Meet Amy Long, Founder of Secure2Me

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Amy Long had just had her third child when she realized she had a great product idea. She was out with a child on each side of her and carrying her baby when the baby’s blanket slipped and fell in a puddle. The only blanket she had with her was unusable. Moms, has this ever happened to you? It’s happened to me more than I care to remember, but when it happened to Amy she took action and started Secure2Me. Armed with several different fabrics and about seventy different clips, Amy created the first Secure2Me blanket.

The Secure2Me blanket has clips at all four corners to secure the blanket over a baby in a car seat, stroller, a nursing baby or whatever you need. Secure2Me even offers a Secure2Me Grand blanket big enough to cover someone in a wheelchair. But don’t think that because these blankets are functional that they aren’t cute. They’re adorable and come in so many different patterns that you’re sure to find the right one for your baby.

The Secure2Me blankets are made of high quality fabrics and triple surged so they are durable and completely machine washable. With a patent pending, these blankets have received a lot of press. Check out the “press” link of the website to see all the magazines, blogs, websites, and news stations talking about Secure2Me blankets.

If you enjoy getting out with your baby in warmer weather, then there’s something for you too. The Solarveil blanket blocks out 95% of harmful UV rays, but is sheer and breathable so it’s perfect for any sunny day.

Enjoy meeting Startup Princess Amy Long!

Professional Background: I have practiced nursing in community health for 10+ years. I have been a nurse at Camp Summit, a summer camp for people with special needs, since 1999.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Journalist

What you are: Entrepreneur

Brief Summary of your Startup: Makers of the only clip-on baby blanket. Secure2Me Blanket attaches easily to the fabric of every stroller, car seat, infant swing, and baby carrier with a baby-safe clip on each corner of the blanket.

Company Website? www.Secure2Me.com

What inspired you? The telecom bust. That is when I stopped believing the myth that you get good grades, go to college, get a good job, work hard & everything will be okay. I realized then that I wanted to have a much bigger say in my family’s destiny.

How long have you been in business? Since December 2006

How did you fund it? I got a job! I went back to work for a home health company and worked every weekend for the past year to fund my company.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? While I don’t have a mentor, I do have the most wonderful Co-Princess, my sister, Melissa.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? The Joy of Connecting, Mompreneurs Online

Current Business Challenge? Responsible growth

What are you doing about it? Seeking good counsel, educating myself, connecting with experienced women business owners, planning and expecting the best.

Favorite motivational quote: “Out of nothing and out of nowhere, a way will be made.” -Michael Bernard Beckwith

Family? Happily married for 12 years, 3 darling boys ages 7, 3 and 1.

If so, how do you balance family and business? For me, balance is an illusion. I have put myself at the bottom of the list for a long time. I have choices about how I live my life but my children can only choose from what I provide. It is a daily juggling act but well worth the investment.

Favorite book? For fun: Lonesome Dove. For Business: The Art of the Start

What do you do to relax? People Magazine and a Diet Coke in a bubble bath

What do you want to change most about your world? I wish people realized that we are all fundamentally the same on the inside. I wish for more love, more compassion, more cooperation, more philanthropy, more joy, more appreciation of each other. Then, I would like to have someone do my laundry twice a week.

What are you most proud of? My family. The family I come from and the family we created.

What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses? To be successful in any business you must differentiate yourself from the competition. You must offer something that people can only get from you. I have met lots of women who love “product X” so they decide to open an online store selling “product X,” despite the existence of many others. They are forced to compete on price in a crowded market. It is not enough to be passionate about a product or service. You must do extensive research and pursue the business only if a real, untapped market exists. It’s a bummer, but it’s true.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Half-Price Books. I find excellent resources for a fraction of the cost. I hate choosing between two similar titles and at HPB, I can buy both.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? A special stone to represent each woman who has blessed me: Amethyst for my Grandma Dolly, diamonds for my mother, Karen, pearls for my sister, Melissa, rubies for my mother, Shirley, and emeralds for Acela.

The following article was written by Startup Princess writer, Jessica Cryer.

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