Here’s another friend that I met via #startupchat on Twitter. I’ve been looking forward to her launch for a while now, and I’m excited to finally be able to share her story with you (and I can’t wait to try out her app!). Meet Benita, another amazing Startup Princess! – Michelle
Name: Benita
Location: The beautiful South at the base of the Appalachian Mountains
Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Professional Background: Software programmer, tester & product trainer
What you wanted to be when you grew up: a mommy
What you are: A wife of one, mom of three, daughter to the most hardworking and generous parents I know.
Brief Summary of your Start Up: Wizehouse is a system for sprucing up life. We’ve created a personalized online system designed to save money, reduce stress, and maximize time in daily living. Whether you’re looking for assistance with work and home balance, wish to prevent unexpected money leaks due to late fees, avoid home or automobile maintenance surprises, or just fine-tune your time management and task delegation. Our systems keep you, and your loved ones in control of the plethora of pieces that accompany everyday life. We use email, SMS, and mobile devices, whether smart or cell, to make things simple, efficient, and readily accessible.
Where are you located? In the foothills of Northern Alabama
Company Website? http://www.wizehouse.com
What inspired you? My inspiration came from years of struggling to manage time, home life, and family. All of my life, I wanted to be a mommy and do it well. In my desperation, I researched, read books, articles, etc. to help me come up with customized systems for my family. As a result, I created a card system that I would rotate daily (kind of reminds me of the Vax main frames when I started programming). I soon realized I needed a computer to run my systems, and begin writing logic to make it happen. Here’s my old box:
How long have you been in business? We launched, version 1, Mother’s Day 2012! How fun is that?
How did you fund it? My husband and I made a firm commitment to self-fund. Basically, that meant hard work, strong commitment to budgeting and working extra projects when time permitted.
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? There are too many to name! I am blessed to have many mentors and supportive people, so many spoken & unspoken mentors; you know who you are…thank you for your support and imparted wisdom!
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I am a member on Twitter, of #momchat and #startupchat. I have a networking group of other professional moms who are as committed to home and family as I am.
Current Business Challenge? How not to be a 24 hour CEO
What are you doing about it? Setting boundaries to protect my scheduled ‘on’ and ‘off’ hours. Taking time to make sure that not only marriage date nights are happening, but family fun time as well.
Favorite motivational quote: “Focused Intensity over Time Multiplied by God equals Unstoppable Momentum” ~ Dave Ramsey
Family? Yes, I have a very strong, but sensitive and smart husband; mom of three, creative and active, girls under the age of thirteen.
How do you balance family and business? Prioritized scheduling: God (first), Family (second) & Work (last).
Favorite book? Mom You’re Incredible by Linda Weber
What do you do to relax? I love to create by sewing, running, completing word finds, and camping with the family.
What do you want to change most about your world? The negativity and the insistent mind-set of blaming others for problems.
What are you most proud of? My husband and children
What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses? Leave the ‘Super-woman’ mentality behind; asked for help and receive it. Never quit. Let persistence be your companion and your ‘gut’ be your guide.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Wizehouse Internet App
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Wisdom, Perseverance, and Love
