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/

Remember to Enjoy Your Journey!

This is a spotlight that many of you will definitely be able to relate to as you read. Jennifer is trying to remember to live in each precious moment of her busy schedule. She’s a talented journalist, a successful blogger, a wife, and most importantly a Mom. She’s trying to spend less time worrying about what comes next and more time remembering to enjoy her life’s journey. I know that’s advice that I constantly need to remind myself about, so I loved hearing what Jenn had to say.

Name: Jennifer

Business URL: http://babymakingmachine.com

Where are you from: Atlanta, Georgia

Where do you live now: Texas

HappyCrawlers (aka kid with age): Lil’ J, 11 months!

HC: Tell us about your lifelong dream?

Jenn: My lifelong dream has changed so many times. My dream for the longest time was to become a television news reporter in Atlanta Georgia, maybe even work for CNN. But since having my daughter that’s all changed. I still have journalistic dreams but I’d like them to be as conducive for my family as possible. Which, in this industry, can be hard. Right now, by day, I’m a reporter and news anchor, and by night I’m a wannabe domestic diva. I’m a mom 24/7.

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

Jenn: It’s been really hard to figure out the “new me” I had to come to realize that just because my goals change, doesn’t mean I’m less of a person or anything like that, I’m just different and have new interests. It’s been hardest to come to realize this and be happy with it.

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

Jenn: I’d say don’t stress, don’t worry, just enjoy. I worry too much about “what’s next” but sometimes I think that can overshadow the here and now. It’s fun to just “be”.

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

Jenn: I do segments featuring foster kids every week, and another featuring nonprofits. I get messages from time to time telling me how my story helped changed the life of a child because someone saw it and adopted the child. Or people saw the segment I did on a nonprofit and it inspired them to donate or make a difference in the community some way. It’s nice knowing that.

HC: How do you balance family and work?

Jenn: I don’t. Sometimes my work life gets a little more attention than my family life and vice versa. I think it’s impossible to have a perfect balance all of the time, so I try my best to make sure whatever is getting shorted isn’t getting shorted all the time.

HC: That’s GREAT advice.

HC: What motivates you to work harder?

Jenn: My daughter, knowing that she will grow up to be a woman someday I want to be someone she can look up to, and admire. She makes me want to be a good mom, a hard worker, and to raise her to be the best she can be.

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

Jenn: My mom is a great role model. She showed me you can be a great mom and work. My husband has also been a good role model to me. I admire how he can change my mood from negative to positive so easily. He’s perfect for me.

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

Jenn: This is going to sound so silly, but I love Oprah. She has done so much and gone so far. I’d love to meet her some day.

HC: Bring us with you if you do. We love Oprah too!

HC: Favorite story of your little happy crawler?

Jenn: I’m amazed at how she learns how things work so quickly. She takes my sunglasses and knows they go on her face. It’s amazing watching her learn these things. She also learned how to open the lid to my toilet and managed to throw my Blackberry in there in the three seconds I had turned around.

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! 

The Sweet Taste of Success

If you met Heather Waters, the owner and talent behind Couture Candy Buffets, you would never guess that she has a sweet tooth. She’s as tiny and cute as can be, but don’t be fooled she's also a talented, savvy businesswoman. She started her candy business as a way to combine her passions of design and entertaining. It’s this sweet business that is helping her taste the success she’s always hoped for both for her and her adorable family. We had a chance to talk with Heather and she has some great advice for busy, working mamas.

Name: Heather Waters            

Business Name: Couture Candy Buffets

Business URL: www.couturecandybuffetsinc.com

Where are you from: born in Canada, grew up in St. Pete & Clearwater, then Tampa, FL {USF}

Where do you live now: Melbourne, FL

HappyCrawlers (aka kids with ages): Emma {14 months}

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

Heather: I love design, entertaining, and making people smile.  Couture Candy Buffets allows me to do all of these things and be creative. 

HC: Tell us about your lifelong dream.

Heather: My grandma was always hosting parties while growing up.  Needless to say, I was her lil’ helper.  I would help make menus, decorate, and help arrange the venue.  I loved it and still do to this day!  So, I have always wanted to do something with event planning industry. Couture Candy Buffets allows me to have the perfect balance of work and family. 

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

Heather: Letting people know I exist.  I have had so many people tell me that they did a candy buffet for their wedding or special event and wish they would have known about me.

