Startup Princess Touchpoint Conference Ticket Auction for Nie Starts TODAY

Today’s kickoff auction day, ALL OVER THE WEB, kisses and thanks to Design Mom for initiating this love and outpouring of support for Nie and her husband, Christian. It’s truly a tremendous inspiration to see all of the auctions, many of which are from women entrepreneurs who are giving their hearts in big ways. For those of you who don’t know, Stephanie and Christian Nielson (parents of 4 children under the age of 5 and author of the ever popular blog: Nie Nie Dialogues) were in a tragic plane crash 2 weeks ago which killed the pilot, Doug Kennard, but left the couple with severe third degree burns covering most of their body (Stephanie 80% and Christian 30%). They leave behind these 4 children who will be living with extended family while Stephanie and Christian remain in critical condition,enduring months and months of treatments. They are currently in a chemically induced coma, and are expected to be for several months. Their medical bills are expected to be in the millions, and people all around the world are committing to help.

We’re sharing our love and prayers too..and adding our own auction today. We’re going to be officially releasing general registration later, but YOU CAN CLAIM THE VERY FIRST TICKET by bidding on TODAY’s AUCTION to our September 26th 8am-5pm annual event, TOUCHPOINT in Sandy, Utah at the Miller Innovation Center. ($119 value)

Check out the AGENDA.

Here’s what people said about our 1st conference last year (WHAT WILL THEY SAY THIS YEAR?)

What a wonderful conference! I’m so glad I went. Not only was it informative so that I know what to plan for the next 60 days, it connected me with people Read more

Startup Princess Unites with Blogger Auctions Thursday to Raise Money for the Nielson Family

Today I learned of the incredible tragedy that struck the Nielson family of Arizona. I don’t know them personally however, I want to do something to help as mom and dad, Stephanie “Nie” and Christian were seriously burned after an airplane crash leaving 4 children under age 5 with Nie’s sister while they recover for the next several months.

I spent a bit of time reading Nie’s blog tonight and I’m so sad I never knew it previously, look at this family, look at her effort to make an charming “back to school feast” for her girls, including whimsical crowns! Read more

Love it or Hate it; Deadlines Work!

At this moment I’m trying to escape housework (shh! don’t tell!) The truth be told, we are really kind of messy (3 kids, ages 2,4,8, and a husband who can make the biggest messes of them all!) and it can be overwhelming to keep up on the house chores at times. So how do we force ourselves to clean up? We purposely invite friends over a couple times a month, and self-inflict a day or so of cleaning madness so we can pretend we don’t live in chaos for a couple of hours and see what the Read more

The Why’s and How’s of Business Networking

We’ve found that women entrepreneurs are not always familiar with the value of networking and how to go about doing it…here’s some tips to make your next networking experience successful.

Read more

Meet Jessica Hammock, Ideablob Winner of $10,000 Grant

Get inspired by Jessica Hammock, an ambitious Ph.D student/social entrepreneur committed to changing the lives of urban, underprivileged school children with her pilot program, Project Epiphany. How is this program funded? Ideablob awarded Jessica $10,000 to get her dream going and determine whether her initiative will evolve into a non-profit.

Jessica describes her dream, Project Epiphany is an out-of-school time (OST) initiative that seeks to democratize astronomy, inspire science achievement, and provide powerful science learning experiences for urban elementary and middle-school students. Underinvestment in science education, along with scarce community resources and increasingly light-polluted skies, have made the wonders of the sky off limits for children growing up in high-poverty, urban communities. Project Epiphany will inspire future astronomers and promote transformative science learning through authentic, hands-on activities and unique astronomy field experiences.

Beautiful, isn’t it? Congratulations, Startup Princess Jessica for acting on your vision to increasing educational opportunities for children and winning the grant! I appreciate and admire how Jessica is exploring possibilities and taking time to test her concept before launching her program as a non-profit, she may find that her project would be a good fit with another already established non-profit with funding in place.

Learn more about what inspires and helps Jessica Hammock succeed:

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT

Current Residence (City, State): Atlanta, GA

Education:
B.A. in Psychology (2004), summa cum laude – Pomona College, Claremont, CA
Ph.d. in Educational Studies (expected 2010) – Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Professional Background (brief, please):
As a Teach For America corps member, I had the privilege of teaching some of Atlanta’s most brilliant and energetic 1st graders. Currently, I’m a doctoral student in the Division of Educational Studies at Emory University.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:
I always wanted to be a change agent of some sort. As a very young child, I debated between President of the United States and an investigative journalist.

