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THEMompreneurCANADA’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN®JUNE 2008GOING GREENOUR ANNUAL ECO-ISSUE2NDND ANNIVERSARYWHERE ARE THEY NOW?Q&AsWITHMAMA GODDESS BIRTH SHOPMOUNTAIN VIEW ACADEMYECHOES IN THE ATTICFATHER’S DAYJOINING THE TEAM$5.95

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MompreneurJUNE 2008THE®4 PUBLISHERʼS MESSAGE5 READER FEEDBACK7 GOING GREENEco-Friendly Companies2nd AnniversaryIssue!12 Q&A With Mama Goddess Birth Shop17 FASHION18 READ ABOUT SEXThe Fine Art Of Flirting21 CHOICESThe Diaper Debate24 VISIONFocus On GettingWhat You Want27 ATTITUDEAccessories For Life28 HOME SPACEÜber-Sex Your Bedroom!30 ONLINE MARKETING5 Ways To Reign In Cyberspace35 CHILDCARELooking For Mary Poppins36 JOINING THE TEAMIn Honour Of Fatherʼs Day40 LUNAGALSMadeleine Shaw & Suzanne Siemens46 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?62 FITNESSGoing Green With Your Fitness Routine66 HUMAN RESOURCESEssential HR Functions52 PARENTING POWERThe New Bed54 SUCCESSPlanning For Success57 LIFESTYLE3 Self-Nurturing Reasons To Start A Hobby68 INSPIRED MEALS70 Q&A With Echoes In The Attic73 TRAVEL WITH KIDSRiding The Rails74 BUSINESS DIRECTORY58 Q&A With Mountain View Academy78 SALES TALKThe Dangerous Sales Mistake

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGEby Kathryn BechtholdHappy Anniversary!So, we made have it to our 2nd Year Anniversary.Many magazines these days don’t make it sixmonths.Of all our issues, this publisher’s message is thehardest to write.I want to say, “We have made it. It is now easy.I can now sit back, relax and watch the money roll in,parent to perfection, fulfill my expectations of a goodwife, have a nutritious supper ready and on the tableat 5:30, all while having abs of steel and an ass likean apricot.”Unfortunately, I can’t say that. I don’t thinkanyone can – and it makes me suspicious if they do.But anyone with abs of steel makes me suspicious,let alone someone who fulfills the expectations of a“good wife.”But it has not all been for naught – it’s beeneducational. This is what I have learned:1. Get paid in advance.2. What you can measure, you can manage(not my line, but I wish it was).4. Surround yourself with people who make youlaugh like a crazy banshee. (Speaking of which, I’dlike to welcome my husband Derek to the team.)5. It always works out in the end.6. Working from home in your jammies beatsworking in some other person’s office every single time.7. And always “take the cannolli, leave the gun.”Just kidding…Yours in exhaustion,3. Always assess what your ROI (return oninvestment) is before committing to any new project.4The Mompreneur • June 2008

PublisherKathryn BechtholdReader FeedbackDirector ofStrategic PartnershipsDerek BechtholdAdvertising Sales:Martin SetoWe welcome your feedback – both raves and rants.Send us your feedback at our website at www.themompreneur.com.Iwas reading the Ottawa Sun today andsaw the article about mompreneursand I wanted to contact yourmagazine because I'm a “dadpreneur!”Is it possible for me to subscribe orbe part of your community?I've been a stay-at-home dad for six yearsnow. After the first year, I started mybusiness – Memories2dvd (transferringvideos, VHS, camcorder tapes, photos,slideshows, negatives and slides to DVD).I may be a male, but I am a 'mompreneur'in every sense – I volunteer at my son'sschool, I take my youngest to readinggroups and swim classes. i cook, I cleanand I run my business from my homeoffice. It's tough to balance it all, but itcan be done. It's neat being with themoms dropping the kids off at schoolevery day because I bring a unique maleperspective.It's turned out fantastic too because mywife stayed at home for six months whenour oldest was born, then we had a fullsix months together at home when ouryoungest was born. It's a great teamsetting as we both understand eachother's roles because we've both beenat home alone and at work. It's notalways easy but with planning, it works.I've been looking for a group such as thisfor some time. From what I can see,there aren’t enough stay-at-home dads,let alone enough of us running businessesfor me to start a group of our own.Cheers,BrianAfter recently reading my secondissue of The Mompreneur®, I musttell you that I loved every bit of it.I found it truly inspiring and loved thefact that it had so much useful content.I am a stay-at-home mother of twoamazing little girls and will be re-enteringthe workforce within the next couple ofmonths. I have enjoyed the last fouryears at home raising my children. Thedecision to go back to work has beenboth scary and exciting. However, Iknow that it is the right thing for meto do.I am a thriving member of a largenetwork of forward thinking mothersNova Scotia. I feel strongly that manymoms who are either entrepreneursor not completely satisified with theircurrent situations could benefit from thesuccess stories that are provided in TheMompreneur®.I truly believe that the most importantthing in becoming the best mom you canis making sure that you yourself arehappy and fulfilled.Warmest Regards,Gail Toner-SartyGreat magazine! Everyone I showit to is really impressed. Need toget myself a subscription next.Karen Kerk CourtneyBare Organics Inc.Visit our website at www.themompreneur.comEditing and Graphic Design:Karen CottinghamPhotography:Stephanie Cragg PhotographyPrinter:TranscontinentalContributing Writers:Dr. Trina Read, Wendy Weymann,Julia Freedman Smith, Gail Bell,Maureen Tazzioli, Cindy Stephen,Deb Crocker Singh, Michelle Collie,Lisa Martin, Michelle Thoms,Kim Duke, Teresia LaRocque,Julie Riach, Janice Clements,Angela Del Corpo© 2007 The Mompreneur NetworkingGroup Inc. assumes all articles publishedhere are original and are the propertyof the submitting firms.The Mompreneur ® is producedand printed in Canada.It is published 11 times a year byThe Mompreneur ® NetworkingGroup Inc., Suite 3041,614 - 33 Heritage Meadows Way SE,Calgary, AB T2H 3B8(403) 201-3327themompreneur@shaw.cawww.themompreneur.comArticle contributions are encouraged.Contact Kathryn Bechthold at the abovephone number or e-mail address.Yearly Subscription: $25.00(11 issues)Publications Mail Agreement#41513528The Mompreneur • June 20085

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GOING GREENThe Mompreneur asked our online visitorsthe following questions:• How are you making your businessmore eco-friendly?• What steps are you taking and whathas the journey been like?• Please tell us what you are doing tomake this world a better place for ourchildren, and our children's children.We received so many wonderful answers that we had to edit themto use excerpts only. Thank you all so much for your stories andfor your commitment to the environment.Bare Organics was started to fill a need for trulysafe and natural personal care products. We felt“natural” just wasn’t enough because of the heavyuse of pesticides and other toxic chemicals used in thegrowing and processing of plant and vegetable products.That’s why we chose to use only certified organic rawmaterials.We care about the products we use on ourselvesand our children, but we also care about the people whowork in the fields growing our plants, vegetables, cotton,etc., and those who process it. Did you know that indeveloping countries, 20,000 farmers are poisonedevery year from the pesticides they need to use to growconventional cotton? Going organic is the healthiestchoice for all of us. We’re so serious about beingeco-friendly that we’re in the early stages of gettingour products certified organic.But it’s not just up to manufacturers like us – it’smostly up to consumers. Consumers drive the need forgreener products and services. Every time you purchasesomething made of conventional cotton, you support theuse of pesticides and risk the health of thousands offarmers. By choosing organic cotton, you help supportsustainable agriculture and reduce the health risks tothose farmers.The average woman uses 12 personal care productsper day. By doing so, she’s exposing herself to more than200 unique (often synthetic) chemical ingredients. Wefeel it’s unnecessary and wasteful. We only manufactureproducts that we feel are necessary. That’s why we don’tmake deodorant, toothpaste, hair conditioner, etc. Weonly make the “bare essentials.” We think you can stillbe clean and smell good with two to four products perday. And even less for children and babies.Bare Organics is doing our part to reduce ourecological footprint. We’re educating consumers, we’remanufacturing truly organic products (which reducespesticide use) and we’re showing people how to use lessoverall. Imagine the impact on our planet if every personreduced their personal care consumption by 75%! That’sour goal.Karen Kerk Courtney, Bare Organicswww.bareorganics.caAfter suffering from severe headaches, I realizedthat the trigger for them was my favouriteperfume. Although the scent was soft, with a bitof research I realized there were severely detrimentalsynthetic chemical additives. This was the case with allthe perfumes I looked into on the shelf. This knowledgelead to understanding the synthetic make-up of themajority of our body products – everything fromcosmetics and shampoo to body creams. Some of theseproducts were even claiming natural or organic. Theproducts with these harmful synthetic additives are notonly hurting our own bodies but, when our skin comes incontact with our partners, children and grandchildren, italso has an impact on their health. The toxins are takeninto the body and what is not, is then washed back intoour water table.Scent still being important to me, I started to wearessential oils. I could wear these without any negativereactions. I wanted an essential oil blend in a solid basecontinued on next pageThe Mompreneur • June 20087

All of our lines are either fair trade or ethicallymanufactured and we aim to carry as many organic,made-in-Canada products as we can find.for better application and mobility with absolutely nosynthetic additives but I couldn’t find what I wanted inthe marketplace. I decided to make my own blends andfound that beeswax was a perfect base. The essentialoils and beeswax act as their own anti-bacterial andpreserving agents. I do not need to add any syntheticchemical additives and my scent has a conventional shelflife as any other perfume off the shelf.Through my company, Bee 23, I now market theseblends as a perfume alternative in three delicious scents,Yummy, Blossom and Stung. In packaging my product,I try to use only recycable or re-useable materials. I’vekept it simple but trendy. The insert on the back of theproduct has bits of information to start plugging the ideaof sustainability and the importance of our bee colonies.My product has given me a creative outlet and a voice inthe marketplace.Michelle Rutledge, Queen Bee of Bee 23www.feelthebee.comWe are a Toronto couple with two boys under agethree and we are trying to reduce our footprinton the earth and lead a more sustainablelifestyle. Our online boutique, Kai Kids, specializes ineco-friendly clothing and accessories for babies, toddlers,new moms and moms-to-be.From stainless steel sippy cups to soy onesies, frombamboo baby blankets to BPA-free baby bottles, we’vegot everything parents need to raise baby green, and afew treats for mamas too! We carry sexy maternity andnursing wear made from non-toxic soy fibre and lyocell –healthy and funky designs you won’t find anywhere elsein Canada.All of our lines are either fair trade or ethicallymanufactured and we aim to carry as many organic,made-in-Canada products as we can find. We named ourstore after our first son Kai, now 3, who inspired us tochange our lifestyle and eventually get into business toprovide affordable, non-toxic clothing and baby productsto Canadian families. We aim to help families dress theirchildren in cute, comfortable clothes made fromtoxin-free fabrics using low-impact dies and the softestnatural fibres including organic cotton, soy and bamboo.As parents, we’ve tried our lines on our own children andbelieve the natural products that we sell are better forthe health of children and the health of the planet inwhich they will grow.We also try to practice business as sustainably andresponsibly as we can: amongst many other initiatives,we print our business cards on 100% post-consumerwaste recycled paper stock, and have decided to foregopretty customized packaging in favour of reusing all ofthe envelopes and cartons that come into our home whenwe ship to our customers.We recently joined onepercentfortheplanet.org,and through them, will be donating a percentage of ourannual revenues to EverGreen and Earth Rangers, twoCanadian non-profits that we admire. We are alsomembers of Green Enterprise Toronto.Nancy DeHart, Kai Kidswww.kaikids.comIam a small business owner who promoteseco-friendly items in my store and web-based retailcompany. We made the decision to cloth diaper ourson, make his baby food and diaper wipes, and slowlyconvert our home to be more eco-friendly with suchthings as biodegradable cleaning supplies, an insulatedwater heater and a larger garden. We’re also taking acomposting class in May and we choose to buy gifts likefamily memberships to the zoo instead of giant toys forour child. We use public transportation and bike or walkto dinner and the movies as much as possible.I became so passionate about the environment, Ileft my day job to start my own business promotingeco-friendly parenting. So Modern Mommy Gear bringsthose great finds together in one place, making it easierthan ever to discover eco-friendly products.Robin Morris, Modern Mommy Gearwww.modernmommygear.comOur company manufactures stylish active wearthat facilitates breastfeeding. I have veryconsciously chosen fabrics that are eco-friendly.My micro-fleece is made of at least 30% recycled materialand the polyester for my basic nursing tee (and tank topcoming in June) is made with the addition of Chitosan,which is made from crab and/or shrimp shells. It is afabric that is certified by the US EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA). I have taken the time tosource out textiles companies that can offer me recycledand environmentally responsible fabrics.I use linen paper, hemp cord and reusable safetypins for my hang tags. Waste is kept to a minimum inmy office as I only print what is absolutely necessaryand recycle all other documents. And as an eco-friendlyfamily, we use cloth diapers on our son.Catherine Decelles, Mountain Blue Eyeswww.mountainblueeyes.com8The Mompreneur • June 2008

