Don’t be Afraid to Put Yourself Out There

Our profile this week is with quite a powerhouse. We feature the brain behind Invitation Consultants. CEO Allison Demeulder has been growing her very successful invitation business since her early 20s. She has some great lessons to share about how to manage a young family while growing a brand. Allison learned early on the importance of not being afraid to put her business (and herself) out there. It’s advice we love.

Name: Allison Demeulder      

Business Name: Invitation Consultants

Business URL: www.invitationconsultants.com

Where are you from: NYC/Miami Beach

Where do you live now: Tampa, FL

HappyCrawlers (aka kids with ages): Matt 8, Pat 8 and Nat 2

HC: Tell us about how your business fulfills you and your dreams. 

Allison: My business has been a huge part of my life for the past 12 years. I basically have grown up with it, because I started it in my early 20’s. It teaches me so much about life, myself and people.

HC: Tell us about your lifelong dream.

Allison: My lifelong dream was to be an entertainment lawyer. After a stint at a law firm, I decided to re-find my lifelong dream. Somehow paper and entrepreneurship seemed like a delicious combination.

HC: We definitely agree with you!

HC: Most difficult obstacle you had to overcome to do what you love?

Allison: Becoming well known in the industry takes rejection and not being afraid to put yourself out there. I still work at it everyday but it’s becoming easier.

HC: Advice to others who might find themselves in similar situations?

Allison: Keep persevering and “don’t stop believing” in what you do and why you do it. Make sure there is a sense of purpose.

HC: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your professional life?

Allison: Working with amazingly gentle, creative, kind and dedicated people everyday. And of course seeing the finished product of designs and customer orders.

HC: How do you balance family and work?

Allison: Seriously, with my Kate Spade paper planner.

HC: What motivates you to work harder?

Allison: My kids motivate me because at the end of each day they ask me what I accomplished that day and I better be ready to give them a stellar answer.

HC: Tell us about a role model in your life?

Allison: My husband hands down. He is the smartest person I have ever met. He sees things so logically and inspires to me to look at things analytically before taking it too seriously.

HC: Tell me about a role model who you have yet to meet?

Allison: Ashton Kutcher would be someone I would like to have lunch with and talk techy with. I get much of my tech news from him and one day would like to invest in startups the way he does. I would love to help others build their business.

HC: Favorite story about a little happy crawler (aka kid)?

Allison: One of my sons came into the office a few years ago when he was only 5 and said (super loud), “Mommy who are you firing today?” I was not firing anyone; however, I do think that the people who heard became alarmed.

HC: Too cute!

Is there someone who motivates and inspires you? Who would you like to see profiled on the HappyCrawlers’ blog? Email us at: hello@HappyCrawlers.com with your recommendations. Happy travels!

Change Someone’s World

The amazing Ali McEwen is a driven and successful businesswoman. McEwen launched Baby On Board Apparel in 2009 and now she’s encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit in others. She’s not looking to change the world, but she is looking to change someone’s world. Ali has a wonderfully resilient attitude that is so important for young entrepreneurs to learn. It’s an attitude that is quite impressive. Here’s more from Ali McEwen.

Name: Ali McEwen   

Business Name:  Baby On Board Apparel (BOBA)

Business URL: www.babyonboardapparel.com

Where are you from: Regina, Saskatchewan Canada

Where do you live now: Toronto, Ontario Canada

HappyCrawlers (aka kids with ages): Proud auntie of Bryton (3) and Georgia (1)

HC: Tell us about how your business fulfills you and your dreams. 

Ali: My business fulfills many of my dreams, but one of my biggest dreams is to mentor and encourage entrepreneurship in young women. For the past few months I have been working with a centre in Toronto for teenage moms and dads; developing a program that will encourage, inspire and mentor some of these young moms. Owning Baby On Board Apparel gives me this opportunity to share my knowledge and encourage amazing future entrepreneurs.

HC: Tell us about your lifelong dream.

Ali: I have so many dreams but one dream that I have been dedicated to for a very long time is educating children around the world. I have had the opportunity to teach English in Cambodia, Taiwan and Haiti and with each of these experiences I know the amazing impact that a big smile, a high-five and a hug can do to a child. I don’t want to change the world, just change someone’s world.  

HC: We love that. What helped encourage that type of positive attitude in you?

Ali: I grew up in a family of people who volunteers. My Mom was involved in the art gallery. My dad & brother volunteered at a soup kitchen.  

HC: Most difficult obstacle you had to overcome to do what you love?

Ali: I have faced quite a few obstacles and I know there will be many more, but now instead of getting upset if something didn’t go as planned, I find a solution, change the plan and carry on.

HC: That’s a beautiful attitude…a great one to pass along to young entrepreneurs too.  

HC: Advice to others who might find themselves in similar situations?

Ali: My advice – understand that we can’t control everything and be flexible because things happen for a reason.

HC: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your professional life?

Ali: The people I am meeting along the way and the growth I see in my business and myself. Hard work pays off.

HC: How do you balance family and work?

Ali: Turning off my Blackberry when I am with those I love has made a huge difference in my life balance. I have also become a lot kinder to myself and take time out to enjoy the things I love.

HC: What motivates you to work harder?

Ali: There are several things that motivate me but I think the one that really keeps me going is the vision I have made for my business and my life in the future. Understanding what I want and where I want to take my business helps push me to work hard.

HC: Tell us about a role model in your life?

Ali: My dad has always been a role model in my life. He was a true entrepreneur that built a very successful company and an amazing father. Today he proves to be an amazing business advisor and a fabulous sounding board for me when I need someone to talk to.

HC: Tell me about a role model who you have yet to meet?

Ali: I love Oprah, but who doesn’t? I love her strength and perseverance but most of all I love that she has used her power to bring attention to the importance of education for women in certain nations around the world.

