Do you want to be interviewed? Message me your email and I'll send you a questionaire!
September 12, 2011
Interviews
I'm back from vacation and getting set to list a whole bunch of new, fascinating interviews!
Do you want to be interviewed? Message me your email and I'll send you a questionaire!
Do you want to be interviewed? Message me your email and I'll send you a questionaire!
August 18, 2011
APOLOGIES
I want to apologize to all my wonderful readers out there. This summer has been a whirlwind of fun and drama. I have been MIA for a while now and I will be back soon. I needed to share this with you that there will be more inspiring interviews once school is back in session and my life is back on track. It has been quite overwhelming here in my blogger corner of the world. All is good now and settling down now.
If you have requested an interview and I haven't sent you one yet, please feel free to contact me again with your info - I now have a seperate folder for all that needs to be taken care of with the website and becoming more organized. My email address is wendie.rodgers@gmail.com
Thanks again for your patience! Enjoy the rest of the summer!!
If you have requested an interview and I haven't sent you one yet, please feel free to contact me again with your info - I now have a seperate folder for all that needs to be taken care of with the website and becoming more organized. My email address is wendie.rodgers@gmail.com
Thanks again for your patience! Enjoy the rest of the summer!!
August 3, 2011
Interview with Shannon Milholland!
What is your name?
Shannon Milholland
What part of the world are you located?
Memphis, Tennessee
What is your company name, website, FB page name, twitter name and anything else you use?
I have two “odd” jobs:
1) Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine www.southernwritersmagazine.com, www.facebook.com/southernwritersmagazine, www.twitter.com/SouthrnWritrMag
2) Speaker and Writer
www.shannonmilholland.com, www.shannonmilholland.blogspot.com, www.facebook.com/jesusandmyorangejuice, www.twitter.com/shanmilholland, http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/ShanMilholland, Networked Blogs - http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blog/jesus_and_my_orange_juice
Are you a SAHM/WAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!)
I am both a SAHM and a WAHM. I attempt to create spaces in my life where my kids feel like I stay-at-home even though I am working two jobs plus volunteering in the community. Like is a juggle but isn’t life more interesting when things fly through the air?
When did you start your blog/online/at home business?
Southern Writers Magazine – Was conceived by Susan Reichert in March, 2011 and brought to first issue in just three months. I have never heard of a magazine created so quickly. Clearly God was helping pave the way.
Speaking/Writing – I really began in earnest in late April 2010. I’m a bit stubborn and even though I’d had this dream in my heart for several years, time was required to work on lining my head up with my heart. I had to come to a place where I believed I could begin regardless of whether I failed.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture?
Southern Writers Magazine – Susan Reichert asked me to coffee one day and asked me to join the team. This didn’t happen overnight though. I had invested nine months in cultivating a relationship with her and serving her in another organization prior to this. Put other’s needs first and your investment in them will pay-off.
Speaking/Writing – I had a dear friend who’s actually a bit shy dare to boldly look me in the eye and ask when I was going to stop running from God and start living out of my passion. I figured if she’s bold enough to stand up to me, I’m bold enough to begin this venture.
How did you go about seeking your information?
Southern Writers Magazine – We surveyed the market to see what other magazines for writers were out there. There were magazines teaching the technical aspects of writing but not one equipping writers to actually market and sell their books, get a contract, etc. Then we poked around to see how other magazines were formatted and sold and made sure ours was a value-added, above-the-competition proposition. The result is a stunning, informative and inspiring magazine that is propelling authors to success.
Speaking/Writing – I looked at the platform of others in this field and determined what social media they were using, how they were using it and what was most effective. Initially I just blogged but slowly I added various social media platforms to build on this.
Do you have a mentor? Yes I do-several actually. The editor of Southern Writers to start. She mentors me in networking, writing and life in general. Having a mentor is an invaluable resource. Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business? Absolutely!
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path?
I had to learn to ask for what I wanted and not just sit back and assume my audience would come to me. What I finally realized is that when you’re adding real value to someone’s life, you are marketing, you’re offering a better life.
Moments of brilliance?
When I selected the name of my blog I wanted to portray how refreshing living a life empowered by the Word of God can be. I also desired to imply I spent time developing my relationship with God every morning. The name Jesus and My Orange Juice was born and through God’s providence alone is the number one Google hit combining those words. I accidentally learned how important it is to have a unique combination of words in the title of your blog.
Advice to others that are considering an online business?
Start slow. Excellence matters. It’s more important to do one thing well than twelve things haphazardly. Be certain your online image reflects the heart of who you are. Authenticity in any venture attracts; salesmanship repels.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work?
I try to capture spaces of time that don’t detract from my kids – early morning, naptime, when they’re tired and ready to veg out for some TV time, when they are engaged playing with each other. I also have learned the importance of saying “no” to anything that’s not in line with God’s priorities for me that day. Many great opportunities come my way to which I say “no” because more important work is already at hand.
What are some of your favorite “mommy sites” to visit?
I love the practicality of Lori Fairchild’s blog – Everyday Truth. I also find Lysa TerKeurst’s blog insightful and inspiring. When I really need encouragement I run to the oasis of Encouragement Café – they are always serving up something that feeds my soul.
Are there any aspects of your business/life that aren’t covered here that you want to share?
Don’t start a business unless it is first your passion. Passion is the secret ingredient to success. Passion keeps you going when the results don’t just role in. Passion frees you to enjoy what you’re doing. Passion turns a job into an adventure.
What else can you share with us?
I started speaking and writing because I realized I found joy in the ordinary of my day – piles of laundry and miles and carpools but few women shared my enthusiasm. I wanted to give them the gift I’d been given. The gift was extended to writers through my involvement with Southern Writers Magazine. Giving away my heart to encourage others has been the most satisfying decision of my life.
August 1, 2011
Interview with Stacy Juba
What is your name? Stacy Juba
What part of the world are you located? I'm from New England .
What is your company name, website, FB page name, twitter name and anything else you use?
Web site: http://www.stacyjuba.com
Mysteries, Murder & More blog http://stacyjuba.com/blog/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stacyjuba @stacyjuba
Are you a SAHM/WAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!)
Yes, I stay at home and work out of my home office. I've always been a writer and had my first book, Face-Off, published with Avon Books when I was a teenager, followed by many years of rejection. After college, I worked as a newspaper reporter and as an administrative assistant/publicist. I stopped working full-time after having my first child, and for awhile did freelance writing for a parenting magazine and freelance newsletter-writing and press releases for non-profit wellness clients, in addition to pursuing publication for my latest novels. I was fortunate to finally get my books published a couple of years ago, and now I focus on writing books and marketing them. I mainly focus on writing adult mystery novels with a touch of romance, and have two published by Mainly Murder Press, titled Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and Sink or Swim. Mainly Murder Press will also publish my paranormal young adult thriller Dark Before Dawn in January 2012. I independently published my children's picture books The Flag Keeper and Victoria Rose and the Big Bad Noise, (illustrated by my father) and I also self-publish the e-book versions of my novels as I hold the e-book rights.
When did you start your blog/online/at home business?
I started my web site in the summer of 2009, a few months before Twenty-Five Years Ago Today was published in trade paperback by Mainly Murder Press. About a year later, I launched the Mysteries, Murder & More blog to enhance my web site and keep getting the word out about my books. It really became a business after I started self-publishing my books into e-book format for Kindle, Nook and Smashwords and after I self-published my children's picture book The Flag Keeper in both paperback and e-book formats. It was exciting to have royalties coming in from different places and to have money coming in every month, after all those years of rejection. I have five books out now, in various genres and formats, and should have four more out by the middle of 2012.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture?
I launched my web site after receiving a contract from Mainly Murder Press for my first mystery novel, Twenty-Five Years Ago Today. I started out just promoting that one paperback, then with the whole e-book revolution and the popularity of devices like the Kindle, I realized that I could use my entrepreneurial skills to carve out a real niche for myself. I now have three kinds of books published for three different audiences -- for adults, children, and a few upcoming young adult books.
How did you go about seeking your information?
