Who or what was the inspiration behind your company? My daughter Leila. When she was in 2nd grade, Leila would complain about not having friends at school. During those days, when I went to kiss her goodnight, I would feel tears running down her cheeks, and

she would tell me about how she would sit alone at lunch and how humiliating it was. It felt like my heart was splitting in half, and I knew I had to do something. I had recently quit being a costume illustrator for feature films to be a stay at home mom. I started drawing fun cartoons with riddles, quizzes and true wacky stories that I knew would make her giggle, and I put them into her lunch.  The lunch cards worked so well, it changed my daughters life. Kids

would gather around her to see the card-of-the-day and try to answer the quizzes or riddles correctly. The cards sparked conversation, and now she has a huge group of friends. I also used them for my two little girls -if there was a card in their lunch- all of a sudden

mornings were easy!

Q: How did you get started? Other moms started calling asking where I got the lunch cards. I realized I might have a business so I decided to try to go to print with one set and see what would happen. I knew I would need graphics, so I asked my friend Rose to come on board. We

created test cards- to see what  kids of different ages and genders liked and didn’t like, and what size would be best. After that was accomplished, I asked my retired father (who

created Rice-A-Roni and was the president of family owned Ghirardelli

Chocolate & Golden Grain Macaroni) to be my investor, my husband Markus (an actor who plays the dad on the t.v.show “Unfabulous” )to be in charge of marketing and my very

smart brother to handle all the legal stuff!

Q: How long before your business was profitable, or when is it projected to become profitable? It may be another year before it becomes financially profitable, but emotionally it has been profitable from day 1!

Q: What significant obstacles (if any) have you faced & how did you overcome them? I think our biggest obstacles so far have been what size to make the lunchcards, how to prepare the artwork for print, how the cards should be packaged and displayed.  We are still working out all the kinks but are moving along at each step of the way.

Q: Do you ever feel like giving up at times? If so, what keeps you going? Never. I love it and I see how happy it makes my children. It inspires me work to harder and to share it with other children.

Q: What qualities (i.e., family support, discipline, time management) do you think are necessary for a women entrepreneur? I think the most important quality is to love what you are doing. We already have too much to do- if our work isn’t a haven, we run the risk of being miserable.

Q: What is the one thing (book, website, coach, mentor, tool, blog, service, etc) that you value and can say has contributed to your success?  I think all my years working on movies with talented Costume Designers really helped me understand success and be able to be more organized and understand deadlines.  Doing my own thing now, I have to rely on my own sources for networking and marketing. I book reviews and giveaways on mommy type blog sites.  The internet is a powerful way to market your product in a very cost effective way.

Q: What was the worst advice someone gave you? To hurry up. I rushed going to print and ended up paying a fortune in printing costs. NEVER rush, always do your research and find the best manufacturing price or your profit margin is blown and your prices become too high.

Q: What are your business or personal goals for the next year? To redesign my website and attract advertising.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in business or thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship? Starting a business is time consuming. Make sure you have the time to commit to it, if you don’t, you will always feel frustrated.

Q: is there anything else you wish I had asked?

Yes. How do you market to your customers?

I created a monthly e-newsletter as a marketing tool.  I have a blast creating it. In writing it I meet moms doing amazing things, and find healthy products I would have never known about. In sharing my findings with other moms I am able to stay in contact with my customers and hope they share my product and newsletter with others.

Popularity: 33% [?]

This interview is with Merri Jill Finstrom, creator of HUTdogs - an easy-to-use website builder that is affordable and comes with excellent customer service - to which I can personally attest!

Q: What is your name? Merri Jill Finstrom

Q: Company name and website? HUTdogs, a division of Emjay Creative

Q: We launched in: 2004

Q: What is your business or what do you sell?
HUTdogs offers 3 products right now, QuickSite a web builder, QuickSqueeze, a squeeze page maker and BYOL (bring your own laptop) workshops.

