Meet Lisa Karen Cohen, Owner of Creative Parties for Kids

Meet the incredibly talented, persistent and spunky Lisa Karen Cohen. Read Lisa’s candid interview below and draw some inspiration from this amazing lady. Enjoy!

Hometown:Denver, CO

Current Residence: Santa Ana, CA

Education:BA in Theatre and Dance University of Colorado, Completed Coursework Masters in Educational Administration. Studied at American Conservatory Theatre

Professional Background: Have worked as a teacher performer and arts educational specialist for 30 years throughout Los Angleles, Orange County CA and Denver Colorado. I have owned and operated my own business since 1987.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: An Actress and to have my own children’s television show! (which I do – hurray!)

What you are: I am currently a very devoted mother, a business owner, and actress, an arts education specialist, The StoryLady, and I run my company. “CreativePartiesForKids.com” which provides entertainment for children and family oriented events.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I started my company in 1987 with $12. I created an after-school arts program called”Dance-On-Wheels”. The concept was to bring the arts into the schools so the children of busy parents could have an exposure to the arts. It took off and after 3 years we had 43 schools and I employed 19 teachers.

Creative Parties for Kids now focuses on family entertainment at parties, school functions, community events. I also have a children’s storytime television show called ,”The StoryLady’s Magic Book.” I have also written and produced a children’s Jewish Musical called, “Hershele, Hannah and The Magic of Chanukah.”

Company Website: http://www.CreativePartiesForKids.com

What inspired you? I love children and the arts.  I was inspired equally by Shari Lewis and Meryl Streep, and of course my Mother and Grandmother. The arts have incredible healing and creative powers and I have always been inspired by seeing a child pretending. If they can pretend to be a butterfly at 4, they can find the power within themselves to manifest their dreams when they grow up!

How long have you been in business? I have been in business since 1987.

How did you fund it? With a lot determination, and around $12. That was the cost of my first Kinko’s flyer.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Are you kidding, I am my own Fairy Godmother. I guess the main thing I have learned in this life is I have known some amazing strong women along the way.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I do, there is a group called “Ladies First” that I try to attend. I also try to connect to MOM’s CLUBS and offer to volunteer as The StoryLady so I can make personal connections with the members.

Current Business Challenge? I have two major challenges. The first is financing, I have done it all with no capital, no credit and a lot of determination!

What are you doing about it? I have been attending seminars and counseling sessions at our local Small Business Development Center. It has been so informative and helpful!

Favorite motivational quote: “Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel that there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past, and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left over to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.” By Christian D Larsen

“GIRLS ARE STRONG, SMART and BEAUTIFUL”-My girlfriend Lenore kept telling me that when I was going through my divorce. I kept saying it to myself and even wrote that in a song in the musical I wrote in 2005.

Family? Yes, there is a family. I have a daughter, who works with me in the business. She is a princess….now that I am the Queen…she is going to college soon. I have an aging, spunky and amazing Mom, who often needs me to help her. It is balancing act, trying to be a good mom, a good daughter. I have an ex-husband, a wonderful boyfriend who works in the solar business.

I am the main bread-winner, get very little or no child support and my Mother is worried about her finances. I have a lot of pressure on me.

If so, how do you balance family and business? I do my best to try to balance it all! I set priorities. I always put my daughter first, and as she has grown up I have more time for my own Mother.

Favorite book? I loved “The Friday Night Knitting Club”. I share it with my daughter!

What do you do to relax? I love working out and going to Yoga. I also get some quiet time cleaning the bunny cages and feeding the bunnies!

What do you want to change most about your world? I would love to be able to actually stop seeing so many homeless people. I give them what I can, but it is a tiny band aid. I would also love to have a retirement plan, and not worry about being homeless when I get older. I have had to work very hard to support my daughter alone and I have not been able to plan.

What are you most proud of? I am very proud of my daughter Leah. I am also very proud of writing a children’s musical in 2005, “Hannah, Hershele and the Magic of Chanukah. I wrote this with my dear friend James Post. I am very proud of this past year. I was able to provide for my family and actually have a little more peace of mind- and of course my business…I love my business!

