Mamapreneurs
There are so many amazing moms right in our own backyard. Although all moms are special we would like to introduce you to a few local moms who are juggling motherhood and their own businesses and doing a fabulous job with both!
Meet Karen Hodges Mom, Founder of the Adventures to Transformation Coaching Method and
Principal at Synthesis Coaching
How did you come up with the name?
Synthesis means wholeness and I help my clients to create wholeness in all areas of their lives, both personal and work.
How did you decide to start coaching?
Unfortunately, a personal tragedy led me to working as a coach. In the fall of 1997 my life was shattered. My husband Allan and I had just bought our first house and two weeks later I gave birth to Jessie, our first child. Our life was bright and full of possibilities and then the unthinkable happened. A few weeks after Jessie's birth Allan became sick. What we originally thought was just influenza was diagnosed six months later as acute myelogenous leukemia, an aggressive form of cancer. After three unsuccessful rounds of chemotherapy, I honored Allan's request and brought him home to die. Life brought me a huge challenge, yet I vowed that if I could get through the experience, I would use what I had learned to help others - that is exactly what I’m doing through my coaching.
Tell us about your area of expertise?
I specialize in working with women individually and in groups to help move them through life and work-stage transitions with grace, clarity and ease. I also work with entrepreneurs and small business owners doing both marketing and business building, since I did marketing in corporations and ad agencies in my previous life before becoming a coach.
How many children do you have?
My daughter Jessie just turned 12 and she’s almost my height and has now started to borrow my clothes and shoes. Jessie is the greatest joy in my life and what I’m most proud of!
What are some of the ways you have found to juggle being a mom, business owner, and wife?
The word “juggle” jumps out at me since I know every single Mamapreneur can totally relate. Some of the things I’ve done are:
Remembering that I can’t do it all and at once! Some days I’m able to handle juggling family responsibilities like laundry and errands with work, and other days I simply can’t manage both and need to focus on just one.
By asking for help in both my family and business life. When I can’t get to grocery shopping or errands I will ask my husband to pick up these tasks. Likewise, I’ve realized that I can’t do everything in my business — since there are things that I either don’t do well or simply don’t want to do. I’ve created a team of experts that I outsource vital business functions to: website design and maintenance, accountant, virtual assistant, social media advisor, and internet writer.
I try to confine my work hours to Jessie’s school hours so that I can concentrate on her when she gets home and make the segway into preparing dinner and family time.
I also use my calendar like the tool that it is, since as a Mamapreneur I need to work more efficiently and smarter.
Who was your biggest inspiration?
Scarlett O’Hara has been a constant source of inspiration and grit for me during my life.
When you have free time (ha!) what would your ideal day entail?
A day that is unstructured where I have time to do for ME and not have to be taking care of or juggling anything else. That’s why the giveaway is a month of coaching — this gift helps a mom learn to carve out time to focus on herself and want she wants.
To contact Karen email her at karen@synthesiscoaching.com or 401-789-2140 .
Click here to visit the Synthesis Coaching Website.
The Kids are Back To School - Looking to Make Some Extra Money?
Meet Lisa Kaminski, mom, teacher, and Independent Executive Area Manager and Consultant for Arbonne
International.
Have you been thinking there must be more to life? More time, more money, more friends, more health, more travel, more sharing? I agree, and that's why I'm so excited to share Arbonne with people every day. One thing I don't want more of is wrinkles, and Arbonne easily helps me with that! But, I do want more of the blessings I already mentioned, and with this company, all are possible!
How did you get started?
My friend and sponsor, Zoe, presented Arbonne's unparalleled skin care products and opportunity at our mutual friend's house one evening just four years ago. Not only was I actively searching for a skin care line that would help me slow the effects of 42 years of living, aging and being active outdoors, I was longing for an opportunity that could give my husband and I more freedom to travel and golf, as well as the independence to put our three children through college while continuing to enjoy our hobbies. Little did I know that Arbonne International IS that opportunity.
What is Arbonne?
The idea to provide skin care products unparalleled in quality and effectiveness developed in Switzerland in 1975, when one man, Petter Mørck, together with a group of leading bio-chemists, biologists and herbalists, fulfilled his vision and founded Arbonne.