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

Heather: Network.  The more people you can reach out to and talk with about your business, the more business you will get.  I also keep plenty of business cards on hand.

HC: Great tip!

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

Heather: Creating candy buffets that turn events into unforgettable events.  People remember their candy buffets because they are fun and unique.    

HC: How do you balance family and work?

Heather: Having a smartphone has saved my life.  I am able to reply to e-mails ASAP, so I am no longer sitting at my computer checking e-mails at night.  I work on my displays at night when my daughter is sleeping.   It is also a blessing to have husband who is so supportive and helps me out. 

HC: What motivates you to work harder?

Heather: Hands down, my family. 

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

Heather: My grandmother.  She taught me about a strong work ethic, event planning, and baking.  She always had a job that she loved and said, “If you do what you love, then you never have to work”.  She also always told me to “aim high” and “never settle”.  Her knowledge, creativity, and passion definitely inspired me to create Couture Candy Buffets and make it into a successful business.   

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

Heather: Amy Atlas.  She is one of the pioneers of the candy/dessert buffet trend.  Her displays are amazing.

HC: Favorite story of your little happy crawlers?

Heather: Instead of crawling, my daughter Emma basically did this “boot scoot”. It cracked up the whole family. She would sit on her bottom and move her legs in and out while sitting up to get somewhere. It’s really a hit at parties too.

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 be Afraid to Ask for Help

Kristina Cross is making it all happen. She’s a wife, mother, student, blogger, and loyal Canucks fan. She wears all those hats on top of her full-time work schedule. She’s a busy lady with goals in mind and she knows she laying the groundwork today for a brighter tomorrow for her family. She does an amazing job of juggling her workload, but points out that she doesn’t do it alone. She’s not afraid to ask for help, which is one of her keys to success.

Name: Kristina Cross (aka Swank Mama)

Business URL: http://swankmama.blogspot.com/

Where are you from: Vancouver

Where do you live now: Vancouver!

HappyCrawlers (aka kids with ages):  Miss S (11 years) and Lil J (23 months)

HC: Tell us about your lifelong dream?

Kristina: I’ve always wanted to be a dancer.  I was in competitive gymnastics for 5 years when I was younger and the dance aspect of it was my favourite.  I still wish I had pursued dance after I quit gymnastics.  I guess it’s never too late to take classes for fun!

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

Kristina: Right now I am juggling motherhood and wife duties along with a full-time job and part-time schooling.  Luckily, I have a lot of support at home from my husband and mother-in-law but it is still difficult to please everyone and get everything done.  This is an obstacle I will have to overcome to pursue my dream of working from home and being able to set my own schedule, and spend more time with my kids.

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

Kristina: Seek help!!  Don’t be ashamed to ask for help and don’t turn help down!  I think the most common feeling for a mother is to feel guilty that she can’t do it all herself.  We need to put aside society’s stereotypes and not be afraid to receive assistance when it is offered.

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

Kristina:  That I am given the opportunity to expand my work skills educationally and increase my knowledge of work-related issues and leadership skills.

HC: How do you balance family and work?

Kristina: It’s hard work having two kids at home, working full-time, going to school part-time, finding time to keep the house clean (this almost always gets put on the back-burner), all while trying to maintain my sanity and have a relationship with my husband.  Thankfully, I have wonderful support at home – my husband is very hands-on and my mother-in-law is an absolute saint as she looks after Lil J while we are both at work.  My job also has an amazing work/life balance.

HC: What motivates you to work harder?

Kristina: My kids.  Such a cliché answer but so true!

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

Kristina: My dad and my mother-in-law.  My dad has a golden heart and never expects anything in return.  I can always count on him to be there and still spoil me (Daddy’s little girl!) as he did when I was younger.  My mother-in-law has an equally golden heart.  She retired and closed her hairdressing business when I went back to work so that she could look after Lil J during the day.  She also does everything out of the goodness of her heart and doesn’t expect anything in return.  We are so lucky to have her and I honestly don’t know what I would do without her!

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

Kristina: Every mom in the world.  I don’t know how we do it but we do!

HC: Favorite story of your little happy crawlers?

Kristina: Lil J and Miss S are best of friends even though they are over 9 years apart.  It’s so wonderful to see the sibling bond despite the age difference.  Even thought Lil J is only 2, he is very overprotective of his older sister and vise versa.

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!