What you are:
An education researcher and social entrepreneur.

Brief Summary of your Start Up:
Project Epiphany is an out-of-school time (OST) initiative that seeks to democratize astronomy, inspire science achievement, and provide powerful science learning experiences for urban elementary and middle-school students. Underinvestment in science education, along with scarce community resources and increasingly light-polluted skies, have made the wonders of the sky off limits for children growing up in high-poverty, urban communities. Project Epiphany will inspire future astronomers and promote transformative science learning through authentic, hands-on activities and unique astronomy field experiences.

Company Website? www.projectepiphany.net

What inspired you?
The sky.

How long have you been in business?
We are in the beginning stages of a pilot program that will run through Spring, 2009. At that point, we will take stock and decide whether we want to explore the possibility of incorporating as a non-profit.

How did you fund it?
Our pilot program will be funded primarily through a $10,000 award from Ideablob.com. We’ll be applying for grants and seeking contributions from other community and corporate donors as we move forward.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?
In addition to the many professors and academic advisors who have continually pointed me in the right direction, I have a wonderful group of close friends who know me inside and out and, consequently, always give amazing advice.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups?
I’m a Teach For America alum and have found the TFA alumni network immensely supportive. The Ideablob community has also been a wonderful source of insight and advice.

Current Business Challenge?
The response from the community has been incredible. The biggest challenge for us right now is not over-committing or over-extending our time and resources. With so many wonderful teachers, schools , and after-school programs expressing interest, we’d love to work with everyone right away. Sometimes its difficult creating strategic partnerships instead of offering programming for every interested, deserving organization.

What are you doing about it?
We’re limiting our focus for this first year to a pilot program with an existing community partner. I’ll be keeping other potential partners informed and invite them to participate when it makes sense, given our time and resources.

Favorite motivational quote:
“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” – anonymous
“Dwell in possibility.” – Emily Dickinson
“No reality transforms itself.” – Paulo Freire

Family?
My husband Chris are currently spoiling our 2-year-old “dog-child” Molly, a pug/lab mix, absolutely rotten.

If so, how do you balance family and business?
Project Epiphany has been a team effort, so Chris and I have had a lot of fun working together to get it started. Molly, a.k.a. “astrodog”, is also an enthusiastic supporter of Project Epiphany.

Favorite book?
It changes a few times a year. Right now, Siddartha by Hermann Hesse.

Other favorite authors: Pema Chodron, H.H. the Dalai Llama, David Sedaris, Dave Eggers, and Kurt Vonnegut.

What do you do to relax?
Meditate, exercise, watch movies, long walks in the park, culinary experimentation.

What do you want to change most about your world?
The fact that where a child is born still has far too much to do with their life prospects.

What are you most proud of?
My education and the achievements of my students.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?
Find the place where your passion and the needs of your community (or the needs of the marketplace) intersect. That is where you should focus your energy.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?
I love Things, a task management program developed by Cultured Code (http://www.culturedcode.com/things/). It has dramatically improved my workflow and productivity.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?
Hmm. Lots of (conflict-free) diamonds and freshwater pearls.

Sneak Peak: Startup Princess TOUCHPOINT Agenda

Can’t wait to share the details of TOUCHPOINT, our annual event/conference for women entrepreneurs, so here’s a peak at the agenda! We’ve been working like crazy on this and we’re about 98% done, waiting for one more speaker to confirm, but we’d love to brag about our awesome presenters and get you excited for next week when we start registration and our special rate for early birds. This post won’t have links, sorry…too many names to link tonight.

