Comments on: The Power of 3: A Dream, A Team and 100 Bucks http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/ Learning to Live the Lifestyle of Your Dreams Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:30:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 By: Melissa DeMordaunt http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1145 Melissa DeMordaunt Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:18:03 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1145 Krista Lewis and I have been in business for almost 2 years now and have self funded the entire thing (we are very proud of that). We have both worked very hard and played off each others strenghts to create a successful business and launch and innovative, wonderful product. Below is the explanation of the how and why my partner and I created the feature product for our business taken from our website: Having grown up in small mountain towns in the West, the creators of the Warmsie thought they knew how to dress for cold weather. Imagine their surprise when they moved to NYC and encountered a whole new definition of cold. Humid cold. Bone chilling cold. Having to combat it was hard enough, but to do it in style too? They learned it's all about the layers. From the big city to mountain towns, people are on and off of trains and buses, in and out of cars, exposed to blasts of cold air followed by steamy moving vehicles and then back into toasty indoor environments. Have a baby with you? Now you've got a real challenge. Dealing with your own warmth is easy compared to dragging a baby in and out of these swinging temps. Bulky layers of onesies, sweats, sweaters, and jackets produce an uncomfortable, sweaty child when inside. Constant unwrapping and rewrapping of a baby quickly becomes overwhelming and exhausting to any mom on the go. What all mindful parents need for their babies-on-board is a base layer like adults use when skiing, camping, hiking, sledding, or even shopping in the wintry months. A thin layer that will wick away moisture; something a baby can wear under regular clothes, replacing the onesie. Warmth without the bulk. Adult markets are saturated with these thermal options, even children have choices, but infants were left out in the cold. Until now. Stylish, comfortable, convenient--the Warmsie is perfect for moms who can't and won't stay inside all winter. West or East, city or country, Warmsies do the job. On a skiing or camping trip? Baby can come along with ease. In and out of the subway in a cold, big city? No problem. Your baby can still look good, be warm, and stay dry, sans the bulk and hassle. snugabugbaby.com Krista Lewis and I have been in business for almost 2 years now and have self funded the entire thing (we are very proud of that). We have both worked very hard and played off each others strenghts to create a successful business and launch and innovative, wonderful product. Below is the explanation of the how and why my partner and I created the feature product for our business taken from our website:

Having grown up in small mountain towns in the West, the creators of the Warmsie thought they knew how to dress for cold weather. Imagine their surprise when they moved to NYC and encountered a whole new definition of cold. Humid cold. Bone chilling cold. Having to combat it was hard enough, but to do it in style too? They learned it’s all about the layers.

From the big city to mountain towns, people are on and off of trains and buses, in and out of cars, exposed to blasts of cold air followed by steamy moving vehicles and then back into toasty indoor environments. Have a baby with you? Now you’ve got a real challenge.

Dealing with your own warmth is easy compared to dragging a baby in and out of these swinging temps. Bulky layers of onesies, sweats, sweaters, and jackets produce an uncomfortable, sweaty child when inside. Constant unwrapping and rewrapping of a baby quickly becomes overwhelming and exhausting to any mom on the go.

What all mindful parents need for their babies-on-board is a base layer like adults use when skiing, camping, hiking, sledding, or even shopping in the wintry months. A thin layer that will wick away moisture; something a baby can wear under regular clothes, replacing the onesie. Warmth without the bulk.

Adult markets are saturated with these thermal options, even children have choices, but infants were left out in the cold. Until now.