As parents, we’ve tried our lines on our own childrenand believe the natural products that we sell arebetter for the health of children and the healthof the planet in which they will grow.Owned by three moms, Primal Roar Inc. iscommitted to making this a better world for ourchildren. In fact, it is what inspired us to createour company in the first place. We believe that massproduction is destructive to the environment and harmspeople. We do not mass produce. All of our products arehandmade. Our fall line will include home decor andfashion accessories made from reclaimed fur andleather. Our company is always researching productsthat are eco-friendlySuzanne Cass, Primal Roar Inc.www.primalroar.caMy company, Bamboobino, makes baby wearand accessories from soft, eco-friendly bamboofabric. Bamboo is a renewable resource.Sharon Chai, Bamboobinowww.bamboobino.comWe have taken our concerns about the toxins ineveryday products – both for their impact onour health and the environment – and startedpublishing a monthly e-bulletin. My own experiencewith breast cancer last year opened my eyes to theimpact of the various endocrine disrupter chemicals inthe cosmetic, personal care and household products Iused everyday. This awareness started a process thathas resulted in Pure Know How. We also have anextensive website with resources, product reviews, ablog and archives. Our fresh and friendly approach tothis important issue has been resonating with oursubscribers – as indicated by the number of people whohave signed up to receive the e-bulletin, guest speakingappearances and the overall feedback we’ve received.Patti Murphy & Tamey McIntosh, Pure Know Howwww.pureknowhow.comOur new store in Westhills Shopping Centre inCalgary is being built with eco-agenda from theground up: wind power, recycled fibres in thecarpets, reclaimed wood products. And we are donatingthe demonstration materials (tiles, mirrors, doors,etc.) to Habitat for Humanity so they can be re-usedwhile benefiting those in need.Leah Chevallier, bo bebewww.bobebe.comWhen my husband Yves and I started SYKATextiles, we were the first wholesaler inCanada to focus exclusively on eco-fabricswhen most designers had not yet heard of them. Overtime, we have become known for the quality andfashion-forwardness of our fabrics.We developed the first-ever brand of eco-consciousfabrics, Eco-Lux, and we currently supply it to clothingdesigners in North America and overseas. Eco-Lux hasbeen featured in New York Fashion Week (January2008) as well as L’Oreal Fashion Week in Toronto.We contributed to Earth Pledge’s New York recentlypublished book, Future Fashion White Pages (proceedsgo towards Earth Pledge).Susan Gagnon, Syka Textileswww.syka.caWhile on maternity leave, my sister and I havetaken on a new challenge of designing andmanufacturing high-end, fashionable, reusablegrocery bags called Gourmet Market Totes. Our bags arehandmade in Canada with 100% cotton.Laura Thornton, T Bag & Companywww.tbagcompany.comBe empowered …Don’t miss a single issue of The Mompreneur® magazine.Have it delivered to your mailbox for only $25.00 per year.Subscribe on-line at www.themompreneur.com… where two passions meetThe Mompreneur • June 20089

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Book ReviewGorgeously Green8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly LifeIf you are confused by all the advice you hear andsee daily on how to “go green,” don’t stress – theauthor of this book, Sophie Uliano, has sortedthrough all the eco-info out there and put everythingyou need to know about living a green lifestyle right atyour fingertips.There is an eight-step program that offers you aneasy and fun way to begin living an earth-friendly life.Whether it’s finding the right lipstick, making dinner,buying gifts or picking out a hot new outfit, this booktackles your daily eco-challenges with a take-chargeplan. You can find out how to:• green your entire beauty regime• detoxify your home• indulge in guilt-free shopping• adopt a home fitness routine• prepare eco-licious treats• give your kitchen a green makeover• become more aware of your impact on the earthGorgeously Green is a treasure trove of practicaladvice for every possible way to become stylishly green.Adopting a green lifestyle is among the mostpositive, forward-thinking and personally fulfillingchoices that anyone can make – and it doesn’t have tobe tedious, time-consuming or glamour-less! MPwww.gorgeouslygreen.comOnline StoreShop for baby from home!www.tinygem.ca403-640-0865or toll free:1-888-640-4GEM (4436)Popular products include:• Cloth Diapers• Potty Training Supplies• Hooded Bath Towels• Juice Box Buddies• Eurobath Baby Bathtubs• Sleep Huggers BabySleeping BagsDelivery in Calgary • Gift Certificates • Gift Wrapping Available • Worldwide Shipping • Mom-OwnedVisit our website at www.themompreneur.comThe Mompreneur • June 200811

Q&Awith The Mompreneur®Photos by Jaime Kowlan Photography.12 The Mompreneur • June 2008

The businessof birthingNikiah Seeds is the mother of two children and theowner of Mama Goddess Birth Shop, a proudlyCanadian, eco-friendly online store that is a highquality source of home and hospital birth supplies,water birth pools, organic baby products, organicherbal teas, breastfeeding supplies, midwiferysupplies and much more.How did you get started in your business?Before opening my “cyber-doors” to MamaGoddess in 2005, I worked in Lower MainlandVancouver for many years as a Birth Doula(CD DONA), Childbirth Educator, HolisticNutritionist, Certified Birthing From Withinmentor, Herbalist and Maternity Reflexologist.It was very fulfilling for me to combine all of theseskills together, specializing in working with womenduring their childbearing year, and it was alsoincredibly busy.The vision for Mama Goddess grew out of thesemany passions. First and foremost there was myinterest and love for working with women in theirchildbearing years, as well as my husband’s andmy desire to birth our own children at home withmidwives in attendance. We were also dedicatedto making a difference to our planet for ourchildren and future grandchildren. I also wantedto see a Canadian place for parents-to-be, birthingprofessionals and folks who care about the earth tocome and be taken care of.When I had my first baby, I ran all over towntrying to buy my birthing supplies for my plannedhome birth – it was a real pain! Then I did it againfour years later when I started teaching prenatalclasses. Unable to find many of the supplies I neededin Canada, I spent a lot of time and money shippingthings from the U.S.It was then that I first thought about having abusiness of my own – something that would fill thesupply gap I was experiencing in Canada.At the time, no one was offering home birthsupply kits or even comfort items needed for mothersbirthing in the hospital, and there was only onesmall company that sold teaching supplies. Needlessto say they saw a lot of me!Mama Goddess has grown more then I evercould have imagined when I first started out with asmall idea and a need in my community.Much like the work I was doing in my prenatalclasses, I wanted to create a place online that feltsafe and that was as informative as it was fun to beat. This meant that Mama Goddess Birth Shop hadto become not just a place to find natural, organicand really unique items, but also a place that womencould feel the community presence.continued on next pageMama Goddess has grown more then I evercould have imagined when I first started out witha small idea and a need in my community.Visit our website at www.themompreneur.comThe Mompreneur • June 200813

Our website has been a place for hundredsof people around the globe to find articlesfor just about everything to do with pregnancy,natural parenting and more.Once we began working on it, I found out thatit was easy to locate local artists and companiesthat shared the same vision for fairly traded andorganic products, as well as sweat shop-freeclothing.Creating a line of herbal teas for thechildbearing years also tied into our vision oforganic and holistic products for women andallowed me to finally create the teas I myself havebeen drinking and suggesting to my clients foryears.The next step in building community was tocreate our “find a doula” directory for womenlooking for this service. As a former doula myself,I remember trying to get the word out there aboutmy business and looking for places that would listmy information. I felt strongly that I wanted to havea free directory for the doula community and a placefor mothers to find them. We now have doulas fromall over Canada (and few from the United States)listed at Mama Goddess.With these key things set in place, we beganto look for a way to expand so we could offer moreinformation as a way of giving back. As a result,Mama Goddess paired up with Mother and ChildHealth in 2006. Our website has been a place forhundreds of people around the globe to find articlesfor just about everything to do with pregnancy,natural parenting and more. This partnership allowsMama Goddess Birth Shop to further become acommunity for our customers, most of whom arewomen who are pregnant or have friends who arepregnant, as well as midwives and doulas.Earlier this year we expanded to launch MamaGoddess Midwifery Shop and have moved all of themidwife-based supplies over to that sister-site tobetter support Canadian midwives. This makes ahuge difference to midwives who have been goingto the U.S. for all of their needs and paying duty,dealing with limited warranties, etc.Our midwifery shop does not carry anydiagnostic or tool that is not approved by HealthCanada and covered by a full warranty. I do a lot oflegwork for midwives, looking for the right tools atthe right prices for their budget.What sort of business challenges have youfaced?The most imporant challenge I have faced hasbeen learning how to grow my business while stillbeing an involved parent. I want to make sure thatas I do grow, I am giving my all and putting my bestfoot forward all the time. This can be tiring when Iwant and need to put that same best foot forward formy children as well.Can you give us an idea of how viable yourbusiness has been?When recently comparing year end financials,I realized that I had a 100% growth rate from lastyear to this one, which was very exciting! However,when I broke those numbers down and really lookedat them, I realized I needed more systems in placeso I could answer those hard questions, such as“Where did it all go?” and “How was I going to takemy business to the next step?”What makes your company environmentallyfriendly?We have always been a fairly eco-friendlycompany. However, lately we have been reallylooking into how we can do more as a small business.Here are some of the ways we help the environment:We are committed to using 100% recycled andorganic products wherever possible. What thismeans is that we re-use every box that brings ourproducts in through our doors, sending them backout again to our customers.All of the herbs we put into our teas and 100%USDA certified Organic and have the Fair Tradestamp on them.We shred all of the already recycled paper thatis used in our office to reduce waste and recycle itagain.All of the bottles we use to package ouraromatherapy line are made from recycled plastic,so you can pop them into your recycling bin oncethey are empty.Working from home also allows me the abilityto lift my carbon footprint off of the planet just thatlittle bit more. There is no fuel involved (unless youcount coffee) as I walk up the stairs to the officeevery morning.It is our mission to carry as many locally madeproducts as possible and to make sure that theproducts we do bring in from other parts of Canadaand the U.S. fit our policy of being sweat shop-freeand as organic as possible. This means less fuelneeded to get products from there to here. Some ofour suppliers even deliver on bikes!14The Mompreneur • June 2008