Q: Who or what was the inspiration behind your company?
HUTdogs stems from a graphic design business, Emjay Creative, that I started about 11 years ago. With Emjay Creative, we provide strategic design solutions for a variety of clients, marketing collateral, newsletters, annual reports, sophisticated web sites and direct mail.  Over the years a lot of people have asked if we could create a web site or internet solution for under $500. So we came up with HUTdogs. Our main goal with HUTdogs is to provide affordable on-line tools and solutions that are easy for us to deliver (everything is in a system or group delivered) and provide the quality of service and tool that we use for our higher end web client but scaled down a bit to meet the demand for affordability (under $500).

Q: How did you get started?
I worked in the marketing department for the American Red Cross as their creative services manager for 10 years. During that time I did a bit of freelancing and got a taste for being my own boss. I then took a part time job and cut in pay for a hospital and asked if I could work from home 30 hours a week. They said yes! This allowed me the time and flexibility to take on a couple clients and build my business. Word of mouth spread fast and within 2 years, I went out on my own, keeping the hospital and the Red Cross as clients. They were valued networks as well and still give me referrals and work to this day!

Q: How long before your business was profitable, or when is it projected to become profitable? My income tripled once I took the risk to leave my job. I had enough clients lined up who like working with me so it was easy. I’ve never looked back. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I know that I have much more job security in my own business and can make more money than any job can offer.

Q: What significant obstacles (if any) have you faced & how did you overcome them? There are little obstacles everyday. But I know they come with the territory of having your own business and as you get seasoned you don’t take them personally, you just problem solve and move on.

Q: Do you ever feel like giving up at times? If so, what keeps you going? I never feel like giving up because I really love what I do. I’m blessed to be able to make money in a creative way. The thought of working in a 9-5 job with a boss and the office culture absolutely gives me a panic attack.

Q: What qualities (i.e., family support, discipline, time management) do you think are necessary for a women entrepreneur? Where do I begin? I talk to a lot of people who want to start a business. From my point of view, you either have what it takes or you don’t. Sounds brutal, but I meet so many people who sit on their ideas and never do them. You have to have a good attitude and think in a powerful positive way about everything. You have to be able to put yourself out there, keep talking about your ideas, and not get wrapped up in perfection… just do it and see what happens. Then adjust along the way. Keep trying new things.  Take some advice but in the end be strong enough to trust your own instincts. Yes, time management is important but that’s secondary. The best entrepreneurs I know are people who make quick decisions and constantly move forward.  This skill creates time management.

Q: What is the one thing (book, website, coach, mentor, tool, blog, service, etc) that you value and can say has contributed to your success? Other positive entrepreneurs. I love to talk to them, brainstorm with them and spin with ideas.

Q: What was the worst advice someone gave you? I can’t remember.

Q: What are your business or personal goals for the next year? I want everything in a solid automated system. We are building a club that I want to grow into something extraordinary. We find there is power in bringing people together to talk about modern concepts but in an old fashioned way.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in business or thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship? JUST DO IT! Trust your instincts, make sure it is something you really love doing then ask for what you need. When I started my business, I asked for a flexible work situation. I asked for customers. I keep asking for what I need.  Be flexible. Know that things unfold in business that you may not have expected. Have an attitude of “experience is what you get, when you don’t get what you want.”

Q: is there anything else you wish I had asked?
Yes, How has motherhood made you a better entrepreneur?
Being a mom has made me more organized and a master at time management. Having my own business and a small child to care for is a balancing act but it has forced me to learn the art of being present in the moment….when I’m working, I focus, make faster decisions and move forward so that when I’m with my daughter, I can really focus on her and “be present” in our time together.  It also helps me stay creative in my work. Watching her discover new things that I’ve taken for granted gives me so much more perspective and this translates into everything I do in my business and creatively.

Popularity: 23% [?]

To purchase a Handy Hold All go to Simply Sarah.
Use coupon code MOMPRENETTE for FREE shipping.

1. Organize your handbags.
The Handy Hold All is the perfect solution to keeping your closet neat and your handbags looking like new!

2. Clean up your hubby’s baseball caps.
Are baseball caps scattered all around your house? Now you can put them all in one area. And the next time he asks where is favorite cap is you will actually know!

3. Coat Closet Boredom?
The next time guests walk in your front door and you offer to take their bag and coat, you will impress them with your super organized and cute coat closet!