The first couple years was a lot of research and trial and error. I read numerous books about web sites, blogging, Twitter, marketing, and book promotion. I joined author book promotion groups and book blogger forums to network and exchange tips. It took a lot of time to find out what worked and what didn't, and to lay the groundwork.
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business?
My publisher at Mainly Murder Press, Judith K. Ivie, has been a mentor to me. I've learned a lot about the book business from her. She is a talented author who penned the Kate Lawrence mystery series among other books, and she also has a keen business sense. I admire how she has succeeded in combining her creativity and business sense to launch a publishing company that has introduced many talented new authors to readers.
As far as mentoring others, I've had several authors email me asking for advice on topics such as marketing, uploading to Kindle, and self publishing, and I'm always happy to answer a few questions to help someone get pointed in the right direction. I don't have time to read manuscripts or coach someone through the whole process due to my own time constraints, but I'm always happy to direct them to some resources that might be helpful. I've asked my own share of questions of authors over the years and I still do from time to time.
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path?
I hired someone to design my web site, and it was a beautiful design, but the problem was that it was done in Dreamweaver and I couldn't update it myself. I tried to learn it, but it was a disaster. My mistake was looking at the short-term of having one book to promote, rather than looking at one and two years down the road when I might need constant updates to add more books, reviews, and events. Last December, I realized that for my career to grow, I needed the ability to update my web site myself so that I wasn't putting anymore money into maintenance. I switched the whole thing over to Wordpress and now handle the maintenance myself. I also spent a lot of time doing guest blogging on other sites and hosting guest bloggers on my own site, but I found these weren't effective marketing strategies - they took up too much time for not enough sales. I very rarely write guest blog articles now unless it's a real niche audience that I'm trying to reach, preferring interviews as they are much easier to complete than writing a full-fledged article. I no longer host guest bloggers on my blog on a weekly basis - I might host someone once in awhile, but in general, I am cutting back on my blogging. I realized that a blog is important for an author, but that less is more.
Moments of brilliance?
Revamping my web site so that I could maintain it myself was one of the smartest decisions I've ever made. Spending less time on Facebook and really working to build my Twitter followers and take advantage of Twitter networking was a smart move. I've made a lot of contacts on Twitter and find it much better than Facebook for interacting with readers, writers, reviewers and bloggers.
Giving away a couple of e-books for free has also been helpful. I have a free mystery short story Laundry Day which also contains excerpts from my adult novels and an author interview, and I've arranged for that to be free from a variety of retailers including Amazon and B&N. You can access all the links on my web site. It gives people a flavor of my writing through a short story, and they can also sample my novels. It has had thousands of downloads on Amazon and some of those readers have gone on to buy my books. I wouldn't feel comfortable charging for it as the story itself is short, but I think it's a nice download for free. On a shorter-term basis, I've also been offering my children's picture book Victoria Rose and the Big Bad Noise for free from various retailers including Amazon. Thousands of readers have downloaded it for free to share with their young children - over 5100 downloads on Amazon in the past 4 weeks. It includes an excerpt of my picture book The Flag Keeper, a book that I'm trying to build word of mouth about, as it teaches children about U.S.
Advice to others that are considering an online business?
Don't expect to make a profit immediately as there is a lot of trial and error involved. It took me about a year and a half before I started making a profit and spending my money more wisely. I'd recommend spending some time on Twitter as that is a valuable resource. Start a business page on Facebook. I'd recommend using a resource such as Hootsuite to manage your social networking - you can easily view columns of lists and can schedule tweets/posts. I recently switched over my email newsletter to TinyLetter as I was looking for a simple (one-click) and free way of sending out a newsletter a few times per year. I subscribe to HARO (Help A Reporter Out) so if a reporter is seeking an interview source on a certain subject, I can respond to pitches that fit my background. Lastly, be sure to determine who your target market is and then make a plan for how you can find them online.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work?
I try to stay as organized as possible. I have one weekly planner calendar which focuses on our family schedule, and another that is just devoted to book marketing with my schedule of radio interviews, blog interviews, on-line chat dates, dates paid ads are running, dates of blog or Twitter hops to check in, and the schedule for my own blog. I have a big dry erase board in the kitchen that combines all of our family dates and my really important marketing dates - things I absolutely need to make sure I remember! That way I can look at my board when I'm walking by and what's coming up sticks in my mind. I update my dry erase board every month. I work in the early mornings and for an hour or so at night, and on days when my parents or in-laws babysit. I'm fortunate to have a very supportive husband who gives me time to work on the weekends and during his time off, and who does tasks around the house like laundry. I also set realistic goals for myself. I haven't been at a place in my life the past few years where I can pull off writing new books and marketing my published books at the same time, so I've taken a long break from the actual act of writing fiction. Now that I have a good handle on marketing, I'm editing some completed books that have been sitting in my drawer and getting those ready for release. Once those are done, and launched, I'll be able to focus more on writing new material. You can't do everything at once and have a balanced life. You have to chip away at it in smaller, manageable chunks.
What are some of your favorite “mommy sites” to visit?
My favorites are voiceBoks (The Voice of Motherhood) http://www.voiceboks.com/and
The Mom Bloggers Club. www.mombloggersclub.com/ I've met lots of women that share common interests or are trying to balance family with a career or an interest such as blogging.
Are there any aspects of your business/life that aren’t covered here that you want to share?
I am a big believer in the power of positive thinking and I'm also trained in energy healing/Reiki. I believe in energy and "good vibes" as I've sensed these things myself. I have a vision board in my office which blends my personal life and career goals, and I keep it updated. Basically, I have a very clear picture in my mind of what I want and I ask the universe for help. I want a thriving career where I make substantial money for my books, but I also want balance as career isn't as important as the people we love. Being on grueling book tours, having constant deadline pressure, and not being able to go on vacation or have time to read a book isn't for me, yet I'm very ambitious and driven in accomplishing the goals that I have set. Whether you believe in positive thinking and the Law of Attraction or not, at the very least, having clear cut goals that you reevaluate from time-to-time helps you to trust your intuition, make better decisions and stay true to yourself.
What else can you share with us?
I think it's good for moms to take time for themselves, whether it's following a career dream or making room in their life for a special hobby or pastime. It sets a good example for children if they see that you make room in your life for what speaks to your heart and fuels your passion. With day-to-day life so busy for all of us, it can be easy to let your own goals and interests slide, but you can accomplish a lot by having a weekly list of five or six goals, crossing those off, and then having new goals the next week.
July 28, 2011
Interview with Nicole Searfoss
What is your name? Nicole Searfoss
What is your company name, website, FB page name, twitter name and anything else you use?
My company name is "Indulgent Aromas", but I am an Independent Distributor for Scent-Sations, Inc. My website/blog is http://www.indulgentaromas.com/. It is a personal website where you can meet and learn about me personally with my company info available on the side/top. My facebook pg is www.facebook.com/nsearfoss and I don't use twitter. My company website is http://www.indulgentaromas.scent-team.com/, but you can access the same info on my personal website.
Are you a SAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!)
I am a SAHM of 4 girls and wife to my high school sweetheart since January '99. I also babysit other children most days of the week and in the fall I will most likely be homeschooling my 9yo and 5yo.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture?
I was working part time when I had my 3rd daughter and I was heartbroken to have to go back to work. I started researching companies online that would allow me to work from home. I found Scent-Sations, Inc and was impressed with their products, flexibility, and compensation plan.
I was with them for a few years and made a little money, but didn't have much contact with my sponsor so I eventually quit.....much to the dismay of my hubby. He saw the potential in the product/company.
About a year later, we were looking for a way for me to earn money while being home and I was lead back to Scent-Sations, Inc. I signed up under a new sponsor and she's been a complete and total blessing to me. I believe that God put her in my life at the perfect time and she has helped me tremendously to make this venture successful.
How did you go about seeking your information?
I used a search engine both times.
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business?
I do have a wonderful mentor. She is an amazing woman. We have many of the same interests and she is committed to helping me whenever I need it.
I would, and do, mentor anyone who signed up 'with me' and Scent-Sations, Inc. I have women that I am helping now. I love having the opportunity to make money to help my family while being home with them and also being able to offer that opportunity to other women (or men).