Arbonne's skin care products, based on botanical principles, became a reality in the United States in 1980 a
nd are now shared throughout the world through Arbonne's network of Independent Consultants. Building on these same founding principles, Arbonne's product line has since grown to include both inner and outer health and beauty products that are unparalleled in quality, safety, value, benefits and results!
- Botanically-based
- pH correct
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Never tested on animals
- Formulated without animal products or by-products
- Formulated without mineral oil
- Formulated without dyes or chemical fragrances
Why do you love selling Arbonne?
This might sound corny but I don't feel like I'm selling, because the products kind of sell themselves. I help people solve problems, whether they're skin care problems or financial problems. The wonderful thing about Arbonne is that it's not just about great products, it's also about great people. The Arbonne family is made up of thousands of individuals working to make their dreams come true. Through sales incentives and rewards, travel opportunities, a generous SuccessPlan and great products, Arbonne offers a unique opportunity that can help make anyone's vision for the future a reality.
How did you decide to sell it?
At first, I had no intention of starting an Arbonne home-based business. As a full-time teacher, graduate student, wife and mother, and community volunteer, I felt I had no time to squeeze anything else in to my busy schedule.
However, the products are so great, and the response I got was so powerful, that I investigated the
possibility. I examined the pay structure (The SuccessPlan) and I tested my abilities with friends and family. I have worked part time, consistently, since March of 2005, and am presently an Executive Area Manager, one step away from Regional Vice President.
Which means she gets a White Mercedes!
We didn't have a strong Plan B before Arbonne. My husband is a business owner who doesn't get paid if he doesn't go to work. I am a school teacher. I KNOW that working 15 more years for 80% of my salary is not going to allow me to live the lifestyle that I desire. Working part time with Arbonne is helping me grow an income stream that will be recession proof with UNLIMITED potential!
Lisa’s Questions For You?
Could you adjust your schedule to make room for 6-10 hours of consistent effort to build a business that allows you to reach your goals, whatever they might be?
Speaking of goals, what are your dreams and goals? Can you reach them in 3-5 years on the path you're taking now?
Are you looking for a way to be your own boss, have flexible hours and explore your potential? Consider the rewards of using and marketing premium skin care, color, nutrition and aromatherapy products.
Some people ask me the question, "What if Arbonne doesn't work?" I would ask you the question, "What if it does?" We are at the right place at the right time with this company. Why don't you join us? You might be surprised at how simple it is to add another $500 to $1,000 to your monthly budget very shortly after beginning your Arbonne business. With retail profits, company overrides, and bonuses, as your business grows, you earn anywhere from $300 per month to over $20,000 per month. Whatever your financial goals and needs are, you can make them happen with consistent, part time work with Arbonne.
To contact Lisa and learn more about this fantastic business opportunity email her at lhkbusy@gmail.com
Click here to visit her Arbonne International Web Page
MomsTown Note: I use the Arbonne RE9 products and absolutely love them. I also used the baby products when my daughter was younger. The diaper cream was great! Thanks Lisa for sharing!
Meet Gwen, Local Mom and Creator of her own line of adorable organic baby clothes...
How It's Made
Certified organic cotton is cotton grown in fields where the use of pesticides has been discontinued for at least 3 years and where rigorous controls help rebuild the soil's natural fertility. Organic farming is a farming system that relies on natural inputs only. No synthetically produced pesticides or fertilizers are used. Beneficial insects are allowed to flourish to keep pest insects in check. Crop rotations with legumes help maintain fertility and soil microbiology. Weeds are controlled with precision tillage and the old fashioned hoe. The successful organic farm requires much more intensive and innovative management.
Gwen only uses the natural fabric product from her supplier--no dyes are used.
The Little Chickie Creator
When Gwen was pregnant with her daughter, Elizabeth, she decided to put her designs on clothes. So, the Little Chickie Wear line began. The clothing is printed on 100% organic cotton - a very important thing to Elizabeth - though she doesn't quite know that yet!