4. Hang up your favorite scarves.
Keep your favorite scarves from getting wrinkled or lost by hanging them up on The Handy Hold All.

5. Dorm Room Disasters?
No more! Keeping small dorm rooms organized and cheery is always a challenge. Not any longer! Make sure to send one in your next care package!

6. Tight on Closet Space in the Guest Room?
Hang a Handy Hold All on the back of your guest door and slip some hangers through the loops and Voila! An instant closet!

7. Are Bulky Winter Jackets Taking Up Excess Space in Your Closet?
Solution, hang The Handy Hold All up in your attic, slip some hangers through the loops and add your winter jackets/coats. Now go shopping for some new spring/summer clothes to fill up all your new found closet space!

8. Too Many Necklaces? Too Little Time?
Let The Handy Hold All help you out! Collect all your necklaces around the house and hang them up. Problem Solved! Now get back to what you were doing!

9. Baby Bags and Packs Weighing You Down?
Pick a bright fun Handy Hold All that your baby will enjoy looking at and hang all your baby bags on back of your baby’s room door.

10. Gifts!!  Gifts!! Gifts!!
*Need a last minute hostess gift?
*Know a High School Grad going to College and need the perfect Gift?
*In a bind because it’s your friend’s birthday and she already has everything?
*Still searching for that perfect anytime gift?

The Handy Hold All comes in a box with a over the door hook making it the perfect instant gift!

Popularity: 25% [?]

Article by Sarah Shaw | Entreprenette
Sarah teaches people how to take their “big idea” and turn it into a bankable tangible product.

When I received an email from Martha Stewart about the third annual Dreamers into Doers contest, it really got me thinking about all the things we - me and you - dream about our lives.  Everyone has dreams, hopes and desires; but do we act on them or wait for them to happen to us? I have been a doer my whole life and have realized lately that I sometimes forget about my dreams - which is why this struck me as so poignant.

Do we need to make our dreams become a reality?
Do they happen naturally if they are meant to be?
Meaning – is there a higher self that controls your destiny?

I have been thinking about this now for a few days.
Since I have always been a doer – have an idea and make it happen kind of gal – I just “did” all the time and never really thought about my dreams in the sense of “Oh I’d like to do this now”. I think I usually just decided to make something happen and I’d start on the process. It might have been sort of unconscious. Like when I started my first handbag business - I didn’t really stop to think, “Can I really do this?” I never felt like the “doing part” was a job - It all sort of came naturally to me. I don’t mean the “how to” part – that I had to dig around and figure it out like everyone else. But I mean the passion to make it happen. I guess I never let anything get in my way when I was making a dream come true.  So this makes me wonder – was it meant to be, was this my destiny? Or was it only my hard work that made it happen?

Cut to many, many years later – I am now a teacher/coach/mentor and LOVE it. I never did anything to become one – it happened naturally. I feel like I was drawn to teach what I know. Was this a dream I never knew I had? In fact, it was the farthest thing from my dreams. Funny story actually – I moved to LA after college to work in the movies as a costumer while I was applying to grad school to get a MFA in Costume Design. I wanted to design costumes on Broadway and thought I needed this degree. Ultimately, I got a full scholarship to NYU - but never went. By that time, I was already successfully working on movies in LA and didn’t see the “need” for a MFA since I wasn’t going to go to Broadway after all, and I never wanted to be a teacher! Funny how things come full circle when you least expect it!

That said, being an Entreprenette means that you are a doer of your dreams. Sometimes your dreams just unfold and happen before you, and the work part seems very minimal – like it sort of falls in your lap. Other times you work very hard to make your dream a reality – usually more often than not. Entreprenettes thrive on finding ways to make it happen, but at the same time, we find that if it is meant to be, it happens almost effortlessly. Being an Entreprenette means being committed to your vision and doing whatever it takes to get there. A strong vision puts so much power in your hands mentally, spiritually and physically.  A vision will help you deal with adversity and get you through it. Knowing that you have to eat, drink and breathe your vision to achieve success is the key to being a successful Entreprenette.

