Introducing Elisa Op’t Hof, President and Founder of Undercover Mama

We are pleased to introduce Elisa Op’t Hof, President and Founder of Undercover Mama! Elisa started her business nearly two years ago and has since provided many mothers the comfort and modesty of nursing without the worry of “something” showing. Connect with Elisa and her business partner Elena at Undercovermama.com or on twitter. Enjoy!

Hometown: Holladay, UT

Current Residence: Spanish Fork, UT

Education: Still plucking away at my Bachelor’s Degree (almost finished).

Professional Background: Full time mama who loves to read and learn. I frequent the library and devour their business section to help me on my road to entrepreneurship.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: I wanted to take care of animals. I still have a big soft spot in my heart for them.

What you are: I take care of my own little “animals” ; My five beautiful children! I love homeschooling them and I enjoy squeezing in time to run a quickly growing business too.

Brief Summary of your Start- up: Undercover Mama sells nursing undershirts that attach directly to any nursing bra. It helps breastfeeding mamas to nurse with ease keeping their bellies, backs and sides “undercover”.

Company Website: www.undercovermama.com

What inspired you: After the birth of my forth baby I was STILL trying to find a comfortable way to nurse in the clothes I already had. I wanted to go back to my regular wardrobe and not have to buy nursing clothing. When I couldn’t find a solution I liked, I created the Undercover Mama.

How long have you been in business: Undercover Mama launched in August 2008

How did you fund it: I couldn’t afford much at the time and since I had “only” been a SAHM for years I wouldn’t qualify for a big loan. I started Undercover Mama with less than $1,000 by doing what I could myself and utilizing resources in the community and also the skills of family and friends.

Did you have a Fairy Godmother (or mentor)?: Not specifically, but I leaned on many when I got stuck or just needed a boost of confidence or courage to keep going.

Do you belong to any business organization or networking groups?: I belong to MomPack and joined them right after I launched. I still find them a great resource of colleagues who are willing to help with just about any dilemma I run in to.

Current Business Challenge: Isn’t it always time? Or the lack thereof. Finding time for the business on top of an already busy family life sometimes feels like it takes Supergirl strength.

What are you doing about it: Now that I am mostly settled in my new home, (moving is tough!) I am setting aside specific hours to get the work done early, so I can enjoy the rest of the day with my kids. They are motivated to not distract me when they know we can have some fun as soon as I am finished.

Favorite Motivational Quote: “Our greatest glory consist not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Oliver Goldsmith

Family: Husband and five precious children (ages 9,8,5,2,and 1). Balancing work and family takes constant revision because life is always changing. It changes with the seasons, school year, illnesses, new babies, etc. There isn’t one schedule to stick to. Being flexible is a must. I have made it a point to find the time no matter what. Sometimes that means burning the midnight oil. I have found that often my most productive hours are in the middle of the night.

Favorite Book: Too hard to name just one… I love reading the classics and especially ones I can read aloud with my family.

What do you do to relax?: Read, play games, take walks. I love to unwind with my husband at the end of the day when all the kids are in bed and the house is quiet.

What do you want to change most about your world?: The world is always trying to get us to speed up until we are going at a break-neck pace. I am always trying to slow it down. I treasure these priceless years while my kids are all small. I want to enjoy each day and have time to just be with them.

What are you most proud of?: I am not a quitter. No matter what area of life I am dealing with I always strive to improve no matter how many times I fail.

What advice would you like to offer other start up princesses?: One piece of advice is to do your research at the beginning of your business venture. Don’t hesitate to ask the questions that could save you from wasting a lot of time and money. Sometimes you may feel like you don’t even want to know the answer. It is better to do what it takes in the beginning to find out if your venture is worthwhile. Get a lot of outside input.

Favorite magic wand (tool/resource): Mompack and the Small Business Development Center or other resources to give you honest, knowledgeable guidance and encouragement.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? If I could design a tiara, I would use my favorite colors. I love bright green, orange and yellow! They make me feel happy.