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Find something you love, that makes you feel magical. Focus on one thing and do it well. I was very fragmented for many years and I am feeling so much more centered and successful, doing one thing and doing it well. A lot of stress comes from unrealistic expectations for ourselves that we can’t meet. If you do one thing, and do it well, you still have time to take care of yourself.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? BALANCE BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND STRUCTURE! I think my favorite magic wand is lists and routines. When you have your own business it is very easy to spin in circles and get very excited, but not get anything done. Make a list that has blocks of business to do sections. One of making money today – things to bring in cash flow…for me is always and has to be first. And then the rest after that. If you make one day the day to work on marketing, the other day to focus on training and hiring, the other day on business maintenance, then things get done!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds for being tough…because princesses have to be very strong. I would also use aquamarines for dreaming, and rubies for grounding!

Introducing Robyn Pellei, CEO of ViveVita

When sending off our interview questions to Robyn Pellei, we should have asked her, ‘Is there anything that you can’t do?’ Wife, mother of 9 (10 years old and under!) home school teacher, certified Family Nurse Practitioner, former missionary volunteer to Africa, oh and also the CEO of her very own business ViveVita; we have to believe Robyn when she says, “My faith is very strong, honestly – it is only by staying close to my Creator that I am able to be or do anything that I am today.” 

Robyn, our hats go off to you and to the many women entrepreneurs who are juggling so many roles. We wish you all the very BEST! ~Startup Princess Crew

Hometown: Gloucester, VA (birthplace of Pocahontas)

Current Residence:  Charlotte, NC

Education: MSN – Masters Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)

Professional Background: Emergency Room nurse, nursing in Africa, completed FNP(see above) degree, just prior to becoming a professional Mom!

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Missionary to Africa

What you are: Missionary to my own tribe of 9 children in Charlotte!  Mompreneur – CEO of ViveVita, creating pretty and cute solutions for other moms and families.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Having many little ones around for an extended period of time provides great motivation for anything that will make life easier and more enjoyable (aka – fun, cute or pretty!).  I started developing products when I had only four children and wanted to make our everyday life easier.  We all know that “Necessity is the mother of invention” and that was how my Start Up began.  My first product, Gripsterz Stayalong, was developed in order to keep all of my kids close-by when we went out and about doing fun stuff.  I needed an easy way to keep them close and I wanted it to be fun for them.  How much cuter could a monkey on a vine be?  My second product was developed out of a desperate need for cup control in our home!  There were unclaimed and unidentifiable cups being left all over the place, leading to huge amounts of wasted drinks and the dreaded germ spread from shared cups.  Bandette cup labels totally solved that issue and, of course, they are fun and cute!  And from there – a product development company has blossomed!  As of the end of this year, we will have 8 fabulous products that make everyday life easier and cuter for families.

Company Website? www.vivevita.com

What inspired you? My kids and other moms that have created great products.

How long have you been in business? 2-5 years

How did you fund it? Diverting personal funds to grow a dream

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Does the Laundry Fairy count?  I can’t say that I have had a business Fairy Godmother, but I sure wish that I had done a little more research in the beginning and looked for one!

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? The Mom Entrepreneur, Muses (local Charlotte group)

Current Business Challenge? Customer product awareness

What are you doing about it? Reaching out to Mommy bloggers, product reviewers, advertising in parenting type magazines, and creating raving fans via legendary customer service.

Favorite motivational quote: Drink more coffee; you can sleep when you are dead.

Family? Supportive and dynamic husband.  Nine colorful, fun, and whimsical children (ages 1-10).

If so, how do you balance family and business? Tenuously!  I feel strongly that life is all about balance and perspective and I try to keep both of them at the point that I am most comfortable with.  Maintaining a balance and perspective that enable me to stay happy and moving forward is a daily challenge that I work really hard at.  I do not want to sacrifice too much for either venue and I want to enjoy this life that I live.  Each decision that I make is based on these two qualifiers and therefore helps me be a good mom and a good CEO.