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path?
I am still learning, but I have come a LONG way. I had NO idea how to navigate the internet or build a website, or get my website noticed, etc.
Moments of brilliance?
I don't know if I've had any of those...LOL...but I have had several compliments on my website. I even had a local lady want me to help her build hers....too funny for someone that only knew how to check email and do a basic search a few months ago.
Advice to others that are considering an online business?
There is a lot of money to be made in this sort of business. There is a lot of ways to make money. You WILL have to do work, however. This isn't a 'get rich quick' opportunity. It takes time and patience but it will happen if you put in the work. You can work this around your family and make your own schedule, but it won't happen by itself. It's no different than any other job, you have to put some time in. The difference is that you can put the time in when it's convenient for your family.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work?
I spend a lot of time working this before my children get up or while they are napping or in bed for the night.
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share?
This is a fairly new company that offers all natural wax gourmet candles, mineral makeup, and the newest in anti-aging products. The products are USA made. The company is 100% debt free. There are not a ton of distributors, yet, so a lot of people don't know what a Mia Bella candle is. They burn virtually soot free so they are great for people with allergies. They are hand poured and made with renewable resources.
What else can you share with us?
There are several items that I offer including the candles, melters/melts, specialty candles, mineral makeup/brushes, body products, and Dermal Renu anti-aging products (including sunscreen). The products basically sell themselves. You can make money by retailing, fundraising, residual, or any combination of the three. This is an awesome company to work with. You are in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Click on the 'business opportunity' tab on my site/blog for more information.
Nicole Searfoss ~ Owner, Indulgent Aromas
Offering all natural, gourmet candles, mineral makeup, and anti aging products
Check out my AWESOME products, home biz opportunity,
and blog at http://www.indulgentaromas.com/
Enter to win a FREE candle at: http://www.freeyummycandle.com/
Contact me @ 989-426-2505
"Great minds must be ready not only to take opportunities, but to make them." –-Colton
What is your company name, website, FB page name, twitter name and anything else you use?
My company name is "Indulgent Aromas", but I am an Independent Distributor for Scent-Sations, Inc. My website/blog is http://www.indulgentaromas.com/. It is a personal website where you can meet and learn about me personally with my company info available on the side/top. My facebook pg is www.facebook.com/nsearfoss and I don't use twitter. My company website is http://www.indulgentaromas.scent-team.com/, but you can access the same info on my personal website.
Are you a SAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!)
I am a SAHM of 4 girls and wife to my high school sweetheart since January '99. I also babysit other children most days of the week and in the fall I will most likely be homeschooling my 9yo and 5yo.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture?
I was working part time when I had my 3rd daughter and I was heartbroken to have to go back to work. I started researching companies online that would allow me to work from home. I found Scent-Sations, Inc and was impressed with their products, flexibility, and compensation plan.
I was with them for a few years and made a little money, but didn't have much contact with my sponsor so I eventually quit.....much to the dismay of my hubby. He saw the potential in the product/company.
About a year later, we were looking for a way for me to earn money while being home and I was lead back to Scent-Sations, Inc. I signed up under a new sponsor and she's been a complete and total blessing to me. I believe that God put her in my life at the perfect time and she has helped me tremendously to make this venture successful.
How did you go about seeking your information?
I used a search engine both times.
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business?
I do have a wonderful mentor. She is an amazing woman. We have many of the same interests and she is committed to helping me whenever I need it.
I would, and do, mentor anyone who signed up 'with me' and Scent-Sations, Inc. I have women that I am helping now. I love having the opportunity to make money to help my family while being home with them and also being able to offer that opportunity to other women (or men).
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path?
I am still learning, but I have come a LONG way. I had NO idea how to navigate the internet or build a website, or get my website noticed, etc.
Moments of brilliance?
I don't know if I've had any of those...LOL...but I have had several compliments on my website. I even had a local lady want me to help her build hers....too funny for someone that only knew how to check email and do a basic search a few months ago.
Advice to others that are considering an online business?
There is a lot of money to be made in this sort of business. There is a lot of ways to make money. You WILL have to do work, however. This isn't a 'get rich quick' opportunity. It takes time and patience but it will happen if you put in the work. You can work this around your family and make your own schedule, but it won't happen by itself. It's no different than any other job, you have to put some time in. The difference is that you can put the time in when it's convenient for your family.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work?
I spend a lot of time working this before my children get up or while they are napping or in bed for the night.
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share?
This is a fairly new company that offers all natural wax gourmet candles, mineral makeup, and the newest in anti-aging products. The products are USA made. The company is 100% debt free. There are not a ton of distributors, yet, so a lot of people don't know what a Mia Bella candle is. They burn virtually soot free so they are great for people with allergies. They are hand poured and made with renewable resources.
What else can you share with us?
There are several items that I offer including the candles, melters/melts, specialty candles, mineral makeup/brushes, body products, and Dermal Renu anti-aging products (including sunscreen). The products basically sell themselves. You can make money by retailing, fundraising, residual, or any combination of the three. This is an awesome company to work with. You are in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Click on the 'business opportunity' tab on my site/blog for more information.
Nicole Searfoss ~ Owner, Indulgent Aromas
Offering all natural, gourmet candles, mineral makeup, and anti aging products
Check out my AWESOME products, home biz opportunity,
and blog at http://www.indulgentaromas.com/
Enter to win a FREE candle at: http://www.freeyummycandle.com/
Contact me @ 989-426-2505
"Great minds must be ready not only to take opportunities, but to make them." –-Colton
July 26, 2011
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The top 10 jobs for moms who need a career that can fit their lifestyle (infographic) >>
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July 25, 2011
Interview with Staci Gerardi!
Staci is an Arbonne rep and Blogger. She has quite a lot of inspirational advice - Read on and check her out!
What is your name? My name is Staci .
What is your name? My name is Staci .
What is your company name, website, FB page name, twitter name and anything else you use?
The company I started my own business with is Arbonne International. My website is www.stacigerardi.myarbonne.com.
I also consider my blog my business, as it generates an income – granted not a huge income, but it brings me some income. I write my blog because I love to write and I love to share. Opening my Arbonne business allows me the freedom to still write my blog, without having to worry about it making me money so I can stay home with my kids.
You can find my blog at www.novembersunflower.com. I’m on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NovemberSunflower. I’m also on Twitter, my handle is @novsunflower.
Are you a SAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!)
Are you a SAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!)
I’m totally a Stay At Home Mom, but also a Work At Home Mom. However, we don’t have to be HOME for me to work! That’s the beauty of my business. I’m working without “working”. When I’m out at the park, the beach or taking a walk with my kids I’m always connected through texting and web through my phone. My team is always able to get to me and we can get work done QUICKLY so I can get back to my life with my kids. But the part that I call “work” is talking about and sharing Arbonne. I use the products, I have been using them since 2006 when I found Clear Advantage while pregnant with my daughter. Now my entire family uses the products. People ask me what I use on my face, my hair and how I have such soft feet. I tell them “Arbonne”. How do you get your daughter’s hair to look like that? My answer: Arbonne.
Personally, your blog is the reason that I started blogging. My husband showed me your blog, it was the first time I ever looked at a blog, and I was hooked. (**side note** My husband and Staci went to high school together and until I saw the November Sunflower blog listed on her interview, I didn't know it was her!!) Living on Long Island and seeing another Long Island Momma finding great deals sparked something in me. How long have you been running the blog?
I started my blog in March of 2009. My son was born in 2008 and we were
living even more frugally than before without me working outside the home.
Everyone would ask me how I found such great bargains, how I was able to
make money shopping with cash rebate websites and a bunch of other
questions. I decided to just put it all in one location: A Blog!
You mentioned that you went to school for journalism but it didn't sound like you completed it. How long did it last and what did you take from it?
I have my degree in journalism. I got my Associates at Suffolk in a
year, then did my BA at Hofstra in two years. What I realized with
journalism: It's not a business I want to be in, since most of it is all
negative. There's very few stories you get to do that are uplifting and I
also didn't want the lifestyle.
What is the meaning of the title of your blog?