My designs are based on some antic by Elizabeth or by one of her little friends. I cut the design from paper I've found on my travels around the world -- and then paint in whatever might augment the picture. The original art piece is then computer graphically arranged and a saying is added in an appropriate font and layout. The design is then transferred to a onesie, shirt, or hat. This entire process is done piece-by-piece--truly handmade.
Gwendolyn is the owner of the company, Gwen Designs. Creativity runs in her background; she comes from a long line of artists and writers; in fact, she is a direct descendant of Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of the 1850 novel, The Scarlet Letter.
One of her earliest memories is Sundays growing up when her father would gather crayons, paints, and paper from the kitchen cabinet for her to use while he and her mother slept in until almost noon. During college, she studied art history as well as abstract art with Karen Peterson from Hartford College for Women. Later, she studied the art of watercolor with Laura Eden.
In 1988, she lived in Tokyo, Japan where she became fascinated with the fine detail, elegance, and attention to nature that Japanese art highlights. Japanese paper and paint are the mediums she uses to create the art that gets printed on cards and textiles.
Gwen's line includes onesies, t-shirts and hats all with adorable sayings. Visit her website and check them out! www.gwendesigns.com
There are so many amazing moms right in our own backyard. Although all moms are special we would like to introduce you to a few local moms who are juggling motherhood and their own businesses and doing a fabulous job with both!
Every Mom Should Make Time to Focus on Herself and What She Wants
Meet Karen Hodges Mom, Founder of the Adventures to Transformation Coaching Method and
Principal at Synthesis CoachingHow did you come up with the name?
Synthesis means wholeness and I help my clients to create wholeness in all areas of their lives, both personal and work.
How did you decide to start coaching?
Unfortunately, a personal tragedy led me to working as a coach. In the fall of 1997 my life was shattered. My husband Allan and I had just bought our first house and two weeks later I gave birth to Jessie, our first child. Our life was bright and full of possibilities and then the unthinkable happened. A few weeks after Jessie's birth Allan became sick. What we originally thought was just influenza was diagnosed six months later as acute myelogenous leukemia, an aggressive form of cancer. After three unsuccessful rounds of chemotherapy, I honored Allan's request and brought him home to die. Life brought me a huge challenge, yet I vowed that if I could get through the experience, I would use what I had learned to help others - that is exactly what I’m doing through my coaching.
Tell us about your area of expertise?
I specialize in working with women individually and in groups to help move them through life and work-stage transitions with grace, clarity and ease. I also work with entrepreneurs and small business owners doing both marketing and business building, since I did marketing in corporations and ad agencies in my previous life before becoming a coach.
What is the concept behind Synthesis Coaching? What makes it unique?
As a coach I’m unique in working with changes in both personal and work areas of life. There are lots of business coaches who work on career development and leadership and lots of personal coaches, but not many coaches address the issue of change, making successful transitions and reinventing ourselves and our lives. I am also unique in that I use the wisdom of Nature as a guide in my own life and when working with clients.
How long have you been in business?
I began working with clients in the winter of 2007.
Who are your typical clients?
Since I work with both life-stage and work-stage changes - which as women we face in spades - there is really no one typical client. All of my clients, however, are answering the question “What’s Next?” in one way or another.
What else do you focus on in your business besides 1-on-1 coaching?
I also lead workshops, have my own blog and write for More.com, The Transition Network, Kalon Women, and Vistaprint.
As a coach I’m unique in working with changes in both personal and work areas of life. There are lots of business coaches who work on career development and leadership and lots of personal coaches, but not many coaches address the issue of change, making successful transitions and reinventing ourselves and our lives. I am also unique in that I use the wisdom of Nature as a guide in my own life and when working with clients.
How long have you been in business?
I began working with clients in the winter of 2007.
Who are your typical clients?
Since I work with both life-stage and work-stage changes - which as women we face in spades - there is really no one typical client. All of my clients, however, are answering the question “What’s Next?” in one way or another.
What else do you focus on in your business besides 1-on-1 coaching?
I also lead workshops, have my own blog and write for More.com, The Transition Network, Kalon Women, and Vistaprint.
How many children do you have?
My daughter Jessie just turned 12 and she’s almost my height and has now started to borrow my clothes and shoes. Jessie is the greatest joy in my life and what I’m most proud of!