The creation of our Eco-policy really helped, as it made usreally take a look at all we do and where we could do more.What are your future plans and goals for your business?Mama Goddess is looking into expanding our line ofherbal teas and aromatherapy and seeing what a largerproduction of these products looks like, as well as expandinga possible wholesale division.Longer term goals include moving out of our home studiointo a larger space and hiring an employee to help with themidwifery division.I am travelling to Ontario this summer to meet with a fewmidwifery clinics there. This is really exciting because I live onthe other side of the country and do not often get one-on-onetime with midwives from other provinces. It’s important to methat folks can actually get me on the phone and meet me inperson as much as possible.A big part of my long term goal is to keep this value inplace as I grow my business.On a more global level, I am excited to launch a newdevelopment. For the past two years, Mama Goddess has beendonating midwifery supplies all over the world to such placesas the Philippines, Thailand and Uganda.Recently I joined the board of directors of ShantiUganda, a non-profit society based in Vancouver and Uganda,that is dedicated to helping women and children and theircommunities. I am one of the coordinators of their CooperativeBirth Program and will be overseeing an exciting new piecewithin the project – setting up birth kits that can be bought atthe wholesale price here and sent to Uganda to provide safe,healthy supplies for birthing mothers there. I am able to dothis because of having access through Mama Goddess to all ofthe birthing supplies needed at wholesale prices, and I amthrilled to be able to translate business into giving!The website is still in the process of being updated but,to read more about Shanti and their programs, you can visitwww.shantiuganda.org.For more information about Mama Goddess Birth Shop, visitwww.mamagoddessbirthshop.com. MPIt is our mission to carry as many locallymade products as possible and to makesure that the products we do bring infrom other parts of Canada and the U.S.fit our policy of being sweat shop-freeand as organic as possible.The Mompreneur • June 200815

The online style site for moms!What to wearand where tofind it!www.mommyweardaily.com

FASHIONElroy Apparel is much more than just another clothing line.The company was developed as a stand against impendingenvironmental destruction. By providing socially responsible,health conscious women with fashion forward, eco-friendlyclothing we have created an alternative. A beautiful garment withan even more beautiful story behind it.Everyone should feel good about the clothes on their back.By wearing Elroy Apparel, you will feel good knowing that you aretaking steps towards a healthier, more sustainable life. Save the air.Save the drinking water. Save your health. Save the planet.www.elroyapparel.comThe Mompreneur • June 200817

READ ABOUT SEXby Dr. Trina ReadThe Fine Art OfFlirting“It is easier to keep half a dozen loversguessing than to keep one lover after hehas stopped guessing.” – Helen RowlandWhatever happened to the fine art of flirting?To flirt with someone is simply to make themfeel beautiful. Natural and unconscious flirts doit equally with men and women. They smile, make eyecontact, unabashedly laugh at jokes and appropriatelytouch. How in heaven’s name could that be construed asanything but wonderful?Yet a small (albeit powerful) group of uptight,politically-correct people have knocked the little bitof fun we had left out of us. They’re the grincheswho stole flirting.I was at a corporate function having a wonderfultime. As I came off the dance floor, arm-and-arm with afellow (while wiping the sweat off my brow because Ihad been dancing non-stop with a few different guys),a co-worker approached me and said, “You’re acting likea slut.”I stood there stunned, watching her skulk backto her corner to resume her solitary mope.Her flirting value-judgment slapped the smile cleanoff my face. And I suppose her jealous words would havestopped most people from ever having that kind of flirtyfun again.With all the sexual harassment suits of yonderyears, hyper-vigilant managers are on constant guard tosnuff out any lawsuit before it happens. Consequently,we now live in sterile offices where only the “appropriate”level of laughing, kibitzing and foolishness will betolerated. Certainly no innocent flirting will be seendown antiseptic hallways, by water coolers, or whilephotocopying documents.This sterilized sensibility has spread like a virusoutside of our offices and into our daily lives. Oneafternoon, while having coffee with a friend, I explainedhow I not only encourage my husband to flirt, I teach himthe fine art of flirting. Perplexed, she asked why on earthI would teach my husband to flirt.Fair question. With an easy answer: I trust him110%.More importantly, ever since my husband emergedout of his I-can’t-look-at-any-other-woman box andbegan to flirt, he has felt better about himself. He feelsand acts sexy. He is more fun to be around.The end result is that our relationship is strongerand healthier because he brings that positive energyhome to me (yes, for me!).The irony is he does not really even flirt. It’s simplythat he has been given a pass-card to flirt that has madeall the difference.I could see my friend nodding her head inagreement. Seeing a tiny shift in her belief system, Iwent in for the jugular and asked, “Why don’t you tryflirting?”A tiny look of terror crossed her face. She thenuttered the words that many people admit when I broachthe topic of flirting, “My husband wouldn’t like it.”Undaunted, I pressed the issue, “Why?”She started squirming as if about to divulge deep,dark bedroom secrets and replied, “He’s just not thatsecure and, quite frankly, I’m not either. I wouldn’t likeit if I saw another woman flirting with him.”I walked away from the conversation musing on howher relationship and her sexuality could open vastly bythe simple act of flirting.For those in a committed relationship, innocentflirting is like window shopping. It is the catalyst toset a spark on fire. It successfully takes a healthyrelationship over the long term.18 The Mompreneur • June 2008

For those in a committed relationship, innocent flirting is likewindow shopping. It is the catalyst to set a spark on fire.It successfully takes a healthy relationship over the long term.Couples need to flirt with each other, flirt withother people and allow other people to flirt with them.Having a pro-flirting attitude creates such greathappy-couple energy.The green-eyed monster, jealously, stops mostpeople from venturing forth into flirtation land. Believeit or not, a little jealousy makes for a super greatdynamic, because it affirms the affection within yourrelationship. Jealousy indicates there is excitement.That said, a well-balanced individual in a healthyrelationship will not twist their jealously into afull-blown fight.There are very few things that can wrap us in an“I’m special” cloak, allowing us to bask in gut-warming,toe-tingling sensations. Not to be too “Butterfly Effect”altruistic, however, when someone makes you feelbeautiful, you are more likely to pass that positiveenergy on to someone else. When you’ve done somethingkind for someone, you have an aura of goodness aroundyou. Innocent flirting makes the world a happier place.Instead, our nation’s anti-flirting initiatives havemade for millions of lackluster zombies giving off blahenergy. When flirting does occur, people are at acomplete loss with these positive free radical sexy ionsthat are floating around their bodies. Consequentlypeople either sit like a lump, internalizing and holdingdown their feelings or go off the deep end and overtlyshow off their sexuality.The question you need to ask is: how could your lifeand sex become that much better if you started to flirt?There’s only one way to find out. MPDr. Trina is an author, sought-after regulartelevision and radio show guest,spokesperson, magazine columnist, formernational sex newspaper columnist andinternationally acclaimed speaker.Go to www.bestsextipsever.comfor your free Dr. Trina’s Sex Audio Tip.Or for more great and informative articles,go to www.trinaread.com/articles/.The Mompreneur • June 200819

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CHOICESby Deb Croker SinghThe Diaper DebateAs a mom who has used cloth diapers, I’d like toshare my perspective on the ongoing cloth versussingle-use disposable diaper debate.Despite the known fact that single-use diapers areestimated to take 250 to 500 years to decompose, manyparents have overlooked cloth as an option.However, today’s parents are becoming increasinglyeducated and ecologically responsible.The result? Cloth diapers are making a come back!Modern cloth diapering parents realize that goneare the days of cumbersome pins, wet pails and plasticpants. Cloth diapering is a whole new fashion that newparents are embracing with ease and a clear conscience.Here are just a few of the reasons why:• Non-biodegradable waste. One baby goesthrough about 6,500 diapers. If the baby were to bediapered in single use diapers, this would produce abouttwo tons of non-biodegradable waste. Single-use diapersare made of paper, plastic and absorptive gel (sodiumpolyacrylate). These are all materials that don’tbiodegrade easily.Paper must be exposed to air and sunlight todecompose. Some waste management experts believethat most things, even natural materials, do notbiodegrade in landfills because of the lack of oxygen andwater.In addition, untreated body excrement, that maycarry intestinal viruses, is brought to landfills viasingle-use disposable diapers. This may contribute togroundwater contamination and attract insects thatcarry and transmit diseases.• Water usage. More water is required tomanufacture disposables than to wash cloth diapersat home.continued on next pageThe Mompreneur • June 200821

Every little bit counts and,as parents, we have an evengreater stake in reducing waste,recycling and re-using• Manufacturing process. Manufacturing ofsingle-use diapers can release chemical by-productsinto the environment.Each year, millions of tons of wood and pulp,along with petroleum resources, are used in themanufacture of single-use diapers.• Toxic chemicals. Synthetic materials insingle-use diapers could be exposing babies to toxicchemicals. Baby’s health is a consideration in choosinga diapering method.Parents should be aware that single-use diaperscontain traces of the carcinogenic toxin, Dioxin, themost toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals.• Infertility in boys. There have been medicalreports in Europe suggesting the link of infertilityin boys (due to lower sperm count) and single-usediapers.Studies found that scrotal temperature wasconsistently and significantly higher during the useof single-use diapers compared with cotton diapers.• Parenting by example. Children learn byexample so we should all make a conscience choiceto handle waste responsibly.Every little bit counts and, as parents, we havean even greater stake in reducing waste, recycling andre-using. Single-use diapers last a couple of hours,while cloth diapers will last for three years or more!You can further reduce your baby’s impact on theenvironment by using cloth wipes instead of disposablewipes and simply wash them along with your diapers.So why not give cloth a try? You’ve got nothingto lose and plenty to gain.And modern cloth diapers are cute, stylish,fun, comfortable, environmentally friendly andcost-effective! MPDeb Crocker Singh is mom tothree cloth-diapered gems and owner ofTiny Gem Baby Solutions, an onlinestore with products for babies,toddlers and parents.www.tinygem.ca22 The Mompreneur • June 2008

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VISIONby Wendy WeymannFocus On GettingWhat You WantAbout two years ago I had this idea. Make aguided meditation CD. I had lots of studentsasking me after the guided relaxation at theend of a yoga class “Why don’t you record that so wecan listen to it at home?”It seemed like there were a lot of CD’savailable for experienced meditators but not thatmuch for beginners. I had no experience withproducing CDs but, after a little research, I realizedI could probably pull it off.I did some planning and found a musicianfriend to write and record some background musicfor me. Then I found someone who would do a fewof the tracks (it was important to me to have twodifferent voices on the CD so there would be somevariety).Then I got busy teaching yoga and raisingkids so, like many other things, the idea was puton the backburner. But I kept thinking about itand felt (and still feel) very strongly about gettingmeditation out into the world.I decided to go ahead with it but then theperson I was planning to do the CD with bailedout. So, once again it went to the backburner.Thoughts of “I can’t do this by myself, maybe Idon’t even know what I’m talking about, yeah I’lljust forget about it” kept going through my head.But the idea kept coming up and I realized itwas something I really wanted to do, something Ineeded to do. So I found someone else to work on itand I made a deal with myself – move forward onthe project and when those “I-can’t-do-it” thoughtscreep up, shut them down right away!The thing is, when you are doing somethingyou are so passionate about, it ends up being anextension of you – if the project fails you feel like afailure. Who wants to be a failure? Not me!The other side of the coin is that doingsomething you are passionate about is VERYfulfilling and, if you succeed, you are a successfulperson.It seemed too risky to me to put myself outthere like that. What if no one buys the CD? Whatif I invest all this time and money and people thinkits lame?24 The Mompreneur • June 2008

