With all that mothers have to do, you would think the last thing they would want to do is start a business. These “mompreneurs” benefit from turning their passion into profit for them and their families.
Before mompreneurs became moms, many were career women who worked outside the home. When these women had their children, they decided to stay home and take care of them and start businesses doing what they loved.
These moms work when their kids are in school, at night when the kids are in bed and on weekends when Dad takes the kids out for a few hours. They are the “mommy bloggers,” coffee shop owners, artists, authors, marketing consultants, jewelry makers, event planners, designers, etc. Their businesses may not bring in millions of dollars in revenue, but they make it work for them and their families.
Several months ago, Ileana Fernandez opened Kolache Kreations, an eclectic coffee shop in Ellicott City. Fernandez is also a mom of three who home schools her children as well as manages her shop.
“It is a dream that I had, and it motivates me to be something more,” said Fernandez. “I am instilling so many wonderful values in my children.”
Finding time for self is one of the challenges for mompreneurs, but Christalene Karaiskakis, of Crystalooney Creative Arts in Annapolis, makes it a priority.
“I have a 1-year-old, and he keeps me busy and so does my business,” said Karaiskakis. “But once a week I take time to meditate, and once or twice a month I take time out to be with my girlfriends.
“It helps to rejuvenate me so I can take care of my family and business,” she added.
With less time for socializing and networking, many mompreneurs turn to social media outlets like Facebook to stay connected.
“The mompreneurs I have connected with on Facebook have become a sounding board for me,” said Michelle Trilling, of Lady Victoria Events and Design, in Rockville. “They have helped me avoid business pitfalls and some mommy mishaps as well.”
Mompreneurs like Fernandez, Karaiskakis and Trilling sacrifice a great deal to do what they love and still be at home for their children. They juggle the challenges of family and running a business with love, passion and creativity.
Nicole Germain is the owner of MJG Communications Inc. (www.mjgcommunications.com), a public relations, marketing and event planning firm in Ellicott City and the founder of the Fabulous Moms: Women’s Small Business Expo & Conference, year-round events that connect mompreneurs with each other and the community they live in. She can be reached at 443-540-3121 or ngermain@mjgcommunications.com.