Stylish, comfortable, convenient–the Warmsie is perfect for moms who can’t and won’t stay inside all winter. West or East, city or country, Warmsies do the job. On a skiing or camping trip? Baby can come along with ease. In and out of the subway in a cold, big city? No problem. Your baby can still look good, be warm, and stay dry, sans the bulk and hassle.

snugabugbaby.com

]]> By: Debbie Savage http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1146 Debbie Savage Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:13:36 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1146 Heather was the first retailer to carry our jewelry from BabyEmiJewelry.com. And for that I will always love her! She has been by my side from the very beginning providing insight, suggestions, and a friendship that has carried me through the ups and downs of being a mommy entrepreneur. Her energy, passion and entrepreneurial spirit are absolutely inspiring! Heather is unstoppable and she has blessed the lives of so many! Kudos to you! Heather was the first retailer to carry our jewelry from BabyEmiJewelry.com. And for that I will always love her! She has been by my side from the very beginning providing insight, suggestions, and a friendship that has carried me through the ups and downs of being a mommy entrepreneur. Her energy, passion and entrepreneurial spirit are absolutely inspiring! Heather is unstoppable and she has blessed the lives of so many! Kudos to you!

]]> By: Laurie Gadbois http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1149 Laurie Gadbois Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:08:31 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1149 Hi Michelle: I am a mom inventor who just launched a baby product called Baby Light & Clip. Like most mom inventions my product was born out of a need for a product that didn't exist. I launched in April 2007 and am now selling in 245 stores here in the US and in six countries. I will be appearing on QVC this month and just received an order from Toys R Us Australia. I am very thrilled that parents find Baby light and Clip to be a usefull tool. If you would be interested in my story I would love to be interviewed like Heather:) Thanks for your time and future consideration! Kind Regards, Laurie Gadbois Hi Michelle:

I am a mom inventor who just launched a baby product called Baby Light & Clip. Like most mom inventions my product was born out of a need for a product that didn’t exist.

I launched in April 2007 and am now selling in 245 stores here in the US and in six countries. I will be appearing on QVC this month and just received an order from Toys R Us Australia.

I am very thrilled that parents find Baby light and Clip to be a usefull tool. If you would be interested in my story I would love to be interviewed like Heather:)

Thanks for your time and future consideration!
Kind Regards,

Laurie Gadbois

]]> By: Kimberly Taylor http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1153 Kimberly Taylor Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:09:22 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1153 BINSI Labor and Birth Apparel has been working with Mom 4 Life for almost a year now and we have developed a fabulous working relationship. Heather is so supportive of our business and so open about sharing information on how we can all work together to promote each other's businesses. We are truly honored to be working with Mom 4 Life and we believe partnering with stores like Mom 4 Life is a step in the direction of success for our business. THE BIRTH OF BINSI® A few years ago, when women listed their biggest concerns about giving birth, few would’ve put fashion choice high on their list. Today, more women are discovering the benefit of molding their birthing experience to their taste and comfort, using special scents, keepsakes set at eye level, and yes-wearing the perfect outfit. There are countless products out there for pregnant women today, and while the makers of those products don’t promise to turn birth into an easy, breezy carnival ride, research does show that the more women can personalize their birth environment, the less stress they experience; and the lower the stress level, the better women can handle the rigors of labor. Carri Grimditch of Boulder, CO jump-started her own business in 2005 as the creator of BINSI® Inc., a clothing line specializing in unique birthing skirts and tops for women who want more comfort, control, and empowerment in the delivery room. The skirt’s unique design is Carri’s own; her expertise isn’t grounded in the clothing or fashion industry, but in working with women as a certified doula, helping them have the best birth possible by providing assistance and support from start to finish. Every BINSI® garment is designed to work well for doctors, nurses, anesthesiologist-and most of all mommies! BINSI® skirts fit below the belly and were designed, along with all the items, to accommodate any medical equipment-even the epidural. BINSI® skirts and tops include features, such as, front hooks, snaps, adjustable straps and drawstring waistbands, which allows for easy and quick removal. BINSI Labor and Birth Apparel has been working with Mom 4 Life for almost a year now and we have developed a fabulous working relationship. Heather is so supportive of our business and so open about sharing information on how we can all work together to promote each other’s businesses. We are truly honored to be working with Mom 4 Life and we believe partnering with stores like Mom 4 Life is a step in the direction of success for our business.

THE BIRTH OF BINSI®

A few years ago, when women listed their biggest concerns about giving birth, few would’ve put fashion choice high on their list.