TOUCHPOINT-The Annual Event for Women Entrepreneurs, presented by Startup Princess

September 26, 2008 * Friday

SLC Community College Miller Innovation Center, Sandy, Utah

8am-5pm

Registration & Networking/Exhibitor Tables 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

One-on-One Mentoring Sessions 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
(Available on a first come-first serve basis, limited appointments available.) One-on-one sessions will be pre-scheduled, 15 minute private appointments with Startup Princess Fairy Godmothers/industry experts. Come prepared to ask your most challenging business questions! (confirmed mentors so far: Wendy Bird, Erika Wilde, Carol Rice, Rachael Herrscher, and myself, Kelly King Anderson)

Informal Discussion Group 8:00 AM- 9:00 AM What I Learned my First Year in Business lead by Michelle McCullough, Founder of Doodads Promotional Products

Official Kickoff of the Event! 9:00 AM

Welcome, by Kelly King Anderson, Startup Princess Founder 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM

Keynote Speaker- Heather Madder, Inspirational Speaker 9:15 AM to 10:00 PM

Small Group Networking and Business Brainstorming 10:15-11:00 AM

Break 11:00 AM-11:10 AM

Workshops 1 & 2 (select one) 11:10 AM to 12:00 PM
(workshop 1 speaker to be announced soon)
Shauna Kelly-Ward, Communication Expert– Communication that Conveys Credibility and Confidence

Exhibitor session and Interactive lunch 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Workshops 3 & 4 (select one) 1:10 PM to 2:00 PM
Carol Rice, Founder of CherishBound – Strategic Bootstrapping
Rachael Herrscher, Founder of Today’s Mama – Partnerships and Negotiations

Panel Discussions (select one) 2:05 -2:50 PM
Striving for Life Balance While Running a Startup
Liz Rosenbaum personal fitness trainer, Emily Nelson, Mrs. Utah United States 2008 and Founder of Project Lemonade, Vicki Winterton, Organize-Utah, Egan Tollman, Interior Designer

Running a Startup while Raising a Family
Emily Hill of Georgie Tees, Karmel Larsen Realtor/Utah County Chapter President of American Mothers, Wendy Bird, Founder of Pearls with a Purpose, Cari Greer, Founder of Sole Desires

Elevator Pitch Competition 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM *5 finalists will compete for a cash prize (to apply, send in your 2 minute speech after you register for the conference)

Boutique 3:45 PM to 5:00 PM by application/limited attendees accepted (set up during elevator pitch competition, additional fee to cover table and linens)

Startup Princess “TOUCHPOINT” Utah Event for Women Entrepreneurs Sept 26th

Plan to join us at “TOUCHPOINT!” We’re finalizing registration details and confirming our speakers, workshops, panelists, and all the other details so, Please save Sept 26th to join us for our ALL DAY Startup Princess event for women entrepreneurs, 8am-5pm event at the Sandy, Utah SLC Community College Miller Innovation Center.

Here’s details that we’re excited to share about this year’s annual event…

Get Mentored! First-to-register participants will be invited to sign up for 15 minute one-on-one sessions with their choice of 10 different Startup Princess Fairy Godmothers/business mentors for brainstorming sessions everything from internet strategy to legal matters. There will be about 40 slots available for this opportunity.

Get Work Done on Your Business!! Attend Workshops!! Panels! We’re featuring interactive sessions this year that will help you put principles and strategies into ACTION.

Compete in the Elevator Pitch Competition! All participants in the conference will have an opportunity to be considered for our cash-prize elevator pitch competition! Judges will select 5 Finalists from conference attendee entries to compete at the conclusion of the conference as an opportunity to share their business story, gain more recognition, and possibly walk away with some cash!!

Participate in the TOUCHPOINT Boutique! Several participants will be invited to sell their innovative products to other attendees at a the conclusion of the event, what a fun way to see what other Startup Princesses are doing and take home a gift that supports a fellow entrepreneur!

WATCH for Registration coming soon!! Comment here if you’d like more info on being an exhibitor, sponsor, or to participate in the boutique.

Lessons from Paid Programming on Cable TV

I was contacted by Life and Leisure TV to be featured on their show. The first calls to my cell seemed to be a God-send to my company–a spot on a national TV show that airs on cable TV that would give me national exposure and help boost sales. However, I had heard that sometimes these spots are not all that they seem to be so I decided to check it out. My first hint came when I was told that it would cost me upwards of $16,000 to be featured on the show. But that is not all I learned. It got even more complicated Read more

Schedule an Appointment with Yourself and Your Favorite Cafe for Business Reflection and Fun

Today’s Post was written by Fairy Godmother Laura West of Center for Joyful Business

One of my favorite life pleasures….Creative Bagel Time!