What are some of the ways you have found to juggle being a mom, business owner, and wife?
The word “juggle” jumps out at me since I know every single Mamapreneur can totally relate. Some of the things I’ve done are:
Remembering that I can’t do it all and at once! Some days I’m able to handle juggling family responsibilities like laundry and errands with work, and other days I simply can’t manage both and need to focus on just one.
By asking for help in both my family and business life. When I can’t get to grocery shopping or errands I will ask my husband to pick up these tasks. Likewise, I’ve realized that I can’t do everything in my business — since there are things that I either don’t do well or simply don’t want to do. I’ve created a team of experts that I outsource vital business functions to: website design and maintenance, accountant, virtual assistant, social media advisor, and internet writer.
I try to confine my work hours to Jessie’s school hours so that I can concentrate on her when she gets home and make the segway into preparing dinner and family time.
I also use my calendar like the tool that it is, since as a Mamapreneur I need to work more efficiently and smarter.
Who was your biggest inspiration?
Scarlett O’Hara has been a constant source of inspiration and grit for me during my life.
When you have free time (ha!) what would your ideal day entail?
A day that is unstructured where I have time to do for ME and not have to be taking care of or juggling anything else. That’s why the giveaway is a month of coaching — this gift helps a mom learn to carve out time to focus on herself and want she wants.
To contact Karen email her at karen@synthesiscoaching.com or 401-789-2140 .
Click here to visit the Synthesis Coaching Website.
The Kids are Back To School - Looking to Make Some Extra Money?
Meet Lisa Kaminski, mom, teacher, and Independent Executive Area Manager and Consultant for Arbonne
International. Have you been thinking there must be more to life? More time, more money, more friends, more health, more travel, more sharing? I agree, and that's why I'm so excited to share Arbonne with people every day. One thing I don't want more of is wrinkles, and Arbonne easily helps me with that! But, I do want more of the blessings I already mentioned, and with this company, all are possible!
How did you get started?
My friend and sponsor, Zoe, presented Arbonne's unparalleled skin care products and opportunity at our mutual friend's house one evening just four years ago. Not only was I actively searching for a skin care line that would help me slow the effects of 42 years of living, aging and being active outdoors, I was longing for an opportunity that could give my husband and I more freedom to travel and golf, as well as the independence to put our three children through college while continuing to enjoy our hobbies. Little did I know that Arbonne International IS that opportunity.
What is Arbonne?
The idea to provide skin care products unparalleled in quality and effectiveness developed in Switzerland in 1975, when one man, Petter Mørck, together with a group of leading bio-chemists, biologists and herbalists, fulfilled his vision and founded Arbonne.
Arbonne's skin care products, based on botanical principles, became a reality in the United States in 1980 a
nd are now shared throughout the world through Arbonne's network of Independent Consultants. Building on these same founding principles, Arbonne's product line has since grown to include both inner and outer health and beauty products that are unparalleled in quality, safety, value, benefits and results! - Botanically-based
- pH correct
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Never tested on animals
- Formulated without animal products or by-products
- Formulated without mineral oil
- Formulated without dyes or chemical fragrances
Why do you love selling Arbonne?
This might sound corny but I don't feel like I'm selling, because the products kind of sell themselves. I help people solve problems, whether they're skin care problems or financial problems. The wonderful thing about Arbonne is that it's not just about great products, it's also about great people. The Arbonne family is made up of thousands of individuals working to make their dreams come true. Through sales incentives and rewards, travel opportunities, a generous SuccessPlan and great products, Arbonne offers a unique opportunity that can help make anyone's vision for the future a reality.
How did you decide to sell it?
At first, I had no intention of starting an Arbonne home-based business. As a full-time teacher, graduate student, wife and mother, and community volunteer, I felt I had no time to squeeze anything else in to my busy schedule.
However, the products are so great, and the response I got was so powerful, that I investigated the
possibility. I examined the pay structure (The SuccessPlan) and I tested my abilities with friends and family. I have worked part time, consistently, since March of 2005, and am presently an Executive Area Manager, one step away from Regional Vice President. Which means she gets a White Mercedes!