Today, more women are discovering the benefit of molding their birthing experience to their taste and comfort, using special scents, keepsakes set at eye level, and yes-wearing the perfect outfit.

There are countless products out there for pregnant women today, and while the makers of those products don’t promise to turn birth into an easy, breezy carnival ride, research does show that the more women can personalize their birth environment, the less stress they experience; and the lower the stress level, the better women can handle the rigors of labor.

Carri Grimditch of Boulder, CO jump-started her own business in 2005 as the creator of BINSI® Inc., a clothing line specializing in unique birthing skirts and tops for women who want more comfort, control, and empowerment in the delivery room. The skirt’s unique design is Carri’s own; her expertise isn’t grounded in the clothing or fashion industry, but in working with women as a certified doula, helping them have the best birth possible by providing assistance and support from start to finish.

Every BINSI® garment is designed to work well for doctors, nurses, anesthesiologist-and most of all mommies! BINSI® skirts fit below the belly and were designed, along with all the items, to accommodate any medical equipment-even the epidural. BINSI® skirts and tops include features, such as, front hooks, snaps, adjustable straps and drawstring waistbands, which allows for easy and quick removal.

]]> By: Richard http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1154 Richard Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:10:11 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1154 She started small but was she able to bootstrap during growth or at some point did she have to take out a loan? She started small but was she able to bootstrap during growth or at some point did she have to take out a loan?

]]> By: Denee http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1155 Denee Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:51:39 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1155 My story is simular to Heather's I started PregnancyPiercings.com to help pregnant women who have made the decision to keep their navel piercing throughout pregnancy. At 20 weeks pregnant it became evident to me that I could no longer keep my stainless steel navel jewelry. I would have to find a product that was long enough and flexible enough to hold my piercing throughout each stage of my expanding belly. Finally, after much time and research, I came across a material that would meet my needs. With much encouragement and support from friends and family, I began my journey in making this product readily available to all. I now have a beautiful baby girl and a wonderful success story! (and now in 2008 a baby boy too!) I feel my product is the best thing on the web or anywhere for women who would rather keep their piercing than get re-pierced or live with a piercing scar. I'm also a proud to be associated with websites like Mom4life its amaizing what us moms can accomplish with a few dollars and a determination to stay home with our little ones. - Denee www.PregnancyPiercings.com My story is simular to Heather’s

I started PregnancyPiercings.com to help pregnant women who have made the decision to keep their navel piercing throughout pregnancy. At 20 weeks pregnant it became evident to me that I could no longer keep my stainless steel navel jewelry. I would have to find a product that was long enough and flexible enough to hold my piercing throughout each stage of my expanding belly.

Finally, after much time and research, I came across a material that would meet my needs. With much encouragement and support from friends and family, I began my journey in making this product readily available to all.

I now have a beautiful baby girl and a wonderful success story! (and now in 2008 a baby boy too!)

I feel my product is the best thing on the web or anywhere for women who would rather keep their piercing than get re-pierced or live with a piercing scar.

I’m also a proud to be associated with websites like Mom4life its amaizing what us moms can accomplish with a few dollars and a determination to stay home with our little ones.

- Denee
www.PregnancyPiercings.com

]]> By: Sue Lee http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1157 Sue Lee Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:40:00 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1157 This is a great article. Ledeboer is an inspiration to women. It is wonderful that she proves that she can have it all. This gives her the flexibility to spend the time with her children and be able to work the hours she wants and make money. The products are wonderful also. When someone has great work ethics, anything can be accomplished. I applaud you. Sue www.suesbooks.info This is a great article. Ledeboer is an inspiration to women. It is wonderful that she proves that she can have it all. This gives her the flexibility to spend the time with her children and be able to work the hours she wants and make money. The products are wonderful also. When someone has great work ethics, anything can be accomplished. I applaud you.