I made a deal with myself– move forward on the project andwhen those “I-can’t-do-it” thoughtscreep up, shut them down right away!But I also didn’t want to be the person who saysfive years from now, “I should have done that – it was agood idea”.I had to come up with my own definition of success.I knew that if I did my homework and gave it my all,it would be successful in my eyes and people wouldeither buy it or not. I realized how little control I hadover how financially successful it would be. The worstcase scenario would be that my friends and familymembers would be getting guided meditation CD’s forthe next few Christmases and birthdays.I had to completely let go of worrying about theoutcome and focus on what I could control and makesure I came up with an end product that I was proud of.The end result has been amazing. I was able toincorporate something else I feel strongly about, whichis giving back by donating $2 from every CD sold tocharity. In the first month we sold more CDs than Ithought we would sell in six months.And there have been other bonuses. People havebeen telling me the CDs have allowed them to starttheir own meditation practices and that they have beenlistening to them with their children – and that it haschanged their lives. Even counsellors have been usingthe CD with their clients.So has the CD made millions? No. Have I been ableto trade in my minivan for a Mercedes? No. Has Oprahcalled? Not yet. Five years from now will I be thinkingabout that project I should have done? Absolutely not! MPWendy Weymann is a registered yoga teacher inVancouver who is committed to helping studentsreveal their inner strength and beauty. She hasdone additional training in Yin Yoga, Kids Yogaand yoga for addictions, and teaches bothchildren and adults. Wendy has two beautifulchildren who share her love for yoga. Sheenjoys gardening, reading, wakeboarding andspending time with friends and family.www.wendyweymann.comThe Mompreneur • June 200825

ATTITUDEby Maureen TazzioliAccessories For LifeFor many of us, getting dressed at the beginning ofthe day involves adding various accessories to ouroutfits. Things like beautiful watches, sparklingjewellery and fashionable shoes and purses are quitecommon.However, if you wish to add some accessories thatcan last a lifetime, then think about these:Beautiful Watches. Every time you put on yourwatch remember that there is no time like the present.Be sure to enjoy every minute of your day. Take the timeto laugh, learn and explore new things with your familyand friends, co-workers and neighbours. Life is meant tobe enjoyed minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day.Always enjoy all that you do.Sparkling Jewellery. Have you ever seenjewellery sparkle and glisten in the sunlight? It is mostbeautiful, especially when you can see a rainbow ofcolors appear. By carrying a sparkling smile whereveryou go, a rainbow of hope and inspiration can be passedon to others. Share a little inspiration … smile and be arainbow of hope to someone else.Fashionable Shoes. Just as your shoes can makea statement about your fashion sense, your actions canmake a statement about your character. The roadto life learning can be full of twists and turns, but theattitude we choose to carry may determine the pace ofour success. Choose to walk with grace for you do notknow who may be following.Purses. A purse is like a piece of luggage usedto carry many things. However, if packed too full, itbecomes a heavy object, difficult to hang on to. If yourpiece of luggage is full of negative experiences anddestructive reactions from the past, chances are it maybe difficult to move forward. Learn to lighten your loadby removing all negative attitudes and experiences.Learn how to forgive yourself and others while youembrace positive changes affecting your attitudes,perspectives and relationships. You have what it takesto move yourself forward you need only to learn how topack light.So the next time you get dressed forthe day, be sure to add some life-longaccessories to your wardrobe. Theresults may surprise you. MPMaureen Tazzioli is the owner ofReZultsMatter, a personal developmentand professional excellence business.www.rezultsmatter.com.The Mompreneur • June 200827

HOME SPACEby Janice ClementsÜber-Sex Your Bedroom!What do you think when you hear the word“sexy?”I think of Matthew McConaghy, Will Smithand my husband of course. (And not always in thatorder.)But how do you live sexy without packing yourthings and moving to LA, or becoming Tantric?You can start with your bedroom – the place whereyou begin and end your day.‘Sexifying’ Your BedroomThe bedroom is an intrinsically über-sexy space. It’srelaxing and secretive, a “close-the-door-on-the-rat-race”kind of space.These days “sexy” is an attitude: it’s confident,intelligent and single-minded. Most of all, it’s notcontrived. Living sexy is a headspace that can be directlyaffected by your private surroundings.How, then, do you create mood and sexify yourspace?Think about the essentials that unconsciously affectyour senses: touch, sights, scents and sounds.Touch. Make your private surroundings relaxingand luxurious with materials that feel good to touch:smooth leather headboards, warm fur throw pillows, softsilks and not just good – but great – sheets. Go for theEgyptian cotton, 300 thread count or better.Sights. Create a clean, uncluttered space strictlyfor adults. Banish the kids’ stuff and family photos toother rooms. Keep a few of only you and your beloved,of course.Sounds. Spin some sexy tunes such as cool R&Bor slow and sultry jazz. (Coincidently, this also helpsdrown out the screaming children on the other side of thedoor.) Don’t worry about feeling like a geek. Consider aspecial IPOD speaker system in your bedroom or pipingmusic throughout the house.Scents. Lighting candles might sound clichéd, butgive it a go. Try scents that remind you of your privatetime: vanilla, lavender, and, dare I say, chocolate.28 The Mompreneur • June 2008

Décor that mirrors your personalityand makes your private space peacefuland serene makes it sexy!(I’m not sure if there are chocolate scented candlesout there, but if there aren’t, well, someone needs toget on that!)Sexy Room StylesIs there just one style of sexy room?No way!Sexy rooms are as individual as the people whooccupy them. Have a look in your wardrobe. What doyou wear that makes you feel sexy? Let the things youlove in your closet guide you in choosing your roomstyle. In fact, sexy can be masculine or feminine; urbanor rustic.Masculine. Think warm gray flannel, leatherthrow pillows, pinstripe upholstered armchairs, blacklacquered furniture and a sleek and slim wall-mountedplasma TV.Feminine. Loosen up with a touch of lace,cashmere throw pillows, mirrored furniture, jeweledlampshades, soft white sheers and comfy chaiselounges. Use lots of throw pillows for ultimate comfort!Urban. Try a smooth black leather bench at thefoot of a clean-lined open-legged bed, chairs with coolchrome arms, stiletto-legged bedside tables, black andwhite photographs in black frames and lamps withsleek drum shades. Mixtures of dark woods with lightfabrics or leather are very urban sexy!Rustic. Unwind in antiqued leather, overstuffeddown-filled armchairs, soft silk duvets, open hearthwood burning fireplace, warm woolen blankets andsepia-tone photographs.Most important of all, make sure your bedroomreflects your sexy self. Décor that mirrors yourpersonality and makes your private space peacefuland serene makes it sexy! MPJanice Clements is a Certified InteriorDecorator and President of ClementsInteriors. For more information, pleasevisit www.clementsinteriors.comVisit our website at www.themompreneur.comThe Mompreneur • June 200829

ONLINE MARKETINGby Michelle Collie5Ways To Reign In CyberspaceWhen it comes to getting to the top online,crossing the proverbial online glass ceiling ofthe search engines, it takes strategy.The Internet doesn’t mommy-track so, formompreneurs, it really is possible to become Queen ofthe Castle and utilize the Internet to bring powerfulleads to your website.Your website is your castle, your online home and,as Queen, you need to be in control to ensure your reignover your corner niche of cyberspace. Once built, yourwebsite should showcase your branding efforts, beaesthetically pleasing and call your visitors to action.Targeting your market is a great way to expand yourclientèle, generate leads and increase your revenue.30 The Mompreneur • June 2008Sometimes online marketing can seem like ajuggling act, but don’t let it daunt you. Take advantageof your multi-tasking skills inherent to moms and learnhow to compete locally and globally.1Develop a Professional, Appealing,Lead-Generating Website.Today’s business moms are stylish, sophisticated,polished and confident. Your website needs to be as well.As technology and trends change, what’s hot in web designdoes as well; however, a well planned, properly laidout, easy to navigate website never goes out of style.Within your website you should ensure the followingwithin your navigation:

Looking good and getting noticedis only one part of being popular.Your next step is to buildyour “friend” quotient.• Home. To direct them back to your index page.• Products/Services. Whether you have theoption to purchase online or not, allow your visitors theopportunity to see what it is that you do or sell.• About Us. This is where you get to talk aboutyou! Don’t be afraid to mention that you are a womanand a mom. And don’t be humble. Showcase yourself,your qualifications and what sets you apart from yourcompetition.• Contact Us. While it is advised that you list yourcontact details in a footer along each page, having acontact page is still necessary. Listing your mailingaddress, telephone number and e-mail address inaddition to a contact form provides credibility and anadded level of professionalism.• Links Directory. Not only does linking to otherwebsites help with your search engine positioning (besure to request they link back to you), it also providesyour visitors with added resources and information.• Site Map. A site map is simply a page withinyour website that lists each page of the site and providesthe proper URL. Web visitors view the site map whenthey want to quickly find something they can’t see fromthe navigation and it could help search engines properlyindex all your pages.Remember, you have only a few seconds to impressyour web visitors. In addition to compelling graphics andcolours, utilizing headings and bulleted content canmake your text easy to read and scan. And don’t forget toencourage your visitors to either buy or contact you byleading them to action quickly and effectively.2Search Engine Optimization.“If you build it they will come” is not true forwebsites. You need to effectively optimize your businessto bring new leads. With the Internet, your potentialprospects reach across the world. In order to spread theword beyond your current clientèle, it is important thatyour website rank on the search engines for targettedkeyword phrases.But don’t be fooled. Search Engine Optimization(SEO) is more than simply selecting keywords andputting them in your meta tags. A proper, professionalSEO that works is comprised of:• Researched Keywords. In other words, whatwould your potential clients type in a search engine,such as Google, to find a website with your servicesor products? It sounds simple enough, but often whatwe think people would search for is entirely differentthan what they do search for. If you can, budget for aprofessional in SEO to prepare you a list of your top 10to 20 keywords. The best keywords are those that have ahigh number of searches and a low level of competition.• Developed content. Instead of focusing on‘secrets’ to ranking well, spend your time developingyour content. Typically, each page of your websitefocuses on something different and would match up toa different targetted keyword. Utilize the keyword inyour headings and discuss it within your content. But,don’t write your content specifically for the search engines.You still need content that is compelling and easyto read. And, most importantly, update often. Out-of-datecontent can decrease your rankings.• Good Programming and Navigation. Not onlydo you want your visitors to be able to quickly find whatthey are looking for, you want the search engines to seeyour site pages and read them properly. Clean code anduncomplicated navigation is highly beneficial.3Gain Online Popularity.Looking good and getting noticed is only one part ofbeing popular. Your next step is to build your “friend”quotient. Some search engines, including Google, rankyou based partly on how “popular’” you are. Simplyspeaking, how many websites link back to you? But, aswith real-life friendships, quality is better than quantity.Try to find related sites with a high Page Rank (Google’sterm for popularity), to link to your website (utilizing atitle and description that showcases your targettedkeywords). Some suggestions include:• Directories. Request a business/website listingwithin local or industry-related directories. There aremany work-at-home-mom directories online as well.• Post on message boards (and include yourlink when possible). Read blogs, online journals andnews articles and post your response with your linkwhen possible. Essentially, become a part of yourindustry online and utilize your new connections togain popularity (or page rank) for your website.• Blog. Start your own blog related to yourbusiness. Think outside the box for fun and uniquethings to talk about that are somehow related toyour products/services. And use your blog to link tointeresting articles, websites and information. Having ablog has the added benefit of regularly updated pages,which also helps improve your search engine rankings.• Write articles (or have them written for you).There are many sites where you can submit content onthe Internet. Writing articles about issues pertaining toyour business is a great way to get good links back toyour website – just be sure to use your link withinyour bio. In addition, it helps establish you as aknowledgeable expert in your field.continued on next pageThe Mompreneur • June 200831