Each morning I head out to a cafe somewhere nearby and start my day with a bit of reflection time, which I call Creative Bagel Time (cbt for short). It has become a life changing and business enhancing structure for me. Read more

Meet Sarah Burns, Founder of Tag a Towel

Meet Hawaii’s lovely Startup Princess, Sarah Burns who created Tag a Towel in order to differentiate and personalize towels. Her organization tool allows family members to hang towels and reuse them without grabbing someone else’s. Simply attach the tag towel magnetically to the edge of the towel and you’ve got a fashionable, functional way to claim your towel! No more mixing towels and possibly spreading germs.

It’s not enough to just have a cute product though. People these days are looking for functional design and if it can save you money, even better! With the Tag a Towel you can reuse towels, thus saving energy and money! It’s that easy to be ‘green’ and fashionable at the same time.

With a patent pending, Sarah is in the infancy startup phase looking to partner with companies to sell her product. She also blogs about her product and many products from other entrepreneurs. One look at her blog will give you an insight to her public relations background. She eventually wants to have her own firm representing other mom entrepreneurs. What a great start!

Enjoy Meeting Startup Princess Sarah Burns!

Name: Sarah Burns

Hometown: Dana Point, California

Current Residence: Lahaina, Hawaii

Education: BA in Communications, Minor in Art History from University of San Diego

Professional Background (brief, please): After college I went into Public Relations where I worked with high technology companies. I then moved into to sales and marketing. I am lucky that I have actually used my degree.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: An editor at a fashion magazine

What you are: A wife, mom, entrepreneur, blogger and I will always be a PR hound, I love PR and all that goes into it. One day I’d like to have my own firm and work with mom entrepreneurs as my clients.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I am still in the infancy stage of my start-up. I created Tag A Towel, magnetic towel i.d. tags so you know whose towel is whose. They help people re-use their towels, thus cutting down on laundry, saving money, energy and reducing the risk of spreading germs from sharing a towel.

Company Website? www.tagatowel.com, I’ve also started a blog to showcase other mom entrepreneurs and their products or services, www.ohanamamablog.blogspot.com

What inspired you? My family, our growing laundry pile, and my frustration with my husband for always taking my towel!

How long have you been in business? It all started just under a year ago

How did you fund it? So far everything has been personally funded

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? My biggest mentor and cheerleader is my husband. He has a great entrepreneurial spirit. He’s so driven and really pushes me. He’s also starting his own business and seeing him succeed and meet milestones, really pushes me. I would also like to find a Fairy Godmother to be my mentor, bounce ideas off of, vent frustrations, learn from.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I visit www.mompreneursonline.com daily. The women on this forum are inspirational, wonderful cheerleaders and full of great information. Their willingness to share and help is beyond anything I could imagine.

Current Business Challenge? Finding the right manufacturer that fits with what I am doing.

What are you doing about it? Through networking, I’ve found a sourcing agent and am hoping she will be my “answer” or at least she can help me get closer to overcoming this challenge.

Favorite motivational quote: Just do it. I find that when frozen by fear, the best answer is to take a deep breathe and “just do it.” I also love “Activity breeds activity.” When you put one thing into action, the domino effect is amazing.

Family? I have been married to my high school sweetheart for almost 6 years and together we have two wonderful children, our son who is 3.5 years old and our little princess, who is 11 months old. My family is my everything.

If so, how do you balance family and business? It’s tough. With both my husband and I starting our own businesses, we need to each trade off and help with the children. My husband has been a great help with this. He’s a superman.

Favorite book? The Alchemist and The Secret

What do you do to relax? I head to the beach with my family, sit on our deck watching the sunset with my husband or go for a walk.

What do you want to change most about your world? Right now, I want to make every bathroom organized with Tag a Towels

What are you most proud of? My marriage and my children. My son just started preschool and I just got a report from one of his teachers that he “is one of the most well mannered children” she’s met. I am very, very proud of him. I am also proud that I have made the jump of creating a product and being an entrepreneur.

What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses? Go for it. Even if you don’t know ALL of the steps right now, take it one step at a time and the others will follow.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? The internet.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? I’d make it full of amber – amber has healing properties and can help with headaches and aches and pains…after along day I’d put on my tiara, watch the sunset with my family and relax

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