Sue
www.suesbooks.info

]]> By: Laura Hamrick http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1158 Laura Hamrick Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:50:46 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1158 Michelle (Anton), You and I have spoken on the phone before. I found our conversation to be so inspiring. You spent about an hour on the phone with me while you were trying a pie recipe you had created. I hope that turned out well. The product I created, OnTray, is a one that Heather with Mom4Life.com carry's. She was gracious enough to give me some much needed advice on starting a business, and great enough to take a chance on me and my product. Since then, I have added many more retailers which are carrying my product. OnTray also was awarded a number 5 position in StartupNation's Home Based 100 in the Top 10 Most Innovative catagory. Another fun thing for OnTray was that it "walked the red carpet" at this year's Oscars (it was in the nominee gift bags). Anyway, I wanted to thank you again for your time over the summer, and give you an update on me and OnTray. Yours truly, Laura Hamrick Creator of OnTray; the Container 2 Go! www.ontray2go.com Michelle (Anton),

You and I have spoken on the phone before. I found our conversation to be so inspiring. You spent about an hour on the phone with me while you were trying a pie recipe you had created. I hope that turned out well.

The product I created, OnTray, is a one that Heather with Mom4Life.com carry’s. She was gracious enough to give me some much needed advice on starting a business, and great enough to take a chance on me and my product. Since then, I have added many more retailers which are carrying my product. OnTray also was awarded a number 5 position in StartupNation’s Home Based 100 in the Top 10 Most Innovative catagory. Another fun thing for OnTray was that it “walked the red carpet” at this year’s Oscars (it was in the nominee gift bags).

Anyway, I wanted to thank you again for your time over the summer, and give you an update on me and OnTray.

Yours truly,

Laura Hamrick
Creator of OnTray; the Container 2 Go!
www.ontray2go.com

]]> By: Michelle Anton http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1159 Michelle Anton Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:39:10 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1159 Hi Laura, Yes, yes, yes we had a great conversation. I am thrilled to see that you have made some big strides. I had no doubt that you would. Lets talk soon as it would be great to feature your story here. The pie was delicious and I have now graduated to cupcakes and 2 restaurants are interested in selling them. Cheers! Michelle Anton Hi Laura,
Yes, yes, yes we had a great conversation. I am thrilled to see that you have made some big strides. I had no doubt that you would. Lets talk soon as it would be great to feature your story here.

The pie was delicious and I have now graduated to cupcakes and 2 restaurants are interested in selling them.

Cheers!
Michelle Anton

]]> By: Emily Hill http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1161 Emily Hill Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:24:12 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1161 Hi, Michelle! I loved your interview with Heather from Mom 4 Life. I love working with her and she is a true inspiration to all moms! I am one of the co-owners of georgie tees, a unique line of infant and maternity t-shirts that are all about having a sense of humor (the only way to survive motherhood). My girlfriend and I started the company just a couple years ago with 6 kids between us, and the count is now up to 8 (and holding!). We receive inspiration for our tees from daily life with our children and having been pregnant many times over. Though our business is growing more slowly than we'd like--just not enough hours in the day--we are loving it and have high hopes and a lot of faith in its future. You can read more about our story on our website at www.georgietees.com/about_us.html. We would love to have you consider us for a feature on Weekend Entrepreneur. I am so glad to have found your blog and am now a subscriber. Thanks for providing such a great resource! Sincerely, Emily Hill Co-owner georgie tees www.georgietees.com freshly baked--the blog georgietees.blogspot.com Hi, Michelle! I loved your interview with Heather from Mom 4 Life. I love working with her and she is a true inspiration to all moms!

I am one of the co-owners of georgie tees, a unique line of infant and maternity t-shirts that are all about having a sense of humor (the only way to survive motherhood). My girlfriend and I started the company just a couple years ago with 6 kids between us, and the count is now up to 8 (and holding!). We receive inspiration for our tees from daily life with our children and having been pregnant many times over. Though our business is growing more slowly than we’d like–just not enough hours in the day–we are loving it and have high hopes and a lot of faith in its future. You can read more about our story on our website at www.georgietees.com/about_us.html.

We would love to have you consider us for a feature on Weekend Entrepreneur. I am so glad to have found your blog and am now a subscriber. Thanks for providing such a great resource!