My blog title......it's very special to me, even though it doesn't have
any notation that I'm a frugal blog. My children are both November babies
and I love Sunflowers. That's how November Sunflower was born. To loop the
frugal into it after I purchased the domain name and decided to do a frugal
blog, I came up with Frugal Blooms on Long Island. Why? Because it tied in
the frugal aspect, sunflowers have to bloom and I do a LOT of stuff for
Long Island. Many things can work outside of Long Island, but most of my
free activities are for Long Island. Tons of free outdoor movies,
festivals, fairs, concerts and all around good Long Island FUN! My main
audience is Long Island, but I've got readers in Australia (probably most
of my family out there), India and other countries. And that makes it all
worth it!!!!
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture?
My friend, Jill, came over for lunch one afternoon after we reconnected on Facebook. We chatted, caught up on my life, she checked out my wedding album and I told her about my blog, etc.
When the conversation turned to her, I asked her what she was doing with herself. She pulled up in a white Mercedes Benz, so I knew she had to be doing something. However, she was free for lunch in the middle of the day. This intrigued me!
Her answer: Arbonne. When I heard that, I totally shut down. She had no idea, but I had done Tupperware, also Network Marketing. I’d done very well, but wasn’t interested in working that hard to make money!
But she didn’t let me shut down completely. Jill educated me about Network Marketing. No one ever educated me on how amazing Network Marketing could be when it’s done RIGHT!
With Tupperware, I was just out there, doing parties and selling all alone……no support, no team. Just me. I had no idea what Network Marketing TRULY until Jill informed me on what Network Marketing truly was and I thought: GENIUS. Why didn’t I find this sooner? I believe it was because I was meant to have Jill, National Vice President, be my sponsor. I opened for business in February of 2011. I haven’t looked back since!
How close are you to getting your Mercedes?
I'm a District Manager right now. Next level is Area Manager, at that
level the benefit (beyond the increase in commission) is that I can Will my
business to my kids, who can Will it to their kids. After Area is the BIG
MERCEDES BENZ level, otherwise known as Regional Vice President. So I'm
just two promotions away from getting my car, which isn't a whole lot! I'm
expecting I'll be having my Mercedes Benz Presentation sometime in February
of 2012. I gave myself a year to earn it, gave myself TWO years to get to
National Vice President, where they pay you even more to drive the Mercedes
Benz around. I CANNOT WAIT to work less, make more and drive that car
around FREE OF PAYMENTS!
Finally, I'm always looking for people to bring along on this amazing
journey. I want people who GET Network Marketing and WANT IT ALL. Dream
big, because that's the only way to dream! When people tell me my dreams
are unrealistic, I just tell them their dreams aren't big enough. All of
use deserve to have a life by design. Arbonne makes that possible! As long
as you put the work in at the start of it, you'll have the life you want to
live. It's an amazing ride and there's no signs of anything else but
SUCCESS. Everyone's definition of success is different. Sometimes people
just want to make a couple hundred bucks extra per month to sock away for
that dream vacation, some people want to earn the incentive trips to places
like Atlantis, some just want the car and some just want the friendships,
comradery. Success is only defined by you, because this is your life.
How did you go about seeking your information?
Being a skeptic, I obviously had my doubts about Network Marketing. I heard little voices in my head telling me it was a scam and a few people told me it was a Pyramid. Now, I knew, being an intelligent person, it wasn’t a Pyramid or a Scam because Mercedes Benz would never be in business with a company that was a scam. As for being a Pyramid, well, those are ILLEGAL and there’s no way this company was illegal.
But I did want to find out more about the company and see how stable it was, so I hit the Internet. I found a ton of information that was negative, but also a ton of inspirational stories.
I went to an Opportunity Meeting, a few of them, to meet and chat with others who were doing this business. I kept getting sidetracked by all those Mercedes Benz cars that drove up to each meeting. I asked all of them about getting started and how many obstacles they faced. All of them said “it was hard, because I had to get use to being told NO a lot, but just kept sharing Arbonne and just STUCK WITH IT”. That’s the key with Network Marketing, you MUST stick with it and be okay with other people saying no.
Another piece of advice I got was “this is NOT a get rich quick scheme, it’s a SIMPLE business, but it’s not going to get your rich quick. It’s WORK and there’s no way around that, but the WORK starts to become less as your team grows. Those who are trashing Arbonne, more often than not, are the ones who quit because it was too much work and they expected it to be easy”.
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business?
I absolutely have a mentor. Jill Caputo is a rockstar in Arbonne. She’s at the top of the company every month. She promoted to National Vice President in less than a year and just always had blinders on and laser beam focus. When I get a little down, it’s not for very long, because Jill is right there telling me “so what if he or she said no, move onto the next person, you have this amazing gift to give people-the chance to design their life-keep sharing”.
I always think of Walt Disney and a quote I love from the movie Meet the Robinsons, “Keep Moving Forward” and that’s always Jill’s message to me.
I mentor my team. I do exactly what Jill does for me. I learn from Jill and pass down that knowledge to my team. I’d LOVE to sponsor and mentor everyone out there who wants to start an Arbonne business of his or her own. This business is such an amazing gift. I am so thankful to Jill.
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path?
Oh my golly gee gosh, I’ve made so many mistakes. One that sticks out in my mind: I spent so much time trying to get my team to build their teams, that I forgot I had to continue building! It’s all about finding your own way and I’m finally finding my own way. I FINALLY feel confident to share my knowledge with those I sponsor!
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path?
Oh my golly gee gosh, I’ve made so many mistakes. One that sticks out in my mind: I spent so much time trying to get my team to build their teams, that I forgot I had to continue building! It’s all about finding your own way and I’m finally finding my own way. I FINALLY feel confident to share my knowledge with those I sponsor!
Moments of brilliance?
Saying yes was the most brilliant moment. Saying YES to Network Marketing with, in my mind, the best Network Marketing company out there – Arbonne.
Advice to others that are considering an online business?Well, my business isn’t totally online. It’s actually a more personal contact business. You have to be willing to chat and share. If you want to start an online business, like the blog I have, make sure you find a great hosting service and a fantastic design team! Make sure you can sell ad space on your website, it’s the best way to bring cash into your world.
You have some tried and true frugal ideas. Do you have sponsers seeking you out?I don’t have to balance mommyhood and online work. The kids have down time every day, that’s when I’m on the phone, doing emails and placing orders. If my team needs me, I can be reached all the time, but they know my kids are my LIFE, Arbonne is what allows me to live my life by design. Arbonne business is dealt with quickly and I’m back to my kids.
I do have a few sponsors that want to work with me. However, I'm super
picky about who I work with. This is my name out there, it's my word and
your word is your honor. You lose that, you lose your readers and then
you're helping no one. It's not about the money, with me. I make my money
with my Arbonne business. If someone wants to work with me, I make sure I
love the product, or the company, or the service. Anything I write about
has to make sense as being frugal - NOT CHEAP. Frugal just means the
quality is worth the price I'm comfortable paying.
Your appearance on the Dr. Oz show was fantastic. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/your-best-online-health-deals (watch this video!!)
I think that he forgot to tell you that you had the best idea for the I-Tunes pedometer so, technically, you did win a challenge. HOW did you get yourself on the Dr. Oz show?
Dr. Oz is awesome. I love watching him. He breaks everything down to the
"kindergarten" version for people like me. He did forget to tell me I had
an awesome find in that freebie for the iPod. That was all done in fun and
to prove a point: You can find amazing items for yourself that are
beneficial and DO NOT break the bank. The producers on the show weren't
super clear on all the facts. I could have found everything much less
expensive, but Dr. Oz was also looking for best buys and items that were
truly the frugal find. But the producers said it didn't matter about
quality, I just had to find it for super cheap. But I had fun. It was a
good time.
The show called me up to do a different segment a few months prior to that
show, but I didn't get chosen for it. The producer liked me and asked if
I'd be interested in doing this viewer challenge since I'm all about being
frugal. I don't remember how they got my name, though......it might have
been through a mom group. The funny part is I was also tapped to do two
Nate Berkus shows, but neither one came through......I'm hoping I can get
on that one soon! I'd like to counter balance the crazy chicks that were on
their with their extreme couponing. Do something for the mainstream people
who want to save money, but don't want thousands of items stockpiled in
their home, especially since toothpaste and deodorant do go bad after a
certain point!