Favorite book? Bible

What do you do to relax? Play with the kids, fold the laundry while hiding in the laundry room, read a book, and most recently – go on a long overdue second honeymoon with my husband.

What do you want to change most about your world? Ultimately, I would really like to reach out to women/moms across the world and empower them with basic business principles that work for any culture and any type of business.  I have a great plan for this and am patiently waiting for the day when my company is more self functioning and I can devote more time to this goal.

What are you most proud of? Being a mom is my greatest achievement!  Being a mom that follows her goals and passes this passion on to her children – that really makes me proud.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Do not be afraid to do something that you really want to do – just make sure that the something that you Start Up fits well with who you are and who you want to be.  Do not waste your precious time working on something that doesn’t fulfill you.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Ifreelance.com

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Emeralds and diamonds.  And the smiling faces of my kids!

Introducing Tosha Arnout, Owner of Essentially Basic Skincare

We are pleased to introduce the beautiful Tosha Arnout and her all natural skincare line, Essentially Basic. Enjoy the interview!

Hometown: Standrod, Ut

Current Residence: Midway, UT

Education: BS in Neuroscience

Professional Background: I finished school right before the birth of my second child and went right to work on Essentially Basic.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A naturopathic everything, herbalist, homeopathic doctor, foot zonologist, aromatherapist.

What you are: Stay at home mom making skincare and lotion.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I sell mineral makeup and all natural skincare products that I make and formulate.

Company Website? www.essentiallybasic.com

What inspired you? My love for natural products and essential oils.

How long have you been in business? 2 years

How did you fund it? A no interest credit card and some savings.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Lots of friends and family who have inspired me and give me great feedback.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Shop Local Utah, Utah’s Own

Current Business Challenge? Growing the business in the right direction and knowing where best to put my resources. I have so many different things I can be working on – website, new product development, sales, marketing, etc. I have to pick and choose what my focus will be for the day/ week/month.

What are you doing about it? Doing things a little at a time and if if something is not working, I change directions, even if it means losing money.

Favorite motivational quote: Reach for the stars.

Family? I have two children, 3 and 1

If so, how do you balance family and business? It is hard, I try to do work in fragments, especially computer work. I will only let myself be on the computer for 15 minutes at a time. I try to spend quality time with my kids every day reading and playing. My husband is amazing help and I couldn’t do it without him, my sisters, and my family.

Favorite book? A Wrinkle in Time, but lately I have been obsessed with Jane Austen. I just finished Pride and Prejudice and started Sense and Sensibility. My husband has no idea how I can want to read the books when I have seen every movie made 5 times.

What do you do to relax? Make healthy treats, watch movies with my husband and go on walks with my kids.

What do you want to change most about your world? People’s awareness of health and wellness.

What are you most proud of? My family.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Do what you love, it took me a long time to figure out what I loved to do.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Google.com, I learn so much just researching whatever comes to mind.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? I would use every color of precious stone I could find, I love lots of color.

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Business Success

These ten New Year’s resolutions from Susan Ward (About.com) will  help you not only increase your business’s success in the coming year, but enjoy your success more by keeping work-life balance in mind while you’re goal setting.

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/management/a/bizresolutions.htm

Introducing Katreina and Kimberly Eden, Owners of Organiwic, LLC

Meet the dynamic sister duo, Katreina (left) and Kimberly Eden of  candle company Organiwic. Connect with them on their twitter and facebook page. Enjoy!

Hometown: Continental USA (Moved constantly)

Current Residence: Levan, Utah

Education:

Katreina: JD

Kimberly: MLitt in Creative Writing

Professional Background:

Katreina: Katreina Eden Attorney Private Office, International Sales Director Cedar Fort Publishing

Kimberly: Writer/Poet

What you wanted to be when you grew up:

Katreina: Indiana Jones (Archeologist) or Professional Dancer

Indiana Jones (Archeologist) or gardener

What you are:

Katreina and Kimberly: Ambitious Business Owner, world traveler and Sister

Brief Summary of your Start Up:

Katreina: All natural handmade candles, incense and aromatherapy with candle holders and jewelry made by various artists.