If you want to reign online for the long term, then perhapsthe best strategy is to use your mommy multi-tasking skillsin order to utilize segments of them all.4Social Network.Use Face Book and other social networking sites(including the one for professionals: linkedin.com) toyour advantage. While Facebook may be a great wayto reunite with your BFF from high school or your oldcollege roommate, there is also ample opportunity forbusiness networking. Start a Facebook group for yourbusiness and encourage your friends to join and toencourage their friends to join. In addition, search andjoin groups pertaining to your business industry or finda group for moms in business (The Mompreneur®Networking Group Inc. has one). Post your businessdescription (and website link) and be proud to show offyour business to your old friends, current contacts andnew business networks.5Online Advertising.When we think advertising, we usually think bigdollars. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Try findinga local portal or local parenting website and purchaseadvertising space. Or consider a pay-per-click campaignthat allows you to set the parameters according to yourrequirements and budget. Google Adwords is a leader inpay-per-click and offers you the opportunity to have yourlisting placed on search results or throughout its entireadsense network. Facebook now offers pay-per-clickadvertising as well.There are many Internet marketing strategiesavailable to help you increase visitors to your website.While it is possible to increase your online popularityby implementing only one marketing method, if youwant to reign online for the long term, then perhapsthe best strategy is to use your mommy multi-taskingskills in order to utilize segments of them all. MPMichelle Collie is an online marketing specialistand freelance writer based in Kelowna, B.C.For the past eight years she has been helpingclients achieve their online marketing goals,through SEO, newsletter campaigns and otherinside and outside the box methodologies.For more info, e-mail Michelle@seotrio.comor visit www.seotrio.com.At WEE CARE Placement Agency,we care about finding the right caregiver for your familyWe offer:• nannies, housekeepers and caregivers• live in and live out, part time and full time• all candidates have been pre-screened and interviewed• no fee to employers for sponsoring from abroad• sponsoring from abroad available across CanadaWEE CAREPLACEMENT AGENCYDedicated to Caring Since 1996416-789-3070www.weecareplacement.caServing the Greater Toronto Area for local placements.32 The Mompreneur • June 2008

“Organizing with Style”Hairbagz is an exciting newproduct that we have designed toallow you to store and/or travelwith hair appliances that are stillhot, after being unplugged.If you have your hair dryers,curling irons and flat irons sittingin a mess under your bathroomcabinet, or you need to travelwith them and you don’t havetime to wait for them to cool,then you need Hairbagz.403-836-1020hairbagz@gmail.comwww.hairbagz.com

GREENThe Shopping ListEchoes In The AtticBeautiful and sometimes nostalgic purses,pillows and jewellery made from recycledmaterials. Manufactured in Canada.www.echoesintheattic.comTiny GemWater-proof tote, swimming pants and naturalingredients bug spray are just some of the manybaby and child products available.www.tinygem.caGreen Bean BabyA new Vancouver-based companyfocusing on 100% certifiedorganic cotton products: bath,bedding, clothing and accessoriesfor your baby and toddler – alllocally made with high quality.www.greenbeanbaby.ca34 The Mompreneur • June 2008Visit our website at www.themompreneur.com

CHILDCAREby Cindy StephenTrying to find reliable, quality childcare can be liketrying to find a vegetable your toddler actuallylikes; frequent experimentation and a lot offrustration.Hiring a nanny may be a more palatable option.Whether you work full-time, part-time, at home ordowntown, a nanny can give you more flexibility and forfamilies with two or more children, a nanny is likelymore affordable. You can also start your workday while your little ones are still asleep, and unlike aday-care or day home, a nanny doesn’t close at 6:00 p.m.However, finding just the right person to care foryour children, unsupervised in your home, can bestressful.Michelle Kelsey, founder of Vancouver-basedNannies on Call, says they do criminal record checks andfollow up on references on all prospective nannies. Theymust have first aid and CPR and, if parents expect theirnanny to drive, the agency asks for a driver’s abstract.“All must have a minimum of two years of child careexperience,” says Kelsey, who provides a questionnaireto her clients so they can do equally intense screening.Expect to pay $15 to $ 22 an hour through her agencyfor live-out nannies.“A great way to make it affordable is to share ananny. If two people only need a part-time nanny, it’ssometimes easier to get a full-time nanny and split it.Then the nanny has a full-time job and job security,”says Kelsey.When parents hire a nanny, they are an employerand must legally register with Revenue Canada, deducttaxes, UI and CPP.“We can help them set it up,” Kelsey advises.It costs less to hire a live-in nanny but parentsshould weigh the benefits of a 24-hour caregiver againstLooking For Mary Poppinstheir need for privacy.“Someone’s house is a personal, private place,” saysRobyn Zeldin, owner of Toronto’s Wee Care PlacementAgency. “Parents should look for someone who wouldmesh well with their personality. Sometimes peoplewill tell us they want an outgoing, friendly person, andothers want a quieter person because if they’re aroundthe house all the time, they don’t want them to beconstantly talking. Personality is the clincher.”Zeldin warns that certain federal laws apply tohiring a live-in nanny, whether they’re Canadians orforeign citizens.“A private, furnished room with a lock is required,usually with a separate bath,” says Zeldin. “By law, thewage is $9.25 an hour in Ontario, based on a 44-hourwork week. Anytime over that is time and a half.”Jennifer Wolff, of Edmonton-based Nannies fromHeaven, says live-in nannies are far more affordablethan most families realize, especially when you considerthat a live-in caregiver may also cook and tidy up yourhouse. Wolff has years of experience bringing in foreignnannies and urges parents to do their homework beforegoing that route.“Avoid a caregiver that wants to be paid underthe table. If she’s breaking the law,her judgement is questionable,”says Wolff. MPCindy Stephen is a mom andwork-from-home freelance writerwho lives in Calgary with her husbandMark. You can contact her atcindyannestephen@gmail.com.The Mompreneur • June 200835

Joining The TeamTo celebrate Father’s Day, we are bringing you stories aboutthree dads who are now working with their mompreneur® wives.Glenn Jacobs is now working with his wife, Jessica Jacobs, founder of Little Soles.As a father, my desire is for quality of life for myfamily as well as their future well being. Havingour own business puts us in control of our destiny.We live life on our terms through a simple plan; Dream,Plan ... Believe!Getting involved with our business has allowedme to be more available to my family – both emotionallyand physically. Rather than leading two separate lives(home and career), I now feel part of one which is betterconnected to those who matter most – my wife and twoamazing children! MP36 The Mompreneur • June 2008Visit our website at www.themompreneur.com

Joining The TeamKelly Krake left the corporate world andnow works with his wife, Liette Tousignant,owner of Under The Roof Decorating.Working together and creatingand running a company is likecreating another family. Weare very proud of both our families. Wehave amazing and wonderful kids athome and the same is true at the office(only they aren’t kids).Deciding to work together wasthe best and biggest decision – bothpersonally and professionally – that wehave ever made and we haven’t lookedback since.Of course there are ups and downs– in both our work and home lives – butwe’ve had to learn how to work throughthem quickly so we can move on and“get the job done.” Everyday we respondto opportunities and challenges andhave learned that how we responddetermines our success.We have an awesome team and,at the end of the day, this is the mostimportant thing. Working with fantasticpeople who are motivated, dedicated,passionate and focused on a sharedvision for Under the Roof – it doesn’t getbetter than that. We work really hardand have a lot of fun.Leaving the corporate worldnot only meant not having to wear asuit every day, it also gave me moreflexibility and more time to spend withour daughters. I always had my handsin the business on weekends andevenings so it was a natural progressionto officially add in the week days.Time spent in the corporateworld as a partner at an internationalconsulting firm was invaluable forme. It gave me the opportunity to workwith many different businesses in avariety of industries and I learned a lotabout what I liked and didn’t like, whatworked and what didn’t. Much of myknowledge from the corporate world hasnow translated over to our business,which helps in everything we do. MPcontinued on next pageThe Mompreneur • June 200837

Joining The TeamWayne Clements works with hiswife Janice, founder and presidentof Clements Interiors in Ontario.It was the best of times … it wasthe worst of times.All kidding aside, Janice and Iwork very well together.In business, as with our ‘private’life, we take a very democratic andeven approach to our relationship.We each have our own strengths andweaknesses and each of us realizeswhat they are.After four years in businesstogether, we have ironed out lots ofkinks in the process and allocatedduties to reflect our personal strengths.I admire Janice’s spirit, dedication andcreativity and acknowledge that wewouldn’t be as successful as we arewithout her.Whatever happens, we both knowthat we are in this mess together andwhatever life and business throws atus, we can handle together. MP38 The Mompreneur • June 2008

The Mompreneur • June 200839

40 The Mompreneur • June 2008Story by The Mompreneur.Photos by Jaime Kowlan Photography.

LunagalsLunapads International Ltd. is based in Vancouver.The mompreneur owners are Madeleine Shaw andSuzanne Siemens.In the eight years that they have been workingtogether, Madeleine and Suzanne have propelledtheir unique collection of eco-friendly femininehygiene products to global distribution, whilecreatively integrating their role as moms to theirthree children aged 20 months to six years.Madeleine started developing Lunapadswashable menstrual pads and Lunapantiespadded underwear in 1993 in responseto her own health issues. Switching from tamponsto cloth pads not only brought her relief from therecurrent bladder infections she had suffered foryears, but also the unexpected benefit of a deeperconnection with her body.Recognizing the environmental and economicbenefits that could be reaped by encouraging womento adopt reusable products over disposables, shedecided to turn it into a business.By 1998, Lunapads were available in healthfood stores across Canada.In 1999 Madeleine met Suzanne, an accountant,at a community leadership course they were bothparticipating in. Realizing that they shared a visionfor better health for women and the planet, theycombined their skills to fully develop Lunapads’potential. Today, Lunapads are used by thousands ofwomen worldwide. Suzanne and Madeleine boughttheir own office last summer, employ six staff andare well on their way to reaching $1 million inannual sales.Business challenges and successesThe key to Lunapads’ success to date, accordingto Madeleine and Suzanne, is unequivocally theInternet. But it didn’t happen the way they planned.Their initial business plan was based on expansionsouth of the border, with big plans to attract buyersfrom all the major U.S. health food retailers anddistributors.“We spent our first two years – and lots ofmoney – on attending big trade shows, placing adsin health magazines and trying to sell Lunapads instores,” recounts Suzanne.continued on next pageThe key to Lunapads’ success to date, according toMadeleine and Suzanne, is unequivocally the Internet.But it didn’t happen the way they planned.The Mompreneur • June 200841