Our dreams come in all sizes and shapes, personally and professionally. Dreams are an important part of real life as well as the imagination. When I think back on my life and the dreams that have become a reality I am amazed.

I speak French fluently
I worked on big Hollywood films
I launched a handbag line and it was hugely successful
I patented something
I married a Frenchman
I finally got pregnant – with identical twins, no less
I had an incredible friendship with my father
I am a business coach/teacher/mentor

What are your dreams and how are you becoming a doer today?

Popularity: 12% [?]

Interview with Kathie Papera, founder and creator of a unique collection of stylish, high quality reversible baby bibs, burp cloths, baby blankets, diaper covers and gift sets.

Q: What is your name? Kathie Papera

Q: Company name and website? Lily Pad Baby  http://www.lilypadbaby.com

Q: We launched in: 2000

Q: What is your business or what do you sell?
Lilypad Baby creates and manufactures a unique collection of stylish, high quality reversible baby bibs, burp cloths, baby blankets, diaper covers and gift sets. Made sweatshop-free in the USA, Lilypad Baby items are of keepsake quality, sized to grow, and constructed with non-synthetic fabrics. Lilypad Baby products are available online at LilypadBaby.com as well as over 350 boutique locations across the US, Canada, Australia and online at Amazon.com.

Q: Who or what was the inspiration behind your company?
I was always inspired by my mother’s creativity and ingenuity. Her infectiously positive attitude about life is the driving force behind my entrepreneurial spirit. My brother and I were raised to believe if you can dream it, you can do it — and you can always do it on your own. I took this to heart when I decided to launch Lilypad Baby. And though my mom will tell people I built this company on my own, she was truly instrumental in helping to build the foundation and continues to be a big reason for its success.

Q: How did you get started?
I was working in the advertising industry for many years and helping to build brand identity for my clients and a large portion of my workload included web development. As my friends started having children, I found myself spending a small fortune on baby gifts. I wanted to give a baby gift that was special, valuable, and unique – so I started making my own reversible baby bibs that I could embroider a name on. Eventually, my friends asked me to make more so they could give them out as gifts. I soon found myself in front of the sewing machine on my kitchen table more than on the computer at work. With a nudge from my mom and the enthusiastic support of my husband, I launched my business and started to work on my own branding.

Q: How long before your business was profitable, or when is it projected to become profitable?
The business was profitable by the third year when I decided to leave the ad agency and focus solely on the business. I expanded the product line to include matching burp cloths and blankets — and the company took off. We received quite a bit of press from various magazines and started to target wholesale customers and trade shows. We also upgraded to a full e-commerce package and started Google/Yahoo PPC advertising.

Q: What significant obstacles (if any) have you faced & how did you overcome them?
Sourcing has always been a huge hurdle for us on the production side. We spent a few years nailing down the right structure of vendors. When you grow out of the back office but you’re not big enough to source the major manufacturing system, you have to get creative. We’d search out fabrics that were unique and implement them into our product line only to find out that the manufacturer wasn’t going to reprint the fabric unless we ordered an amount that was ten times more than we needed. We have also struggled in the oversaturated baby gift market online. We’ve always tried to stay competitive with unique personalized items and superior customer service. Not to mention the competition to stay atop the search engine rankings is a constant challenge.

Q: Do you ever feel like giving up at times? If so, what keeps you going?
All the time. Customer service can be tough to handle when customers forget they are talking to a human being on the other line. I try not to take everything personally, but I have to rely on several other people (vendors etc…) with my products. If we’ve made a mistake or the experience wasn’t positive, I take it very personally. It’s also a challenge when a mistake is made by a customer (or anyone for that matter) we are the ones that must fix it – and usually at our expense. Being in the gift business, we want everyone to be happy and overjoyed with every product we make or sell. What keeps me going is my family. I know that I am showing my children that a strong woman can persevere and provide for the family.

Q: What qualities (i.e., family support, discipline, time management) do you think are necessary for a women entrepreneur?
Having the right infrastructure is the key. Family support is also essential. Once you start trying to juggle it all without help, you end up running in circles and getting very little done during the day. You have to make time to be at “work” and be focused only on work. Working during naptime isn’t efficient.  Having the right childcare, office environment and support is the only way you can achieve the right energy it takes to start and build a company.