Do you do your own blog layout or do you have help?
I had someone move me from Blogger to Word Press. He chose the
template. I just use widget to try and make it look nicer, but it's rather
jam packed and I am looking for someone to design a logo and re-do the
whole blog design for me. However, I want to be able to change it without
going to anyone to help me. I like to be able to do as much as possible on
my own, because I don't like to be dependent on someone else.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work?
Advice to others that are considering an online business?Well, my business isn’t totally online. It’s actually a more personal contact business. You have to be willing to chat and share. If you want to start an online business, like the blog I have, make sure you find a great hosting service and a fantastic design team! Make sure you can sell ad space on your website, it’s the best way to bring cash into your world.
You have some tried and true frugal ideas. Do you have sponsers seeking you out?I don’t have to balance mommyhood and online work. The kids have down time every day, that’s when I’m on the phone, doing emails and placing orders. If my team needs me, I can be reached all the time, but they know my kids are my LIFE, Arbonne is what allows me to live my life by design. Arbonne business is dealt with quickly and I’m back to my kids.
I do have a few sponsors that want to work with me. However, I'm super
picky about who I work with. This is my name out there, it's my word and
your word is your honor. You lose that, you lose your readers and then
you're helping no one. It's not about the money, with me. I make my money
with my Arbonne business. If someone wants to work with me, I make sure I
love the product, or the company, or the service. Anything I write about
has to make sense as being frugal - NOT CHEAP. Frugal just means the
quality is worth the price I'm comfortable paying.
Your appearance on the Dr. Oz show was fantastic. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/your-best-online-health-deals (watch this video!!)
I think that he forgot to tell you that you had the best idea for the I-Tunes pedometer so, technically, you did win a challenge. HOW did you get yourself on the Dr. Oz show?
Dr. Oz is awesome. I love watching him. He breaks everything down to the
"kindergarten" version for people like me. He did forget to tell me I had
an awesome find in that freebie for the iPod. That was all done in fun and
to prove a point: You can find amazing items for yourself that are
beneficial and DO NOT break the bank. The producers on the show weren't
super clear on all the facts. I could have found everything much less
expensive, but Dr. Oz was also looking for best buys and items that were
truly the frugal find. But the producers said it didn't matter about
quality, I just had to find it for super cheap. But I had fun. It was a
good time.
The show called me up to do a different segment a few months prior to that
show, but I didn't get chosen for it. The producer liked me and asked if
I'd be interested in doing this viewer challenge since I'm all about being
frugal. I don't remember how they got my name, though......it might have
been through a mom group. The funny part is I was also tapped to do two
Nate Berkus shows, but neither one came through......I'm hoping I can get
on that one soon! I'd like to counter balance the crazy chicks that were on
their with their extreme couponing. Do something for the mainstream people
who want to save money, but don't want thousands of items stockpiled in
their home, especially since toothpaste and deodorant do go bad after a
certain point!
Do you do your own blog layout or do you have help?
I had someone move me from Blogger to Word Press. He chose the
template. I just use widget to try and make it look nicer, but it's rather
jam packed and I am looking for someone to design a logo and re-do the
whole blog design for me. However, I want to be able to change it without
going to anyone to help me. I like to be able to do as much as possible on
my own, because I don't like to be dependent on someone else.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work?
If I meet moms and dads, like at the activities for the kids, I chat them up and talk about Arbonne, without having to even step away from being a Mom. It’s the best business EVER for me and my family!
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share?
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share?
This business is unique. It’s not for everyone. You have to have discipline, you must be willing to chat and share and you have to understand the hard work that happens the first year, pays off for YEARS to come. I make money while my kids play on the playground, swim in the pool and go to storytime. It’s residual income. By doing the hard work NOW, I’m building residual income for life – not just my life, but for my kids and their kids. I can leave this business to my kids and they can leave it to their kids. I’ve got a multi-million dollar business that can be left to my family……totally outstanding and UNIQUE!
What else can you share with us?
No matter what business you decide to do, you have to truly love something about the business BEYOND the fact that it’ll bring in an income. I love my business because it means I get to be “present” in my life. I no longer live a life where all I do is work, leave my kids at daycare, or miss sports events and class trips. What’s the point of having your family if you don’t get to enjoy being with them, exploring with them and just “living” with them?
You have to find what’s important to you in your life. Every person has a different passion – just sit down, breathe and get in touch with what you truly want out of your life. Then figure out how your business will allow you to have that life you visualize. Don’t worry about what is “expected” from society. YOU are the only one who gets to live your life. Starting a business should never take away from the life you want, it should help make that life possible!
July 20, 2011
Interview with Sheri Carpenter!
What is your name? Sheri Carpenter
What is your company name, website, FB page name, twitter name and anything else you use?
Plexus Slim, http://whydrinkpink.com/, , http://twitter.com/SheriCarpenter, http://facebook.com/whydrinkpink
Are you a SAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!) I am a mom of all trades with a passion for helping others. I currently work part time outside the home while
Trying to build my business to provide a better life for my family. My husband is disabled and while fighting for his SSD I am the soul support of this family of 5.
We live in TN and I have 3 children and one step-daughter. I am an avid blogger and I love to meet new people and of course, my passion is and has always been helping others.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture? I have been in Direct Sales and marketing for 11 years. I am with 3 companies actually but wanted to focus
On Plexus because of the benefits of the product and the business. I started with the company after doing a product review for a friend of mine in May. After doing much research on
The product and the business and seeing how it helped me health wise in just those 9 days I used it for her review I knew I had to join this company. Not only because this could be the
Best company I have been with to make money with, but because all of our products are focused on helping people get healthy. And what really grabbed my attention is the products that are geared towards promoting breast health. I have never seen another company out there with products like these.
How did you go about seeking your information? I asked tons of questions to the girl I did the product review for and I also visited the website as there is tons of info on there as well as a very informative opportunity video.
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business? I have quite a few mentors. I have aligned myself with some of the best in the industry and I seek new info and things every single day. I have learned quite a bit over the past few years and I love helping others get started in their own businesses and to help them be successful with them as well. In today's economy more and more people are turning to the work at home industry as it secures your financial future. I really think that people have the complete wrong impression of direct sales and work at home people. They think we are all pushy and that if they start a business like ours they will need to push their friends and family into joining them or buying from them but that is completely not true. It is all about you and how you want to work your business. I could talk about this all day long lol.
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path? I was with many different companies that just didn't work. There were far to many reps and couldn't make any sales or build teams. I learned that I really needed to look for something that I could be passionate about that wasn't already "on every corner" like the dollar stores are lol.
Moments of brilliance? Well I don't consider myself brilliant at all but I would have to say some of the best things I have ever done was starting my website that is dedicated to helping people be successful at home.
Advice to others that are considering an online business? Do some research and find a rep that you would like to connect with. Find a product that fits into what people are looking for in today's market and one that you can be passionate about. Connect with a rep and align yourself with someone who will help you grow. And most of all find a business that can be worked both online and off, don't limit yourself.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work? Well since I work outside the home, work online and off with my businesses and I am a huge blogger too I make myself a schedule and I stick to it. I also have a strict policy that I am off the computer by 8 or 9 PM Every single night, plus I make time through out the day for my kids and family. Taking time out for your family is so very important and can really be hard to do sometimes, but if you run your business right and set boundries and stick to them then you can do it.
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share? My business is so wonderful because it helps people on all sides. We are helping to change peoples live's financially yes because our compensation plan offers 10 different ways to make money and we are only a year old and open world wide so theree is so much room to grow a business with us. But the main part is our products are ALL NATURAL and they are all geared to helping people get healthy. And they work, we get so many testimonies it is unreal and to hear how these products are changing peoples lives is just truly amazing.