Madeleine’s creativity and experience with garmentmanufacturing and marketing, paired with Suzanne’sbusiness and financial expertise have been a great fit,complemented by a strong friendship.Disappointed with the results and almost outof cash, they put what was left of their capital intoa new website. It worked, and they have neverlooked back.“It’s an oversimplification to say that itsolved all our problems, but it turns out thatour products are ideally suited to the Internet inmany ways. Our products are very intimate andinformation-intensive, so our website allows us tocommunicate with customers in a way far betterthan sitting on a store shelf,” explains Madeleine.The growing popularity of online shoppingwas perfectly timed to put the wind back in theirsails. The Lunapads website attracted muchneeded online sales, resolving their cash flowcrunch, improving their margins and proving thestrength of the Internet as an inexpensive butpowerful marketing tool.Other key success factors that the pair pointto include their strong partnership and exceptionalstaff. Madeleine’s creativity and experience withgarment manufacturing and marketing, pairedwith Suzanne’s business and financial expertisehave been a great fit, complemented by a strongfriendship.“Most of the important decisions we makehappen by just talking things out – it’s like thishuge conversation that never ends and is howwe come up with our best ideas,” says Suzanne.LunagalSuzanne SiemensAdds Madeleine, “There is no way thatLunapads would have seen this degree of successwithout Suzanne’s financial savvy.”The pair is equally enthusiastic about theirdedicated staff and key contractors. Lunapads’longtime web designers are Emira Mears andLauren Bacon of Raised Eyebrow Web Studio,whose recently published book, The Boss of You,targetted at wannabe women entrepreneurs, isflying off the shelves.But it is challenging to market products thathave a bit of an “ick” factor.“We know our products are not for everywoman,” says Suzanne. “The key to our success isknowing who our core customers are (young collegeand university feminists and ‘crunchy’ moms) andfocusing our marketing efforts on them. We simplydon’t have the marketing budget to reach a moremainstream customer.”But that’s changing in today’s new ‘green’consumer climate.“You have to remember that when I firststarted making the products in the early ’90’s,people thought I was crazy,” says Madeleine. “Butnow people are less sensitive about intimate issuesand genuinely want to make better choices from anenvironmental perspective, so it’s a ’perfect storm’for us from a marketing perspective.”Capitalizing on customer enthusiasm forthe products (which can borderon evangelical, to judge by theirwebsite’s customer testimonials),combined with Web 2.0 tools, suchas social networking sites andblogging, has also been key.“Many consumers, andespecially our niche customers,want to know who they are buyingtheir products from,” explainsSuzanne. “Using 2.0 tools hasbeen great for building trustingrelationships with our customers.At last count, we had over 350members in our ‘I heart myLunapads’ group on Facebook.”42 The Mompreneur • June 2008

Kids @ work!Along with the satisfaction ofbeing able to provide women withproducts that genuinely improvetheir lives, Madeleine and Suzannehave enjoyed creating a businessthat has allowed them to integratework and having families.While maternity benefits arequite good in Canada (a full yearoff with pay), unfortunatelybusiness owners like Madeleineand Suzanne don’t qualify. Facedwith the options of staying homewithout pay, leaving their veryyoung children in daycare, orbringing them to the office, thechoice was a no-brainer.“I quit my stressful downtown job so that Icould focus on having children. So when I had myfirst child,” says Suzanne, “people wondered how Iwas going tobalance the demands of motherhood with runninga growing business. I simply decided to come backto the office with Aiden in tow. Working with ababy in the office changed the atmosphere in sucha beautiful way, serving as a reminder that homeand work don’t necessarily have to be as rigidlyseparated as they typically are. While it hasn’talways been perfect, it’s worked better for us thanhaving to ferry them around to different caresituations, plus has allowed us to do things likepractice extended breastfeeding.”Madeleine’s daughter Genevieve (now three)came next, followed by Suzanne’s second babyGarret (almost two), who can still be found hidingunder the desks!“So, while we are not a traditional WAHM(Work At Home Mom) business,” says Suzanne,“Lunapads is a hybrid of moms working at home,as well as bringing home to the office.”Future plansAt the moment Madeleine and Suzanne areexcitedly putting the final touches on a booklet forgirls and teens that offers a positive and naturalapproach to periods and cycles. In addition toproviding natural PMS remedies and ideas forcelebrating and honouring periods, a key featureLunagalMadeleine Shawof the booklet is a Cycle Chart – a tool designed toteach girls about the value of charting their cycles.Madeleine and Suzanne are also excitedabout their involvement with “Goods 4 Girls,” aSeattle-based non-profit group that provideswashable menstrual pads to schoolgirls in Africa.“Girls in Africa often lack even rudimentarymenstrual supplies and end up staying home fromschool while they’re menstruating,” explainsMadeleine. “While we have always donatedLunapads to women and girls in developingnations, Goods 4 Girls has allowed us to createa program that connects our customers with thecause. In just a few months, our customers havefinanced the purchase of over 100 kits of Lunapadsand Lunapanties destined for girls in Uganda,Kenya and Sudan.”As for the bigger picture, as seems to betypical for Madeleine and Suzanne, they areexcited and have big plans.“I think that we’ve just begun to see where wecan go,” says Suzanne. “Now that our children aregetting a bit older, we’re looking forward to havingmore time for growing our business and reachingout to the millions of conscious consumers whocare about their health and the environment.”Ever the numbers gal, Suzanne closes bynoting that in North America alone, there are over60 million women who currently use menstrualproducts and that the feminine hygiene industryis worth over $5 billion dollars annually.continued on next page“So, while we are not a traditional WAHM(Work At Home Mom) business,” says Suzanne,“Lunapads is a hybrid of moms working at home,as well as bringing home to the office.”The Mompreneur • June 200843

Whether you offer something unique or that has a lotof competition, what will set you apart or make youworth noticing is your personality and culture.Why go natural?1. Better for you. Disposable pads andtampons are treated with a host of chemicalsthat can trigger painful infections. Tampons inparticular can also be uncomfortably drying andhave been associated with TSS, a potentially fatalcondition.2. Better for the planet. Over 14 billiondisposable pads, tampons and applicators maketheir way into North American landfills annually.It may seem like a small amount of waste when it’sjust your bathroom wastebasket, but collectivelyit’s a staggering problem.3. Save Money. Disposable pads andtampons aren’t just wasteful – they’re expensive.An investment in reusable products pays for itselfin just a few months, in addition to freeing youfrom repeat trips to the drugstore.4. More fun! Putting on a pretty printLunapad is a far cry from your average white,medical-looking maxi pad. Madeleine and Suzanneclaim that it can even lift your spirits at what canotherwise be an uncomfortable time.Madeleine and Suzanne’s tips for web-basedmompreneurs:• Build a beautiful, easy to navigatewebsite, implementing the best SEOtechniques. Everyone is using the Internet todo their research and shop, so it’s imperative youhave a website that ranks highly with Google andother search engines for key words that relate toyour business. Be sure to build your site andupdate it regularly to employ the latest techniquesfor “SEO,” or search engine optimization.• Establish a personal connection withyour customers. Whether you offer somethingunique or that has a lot of competition, what willset you apart or make you worth noticing is yourpersonality and culture. Look for opportunities toconnect with your customers in every way you can,including providing exceptional customer service,writing a blog and developing creative loyalty orreward programs that encourage customers to telltheir friends.• Know your financials, manage yourcash flow and always be on the lookout formore financing. Maintain the discipline ofregularly knowing what your financial situationlooks like (are you breaking even, making a profit,and if not, when?) and watching your cash flow.Otherwise, you won’t know if you need to makeany adjustments or corrections. Don’t wait untilyou are in financial trouble before looking for moremoney; it is always easier to increase your line ofcredit, get loans or look for new equity when timesare good. Plus, you’re going to need that extramoney as your business grows!• Choose the right allies and don’t takeon things you’re not good at. If you can find areliable business partner who complements yourskills, that is fantastic. Otherwise, be okay withthe fact that you’re not going to be able to do it alland find the right people to help. For example, ifweb design or bookkeeping aren’t your strengths,get help. There’s only so much time in a day so dowhat you’re best at and farm out the rest. MPFor more information about LunapadsInternational, visit their website atwww.lunapads.com.44 The Mompreneur • June 2008

FallEDMONTON TRADE SHOWFor more informationand to register, go towww.themompreneur.com

Where Are They Now?To celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of The Mompreneur® Magazine,we contacted some of the women we’ve featured overthe past two years and asked them these questions:Where are they now? What have they learned?What are they doing differently?Sarah Deveau, owner of Cater Tot Consignmentin Calgary, was featured in the December 2006issue of our magazine.What a difference two years makes! I openedCater Tot Consignment in May of 2006, andfrom the moment I first tugged on the opensign chain, I haven’t looked back.When I was first featured in your magazine, mystore had been open for just a few months, but it wasthriving. But that success came with a price. I waslogging major hours into the store to get it off theground. I had great staff members, but they couldn’twrite the employee manual or press releases or createthe online store, The big tasks fell to me and they wereoften overwhelming. I soon learned that I couldn’t doeverything myself and I needed to implement clearlycommunicated policies and procedures to ensure thestore would tick along as well without me there as it didwith me behind the counter. As I finished each buildingblock task, it freed up more time for me to step awayfrom the business and soon I was working just 25 hoursa week, which was ideal.Now I have a three-year-old and a three-month-old,and I’m taking time off from working scheduled shiftsat the store. I’m still behind the scenes organizingevents, ordering some inventory and researchingproducts, but the day-to-day operations are in thecapable hands of my store manager. It’s challengingfinancially and mentally though. There’s no paidmaternity leave for entrepreneurs and it’s hard not toobsess over what’s happening at the store when I’msupposed to be singing along in Gymboree.Sharing ideas with like-minded mompreneurs isstill vital to my store’s success and to my sense ofcommunity and connectedness. I plan regular bi-monthlydinners attended by other Calgary and area consignmentStephanie Cragg Photographystore and kids’ playcentre owners, and we brainstormideas on how to improve our businesses and better servethe needs of our clientele.The amount of press the store receives isunprecedented for a consignment store, which I hadplanned for, but I wasn’t prepared for the recognitionfactor! Our store has been featured in Today’s Parentmagazine and in the Calgary Herald numerous times,and I’ve appeared frequently on Global and CityTV.Our three local papers are very supportive as well.While helping with a recent petition to fund midwifery,I picked up our local weekly paper to find a huge close-upof myself on the cover! It was a little bizarre to have thepre-teen taking my order at McDonald’s recognize me.The last two years of business have beenexhilarating and educational, and every day presentsnew achievements and challenges. I’m looking forwardto what the next few years will bring! MP46 The Mompreneur • June 2008