Company Website? www.organiwic.com

What inspired you?

Katreina and Kimberly: I love candles and everything organic. I also love to run my own business

How long have you been in business? 2 months

How did you fund it? Personal savings

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?

Katreina and Kimberly: Danielle Lower

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Not yet

Current Business Challenge? Marketing

What are you doing about it? Networking

Favorite motivational quote:

Katreina and Kimberly: Pablo Picasso- I am always doing that which I cannot do in order that I may learn how to do it.

Family?

Katreina and Kimberly: Sister

If so, how do you balance family and business?

Katreina and Kimberly: My sister is my partner

Favorite book?

Katreina: Tamara Pierce series

Kimberly: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

What do you do to relax?

Katreina and Kimberly: Play Settler’s of Catan

What do you want to change most about your world?

Katreina: Speak 11 languages and live in Europe

Kimberly: Speak 11 languages and live in a magnificent garden

What are you most proud of?

Katreina: Passing the California Bar the first time.

Kimberly: My sister

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?

Katreina and Kimberly: Persistence is the key

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?

Katreina and Kimberly: My sister

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?

Katreina: Sapphire

Kimberly: Anything brown

Shift from Scattered To Focused Results

Written by, Fairy Godmother Laura West

As entrepreneurs, we wear many hats, juggle many balls, and any other crazy-busy metaphor you can come up with. You write website copy and ezine articles, work with clients, speaking, design new programs, create a product, hire people, fire people, bookkeeping, professional development… Even when you aren’t doing it all and you have a team, you still have to manage them as well as do the creative work of your business.

With all these tasks and things pulling at you, it creates scattered energy. Your energy is here…. and here…. and over here.

When you have scattered energy, you get scattered results. You’re not concentrating on any one thing, and even when you are working on one business task, in the back of your mind, you’re probably thinking about the other 27 things on your to-do list.

What you need is focused energy. With focused energy, you get focused results.

So how do you keep your energy from being scattered everywhere?

1. Figure out what your most important goals are this month. Get your website done? Get five new clients? Enroll in a program? Fill a new teleclass? List all your goals, and then pick your top three.

And, yes, that can be the hard part, because all your goals are important, right? However, if you try to do all the goals, you’re back to that scattered energy place. Concentrate on the top three goals. One suggestion is to pull one goal from bringing in revenue/clients, another from marketing, and a third in the “Other” category (delivering a workshop or designing a new program).

2. Once you have your three goals for the month, then EVERY day do three things toward those goals. Now you’re focusing your energy, both BEING energy and DOING energy.

Being energy is how grounded are you, how present, right here, right now are you? You can only create and get things done from that right here, right now place. If you’re worrying about the future or stuck in the past, you aren’t creating right here, right now.

Every day this week, start out by focusing your BEING energy: meditate, journal, mindmap, read something inspirational, walk, have coffee with birdsong, connect to spirit and to yourself.

When you *are* creating from that right here, right now place, then your DOING energy is focused. You have focused energy, focused goals, and focused energy. And you can’t help but get focused results. And you’re moving faster toward your goals, your dream, and your vision.

Again, this week at the start of each day, focus your BEING energy and focus your DOING energy. Then pay attention to what shifts for you. What’s different? What’s working?

Laura West, Center for Joyful Business, Laura West is a certified professional coach, writer, speaker and the President and Chief Creative Officer of The Center for Joyful Business. She is the creator of the Joyful Business Guide, a business attraction system blending law of attraction principles with smart business designed for solo-entrepreneurs and business owners. Laura is also a contributing author to the book, Spirit of Women Entrepreneurs, and has been a contributing writer for Motto magazine, Inside Gwinnett newspaper, and Connections, a publication for image consultants. Laura also publishes an award winning blog, Cafe Entrepreneur, and a bi-monthly ezine, Joyful Business.