***Please check out this link of Sheri's pics of how PLEXUS SLIM has helped her!!**AWESOME!!
http://www.onebusymoma.net/2011/07/this-has-really-changed-my-life.html
What else can you share with us? Just remember that even though it is a business you are starting you still have to work. Think about working a regular job, you wouldn't get a pay check if you didn't go to work right? If you are willing to work hard for the first few years, it will pay off for the rest of your life. There is no such thing as 'get rich quick' or "make thousands in 24 hours" Everything you do you will have to work at. Don't start a business with the idea that the person who helped you join will work your business for you. You must be willing to work at what you are doing. Treat your business just like it was a "building" that you opened. You would have to work to draw in customers and hire people to work for you. Direct sales and marketing is the same thing In a sense, the only difference is you are working for yourself. You will need to build a team or "downline" that will help you market which grows your business ( and theirs) and you will need to market on your own to bring in your personal customers. And last thing, don't ever be afraid to support another business person no matter what company they are with. This industry and the people in it have a strong bond with each other and the more support you give , the more support you get. If you are stuck in a "me tunnel" you will quickly fail in this industry. Find a business where your sponsor is willing to help you every step of the way and then duplicate what they do for you and you cant go wrong!
What is your company name, website, FB page name, twitter name and anything else you use?
Plexus Slim, http://whydrinkpink.com/, , http://twitter.com/SheriCarpenter, http://facebook.com/whydrinkpink
Are you a SAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!) I am a mom of all trades with a passion for helping others. I currently work part time outside the home while
Trying to build my business to provide a better life for my family. My husband is disabled and while fighting for his SSD I am the soul support of this family of 5.
We live in TN and I have 3 children and one step-daughter. I am an avid blogger and I love to meet new people and of course, my passion is and has always been helping others.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture? I have been in Direct Sales and marketing for 11 years. I am with 3 companies actually but wanted to focus
On Plexus because of the benefits of the product and the business. I started with the company after doing a product review for a friend of mine in May. After doing much research on
The product and the business and seeing how it helped me health wise in just those 9 days I used it for her review I knew I had to join this company. Not only because this could be the
Best company I have been with to make money with, but because all of our products are focused on helping people get healthy. And what really grabbed my attention is the products that are geared towards promoting breast health. I have never seen another company out there with products like these.
How did you go about seeking your information? I asked tons of questions to the girl I did the product review for and I also visited the website as there is tons of info on there as well as a very informative opportunity video.
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business? I have quite a few mentors. I have aligned myself with some of the best in the industry and I seek new info and things every single day. I have learned quite a bit over the past few years and I love helping others get started in their own businesses and to help them be successful with them as well. In today's economy more and more people are turning to the work at home industry as it secures your financial future. I really think that people have the complete wrong impression of direct sales and work at home people. They think we are all pushy and that if they start a business like ours they will need to push their friends and family into joining them or buying from them but that is completely not true. It is all about you and how you want to work your business. I could talk about this all day long lol.
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path? I was with many different companies that just didn't work. There were far to many reps and couldn't make any sales or build teams. I learned that I really needed to look for something that I could be passionate about that wasn't already "on every corner" like the dollar stores are lol.
Moments of brilliance? Well I don't consider myself brilliant at all but I would have to say some of the best things I have ever done was starting my website that is dedicated to helping people be successful at home.
Advice to others that are considering an online business? Do some research and find a rep that you would like to connect with. Find a product that fits into what people are looking for in today's market and one that you can be passionate about. Connect with a rep and align yourself with someone who will help you grow. And most of all find a business that can be worked both online and off, don't limit yourself.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work? Well since I work outside the home, work online and off with my businesses and I am a huge blogger too I make myself a schedule and I stick to it. I also have a strict policy that I am off the computer by 8 or 9 PM Every single night, plus I make time through out the day for my kids and family. Taking time out for your family is so very important and can really be hard to do sometimes, but if you run your business right and set boundries and stick to them then you can do it.
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share? My business is so wonderful because it helps people on all sides. We are helping to change peoples live's financially yes because our compensation plan offers 10 different ways to make money and we are only a year old and open world wide so theree is so much room to grow a business with us. But the main part is our products are ALL NATURAL and they are all geared to helping people get healthy. And they work, we get so many testimonies it is unreal and to hear how these products are changing peoples lives is just truly amazing.
***Please check out this link of Sheri's pics of how PLEXUS SLIM has helped her!!**AWESOME!!
http://www.onebusymoma.net/2011/07/this-has-really-changed-my-life.html
What else can you share with us? Just remember that even though it is a business you are starting you still have to work. Think about working a regular job, you wouldn't get a pay check if you didn't go to work right? If you are willing to work hard for the first few years, it will pay off for the rest of your life. There is no such thing as 'get rich quick' or "make thousands in 24 hours" Everything you do you will have to work at. Don't start a business with the idea that the person who helped you join will work your business for you. You must be willing to work at what you are doing. Treat your business just like it was a "building" that you opened. You would have to work to draw in customers and hire people to work for you. Direct sales and marketing is the same thing In a sense, the only difference is you are working for yourself. You will need to build a team or "downline" that will help you market which grows your business ( and theirs) and you will need to market on your own to bring in your personal customers. And last thing, don't ever be afraid to support another business person no matter what company they are with. This industry and the people in it have a strong bond with each other and the more support you give , the more support you get. If you are stuck in a "me tunnel" you will quickly fail in this industry. Find a business where your sponsor is willing to help you every step of the way and then duplicate what they do for you and you cant go wrong!
July 19, 2011
Interview Recaps!
I can't thank all my interviewees enough!! Taking the time to fill in the answers and sharing what you know and your stories is very inspiring!
Here's a brief recap of the websites
Dee Dee's Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/CouponTLCShy
Becky McNeer:
http://www.austin-davidson.com/
http://www.homesandbabies.blogspot.com/
www.facebook.com/AustinDavidsonInc
www.facebook.com/NotYourOrdinaryAgent
www.twitter.com/Austin_Davisdon
Laura Lomeli
http://www.mommasonline.com/
http://www.facebook.com/LauraLomeliOnline
http://www.lauralomeli.com/
Rebecca Rabson
http://www.smartseatdiningchaircovers.com/
http://www.facebook.com/seatcover
Kirsten Cisco
http://www.kirstiesbowtique.com/
http://www.twitter.com/kirsties_life
http://www.theemtmommy.com/
Lexie Lane
http://www.voiceboks.com/
Here's a brief recap of the websites
Dee Dee's Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/CouponTLCShy
Becky McNeer:
http://www.austin-davidson.com/
http://www.homesandbabies.blogspot.com/
www.facebook.com/AustinDavidsonInc
www.facebook.com/NotYourOrdinaryAgent
www.twitter.com/Austin_Davisdon
Laura Lomeli
http://www.mommasonline.com/
http://www.facebook.com/LauraLomeliOnline
http://www.lauralomeli.com/
Rebecca Rabson
http://www.smartseatdiningchaircovers.com/
http://www.facebook.com/seatcover
Kirsten Cisco
http://www.kirstiesbowtique.com/
http://www.twitter.com/kirsties_life
http://www.theemtmommy.com/
Lexie Lane
http://www.voiceboks.com/
July 15, 2011
Introducing LEXIE LANE - creator of VoiceBoks!
Am I a SAHM? - Yes, I definitely am. When I was single, I used to look down at mothers who stayed home and thought, "Wow, they must have it really good. I'm never going to be that way. I'm never going to depend on a man to take care of me." Low and behold, everyone who said I would not feel that way once I had my own family, was right.
Tell us about you (mini-bio!) - Ok, the fast, shortened version: I came to the U.S. to meet my biological parents when I was 6 years old. At age 18, I fought as a teenager with my parents for the last time, and then waited until they left to go to the store so that I can pack my things into my car and drive away.
I struggled to go to school and make rent, pay for my car, and live. So I quit school. I worked at a restaurant for 3 years, before I met someone who introduced me to someone else, who trained me to be his work slave. What I mean by this is that I worked for free for about a year so that I can learn everything I possibly could about the mortgage and real estate business. Actually, I take that back. I made about $300 a month.