Stephanie Cragg PhotographyThe November 2006 issue featuredKristen Ferguson, owner of Momentos,a unique online shop that providesgifts for men.When I was approached to write an update tocelebrate the second anniversary of thismagazine, I was unsure at first. FromNovember 2006 cover girl to … well, to what exactly?Could I give my personal account and still keep itinspiring for other mompreneurs if I had been riding theproverbial roller coaster for all of that time? I realizedthat, to me, being “inspiring” means being REAL. Bytaking off my mask, perhaps I can help you by unitingus all on a common ground; so you realize that in yourhighs and lows, in business and in life, you are neveralone. What we do as entrepreneurs, when we aremothers first, really does matter.So now my update:Momentos is a business built on pure passion; afresh idea, a brand new niche that greatly needed tobe filled; providing delivered gifts, exclusively for men.It was new, exciting, cutting edge and a completelyuntapped market.But it was never about the gifts. As the saying goes,“it’s the thought that counts.” My dream for Momentoswas to keep relationships alive and thriving – from bothsides. In turn, it would teach our children what healthy,happy marriages and relationships were all about sothey could re-create them in their own lives.Well, as it turns out, “untapped markets” are notso easy to tap! It takes a lot of time, even more moneyand more than “a little help from your friends.” It alsotakes a lot of soul, and when my business begantaking its toll on mine, I had to step back.Through my struggles with getting the Momentosname out there and letting people know there is anoption in men’s gifts, I have ended up helping,connecting and creating bridges for other people andtheir businesses. And that is what makes my soul sing.I love people and ideas and passion and depth and life.Whatever I do, I know it will incorporate all of the above.So, while I contemplate the future of Momentos andwhether to sell it, bring on a partner or investor, or walkaway from it and move on, I give myself permission toput that big dream on hold awhile to let an even biggerone step into its place. I will be fully committed tomaking my own difference, however small, and willcontinue building those bridges to see where they lead.As my husband lovingly tells me, I already do that everysingle day.I believe there is a place in this world for me, farremoved from the “facts and figures” that bog us down,that will allow a successful and soulful business toco-exist on my own terms – a work/life utopia of sorts.Until I find it, my exciting journey continues. Ideally,I will share my unique voice in some manner; writingbooks or columns or speaking. You don’t have to have aPhD or any other title behind your name to be inspiringand I plan to prove it. MPcontinued on next pageThe Mompreneur • June 200847

Liette Tousignant, owner of Under the RoofDecorating and inventor of the Hang & Level,was featured in our June 2007 magazine.48The Mompreneur • June 2008Stephanie Cragg PhotographySince last year many things have changed,including moving from a home office to a“real” office, almost tripling our full time staffand having the Hang & Level going from being soldin a few major retailers in Canada to being sold inall major retailers from coast to coast in Canada.We have also infiltrated into the market in theUnited States with an appearance on QVC, theirbiggest shopping channel. Our tool is now availableat two major U.S. retailers.We’ve launched an advertising campaign andalso hired a public relations freelancer. The presshave also been all over the tool with celebrities likeRamsin Khachi from CityLine, Mag Ruffman fromToolgirl.com and Candice Olson of Divine Design, allusing and touting the benefits of the Hang & Level.And my teenage daughters tell me that I havemore grey hair and wrinkles than last year!In the short span of one year, I’ve learned somuch.I will continue to trust my gut feeling – nomatter what. I have been in this business longenough to know when it feels right and when itdoesn’t. And I will laugh more, although it’s notalways easy.I’ve learned to always carry my product in mypurse – you never know when you might need toshow it off.The media have a huge impact on getting theword out there and creating buzz with the public.I’ve learned to delegate more and trust thepeople I’ve delegated to. And I’ve learned tochallenge all ideas. No idea is a bad one and oftenvery creative ideas come as a result of constructivedebates.As for what lies ahead – a well-deservedvacation with my husband and two daughters topsthe list. We are bringing new products related topicture hanging to the market this fall. We willwork at further penetrating the U.S. and otherinternational markets, such as Europe and Asia.And we will hire more employees, which probablymeans moving to a bigger office space.And here’s my advice to other momentrepreneurs. I can never stress enough thatstaying active and eating right are the basics ofbeing successful – something as small as a half hourwalk or run can really make or break the way I feelduring the day. When you’re feeling down, good oldshopping therapy still works. MP

Traci Costa, owner of Peekaboo Beans,was featured in our May 2007 issue.Upon being asked to write an update on mybusiness since being featured on your coverlast year, I was excited to report how muchprogress we have made.But in looking at the big picture, I also had tonote some things have remained the same:• Continued sleep deprivation• Perpetual worry• Constant controlled chaos• Mega multi-tasking• Mom guilt• Store-bought cookies for party day atpreschool• Hopes, dreams and vision• The aging process, but with all that said, still• The love for what I doOur goal when launching the business in 2005was to create a lifestyle brand of clothing forchildren that embraces a playful, active way of lifefor kids and families. One that allows children theindependence to dress themselves with ease, playin complete comfort and makes parents’ lives alittle easier – all without sacrificing quality and,of course, style.An amazing amount of crazy, good thingshave happened in a year – so many it is difficult toreport and do them all justice. But what I can sayis that people have, without a doubt, responded toour product. As a mother, I knew what I wantedfor my child and, clearly, I wasn’t the only one.Our sales prove that as our business has grown10 times in size since last year.Having seen a direct need for an alternativeuniform in children’s schools, we launched anotherdivision of the business, focusing on traditionaluniforms with a twist and the line is receivingamazing attention. “Twist,” our uniform brand, islaunching in schools across Canada this fall.The first years set the stage for a child’s entirelife and Peekaboo Beans is committed to ensuringthat those years are a little more simple – dressingwith ease, comfort and fun. The bigger picture isabout raising healthy and happy little beings whofeel good from the inside out. If we can continue todo that, then we are always growing and we’reachieving our goals.So, despite the sleep deprivation, constantmulti-tasking and moments of guilt, we are havingfun, growing and learning, giving back and trulyfulfilling a need for families everywhere. MPStephanie Cragg Photographycontinued on next pageThe Mompreneur • June 200849

Artist Stacey Maddock, owner of Stacey Maddock Designs (specializingin sterling silver jewellery and custom art pieces), was featured in thevery first issue of The Mompreneur Magazine in June, 2006.If life in 2006 was a balancing act, then in 2008 Ilearned to juggle. So much has changed in two shortyears!My kids are now six and eight, and both are inschool full time. I have larger blocks of time duringwhich to work and find I am more creative when I don’thave to jam it all into one- to two-hour bursts.In 2007, we moved into a new home that we hadbeen designing and building for three years. I saidgoodbye to my cramped little “bat cave” and moved intoa beautiful new studio space with lots of light, room towork and a gorgeous mural by artist, Adrienne Trafford.It has a glass wall so I can work even if the kids arehome and still keep an eye on them.Even with the kids in school all day, it isincreasingly hard to juggle work and family. Who knewsoccer, reading and homework could take up so muchtime?On the practical side, I find I’m doing lessconsigning and more selling direct to galleries – a muchbetter set up. No more waiting around for pieces to sellso I can get paid!I’ve also learned to delegate … a little. I recruitedmy sister to be my webmaster and am happy to say thewebsite (www.smaddockdesigns.com) is finally up todate! Establishing a stronger online presence has beenmore of a priority this year, too. I’m self-promoting likecrazy on Etsy (www.smaddockdesigns.etsy.com), my blog(www.maddockmusings.blogspot.com), TalentDatabase,Studio33 and other artists’ blogs.In addition, I’ve increased the number of shows I dofrom two to four or five per year. This fall I’m hosting agroup show, which will mean exposure to a whole newset of clientele. It also gives me an opportunity to workwith other artists and with new mediums.Some of my greatest sources of inspiration are thewonderfully talented people around me. But even moreexciting are the continual changes I experience as amother, emerging businesswoman and as an artist. MP© f8photography.com50 The Mompreneur • June 2008

GREENThe Shopping ListShaw Treatment Body Care ProductsOur products contain only natural oils andbotanicals – renewable ingredients and made fromenvironmentally managed production processes.Available exclusively at glindagirls.com,creators of cool and purveyors of possibility.BamboobinoTreat your baby with wonderfully soft and eco-friendly bambooafter-bath wraps, hats and accessories. Our product linealso includes bamboo and organic cotton fitted criband bassinet sheets and nursing pads for mom.www.bamboobino.comBee 23Our signature essential oil blends, Yummy,Blossom and Stung, come in an all-naturaljojoba oil and beeswax base, with nosynthetic chemical additives. Packaged incontemporary, eco-friendly, embossed tins.www.feelthebee.comRingleyA natural teething toy made withoutharmful chemicals and free from dyes. Thecombination of Canadian Maple wood and 100%organic cotton terry cloth providesbabies and toddlers with two safeand efficient textures whichenable children to satisfy theirteething needs.www.ringley.caAll Things JillBath and body care products loaded withfresh ingredients such as herbs, clays, oils,and petals to provide your skin with naturalhealers, moisturizers and protectors.We blend skin-loving ingredients to makeeach balm, scrub, truffle, oil, and wash a trulynatural and wonderful experience for you.www.allthingsjill.caVisit our website at www.themompreneur.comThe Mompreneur • June 200851

PARENTING POWERby Julie Freedman Smith & Gail BellThe New BedQUESTION: I currently would like totransition our two-year-old toddlerinto a bed. The only problem is thatfor the last six months she has beenjumping non-stop in her crib until she fallsasleep. How can we get her to stop when thenew bed comes in to play? HELP!ANSWER: Thanks for your question. Two-year-oldscan seem so young but really, they can beinvolved in solving some of their problems justlike this one. It is important to remember that eventhough our little ones don’t have a ton of language, theycan understand about 80% of what we say to them by thetime they are 12 months old. So by two years, they canmake out quite a bit.Your first step is to make a plan and have a clearset of expectations to share. Once you as parents knowwhat you want to do, you can start to talk about it withyour child.The next step is to share this plan with yourdaughter and offer her any choices (within limits) thatare possible. These choices will depend on the family butthey could be things like:• Would you like to start sleeping in your bedtomorrow night or next Monday? (Show the calendar).• You can sleep in the bed for naps and the cribfor night time• We will put the crib away this weekend or next– you decide• We are going to put the bed here against this wallor here where your crib used to be. What do you think?The main focus here is to be consistent. Once yourdaughter decides that she will start having naps in thebed from Thursday onward, mark it on the calendar witha special sticker and talk about it so that she gets usedto the plan. Practice what each of you will say: “Today’sthe day for the new bed; Yes Mommy, I can’t wait tosleep in it” and she can even practice putting her dolls tosleep in the new bed.Step three would be involving your daughter (givingher some options) in a new bedtime routine so that thereis complete dissociation from the crib-jumping routineand the bedtime routine in the new bed. You could makea chart with pictures and words so that she knows whatwill happen next. Get her to tell you what will come nextor at least to point to the pictures.When it comes to doing this process, stick to it anduse your script: The chart says … The calendar says it isthe day to move into your new bed …Other suggestions:• It might be nice for her to have some carry overfrom the crib to the bed. Is there a stuffed animal,blanket or pillowcase that can join her in the new bed?• Make sure you start this plan at a good time forthe entire family. If you have relatives staying with you,if one parent is away, if someone is sick or if there is alot of change, it may be tougher on your little one. Wealways want to set them up for success.• Often, we tend to make a bigger deal out of thingsthan our kids would have. They read our concerns andpanic. If we are more matter-of-fact about it, our kidsoften won’t make a big deal and will just accept it as thenorm.We love to hear from our readers and to yourquestions. If you have a parenting question, please sendit to mompreneurquestion@parentingpower.ca.We love hearing from you. MPFor more information about thiscolumn and other parentingquestions, contact us atinfo@parentingpower.caJulie Freedman Smith & Gail Bell,Parenting Power52 The Mompreneur • June 2008