Introducing Chantal Bevilacqua & Allyson Freeman, Owners and Product Designers of Studio Bijoux

Meet Chantal Bevilacqua (left) and Allyson Freeman from Studio Bijoux and learn how they started their beautiful hand-tufted area rug business. Enjoy!

Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Current Residence: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Education: Chantal: The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale – Bachelors’ degree in Interior Design/ Allyson: Florida State University – Bachelors’ degree in Interior Design

Professional Background: Chantal: 8 years experience as an FF&E designer in high-end hospitality design / Allyson: 5 years combined international and domestic high-end hospitality and residential design

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Chantal: When I was younger I always wanted to work with animals but I also loved arts and crafts and helping my mom decorate our house. I always knew I would be in a creative field. / Allyson: The majority of my life was spent dancing and painting which has come to heavily influenced my relationship with color and rhythm in design. It was once I realized that all of the arts are interdependent that I began to see design as my true passion.

What you are: We are both equally Owners and Product Designers of Studio Bijoux

Brief Summary of your Start Up: In a sentence, we are a boutique company that designs and sells an exclusive line of custom luxury hand-tufted area rugs. We began the creative process of endlessly designing ideas and once we felt that we had a clear vision for our company we proceeded to take the necessary steps to operate as such. We have had extraordinary media exposure from very early on which has proven to be absolutely priceless. Even though we consider ourselves to still be in the “start up” process, a solid plan and excitement for the future keeps us motivated everyday!

Company Website? www.studiobijouxdesign.com

What inspired you? We are greatly inspired by our natural surroundings. Living in South Florida, we have always been in love with the resort lifestyle and bright saturated colors. Fashion is also a major influence in our designs with regards to mixing texture and color. We are continually inspired by the relaxed bohemian island style but are known for putting our own refreshing twist on things.

The concept for our “Floor Jewels” emerged from a void we experienced in the marketplace. We felt it was time for art to be taken to the floor and featured just as reverently as wall art. Why not dress your floors as strikingly as you would dress the other parts of your room?

How long have you been in business? Since January 2010

How did you fund it? By choice, we have personally funded 100% of our start up costs.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? We would say our “Fairy Godmothers” or mentors would be the amazing women making strides in our field as well as in fashion. Style wise, we love Amanda Brooks and her unconventional bohemian sense of effortless luxury. Businesswise, we really admire Rachel Zoe for the lifestyle brand that she has created for herself.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Not at the moment

Current Business Challenge? Presently, our biggest challenge is simply existing as a start up company in the current economy.

What are you doing about it? We are a very self-sufficient company at the moment. We have conceptualized and designed all of our products from beginning to end as well as built our own website. Every aspect of the business has been managed by us through research and careful decision making. Positive attitude make all the difference in the world. Creative marketing and free press always help as well!

Favorite motivational quote: Chantal: “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” -Coco Chanel

Allyson: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” -Thoreau

Family? Loving families surround both of us but no children yet.

If so, how do you balance family and business? Owning a business is a team effort. Support, understanding and encouragement goes a long way.

Favorite book? The Girl’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business: Candid Advice, Frank Talk, and True Stories for the Successful Entrepreneur. The Girls’ Guide to Building a Million-Dollar Business.

What do you do to relax? We like to spend our free time with our families and our dogs. We also like to go treasure hunting in the fabulous vintage and antique shops in and around the Palm Beaches.

What do you want to change most about your world? We would love to see the world experience more joy from their surroundings and it would certainly help to have more hours in the day too!

What are you most proud of? We are very proud of the fact that we have seen our vision for this company through thus far. There have been many sleepless nights and obstacles thrown upon us but when you believe in something enough the drive to succeed simply won’t let you quit.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Never Never Never Give Up

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Photoshop and great communication!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds and more diamonds, of course! With some turquoise, coral and shell accents.