Sincerely,
Emily Hill
Co-owner
georgie tees
www.georgietees.com

freshly baked–the blog
georgietees.blogspot.com

]]> By: Michelle Anton http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1162 Michelle Anton Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:49:53 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1162 Hi Emily, Just checked out your website and the teeshirts are too cute! I really like the one that says, "I wasn't born yesterday." Looking forward to connecting with you soon. I'll be in touch. With warmest regards, Michelle Anton Hi Emily,
Just checked out your website and the teeshirts are too cute! I really like the one that says, “I wasn’t born yesterday.”

Looking forward to connecting with you soon. I’ll be in touch.

With warmest regards,
Michelle Anton

]]> By: Michelle Anton http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1163 Michelle Anton Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:34:17 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1163 Hi Sue, I just took a moment to visit your website,suesbooks.info and you have a lot of actvity books that will keep parents and theirs children engaged and having fun. Keep up the good work! Michelle Anton Hi Sue,
I just took a moment to visit your website,suesbooks.info and you have a lot of actvity books that will keep parents and theirs children engaged and having fun.

Keep up the good work!

Michelle Anton

]]> By: Kelly King Anderson http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1165 Kelly King Anderson Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:44:59 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1165 Heather IS a wonderful example of a balanced woman entrepreneur-- she's managing a very profitable business on site of her new dream home and expecting her third baby, another child to model her cute fashions! I also love that she's passionate about mentoring women in fulfilling their business dreams, she's a regular writer on Startup Princess, my startup organization that supports women. Check out this recent popular post by Heather: http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/how-to-keep-your-marriage-strong-while-running-a-small-business/ Heather IS a wonderful example of a balanced woman entrepreneur– she’s managing a very profitable business on site of her new dream home and expecting her third baby, another child to model her cute fashions! I also love that she’s passionate about mentoring women in fulfilling their business dreams, she’s a regular writer on Startup Princess, my startup organization that supports women. Check out this recent popular post by Heather:
http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/how-to-keep-your-marriage-strong-while-running-a-small-business/

]]> By: Jamie Bird http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1166 Jamie Bird Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:30:41 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1166 I never tire of hearing Heather's story. Her business has launched many women entrepreneurs because of her encouragement, exposure, and expertise. I, too, am one of those. I started MiniMe BabyGear after my son was born- largely because Heather opened my eyes to the wonderful world of selling online! I had no vision of where I was going; in fact, I did not even have the first clue about how to sew a stitch at the time. I was determined, however, to do something that would allow me to stay home while contributing financially to my family. So, I packed up my mom's 30-year-old sewing machine, lugged it cross country back to my home in California, and set out to the library in search of a good how-to book. Hundreds of hours later, I created 6 key baby products to offer up for sale. Back to the library I went to inhale "Frontpage for Dummies", $95 for my webhost, and a huge fear of failure on my part. I had no idea what I was doing, and was praying that I would just make my money back. I gave myself an entire year, not realizing how ridiculous that time frame was. After reaching that the first month, I needed a new focus. Mom4Life starting carrying my products, Heather suggested a few others for me to sew that moms would enjoy, and the business and product line really grew from there. This past summer, after spending 70 hours a week at the helm of my sewing machine, I decide to manufacture my biggest seller- the Wet Happened? wet bags. Designed to hold items such as soiled clothing or bibs, potty training accidents, dirty diapers, or wet swimming suits, it is fashionable, reusable, and environmentally friendly. As more and more retail stores have started carrying it, everything else has been nudged out and it is becoming my sole focus and vision. I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to stay home with my son while doing something that I am so passionate about. I agree with Heather that the hardest part is the juggling--and lack of sleep:-) At the end of the day, though, I am thrilled to be in the baby business and am inspired so often by other moms and their stories. Thanks for sharing them! Jamie Bird, owner MiniMe BabyGear www.wethappened.com I never tire of hearing Heather’s story. Her business has launched many women entrepreneurs because of her encouragement, exposure, and expertise. I, too, am one of those.