Q: What is the one thing (book, website, coach, mentor, tool, blog, service, etc) that you value and can say has contributed to your success?
I am not sure I can pinpoint just one thing. There are so many facets to a successfully run company. For SEO, I have been a long time reader of SiteProNews.  For PR, I subscribe to HARO and several other supportive women’s groups. We’ve also expanded our social networking with our new Fan Page on Facebook and our updates on Twitter .

Q: What was the worst advice someone gave you?
A close advisor once told me I wouldn’t succeed unless Lilypad Baby was featured on network television or spotted on a celebrity. I don’t think it’s the only way to build brand awareness. Offering a good product and building a loyal customer based has proven over time that that sort of publicity is great, but shouldn’t be where you spend all of your money, time and energy.

Q: What are your business or personal goals for the next year?
My goals for this year are to creatively build more brand awareness. The current recession is hurting everyone, so if I can ride it out with a positive attitude and great customer service, we’ll be able to focus on continuing to grow the business.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in business or thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship?
There are so many pitfalls to starting a business. Too often people just jump in thinking their product is the best and most unique. Test, test, test. If you’re making a product, give them to people who will give you honest feedback to see if it’s viable, not just to friends who don’t want to hurt your feelings. Exhausting yourself with homework on the product or service is the only way to know for sure it’s the direction that is right for you. Start with a basic business plan. You must sit down and answer all of the questions (mission statement, product development, target audience, distribution channels, marketing, competition, budgets, etc.) prior to spending any money or launching anything to an audience. It’s the best way to avoid costly mistakes down the road. I would also suggest finding mentoring or support group. I like StartUpNation.com and Inc.com.

Q: is there anything else you wish I had asked? All great questions!

Popularity: 33% [?]

Article by Sarah Shaw | Entreprenette
Sarah teaches people how to take their “big idea” and turn it into a bankable tangible product.

As funny as this may sound, it struck me today as I was drying my hair that we are our OWN best advocate.  I know this deep down inside but I often forget, or just don’t think about it. Note to self: Think about this every day all the time! We know our products best and should be talking about them, working them into conversations and GETTING them into the hands of potential users as often as possible.OK back to my hair – I have curly hair but really prefer straight (the grass is always greener right?) and drag out that blow dryer and products galore to get it that way.

So last weekend I held a seminar about the 10 simple steps to starting a product line and I was given a leave-in conditioner sample to try out by a woman there.  I have to say – I  was immediately suspicious when she said, “This is the best  detangler, static controller, frizz stopper you will ever try and on top of that, it has all kinds of vitamins and stuff to make your hair shiny.”  “Yeah right” I thought!  Anyhow, a week later when I realized I forgot to try it – I tried it today…… I am amazed!

IT WORKED!
IT WAS A MIRACLE

She was 100% correct.  I am hooked.  I wrote her the gushiest note ever and she now has a client forever!  She took the time to hand me a sample, follow up with an email and see where it got her?

IT WAS A MIRACLE

She was 100% correct.  I am hooked.  I wrote her the gushiest note ever and she now has a client forever!  She took the time to hand me a sample, follow up with an email and see where it got her?

Talking about your product (or idea if at that stage) will only help spread the word and attract new buyers.  You have the passion and commitment to make this happen more than anyone; more than your sales reps, more than your stores, more then your BFF, your significant other, and more than your mom.   If you want your hair to look as great as mine did (does?) then click here to buy her Vita Plexx.  This is a total shameless plug and she has no idea I am doing this!

Be BOLD, take action steps today to reach out to the people you are most afraid of.
Is it stores? The media?