Introducing Nellie Akalp, Founder and CEO of CorpNet

We are pleased to introduce Nellie Akalp, Founder and CEO of CorpNet, a document filing service for startup businesses.  Startup Princesses readers can receive $29 off any services at CorpNet with the discount code: StartUpPrincess. Read below to learn more about Nellie and her business. Enjoy!

Hometown: Westlake Village, CA

Current Residence: Westlake Village, CA

Education: •Juris Doctorate Degree, University of LaVerne, College of Law •BS Degree, California State University-Northridge

Professional Background: Nellie Akalp graduated magna cum laude from the University of La Verne, College of Law in 1999 where she obtained her Juris Doctorate Degree. She also served on the school’s Law Review for three consecutive years. Mrs. Akalp brings significant experience to the legal document filing industry, having founded several document filing companies in the past, including MyCorporation.com, which was sold to Intuit back in 2005. Her past companies combined have been responsible for helping more than one hundred thousand Corporations and LLC’s get their start.

Currently, Mrs. Akalp is the CEO & Founder of CorpNet, Incorporated, her second incorporation filing service company based on the simple philosophy of truth in business and her strong passion to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs. As CEO of CorpNet, she is a strong advocate in educating small business owners and entrepreneurs about the importance of protecting their assets and is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the business. Mrs. Akalp also frequently authors much of the content published at www.CorpNet.com and her work frequently appears in a variety of publications.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: An actress/singer/dancer

What you are: A law school graduate who does not practice law, but is a passionate entrepreneur who loves helping others in starting their own business and turning their dreams into reality

Brief Summary of your Start Up: CorpNet® through its website www.corpnet.com , provides business filing services required for a variety of business needs such as forming a Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC), filing a DBA/Fictitious Business Name, Trademark Search and Registration services, conducting business in multiple states (Foreign Qualification Filings), modifying a business name or address (Amendments), Closing a Business (Dissolutions), Registered Agent Services, Corporate Compliance services and supplies in all 50 states.

Company Website? http://www.corpnet.com/

What inspired you? I started CorpNet, my second incorporation filing service, because I felt the completion was not offering what the consumer needs and because of my strong passion to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs to start their own business.  I am a strong advocate in educating small business owners and entrepreneurs about the importance of protecting their assets

How long have you been in business? CorpNet has been in business since July 1, 2009, but I have been in this industry for over 13 years.

How did you fund it? CorpNet was funded by myself and my husband with our money that we had in our savings.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Yes, my mentor is my husband of over 13 years; he inspires me each and every day and always challenges me to better myself.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Yes,  I have my own twitter account @CorpNetNetNellie and belong to several business start-up organizations and mommy organizations

Current Business Challenge? Increasing traffic to our website and getting more brand recognition while remaining profitable

What are you doing about it? Heavy marketing through social media networks, networking and blog posts in addition to featured radio interviews.

Favorite motivational quote: Do what you love and love what you do each and every day…you only live once!

Family? Yes, I have been married to my best friend and business partner for over 13 years Phil Akalp and we have three children: 9 year old boy girl twins and a 6 year old little boy and we are expecting our 4^th in May of 2011.

If so, how do you balance family and business? I am extremely well organized and always plan ahead which is the key in my opinion to balancing life, marriage and raising 3 children in addition to being an expectant mom.  In addition, even if it’s a matter of 5-10 minutes a day (prefer at least an hour)  I try to take time out just for myself and reflect.

Favorite book? “Delivering Happiness”…by Tony Hsieh.

What do you do to relax? I take a ballet class at least 3-4 times a week at Richard Giorla’s Cardio Barre.

What do you want to change most about your world? To encourage more people to deliver what they promise to deliver and stop being so greedy!

What are you most proud of? I am proud of being married to my best friend and business partner of 13 years and enjoy every minute of my life with him and our accomplishments to date; having had the opportunity to have sold a company at a very young age and being able to start it all over again with him  and a team that I love is an absolute true blessing

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Trust your instincts and use your strengths and  go for it without any hesitation. It is the most gratifying feeling to be able to work for yourself, earn a living and do what you love and believe in each and every day…but you have to love what you do and believe in it!