A year later, I was hired by a Vietnamese lady who too advantage of me even worse than the first guy did. I worked for $1200 a month, but was in the office at least 11 to 12 hours per day. However, I made the most of it and learned even more tricks.
At age 22, I married a man who cheated on me and was convicted of raping an unconscious woman.
At age 24, I was divorced for the first time. However, I had a better job that paid me 4 times the amount I was getting paid by the Vietnamese lady.
At age 25, I got an even better job. Then went back to school.
At age 26, I got an even better job, working for an investor who gave me a sweet corporate experience. I had the opportunity to work at some of the best mortgage companies all over the U.S. Every Sunday morning, I flew off to a different state, where I would audit a company's files until Friday (or whenever the due date was). Friday evenings, I usually flew back home so that I could spend time with anyone who was in my life at all.
At age 28, I met the now "love of my life" through an unbelievable (yes, it really was) love story. And now I live happily ever after.
At age 31, I decided to stop work altogether in preparation for motherhood.
Now at age 32, I sit home and ponder on all the things I could possibly do to help someone else. So I continue with voiceBoks.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture? - I started a blog about pregnancy as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I wrote in it almost every day. I thought I would help the world out by talking about pregnancy. Little did I know that there are already millions of blogs out there with the same idea.
After I gave birth, I decided to do some jumping around on blogs and various other sites. After doing some major blog hopping, I started to notice patterns. There were some very interesting sites and blogs and some that were filled with junk. I also noticed the business with the "follow me and follow you" transactions.
Of course I signed up for the big community sites, which I was initially very excited about. These communities had thousands of followers with what seemed to be very friendly moms. Little did I know that they weren't that friendly at all and they just really wanted me to support their site(s).
That's when I decided, I was going to create a community where moms really connected and cared about each other's work and information. After all, isn't it a much better feeling when you know that your work isn't just being thrown out there for people to see, but really don't care about? I mean, when you write a post, do you wonder if the person who's read it actually care about it or are they just trying to gain another "follow" from you and not ever return once they do? Well, voiceBoks is my attempt to create a community where moms can connect and really engage in activities that help drive traffic to their site(s) without the mess.
Do you still keep up with your original blog? - I have not had any time to do so, but would really love some time because I quite miss it. It was very therapeutic for me to write down my thoughts. Actually, I think it helped me get through depression and post-partum. Now I just have to find time to squeeze that in with some exercise!
The name voiceBoks - where did it come from? - Well, to tell you honestly, I meant to start a different social network about 2 years ago. It was going to be something that involved messaging through voice. Didn't quite come to fruition. Since I already had the name and wanted something completely "out there," I thought, "why not?" It would stand out and people would definitely wonder what it is.
How did you go about seeking your information? - EXTREME blog hopping.
When you work on the website, is this all self taught or do you have someone that helps you with it? - I took Computer Science in college. However, I still ended up in the mortgage industry. After the crash, I decided to do something I really love, which is math, coding, computers, and websites. I do like to try to solve everything myself. However, sometimes I do run into issues that are out of my "scope of knowledge" and just can't afford to spend hours trying to figure something out that I know would take me ages to figure out. So from time to time, I would either ask for help or hire someone to do little jobs here and there.
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business? - no and yes
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path? - I was very trusting. Little did I know that even through the mommy world, there are a lot of shady and dishonest "parents" out there.
Moments of brilliance? - Progress and proven results through the site and through members' testimonies.
Advice to others that are considering an online business? - Yes, please make sure you download a copy of my online traffic manual once it comes out.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work? - It is VERY difficult. As my now 7 month old baby grows, so does his needs. I have no life, but am working as hard as I can now so that I can be there for him more when he is more aware of mommy's presence. For now, I work when he's napping, occupied with something, and throughout the night when he's asleep.
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share? - As I am in the process of letting out my secrets, I do not have anything extra to share at the moment.
You've made this amazing community for women (and a few men) to connect. Is the website heading in the direction that you envisioned or are you brainstorming more every day of ways to add on? - This website is nowhere near completion. Major changes are still in place. Yes, it's definitely heading in the direction that I envisioned. Actually, better than that. I know the importance of traffic and wish to be able to help as many moms as I could by driving them to their site(s). At the same time, I wish to be able to continue my relationship with all the wonderful women I've met through this site. I truly am amazed at how blessed I am with all the new friendships. I am from the bottom of my heart, so grateful to be a part of all of this. My goal is to make this site big enough in the next year so that we can all meet in person. Oh, I would love that so much! A voiceBoks conference would be fantastic!
A special THANK YOU to Lexie for taking the time to fill out the survey. If you like what you've read here and you're not part of this special community, go check out http://www.voiceboks.com/. You're going to like it there!
Tell us about you (mini-bio!) - Ok, the fast, shortened version: I came to the U.S. to meet my biological parents when I was 6 years old. At age 18, I fought as a teenager with my parents for the last time, and then waited until they left to go to the store so that I can pack my things into my car and drive away.
I struggled to go to school and make rent, pay for my car, and live. So I quit school. I worked at a restaurant for 3 years, before I met someone who introduced me to someone else, who trained me to be his work slave. What I mean by this is that I worked for free for about a year so that I can learn everything I possibly could about the mortgage and real estate business. Actually, I take that back. I made about $300 a month.
A year later, I was hired by a Vietnamese lady who too advantage of me even worse than the first guy did. I worked for $1200 a month, but was in the office at least 11 to 12 hours per day. However, I made the most of it and learned even more tricks.
At age 22, I married a man who cheated on me and was convicted of raping an unconscious woman.
At age 24, I was divorced for the first time. However, I had a better job that paid me 4 times the amount I was getting paid by the Vietnamese lady.
At age 25, I got an even better job. Then went back to school.
At age 26, I got an even better job, working for an investor who gave me a sweet corporate experience. I had the opportunity to work at some of the best mortgage companies all over the U.S. Every Sunday morning, I flew off to a different state, where I would audit a company's files until Friday (or whenever the due date was). Friday evenings, I usually flew back home so that I could spend time with anyone who was in my life at all.
At age 28, I met the now "love of my life" through an unbelievable (yes, it really was) love story. And now I live happily ever after.
At age 31, I decided to stop work altogether in preparation for motherhood.
Now at age 32, I sit home and ponder on all the things I could possibly do to help someone else. So I continue with voiceBoks.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture? - I started a blog about pregnancy as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I wrote in it almost every day. I thought I would help the world out by talking about pregnancy. Little did I know that there are already millions of blogs out there with the same idea.
After I gave birth, I decided to do some jumping around on blogs and various other sites. After doing some major blog hopping, I started to notice patterns. There were some very interesting sites and blogs and some that were filled with junk. I also noticed the business with the "follow me and follow you" transactions.
Of course I signed up for the big community sites, which I was initially very excited about. These communities had thousands of followers with what seemed to be very friendly moms. Little did I know that they weren't that friendly at all and they just really wanted me to support their site(s).
That's when I decided, I was going to create a community where moms really connected and cared about each other's work and information. After all, isn't it a much better feeling when you know that your work isn't just being thrown out there for people to see, but really don't care about? I mean, when you write a post, do you wonder if the person who's read it actually care about it or are they just trying to gain another "follow" from you and not ever return once they do? Well, voiceBoks is my attempt to create a community where moms can connect and really engage in activities that help drive traffic to their site(s) without the mess.
Do you still keep up with your original blog? - I have not had any time to do so, but would really love some time because I quite miss it. It was very therapeutic for me to write down my thoughts. Actually, I think it helped me get through depression and post-partum. Now I just have to find time to squeeze that in with some exercise!
The name voiceBoks - where did it come from? - Well, to tell you honestly, I meant to start a different social network about 2 years ago. It was going to be something that involved messaging through voice. Didn't quite come to fruition. Since I already had the name and wanted something completely "out there," I thought, "why not?" It would stand out and people would definitely wonder what it is.
How did you go about seeking your information? - EXTREME blog hopping.