I started MiniMe BabyGear after my son was born- largely because Heather opened my eyes to the wonderful world of selling online! I had no vision of where I was going; in fact, I did not even have the first clue about how to sew a stitch at the time. I was determined, however, to do something that would allow me to stay home while contributing financially to my family.

So, I packed up my mom’s 30-year-old sewing machine, lugged it cross country back to my home in California, and set out to the library in search of a good how-to book. Hundreds of hours later, I created 6 key baby products to offer up for sale. Back to the library I went to inhale “Frontpage for Dummies”, $95 for my webhost, and a huge fear of failure on my part. I had no idea what I was doing, and was praying that I would just make my money back. I gave myself an entire year, not realizing how ridiculous that time frame was. After reaching that the first month, I needed a new focus. Mom4Life starting carrying my products, Heather suggested a few others for me to sew that moms would enjoy, and the business and product line really grew from there.

This past summer, after spending 70 hours a week at the helm of my sewing machine, I decide to manufacture my biggest seller- the Wet Happened? wet bags. Designed to hold items such as soiled clothing or bibs, potty training accidents, dirty diapers, or wet swimming suits, it is fashionable, reusable, and environmentally friendly. As more and more retail stores have started carrying it, everything else has been nudged out and it is becoming my sole focus and vision.

I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to stay home with my son while doing something that I am so passionate about. I agree with Heather that the hardest part is the juggling–and lack of sleep:-) At the end of the day, though, I am thrilled to be in the baby business and am inspired so often by other moms and their stories. Thanks for sharing them!

Jamie Bird, owner
MiniMe BabyGear
www.wethappened.com

]]> By: Heather http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1167 Heather Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:01:38 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1167 Dear Richard, I was blessed to never have to take out a loan. We simply grew off of our profits and rolled them back into our business! Heather Ledeboer Mom4Life.com Dear Richard,
I was blessed to never have to take out a loan. We simply grew off of our profits and rolled them back into our business!

Heather Ledeboer
Mom4Life.com

]]> By: Jennifer http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1168 Jennifer Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:12:26 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1168 I am a new business owner of Baking Bread LLC and I can relate on how hard it is to raise your children and work on your business.I was very inspired by her story and the balance she has in her life, and giving back, that is very important. Her story gives me hope that I too can make it. I am a new business owner of Baking Bread LLC and I can relate on how hard it is to raise your children and work on your business.I was very inspired by her story and the balance she has in her life, and giving back, that is very important. Her story gives me hope that I too can make it.

]]> By: Sametta Brown http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1169 Sametta Brown Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:22:30 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1169 Thank you so much for the wealth of information and inspiration. I also thank God for your boldness in sharing your faith to all in such an encouraging way. Have a blessed life! Thank you so much for the wealth of information and inspiration. I also thank God for your boldness in sharing your faith to all in such an encouraging way.

Have a blessed life!

]]> By: Heather Ledeboer http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1170 Heather Ledeboer Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:05:09 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1170 Thank you to those of you who left your kind comments and encouraging words. I love seeing the many ideas out there that have become a tangable way for you to get into business! Thank you to those of you who left your kind comments and encouraging words. I love seeing the many ideas out there that have become a tangable way for you to get into business!