My instincts are my most valuable asset; I have learned to rely on my instincts more from this point forward which was something I failed to do in the past and by failing to do so have been burned and hurt in the process.  Now I am more careful.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? HARO is my favorite resource and bitly is my favorite tool.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? White, Pink and Yellow flawless diamonds with Emeralds.

Introducing Bonnie Andrews, Founder of Virtual Assistants for Mom

Have you ever  wished you had two pairs of hands? Or perhaps someone you could delegate a task to? If so, Bonnie Andrews has just made it easier for you to manage your business with affordable help at her company Virtual Assistants for Mom. Read below to find out what inspired Bonnie to start her business and how it can help you with yours!

Hometown: Chesapeake, VA

Current Residence: Chesapeake, VA

Education: Public Relations, Brigham Young University

Professional Background: Looks something like Mary Poppins’ boundless bag . . . random, varied and full of adventures.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: In my fairytale ages all I cared about was marrying Michael Jackson! Then entered reality – and a far greater dream – I looked forward everyday to being a mother, a wife and positively influencing the lives of the people around me.

What you are: I am a mother, I am a wife, and I work everyday to positively influence the people around me. I am a product of my passions and the influence of good family and friends. I am simply me.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I am a mom, a wife and an entrepreneur and I finally found my sanity in virtual assistants! So of course, it was natural for me to want to share that. There will always be ‘more to do’ and never enough time to do it. I love helping women entrepreneurs focus on doing what they love and getting everything else done with a managed virtual assistant team.

Company Website? www.MomEntrepreneurVA.com

What inspired you? Life and its everyday experiences. I am a natural starter. I jump on the opportunity to start projects, put an idea into practice and bring dreams to fruition, but I have learned the only way I can effectively execute something is with the help of virtual assistants – they are great finishers – and by focusing on what I do best I can work with strategic teams and partnerships to get the rest done, start to finish!

How long have you been in business? Since I was old enough to know what ‘sales’ were. . . I would sale anything door to door, you name it I sold it. I thought I was providing a great service to our neighbors and I liked earning the money – they were patient and always supportive! My first real business I started at age 12 – a candy stand, fitting for the sweet tooth I have! I earned a great summer income and followed it up with kid’s camps and anything else I could dream up. I hired my siblings and friends to help. I have always loved business. It’s not a necessary for me; it’s a hobby that I truly enjoy learning about and tackling one principle at a time.

How did you fund it? One sale at a time . . . Partnering for funding is just not a gamble I am willing to take. I do what I can with the resources I have at hand. Remember that it doesn’t take a million to test a good product. Invest slowly, make a sale, then two then three and invest again. If your product or service is good it will pay for itself.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I have a very supportive family – they are my most powerful mentors. (I also love business books too)

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I have joined a few, and know that you reap what you sow. It’s important to be a consistent voice wherever you are.

Current Business Challenge? Streamlining a way to assess the needs of client’s business practices, goals and purposes – and of course have it all done yesterday! I deal with very unique strategies. Not everyone needs the same virtual assistant skills, and so I am currently trying to refine how I approach the consultation and follow-up process so that I can quickly fill the needs and wants of my clients and their businesses.

What are you doing about it? Asking for feedback; for me, client feedback is one of the most powerful tools we have.

Favorite motivational quote: “Crying is all right in its own way while it lasts. But you have to stop sooner or later, and then you still have to decide what to do.”  — C.S. Lewis

Family? I have a very supportive and encouraging husband and a three-year-old who brings smiles to my face and laughter to our home everyday.

If so, how do you balance family and business? One day at a time. A wise woman admonished that I learn to separate what’s essential, necessary and nice to do and then work through my tasks each day in that order. That has become one of the biggest parts of our business, challenging women to stick to what’s essential – the things they are best at – and then have our outsourcing team take care of the necessary and nice to do.