When you work on the website, is this all self taught or do you have someone that helps you with it? - I took Computer Science in college. However, I still ended up in the mortgage industry. After the crash, I decided to do something I really love, which is math, coding, computers, and websites. I do like to try to solve everything myself. However, sometimes I do run into issues that are out of my "scope of knowledge" and just can't afford to spend hours trying to figure something out that I know would take me ages to figure out. So from time to time, I would either ask for help or hire someone to do little jobs here and there.
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business? - no and yes
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path? - I was very trusting. Little did I know that even through the mommy world, there are a lot of shady and dishonest "parents" out there.
Moments of brilliance? - Progress and proven results through the site and through members' testimonies.
Advice to others that are considering an online business? - Yes, please make sure you download a copy of my online traffic manual once it comes out.
How do you balance mommyhood and online work? - It is VERY difficult. As my now 7 month old baby grows, so does his needs. I have no life, but am working as hard as I can now so that I can be there for him more when he is more aware of mommy's presence. For now, I work when he's napping, occupied with something, and throughout the night when he's asleep.
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share? - As I am in the process of letting out my secrets, I do not have anything extra to share at the moment.
You've made this amazing community for women (and a few men) to connect. Is the website heading in the direction that you envisioned or are you brainstorming more every day of ways to add on? - This website is nowhere near completion. Major changes are still in place. Yes, it's definitely heading in the direction that I envisioned. Actually, better than that. I know the importance of traffic and wish to be able to help as many moms as I could by driving them to their site(s). At the same time, I wish to be able to continue my relationship with all the wonderful women I've met through this site. I truly am amazed at how blessed I am with all the new friendships. I am from the bottom of my heart, so grateful to be a part of all of this. My goal is to make this site big enough in the next year so that we can all meet in person. Oh, I would love that so much! A voiceBoks conference would be fantastic!
A special THANK YOU to Lexie for taking the time to fill out the survey. If you like what you've read here and you're not part of this special community, go check out http://www.voiceboks.com/. You're going to like it there!
July 13, 2011
Interview with Kirsten Cisco of Kirstie's Bowtique!
What is your name? Kirsten Cisco
What is your company name, website, FB page name, twitter name and anything else you use?Kirsties Bowtique - http://www.kirstiesbowtique.com/ ~ Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/Kirsties_life ~
Kirsties Bowtique Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirsties-Bowtique/212110875471242
I also blog at The EMT Mommy - http://www.theemtmommy.com/
Are you a SAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!)
I am not a full time SAHM! I work two day's a week as a Unit Secretary and I also volunteer as an EMT for my local ambulance corp. I have three children ages 17, 12 and 10. I live on Long Island and my hear belongs to my best friend who I meet on the ambulance. (He is a Paramedic ) I am in school to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. My hobby and small business is creating hair bows & other hair accessories.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture?
A few years ago I started collecting ribbon. I had never ending bins of ribbon. I would use it for my youngest daughter's hair. Just the basic .. I would tie it to her pony tails or pig tails just like my mom did to my hair when I was young. Then I started buying these hair bows from the store and pull them apart to see how they were made. I then soon started trying to make my own. I also would look up how to make certain bows, learn the names and started buying more and more ribbon as well as other materials to make all sorts of different ribbon. People would comment on my youngest daughter's hair and would ask where I bought the bows. Then I decided he why not start to sell them... and from there this is how I started my own hair bow business.
How did you go about seeking your information?I would research a lot. Google is my best friend ! As well as Social networks. My Favorite would be Voiceboks.Com (and no she did not pay me to say it ..lol )
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business?
Yes I do have one.. she is a new mentor but she is differently someone I plan to "lean" on to help me get through all this. As far as ME wanting to be one for someone, Not sure to be honest with you. Not that I do not want to help others.. I love helping though I am still trying my self to get my business off the ground and learn the ins and outs I would hate to lead someone else in the wrong direction.
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path?PLENTY! Trial and Error is the key! I look at my hair bows I made years ago or even 9 months ago, and I look at my styles now ..and they are so much different, some of them I would even turn to my self and say "What the heck is this?" .. lol
Moments of brilliance?
OH Moments of Brilliance .. when I take apart those cheap hair bows that I find at stores and then create my own with a unique twist to it !
Advice to others that are considering an online business?
Keep working hard at it, business do not happen over night,
I was also told once that most online business take a few years before they start making money!
How do you balance mommyhood and online work?
I try! It's not always easy but I do my best. My kids are older and kind of do their own thing most of the time. Though most of my online work is late at night when they are sleeping.
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share?I am working on thinking "Out side the ribbon" ( name given by my mentor )
What else can you share with us? All my work is more or less custom made. I may not have every color in stock of hair accessories already made. Though if you contact me in regards to a certain design but different color's I would be more then happy to create it for you. Most my orders are custom made to the customers taste.
Kirsten
http://kirstiesbowtique.com/
*Custom Hair Bows, Clips and other unique accessories
**Pet Bows Coming Soon **
http://theemtmommy.blogspot.com/
Read about an EMT who is also a mommy of three .. her crazy life,
what she goes through and how she handles life in general!
What is your company name, website, FB page name, twitter name and anything else you use?Kirsties Bowtique - http://www.kirstiesbowtique.com/ ~ Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/Kirsties_life ~
Kirsties Bowtique Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirsties-Bowtique/212110875471242
I also blog at The EMT Mommy - http://www.theemtmommy.com/
Are you a SAHM? Tell us about you (mini-bio!)
I am not a full time SAHM! I work two day's a week as a Unit Secretary and I also volunteer as an EMT for my local ambulance corp. I have three children ages 17, 12 and 10. I live on Long Island and my hear belongs to my best friend who I meet on the ambulance. (He is a Paramedic ) I am in school to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. My hobby and small business is creating hair bows & other hair accessories.
How did you find yourself getting started with your business/venture?
A few years ago I started collecting ribbon. I had never ending bins of ribbon. I would use it for my youngest daughter's hair. Just the basic .. I would tie it to her pony tails or pig tails just like my mom did to my hair when I was young. Then I started buying these hair bows from the store and pull them apart to see how they were made. I then soon started trying to make my own. I also would look up how to make certain bows, learn the names and started buying more and more ribbon as well as other materials to make all sorts of different ribbon. People would comment on my youngest daughter's hair and would ask where I bought the bows. Then I decided he why not start to sell them... and from there this is how I started my own hair bow business.
How did you go about seeking your information?I would research a lot. Google is my best friend ! As well as Social networks. My Favorite would be Voiceboks.Com (and no she did not pay me to say it ..lol )
Do you have a mentor? Would you consider mentoring someone who wanted to start a similar business?
Yes I do have one.. she is a new mentor but she is differently someone I plan to "lean" on to help me get through all this. As far as ME wanting to be one for someone, Not sure to be honest with you. Not that I do not want to help others.. I love helping though I am still trying my self to get my business off the ground and learn the ins and outs I would hate to lead someone else in the wrong direction.
What mistakes did you endure to figure out the right path?PLENTY! Trial and Error is the key! I look at my hair bows I made years ago or even 9 months ago, and I look at my styles now ..and they are so much different, some of them I would even turn to my self and say "What the heck is this?" .. lol
Moments of brilliance?
OH Moments of Brilliance .. when I take apart those cheap hair bows that I find at stores and then create my own with a unique twist to it !
Advice to others that are considering an online business?
Keep working hard at it, business do not happen over night,
I was also told once that most online business take a few years before they start making money!
How do you balance mommyhood and online work?
I try! It's not always easy but I do my best. My kids are older and kind of do their own thing most of the time. Though most of my online work is late at night when they are sleeping.
Are there any aspects of your business that aren’t covered here that you want to share?I am working on thinking "Out side the ribbon" ( name given by my mentor )
What else can you share with us? All my work is more or less custom made. I may not have every color in stock of hair accessories already made. Though if you contact me in regards to a certain design but different color's I would be more then happy to create it for you. Most my orders are custom made to the customers taste.
Kirsten
http://kirstiesbowtique.com/
*Custom Hair Bows, Clips and other unique accessories
**Pet Bows Coming Soon **
http://theemtmommy.blogspot.com/
Read about an EMT who is also a mommy of three .. her crazy life,
what she goes through and how she handles life in general!
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