Meet Bridgett Edwards of Perideau Designs

As a business owner also working full-time, a wife and mother, Bridgett Edwards is a busy woman. While wearing all these hats, she maintains a great outlook and a strong belief in her business and herself, even when doubts creep in. I admire her for her tenacity and positivity and love the pictures of her products. She has a great business and with her hard work and determination, she will go far!

Hometown: Chantilly, VA

Current Residence (City, State): Cromwell, CT

Education: Bachelors of Arts from Furman University; Masters of Science from Springfield College

Professional Background (brief, please): Currently work at a local cable network full-time and run my own stationery business part-time.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A lawyer

What you are: A designer and commercial coordinator

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I create modern stationery, favor tags, and prints.

Company Website? www.perideaudesigns.com

What inspired you? Nature, modern architecture and vintage items.

How long have you been in business? 4 months

How did you fund it? Myself

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Not one person but I look to others for advice.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? www.twitter.com/perideaudesigns

Current Business Challenge? Being new to the market I’m always second guessing myself.

What are you doing about it? I’m always trying new things and constantly expanding my product lines while being proud of what I do.

Favorite motivational quote: Life is a journey, not a destination.

Family? Yes. A husband and 21-month old daughter.

If so, how do you balance family and business? It’s difficult but I couldn’t do it without the support my husband. I try to limit working to late night hours and only a couple of hours on the weekend but if I have a lot of orders that need to get out he will step in and watch our daughter while I work. It’s hard not to be with them but I know it will pay off in the long run.

Favorite book? The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

What do you do to relax? Sad to say but ‘relax’ isn’t in my vocabulary right now but if I can sneak away for an hour or so, I like to take a hot bubble bath or get a pedicure or massage. I’m a big fan of spas.

What do you want to change most about your world? The ability to run my stationery business full-time and staying home with my family.

What are you most proud of? My daughter. She is turning into a beautiful, intelligent, and comical woman who is full of joy and happiness.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Have faith in your ability. You can can’t please everyone and once you realize that everything will begin to fall into place.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My laptop.

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

Would you be interested in being a Fairy Godmother and writing articles or speaking at Startup Princess events? Yes.

What business subjects would you feel comfortable mentoring in? Start up and juggling different hats.

Get to Know Vana Chupp of Le Papier Studio Ltd.

The one thing that stood out to me about Vana while interviewing her is how she is following her dream and really believes in her business. Her products reflect her love of her family and, as she says, appreciating the little things and small moments that mean the most. Vana’s enthusiasm and passion show in her products and in her interview – she is definitely one to watch!

Name: Vana Chupp

Hometown: Saranda, Albania

Current Residence: Mount Prospect, Illinois

Education: Master of Architecture (M Arch)

Professional Background:
After graduation from college I worked as a Project Manager for a woman owned Architecture firm. After the birth of my son (now almost 4 years old) I switched doing consulting work as a Project Manager for another Architecture firm. I am happy I was able to work part time while being home with my son. Since March 2008, I have focused primarily working on developing my own business, Le Papier Studio Ltd.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: a writer

What you are: architect and designer

Brief Summary of your Start Up:
The story behind is quite simple: the need of a mom to find a creative outlet at the end of a busy day led her to achieve a dream, running a business from home while enjoying the beauty of motherhood. I find inspiration in the simple moments in life (that being my son blowing bubbles on a summer day, or from a picture taken of him by the beach). My desire to capture the innocence of childhood is captured on the unique line of personalized artwork, stationery, invitations and announcements (for all of the occasions) utilizing custom, one of a kind elegant silhouettes.

Company Website: www.lepapierstudio.com

What inspired you? My son and the moments spent with him

How long have you been in business? A little over a year

How did you fund it? My own savings

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I don’t know if she is a Fairy Godmother by title but she is a great source of information and advice to me. Her name is Sarah Jane Wright (a lovely, genuine person, a mother and an artist).

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups?
Start Up Princess, Assocation for Women in Architecture, http://twitter.com/lepapierstudio

Current Business Challenge? Marketing my business, hiring some part time help

What are you doing about it? Researching different possibilities

Favorite motivational quote: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thinking.” By Mother Teresa

Family? Yes, my hubby of 6 years, and our precious 4 year old boy

If so, how do you balance family and business?
My son still naps for a good 2-2.5 hours each day. I work while he is asleep and when my husband comes home from work. Unfortunately this has become a routine for us. I try to work only a few nights a week and spend time with them the rest of the nights. I would like to see this happening more in the future. I don’t work on weekends.

Favorite book?
Don’t really have a favorite, I like reading a book that has received good reviews.

What do you do to relax?
Draw, cook, and take a walk with the family

What do you want to change most about your world?
The stressful life. If I could wish for one thing it will be to slow down the time and enjoy each moment of the day. I feel as if we don’t pay enough attention to the little/simple things in life.

What are you most proud of?
My little boy – his development from a baby to one of a smart, adorable and kind little person.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?
Start developing your dream today no matter how unreal it may feel right now. If you believe in that dream, you have already surpassed the greatest obstacle. Make a list of steps towards your goal and try to accomplish one step at a time. Sooner or later you will get to the bottom of the list and eventually achieve your goal.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?
Twitter and my blackberry (it allows me to send an important email even when I’m away from my computer)

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?
Pearls and diamonds because they are timeless.

Would you be interested in being a Fairy Godmother and writing articles or speaking at Startup Princess events?
yes

What business subjects would you feel comfortable mentoring in? Starting up