Favorite book? I have a lot of favorites. Anything CS Lewis, and I am hooked. Right now I am loving Tony Hsieh’s ‘Delivering Happiness – A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose’

What do you do to relax? It depends on the day. Some days my little girl and I love going to the park and that is relaxing for both of us. Other times it’s watching a college football game with my husband. Mostly it’s anything I get to do with my favorite people: walks, talks, games, etc. I’m a pretty old fashioned social bug. . . and that’s relaxing.

What do you want to change most about your world? Sincerely, not much. I have learned that always yearning for change creates chaos in my life and ingratitude for what I do have. Change for me mostly comes in the form of goals and working one day at a time to reach them.

What are you most proud of? I have learned how to keep going. To set a goal and see it through the end no matter what adventures I have along the way.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Stay the course and surround yourself with positive people. Make sure you fill your life and business with things that have positive influence and impact. You are only as good as your weakest link – sometimes, more often than not, it’s ourselves and our own weaknesses. Don’t be afraid of them – face them and overcome them with supportive teams and influences.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? That’s a loaded question . . . there are so many incredible resources available to us all. The one that has helped me the most, as I have said before, is the ability to outsource what I am not good or great at.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds – they originate from coal deep inside the earth, where the temperatures and pressures are very high. People find it difficult to believe something as ugly as coal can be transformed into something as beautiful as diamonds. It’s possible, not easy, but possible.

Introducing Holly Jones, Owner of Vinyl Wall Art and My Cute Stamps

We are pleased to introduce Holly Jones, owner of not just one, but TWO very cute and adorable businesses- Vinyl Wall Art and My Cute Stamps. Read below to find out more about Holly and to visit her online! Enjoy!    

Hometown: Sandy, UT

Current Residence:  South Jordan, UT

Education: I studied Graphic Design & Illustration at Utah State University

Professional Background (brief, please):  I worked 6 years at Stampin Up! as a product designer & illustrator.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:  I wanted to be a fashion designer or a greeting card designer.

What you are: Entrepreneur, Product designer, Illustrator.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I saved money for 2 years while I was working at Stampin’ Up! Shortly after I quit my job, I finally had enough money to start Vinyl Wall Art. A few months after I started the business, my husband quit his job to work at home with me full time. After a few years, I missed designing stamps, and started a second company called My Cute Stamps.

Company Website? http://www.vinylwallart.com &  http://www.mycutestamps.com

What inspired you? I couldn’t afford daycare. I wanted to start a business where I could work from home and be near my kids. At the time, there were lots of vinyl wording companies, but none that sold vinyl illustrations as home decor.

How long have you been in business? 4 ½ years

How did you fund it? I saved money in advance.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I read lots of books by other entrepreneurs who have inspired me.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I don’t, but it would probably be beneficial to join some.

Current Business Challenge? Too much work.

What are you doing about it? Looking for more efficient ways to run our companies.

Favorite motivational quote:  “Make failure your teacher, not your undertaker.” Zig Ziglar

Family? My husband and I have 2 cute daughters.

If so, how do you balance family and business? That’s definitely a challenge I found that setting aside time specifically for work, and time specifically for family has been a great way to get work done and still spend quality time with my family.

Favorite book? Anything non-fiction. I really like “The Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell.

What do you do to relax? I love making new craft projects, reading books, and spending time with family & friends.

What do you want to change most about your world? I would love more time, or the ability to function with little sleep.

What are you most proud of? My family. I’m also proud that I was able to find a way to make a living while being able to stay at home and be a part of my kids lives.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Failure is the best way to learn. I had several businesses that failed before I finally reached success. Don’t give up, but don’t keep trying the same thing if it isn’t working. Move on and learn from your failures.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? The internet / My computer. I design my products using my computer. I do 90% of my marketing online. It is a very valuable resource.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Opal. I think Imagination and clarity is valuable to have, not only in business, but in all aspects of life.

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