HC: Favorite story about a little happy crawler (aka kid)?

Ali: The day I opened up my email and saw the first ultra sound picture of my nephew Bryton changed my life. He has brought so much joy to my life. It is incredible to think that he is only three. It was my sister’s pregnancy with him and her frustration with maternity clothing that gave me the idea for Baby On Board Apparel.

Is there someone who motivates and inspires you? Who would you like to see profiled on the HappyCrawlers’ blog? Email us at: hello@HappyCrawlers.com with your recommendations. Happy travels!

Believe in Yourself

Sarah Kate Snyder is a talented businesswoman who runs an award-winning marketing and design business, Studio Snyder. She’s responsible for the amazing design-work you see when you visit sites like MMD Events and Pizzazzerie (SK, I visit this site all the time…the Little Red Riding Hood party is my new favorite!). She’s definitely a woman to watch. And, she has one of our favorite messages this week: believe in yourself!

Name: Sarah Kate Snyder   

Business Name: Studio Snyder       

Business URL: http://StudioSnyder.com

Where are you from: Tampa, FL

Where do you live now: Washington, D.C.

HC: Tell us about how your business fulfills you and your dreams. 

Sarah Kate: I enjoy balancing creative direction, business development and project management alongside my family and personal goals.

HC: Tell us about your lifelong dream.

Sarah Kate: Although I have many long-term goals, I wouldn’t classify any of them as a lifelong dream. Rather, I strive each day to be better – as a designer, as a wife, as a Christian, and as a friend – with the faith that each day’s challenges will offer unique opportunities for growth.

HC: Most difficult obstacle you had to overcome to do what you love?

Sarah Kate: Taking the leap from a stable full-time job to the unknown world of self-employment was incredibly difficult yet exhilarating at the same time.

HC: Advice to others who might find themselves in similar situations?

Sarah Kate: Know your craft, know your numbers, believe in yourself and your business will thrive. It’s really that simple.

HC: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your professional life?

Sarah Kate: Partnering with clients who are wholeheartedly invested in their businesses, and working with them to expand their brands through print and online media.

HC: How do you balance family and work?

Sarah Kate: One day at a time – and never perfectly! Even though I stick to a general work schedule I think it’s important to take advantage of the flexibility in self-employment. It is crucial for me to be fully present in either set of surroundings, and to not carry guilt for choosing one over the other.

HC: What motivates you to work harder?

Sarah Kate: The incredible support of my family, friends and colleagues is both humbling and motivating.

HC: Tell us about a role model in your life?

Sarah Kate: I was blessed to watch each of my parents build a successful business yet never miss a single moment while my brother and I were growing up. Their profound capability, as both business owners and as parents, is remarkable and I hope to someday be as versatile with a family of my own.

HC: Tell me about a role model who you have yet to meet?

Sarah Kate: While I admire several public figures for their exquisite tastes (Carolyne Roehm), insightful designs (Michael Bierut) and refined sensibilities (Emily Post), I cannot classify anyone as a full-blown role model whose character I do not personally know. I deeply respect each of them within their chosen fields, however, and I would love the opportunity to meet those who are still living.

Is there someone who motivates and inspires you? Who would you like to see profiled on the HappyCrawlers’ blog? Email us at: hello@HappyCrawlers.com with your recommendations. Happy travels!

Don’t Listen to Others Who Put Your Ideas Down

Angela Roy runs the widely popular Mommy PR. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, you’ll want to click your way over. She’s a Mom, a strong military wife (a big thanks to Angela’s hubby for all he does), and a woman with determination. She reminds us all not to listen to the naysayers. It’s an important message especially when you are first starting out. Read how Angela has stayed true to herself and her vision to create her media empire.

Name:  Angela Roy

Business Name:  Mommy PR

Business URL:  www.MommyPR.com

Where are you from:  Wintersville, Ohio

Where do you live now:  Currently stationed in Ft Lewis, Washington

HappyCrawlers (aka kids with ages): Ariel age 4, Jasmyne age 8

HC: Tell us about how your business fulfills you and your dreams. 

Angela:  I am able to have (almost) my own schedule, be at home with my kids and husband and still travel. Plus the fact that it’s fun J

HC: Tell us about your lifelong dream.

Angela: To be able to fully subsidize our home with my income alone.

HC: Most difficult obstacle you had to overcome to do what you love?

Angela: Starting my own business despite negative reactions. The 1^st year is the roughest.

HC: Advice to others who might find themselves in similar situations?

Angela: Never ever listen to others who put your ideas down. Completely throw yourself into your work. In the end, it’s your name not theirs.

HC: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your professional life?

Angela: A Paycheck!

HC: How do you balance family and work?

Angela: I really don’t have an answer to this because some days I think I work too much and other days I am dying to get online. It varies from day to day, but you will know when its time to step back and take a breath. Everyone has their own clock.

HC: What motivates you to work harder?

Angela: Just wanting to be the best at it. I love my site, my team is amazing, and social media is a drug to me lol. It’s just FUN.

HC: Tell us about a role model in your life?

Angela: I would say my husband. He’s just a stronger person mentally than me. I don’t know how he has such will power to do what he does every day.

HC: Tell me about a role model who you have yet to meet?

Angela: One day I swear I will meet the ladies of 5 Minutes for Mom and I have never met the ladies on our team! We are going on 3 years with just phone calls and emails haa.

Is there someone who motivates and inspires you? Who would you like to see profiled on the HappyCrawlers’ blog? Email us at: hello@HappyCrawlers.com with your recommendations. Happy travels!

PS- You have a chance to win HappyCrawlers at Angela’s site:

http://www.mommypr.com/2011/07/happy-crawlers-review-giveaway/