Here are a few pointers to ATTRACT your next potential customer:

1.    Create a list of “dream stores” - Call them all and find out who the buyer is.                                        A few ways to find these stores are:

• Magazines (online and in person)   example: Luckymag
• Look at competitors websites and “borrow” their list.
• Google Google Google ex:  Boutiques Denver – you will see how many retail stores come up - then call call call.
• Trade lists with a friend in similar industry

2.    Make sure your catalogs are up to date and looking good.
3.    Stay on top of your current stores – call or email, check in from time to time to see how sales are going, make friends with the buyer.
4.    Reach out to the media.  If you don’t want to go sit in a bookstore and find the contacts yourself, you can join seeking designers.com for $20/month and they provide media lists and PR opps FREE with your membership + you get to build a little store on their website for more exposure. Awesome right?
5.    Join helpareporterout for FREE PR opps 3x  a day.
6.    Join some networking groups that cater to products or your demographic.  I like smartyla and savorthesuccess
7.    Twitter, Facebook, Linkden, etc……….
8.    Send email updates with specials from your website
9.    Offer an incentive to get them to sign up on your mailing list.  I offer 25% off on Simply Sarah
10.    TALK about it with as many people as possible all the time.

Popularity: 32% [?]

Interview with Amy Swift Crosby - founder of Smarty, a resource for women entrepreneurs to connect with other women to nurture and grow their business and community.

Q: What is your name? Amy Swift Crosby

Q: Company name and website? Smarty / smartyla.com

Q: We launched in: February 2009

Q: What is your business or what do you sell? We are a community and resource for entrepreneurial women. We provide information in the form of workshops and events that bring women together to share resources and to provide education on building a successful business.

Q: Who or what was the inspiration behind your company? I was a freelance writer who always struggled to find a community around being a free agent. There wasn’t much. I helped create many programs within Ladies Who Launch which inspired me to go deeper into serving entrepreneurial women.

Q: How did you get started? I co-wrote a book on women and launching and brought programs to LA from New York and got addicted to seeing peoples dreams come true.

Q: How long before your business was profitable, or when is it projected to become profitable? My business was profitable very quickly but my cash flow is always in question. The business requires human capital and venue costs - neither of which is inexpensive.

Q: What significant obstacles (if any) have you faced & how did you overcome them? There are always obstacles. One of them was trying to determine what I should be doing myself vs. what staff people should do and what I should hire. It’s always hard to give up control over your company, even though you know its what it needs to grow. You can’t do it all after a while. If you want your “baby” to grow big and strong, then it usually needs fuel from different areas and you can’t fill all those needs.

Q: Do you ever feel like giving up at times? If so, what keeps you going? I think sometimes because I work in customer service essentially I get taxed by all the human contact. It’s also what I love. But, as i said, it can be trying. When I send out an email and people write me back asking the very question I just answered it can make me feel like “do they even read it?” and so there are small moments when I feel like it’s a big pain. But mostly, I work with amazing, truly inspiring women who are committed to their dreams and ideas and that is very motivating.

Q: What qualities (i.e., family support, discipline, time management) do you think are necessary for a women entrepreneur? Women do very well in communities. Without them, they don’t always have the support and shared resources that women naturally give to one another. You also need ongoing education. Your evolution as an entrepreneur never, ever ends. You have to constantly innovate, learn, keep your finger on the pulse, figure things out. This is why I started my company; to be that resource.

Q: What is the one thing (book, website, coach, mentor, tool, blog, service, etc) that you value and can say has contributed to your success? One person I always think of is this restaurant owner in New York City. He’s a cantankerous, opinionated ex-hippie with great taste in food and low tolerance for special requests. The way he runs his restaurant and the point of view he shares in his cook book “eat me” by Kenny Shopsin has been really inspiring to me. It sounds crazy because they guy isn’t a good business owner in the professional sense of the word, but he’s my muse because he’s doing what he loves exactly how he wants to do it. I love that.

Q: What was the worst advice someone gave you? You have to have a business plan or you can’ t be successful and you don’t build businesses one person at a time. The truth is a business plan can be great but it isn’t always a must, and you do build business one person at a time at the beginning.

Q: What are your business or personal goals for the next year? I’d like to bring my membership to 800 and then 1,000 women in LA and Orange County in the next year.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in business or thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship? Get connected to a great, supportive, smart community and be a sponge for everything you can learn. Spend time with people who have businesses you admire. Ask them a ton of questions. Listen. Listen. Listen. Don’t talk. Listen. Then you can talk (:

Q: is there anything else you wish I had asked? I think you covered it!

Popularity: 7% [?]