We didn't have a strong Plan B before Arbonne. My husband is a business owner who doesn't get paid if he doesn't go to work. I am a school teacher. I KNOW that working 15 more years for 80% of my salary is not going to allow me to live the lifestyle that I desire. Working part time with Arbonne is helping me grow an income stream that will be recession proof with UNLIMITED potential!
Lisa’s Questions For You?
Could you adjust your schedule to make room for 6-10 hours of consistent effort to build a business that allows you to reach your goals, whatever they might be?
Speaking of goals, what are your dreams and goals? Can you reach them in 3-5 years on the path you're taking now?
Are you looking for a way to be your own boss, have flexible hours and explore your potential? Consider the rewards of using and marketing premium skin care, color, nutrition and aromatherapy products.
Some people ask me the question, "What if Arbonne doesn't work?" I would ask you the question, "What if it does?" We are at the right place at the right time with this company. Why don't you join us? You might be surprised at how simple it is to add another $500 to $1,000 to your monthly budget very shortly after beginning your Arbonne business. With retail profits, company overrides, and bonuses, as your business grows, you earn anywhere from $300 per month to over $20,000 per month. Whatever your financial goals and needs are, you can make them happen with consistent, part time work with Arbonne.
To contact Lisa and learn more about this fantastic business opportunity email her at lhkbusy@gmail.com
Click here to visit her Arbonne International Web Page
MomsTown Note: I use the Arbonne RE9 products and absolutely love them. I also used the baby products when my daughter was younger. The diaper cream was great! Thanks Lisa for sharing!
Meet Gwen, Local Mom and Creator of her own line of adorable organic baby clothes...
How It's Made
Certified organic cotton is cotton grown in fields where the use of pesticides has been discontinued for at least 3 years and where rigorous controls help rebuild the soil's natural fertility. Organic farming is a farming system that relies on natural inputs only. No synthetically produced pesticides or fertilizers are used. Beneficial insects are allowed to flourish to keep pest insects in check. Crop rotations with legumes help maintain fertility and soil microbiology. Weeds are controlled with precision tillage and the old fashioned hoe. The successful organic farm requires much more intensive and innovative management.
Gwen only uses the natural fabric product from her supplier--no dyes are used.
The Little Chickie Creator
When Gwen was pregnant with her daughter, Elizabeth, she decided to put her designs on clothes. So, the Little Chickie Wear line began. The clothing is printed on 100% organic cotton - a very important thing to Elizabeth - though she doesn't quite know that yet!
My designs are based on some antic by Elizabeth or by one of her little friends. I cut the design from paper I've found on my travels around the world -- and then paint in whatever might augment the picture. The original art piece is then computer graphically arranged and a saying is added in an appropriate font and layout. The design is then transferred to a onesie, shirt, or hat. This entire process is done piece-by-piece--truly handmade.
Gwendolyn is the owner of the company, Gwen Designs. Creativity runs in her background; she comes from a long line of artists and writers; in fact, she is a direct descendant of Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of the 1850 novel, The Scarlet Letter.
One of her earliest memories is Sundays growing up when her father would gather crayons, paints, and paper from the kitchen cabinet for her to use while he and her mother slept in until almost noon. During college, she studied art history as well as abstract art with Karen Peterson from Hartford College for Women. Later, she studied the art of watercolor with Laura Eden.
In 1988, she lived in Tokyo, Japan where she became fascinated with the fine detail, elegance, and attention to nature that Japanese art highlights. Japanese paper and paint are the mediums she uses to create the art that gets printed on cards and textiles.
Gwen's line includes onesies, t-shirts and hats all with adorable sayings. Visit her website and check them out! www.gwendesigns.com
Meet Jeanne Spiro Mom, Wife and Health/Wellness Coach
I am a Health & Wellness Coach, certified through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and The American Association of Drugless Practitioners. I also hold a degree in Speech Communications from The University of Rhode Island. After a long interest in nutrition and wellness I decided to bridge the gap between my career and interest and returned to school. My own journey to health has inspired me to support others on their journeys as well. In learning to slow down, eat better and simplify my life I learned how to take much better care of myself. How did you come up with the site name livingsimplywell.com
I felt that it was important for people, women in particular to know that if we slow down, learn to live more simply and begin to take better care of ourselves in the most healthy way possible then we can really become the person we are meant to be.