]]> By: Erica Dubrawski http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1171 Erica Dubrawski Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:53:42 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1171 It is very exciting to have invented a product that can be of help to families with babies who use pacifiers. Pacifier Place was invented out of necessity as there is no other product like it. Pacifier Place attaches to the crib and holds two pacifiers of any size for easy accessibility (pacifiers not included). My son would wake several times each night crying and searching for his pacifiers. The lack of sleep was tough on the whole family! Pacifier Place was born! This pacifier holder made it easy for my 8 month old son to find his pacifiers and go back to sleep independently. The whole family enjoyed less interrupted sleep, especially mommy! Pacifiers are recommended by the American Pediatric Association to reduce the risk of SIDS. I am thrilled that Pacifier Place can take part in helping parents make pacifiers readily available to their babies. Thank you, Mom 4 Life, for recognizing the need for this parent helper product! It is very exciting to have invented a product that can be of help to families with babies who use pacifiers. Pacifier Place was invented out of necessity as there is no other product like it. Pacifier Place attaches to the crib and holds two pacifiers of any size for easy accessibility (pacifiers not included). My son would wake several times each night crying and searching for his pacifiers. The lack of sleep was tough on the whole family! Pacifier Place was born! This pacifier holder made it easy for my 8 month old son to find his pacifiers and go back to sleep independently. The whole family enjoyed less interrupted sleep, especially mommy! Pacifiers are recommended by the American Pediatric Association to reduce the risk of SIDS. I am thrilled that Pacifier Place can take part in helping parents make pacifiers readily available to their babies. Thank you, Mom 4 Life, for recognizing the need for this parent helper product!

]]> By: Sarah Morgenstern http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1172 Sarah Morgenstern Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:42:22 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1172 Congratulations to Heather and all the mom entrepreneurs here as well - as a mom entrepreneur myself, and founders of mom-centric online media company www.savvymom.ca, we love hearing these inspirational stories. Congratulations to Heather and all the mom entrepreneurs here as well - as a mom entrepreneur myself, and founders of mom-centric online media company www.savvymom.ca, we love hearing these inspirational stories.

]]> By: Alison Vliet http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1183 Alison Vliet Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:37:05 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1183 It's funny how sometimes things happen that at one point you could never have imagined happening. I was a second grade teacher for 7 years before making the decision to become a stay-at-home mom. Before having kids, staying home had never been in my plans, but things happen, plans change, and suddenly there I was, a stay-at-home mom to two gorgeous children. Likewise, once that decision was made, it was no where on my radar screen to begin an at-home business. I have never possessed an entreprenurial spirit, and could never have imagined this being in my future. But again, things happen, plans change, and BOOM, here I am, the owner of Charlee Kat*z Creations. It turns out, something I thought of as just a hobby, fills a real niche out there with people. Who knew my line of hats and scarves would become as popular as they have with others? It's not likely that we will be able to retire off my earnings, but it has become about so much more than the money for me. I have such a sense of pride over this thing that has become like a third baby to me. The fact that I was able to take an idea and turn it into something concrete that I can now share with other people is so much more satisfying than I ever thought possible. Owning a business provides me with challenges; challenges that I get to lose sleep over, daydream about, mull over and toss around in my mind to come up with the best solutions that allow me to improve and better serve my growing customer base. The older I get, the more I've learned to never rule out the impossible, to never say never, and to keep an open mind about things I'm not even aware of as possibilities at this point in my life. It’s funny how sometimes things happen that at one point you could never have imagined happening. I was a second grade teacher for 7 years before making the decision to become a stay-at-home mom. Before having kids, staying home had never been in my plans, but things happen, plans change, and suddenly there I was, a stay-at-home mom to two gorgeous children. Likewise, once that decision was made, it was no where on my radar screen to begin an at-home business. I have never possessed an entreprenurial spirit, and could never have imagined this being in my future. But again, things happen, plans change, and BOOM, here I am, the owner of Charlee Kat*z Creations. It turns out, something I thought of as just a hobby, fills a real niche out there with people. Who knew my line of hats and scarves would become as popular as they have with others? It’s not likely that we will be able to retire off my earnings, but it has become about so much more than the money for me. I have such a sense of pride over this thing that has become like a third baby to me. The fact that I was able to take an idea and turn it into something concrete that I can now share with other people is so much more satisfying than I ever thought possible. Owning a business provides me with challenges; challenges that I get to lose sleep over, daydream about, mull over and toss around in my mind to come up with the best solutions that allow me to improve and better serve my growing customer base. The older I get, the more I’ve learned to never rule out the impossible, to never say never, and to keep an open mind about things I’m not even aware of as possibilities at this point in my life.

]]> By: Sheila McGoldrick http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1220 Sheila McGoldrick Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:51:29 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1220 I HAVE to add a coment and THANK HEATHER for all that she has done for me. I contacted her back in December of 07' regarding adding my Handy Burpees to her already wonderful line of mom-made and mom-invented products. She approved the add of my product and have to say that I am thrilled to have them there. Just recently we were contacted by one of America's largest baby manufacturing companies regarding a business partnership. WE ARE SO VERY HAPPY to announce that they will hit the store shelves at all Babies R Us locations mid to late summer plus more retail chains to follow. My burpees were found on her site and we are very grateful for this opportunity of having them seen by millions. I truly do believe in the law of attraction and think there was a plan in the works on finding Heather and her wonderful company at the right time. She is a wonderful person and definitely an inspiration for running a successful business yet still being able to put family first. This means the world to me to make this happen as my family is the LOVE of my life! I would love to be interviewed and if you are interested in my story, PLEASE feel free to contact me. I feel that maybe my story could also help others realize that DREAMS DO COME TRUE. Thank you so much Heather!!! I HAVE to add a coment and THANK HEATHER for all that she has done for me. I contacted her back in December of 07′ regarding adding my Handy Burpees to her already wonderful line of mom-made and mom-invented products. She approved the add of my product and have to say that I am thrilled to have them there.
Just recently we were contacted by one of America’s largest baby manufacturing companies regarding a business partnership. WE ARE SO VERY HAPPY to announce that they will hit the store shelves at all Babies R Us locations mid to late summer plus more retail chains to follow. My burpees were found on her site and we are very grateful for this opportunity of having them seen by millions.
I truly do believe in the law of attraction and think there was a plan in the works on finding Heather and her wonderful company at the right time.
She is a wonderful person and definitely an inspiration for running a successful business yet still being able to put family first. This means the world to me to make this happen as my family is the LOVE of my life!
I would love to be interviewed and if you are interested in my story, PLEASE feel free to contact me. I feel that maybe my story could also help others realize that DREAMS DO COME TRUE.
Thank you so much Heather!!!

]]> By: Heather Allard http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1221 Heather Allard Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:46:09 +0000 http://weekend.entrepreneur.com/2008/03/03/the-power-of-3-a-dream-a-team-and-100-bucks/#comment-1221 Hi Michelle, Heather was one of the first to carry my products, Swaddleaze and Blankeaze by 2 Virtues and even after my licensing deal with Summer Infant, Mom 4 Life continues to carry my products. Heather and I have gotten to know each other pretty well over the last few years--we are kindred entrepreneurial spirits. I have asked her opinion or advice countless times and her insight always proves valuable. I continue to be both impressed and inspired by Heather and her business success story. Since licensing my products, I have started a new business venture called The Mogul Mom (http://www.TheMogulMom.com) and offer "coaching by email" for other mom entrepreneurs. I recently helped Heather come up with a new slogan for Mom 4 Life--"Motherhood's a journey. Gear up!" and am enjoying working with talented, savvy mom business owners. I'd love to be considered for an interview with you--I have much to share with womentrepreneurs! Enjoy the day! Heather Allard The Mogul Mom http://www.TheMogulMom.com Hi Michelle,

Heather was one of the first to carry my products, Swaddleaze and Blankeaze by 2 Virtues and even after my licensing deal with Summer Infant, Mom 4 Life continues to carry my products.

Heather and I have gotten to know each other pretty well over the last few years–we are kindred entrepreneurial spirits. I have asked her opinion or advice countless times and her insight always proves valuable.

I continue to be both impressed and inspired by Heather and her business success story.

Since licensing my products, I have started a new business venture called The Mogul Mom (http://www.TheMogulMom.com) and offer “coaching by email” for other mom entrepreneurs. I recently helped Heather come up with a new slogan for Mom 4 Life–”Motherhood’s a journey. Gear up!” and am enjoying working with talented, savvy mom business owners.

I’d love to be considered for an interview with you–I have much to share with womentrepreneurs!

Enjoy the day!
Heather Allard
The Mogul Mom
http://www.TheMogulMom.com

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