How long have you been in business?
I launched my business in February 2010.
What is the concept behind your business? What makes it unique?
I have a background in health care and have spent the past 20 years in the health insurance industry. I continue to work as a Group Benefits Consultant to employers but over a year ago I decided that I wanted to bridge the gap between my interest in health and wellness and helping employers contain their health insurance costs. So I enrolled in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to see how I could also teach others to learn to take better care of themselves.
Along the way I clearly saw that I wanted to help women, especially working moms try to reduce their stress, eat better and lose weight in the most healthy way possible. My niche market seems to be "the sanely busy mom" who is trying to juggle it all but has somewhere along the way lost focus or is confused by all the conflicting information about diets and wellness. I found that if I could work with women to learn healthier ways to eat and live then they would lose weight and feel terrific and they in turn would share that with their family. It's very fulfilling to do something you enjoy and I think this resonates with me and others know that I'm here to help them. It's not about me, they know it's about them.
Are most of your clients women? Moms?
Yes, most of my clients are women. However the majority of them are working moms who are trying to regain balance in their lives with their health, weight and stress.
What is the most common struggle you see with moms?
Most moms don't make themselves a priority and somewhere along the way get a little lost in the shuffle of having a family, maintaining a career or maintaining and creating a nice home life. We have a lot of responsibility and sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. I see a commonality with most women in that they are all trying to find more balance in their lives.
How many children do you have. What were their ages when you started your business?
I have two teens. Ethan who is 16 and Abby 13. They are two of the most genuinely kind people you could ever meet. I am so fortunate to be able to be their mom. I have always worked but been able to enjoy every activity they have ever participated in. Having a wonderful support system has made all the difference in the world.
What are some of the creative ways you have found to juggle being a woman, a mother, a business owner, and a wife?
I'm always finding moms/women that look to have it all together. I simply ask what's working for them and then I try it myself. I love to purge things...I hate clutter so to me it's so fulfilling to get rid of things. I read so much about how to simplify my life and stay more organized. It makes all the difference in the world when you come home to a house that requires little effort to organize and maintain. I'm not perfect but I never give up.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My husband. He's got an incredibly great outlook on life.
Now for some fun and easy questions...
Favorite meal?
Grilled Scallops, roasted asparagus and herbed red potatoes...simple but delicious!
and you can never go wrong with Paella..
Favorite Dessert?
I have a genuine weakness for ice cream but I don't feel that I need to indulge in it. My all time favorite would have to be "Easter Bunny Ice Cream", which is when you take the kids leftover Easter Bunnies and throw them in the freezer until July. When July comes along I love to chop up the chocolate and add it to a homemade ice cream base and throw it in my ice cream maker. It's a family tradition that we did growing up. In general though I don't eat much in the way of sweets anymore but I love a piece of really good quality dark chocolate once in a while.
Favorite restaurant (can be anywhere)?
Mac's Shack, Wellfleet, MA
Favorite piece of clothing or accessory?
My heart necklace that looks like a a valentine candy and says "We love you"...guess who that's from?
Favorite vacation spot?
Camping in Maho Bay, St. John in the USVI
Camping in Maho Bay, St. John in the USVI
Favorite childhood memory?
I'm one of four kids and I remember our trip cross country from New Jersey to Washington with six of us in an Oldsmobile Cutless Supreme. I was 14 and my youngest sister was 7. She rode on the hump facing backward the entire trip. Obviously those were the days without booster seats! What I remember was the opportunity to really see the country and how amazing it truly is.
On any given day, what makes you smile?
When my kids tell me they love me...and when my husband and dog come home from work together.
When you have free time (ha!) what would your ideal day entail?
In the summer I love to enjoy some beach time so grabbing a mindless book and sitting on the beach is so wonderful. My ideal day in general would be waking up leisurely, going to yoga, enjoying a light breakfast and then spending the day doing some kind of activity with my family.
To contact Jeannie call her at 862-6874 and be sure to visit her website at www.livingsimplywell.com