The Mompreneur • June 200853

SUCCESSby Teresia LaRocquePlanning For SuccessIf we had a hidden camera to spy on the lives of 10professional women, most of them would exhaust usjust by watching their day. The thing is, womenseem to get stuck in a mode of “handling” things –catching and dealing with whatever comes up. The phonerings, they answer it. An e-mail comes in, they respondimmediately. A co-worker has a problem, they’re on it.While this may seem to be a good idea in themoment, at the end of the day they feel scattered andunproductive. And when this continues over time,profits, motivation and quality of life suffer a great deal.When people don’t see results, we tend to loseinterest. Loss of enthusiasm eventually leads to totalburnout, both personally and professionally.The only way out of this situation is to make thedecision to be deliberate with your time and attention.No more reacting to whatever comes your way! It’s timeto set up your day in a way that ensures that the mostimportant things get done – always.And the best way to get yourself into this mode isto do some planning.Michael Gerber, renowned author of The E-Myth,talks about working on the business, not just in it.And that’s exactly what we’re telling you to do. Not once,not periodically – habitually. This is a mission-criticalskill for ongoing business success.Over the years, we’ve noticed that manyprofessionals feel a bit of resistance to planning. It54 The Mompreneur • June 2008

It only takes 10 minutes a day, but if you develop aconsistent habit of planning your next workday,you’ll enjoy a much clearer and more focused mind,and much stronger results in your business.kind of feels like you’re not getting much done. Butplanning in your business is just like exercise and dailyflossing – habits that keep you healthy, strong andcapable. Yes, we can survive without it but, sooner orlater, it all catches up to you.The key to successful planning is to start with theend in mind. In other words, think in terms of results.What are your priorities? What is profitable? What areyour commitments? What must get done? Figure outyour biggest objectives, then work backward to breakthem down into manageable action steps.You’ll have the most success if you commit tofive types of planning:1. Annual planning: Take a day or two tocelebrate the past year’s successes, review the lessons,and define your big-picture goals for the coming year.Consider adopting a theme for the coming year, as wellas a profit goal. You may want to include your mentors,colleagues or mastermind group in this process – theyundoubtedly have some valuable insights, observationsand ideas to offer.2. Quarterly planning: Break down yourbig-picture goals into four achievable parts and establishquarterly goals that will support your annual goals.Each quarter, revisit your goals and assess yourprogress, then set or adjust your goals for the comingquarter.3. Monthly planning: Identify your projects andpriorities for the month, and be sure to set goals thatsupport your quarterly plan. Review the past month tolook for what’s working well and what isn’t, and shareyour insights with your team. What needs to happen inthe next month to keep you on track?4. Weekly planning: At the end of the week orfirst thing Monday morning, carve out time to reviewthe past week and set up the coming week. What did youaccomplish? What needs to happen in the coming week?What are your priorities and, most importantly, whenwill you make time for them? Block in your prioritiesahead of time and they will get done.5. Daily planning: Either at the end of the dayor first thing in the morning, set aside 10 minutes toreflect on your day and plan for tomorrow. What wereyour top three accomplishments? (Don’t skip thisstep – it keeps you motivated and full of momentum!)Based on your progress, decide on your top activitiesfor the next day. Once you build your list, prioritize.(A = must do. B = priorities. C = needs attention.)There is a tremendous amount of power in buildingthis habit and following your plans.Planning is the difference between managementand leadership. In management, you’re busy shufflingyour to-do’s in an attempt to get everything done.Leadership is making sure you and your team do theright things to move the business forward and generatea healthy profit.Be the leader of your business – or you will be aslave to it. It really is your choice.Savvy Steps:Hitch up your pantyhose and get moving!Break out your calendar for the coming year andschedule in your planning days.Decide which month to do your annual planning,when to do quarterly planning, which day of the monthto do monthly planning and which day of the week todo your weekly plan. Block all those days and timesout, and make a commitment to yourself to keep thoseappointments.Who should be part of your planning process?Perhaps your assistant, business partner, mentor ormastermind group? If so, let them know in advancethat you’d like their help so they have time to prepareaccordingly and put you on their calendars.Now turn your thoughts to daily planning.What time of day would be the easiest and mostproductive time to review each day and plan the nextone – morning or evening? It only takes 10 minutes aday, but if you develop a consistent habit of planningyour next workday, you’ll enjoy a much clearer andmore focused mind, and much stronger results in yourbusiness. MPCopyright SassyandSavvywomen.com 2007Master Certified Coach, Teresia LaRocque isa professional speaker and a pioneer inthe profession of personal and businesscoaching. Teresia is committed to helpingself employed professional women buildsuccessful business and live a life thatthey love! For more information,visit www.teresia.com or emailyour comments and questionsto info@teresia.com.Visit our website at www.themompreneur.comThe Mompreneur • June 200855

LIFESTYLEby Lisa Martin3Self-NurturingReasons ToStart A HobbyWriter Anna Quindlen sums it up nicely: “Youcannot be really first-rate at your workif your work is all you are.”Most working moms I know want a life – a life thatincludes work but is not completely dominated by it. Wewant to be fully engaged in, and feel passionate about,all aspects of our lives. Yet we often find it difficult togive ourselves permission to pursue our interests)activities or hobbies) outside of work and familyobligations. Perhaps we think engaging in our hobbiesis too self-indulgent or not important and we fail tocreate adequate space and time for them.But when you take up a hobby, whether it’s trainingfor your first 10K run, singing in a choir or creatingfunky jewelry in your spare time, you reap the benefitsof inspirational self-nurturing. By helping you to find abetter balance and more meaning in your life, hobbiesmake you feel good. Here are five great reasons to stopprocrastinating and start that hobby you’ve beencontemplating.1. To play and feel lighterPlaying means enjoying yourself for more than aminute or two, for the sole purpose of finding pleasure.It’s something you do just for you and it makes you feelgood physically. Just look at your children to remindyourself of the magical powers of play. When kidsplay, you can see, hear and feel their happiness andcontentment – it practically vibrates off them.As we grow older, we often lose our playtime to theresponsibilities of adulthood – working hard and beingproductive, striving to make a difference and tending toothers. Yet, when you make playing a priority in theform of a hobby, you can face life and work with moreenthusiasm and lightness.2. To become more interesting and interestedExpanding your interests allows you to focus onthings outside of your normal routine. Hobbies beat outboredom. There is excitement and challenge in learninghow to paint, write short stories or sail. Committingto a hobby, whether it’s adventure travelling or joininga book club, will give you something to look forward toand spur you on to achieve greater goals. When youparticipate in an activity that is engaging, your passionand enthusiasm becomes contagious and makes you moreinteresting to others.3. To enhance self-esteemMany hobbies allow you the opportunity to gainnew skills, giving you a sense of accomplishment andconfidence that makes you feel better about yourself.Hobbies that involve physical activity, such as hiking,gardening and mountain biking, strengthen your bodyand coordination. And getting in better shape can alsomake you feel good. Creative hobbies, like pottery,quilting and writing poetry, fuel your imagination andrid you of that “something is missing” feeling – and thatmakes you feel great.Next time you are wondering whether taking up ahobby is a good use of your time, think about all thebenefits that come from branching out, exploringsomething new and nurturing yourself. Give yourselfpermission to pursue an interest or an activity that isjust for you. And see what happens when you dedicatea little time for your own personal growth. MP© Copyright 2008. Lisa Martin. All rights reserved.Lisa Martin is a certified coach who inspires workingmothers to achieve success that’s balanced. With20 years of entrepreneurial and corporateexperience, Lisa is the founder and presidentof Briefcase Moms, a work-life coaching andtraining company that helps organizationsattract, engage and retain working mothers.Lisa’s powerful presentations and programshave helped thousands of women definesuccess and balance on their own terms.She is the author of Briefcase Moms: 10 ProvenPractices to Balance Working Mothers’ Lives.www.briefcasemoms.comThe Mompreneur • June 200857

58 The Mompreneur • June 2008Q&Awith Kathryn Bechthold

Sister ActSisters Lenka Popplestone and Jitka Smuszkoboth had teaching skills and a passionfor helping children learn.They turned those assets intoMountain View Academy,a private school in Calgary.What made you start Mountain View Academy?It started through a series of events that took us onan amazing journey.My sister Lenka and I each have two boys andhad discussed home schooling for several years. Myhusband and I even purchased a home with a walk-outbasement where we were planning to create a classroomenvironment. Others were asking us if we could homeschool their children as well. But when we inquiredabout this possibility, Alberta Learning informed us thatin order to educate anyone, aside form our own children,we had to apply to become a private school. We were notconsidering this as an option at the time.A few days later, Lenka answered the phone at theschool where she was working and spoke to a ministerwho was calling around to see if anyone was interestedin using a space they had for rent. She phoned me andasked what I made of this call. I told her that we shouldgo and take a look.We fell in love with the beautiful, bright 4,000square foot walk-out space at the bottom of the church.My oldest son, Jordan, was already attending a Frenchemersion school and was doing well academically, butthe bullying was becoming a problem.Lenka and I were both employed as teachers andwhat we saw was not what we wanted for our children.We wanted our children to love school, to enjoy learning,make good friends and not to be scared when they wentout onto the playground. It was also important to us thatthey were proud of themselves and confident to makechoices without adhering to the pressure of their peers.So we took a chance and, with a $20,000 loan,Lenka quit her job to work at our new school and wesplit my paycheque. In 1996 Mountain View Academy(MVA) opened its doors with our three youngest childrenand one other preschool child.By the end of that year, we had 17 students and wewere ecstatic.The two of you are sisters and your husbands alsowork for the company. How do you make thatwork? How do you resolve conflicts?We have to be very careful to separate work andfamily. At home we try very hard not to talk shop.At school we respect each other as co-workers andprofessionals. We each have unique skills that make theschool stronger and we all respect each others abilities,thoughts and ideas. The four of us are a small part of alarge group that share the same vision and work hard toensure that all children believe in themselves and loveto come to school.Conflicts come with being passionate, strong-willedand human. MVA is a family in itself and, as parents aswell as staff members, we have had to deal with manyconflicts. Just like in any other family we must talkthings through and always ensure that the resolutionwill be the best decision for the children.What have been some of your challenges withrunning a private school?Lenka and I have needed to wear many hats overthe years. We have been teachers, administrators andmoms, we also cooked lunches, bussed the students, didjanitorial work and babysat for families who were new toCalgary or did not have family in the city.The misconception that private education is onlyfor the rich has also been a difficult myth to deal with.Most of our families are middle income earners, who likeLenka and me, have made various choices and sacrificesfor what we feel is the betterment of our children’spresent and future lives.It has always been very important to us that thefees we charge are reasonable enough to ensure thatall families have a choice in education and yet employhighly qualified and dedicated staff. Alternativeschooling is often less expensive then daycare, andbursaries are frequently available.continued on next pagePhotos by Stephanie Cragg Photography.The Mompreneur • June 200859

Every day brings new challenges and wonderful rewards.Twelve years later, our enrolment is at 130 students,18 staff and a strong vision for the future.Having choices is our right – it is not only for therich and it can make a huge difference in a child’s life.What have been your major successes?Around December of every year, the new parentsare in awe of not only how well their children are doing,but how much they are enjoying school. It is reallyexciting to see children coming in with hesitation andquickly gaining confidence, respect for themselves andothers, and then pride.Last year we had our first graduating class inKananaskis, with four Valedictorians. We felt that after13 years of hard work, if a student wanted to expresstheir thoughts about their journey and their future,they have earned the right to do that. Graduation wasamazing! A great dinner and dance and we all stayedover night at the Delta Hotel. It was important to thestudents to help their parents with the cost of thegraduation, so they took the initiative to start up aschool store at the beginning of the year and theymade enough money that each of the families had theirrooms paid for. Citizenship, kindness, thoughtfulness,aspirations, initiative, are only a few of the words thatdescribe our amazing students.When measuring our success we must look back atthe students who have been a part of our program. Myeldest son graduated last year from Mountain ViewAcademy and is presently attending the University ofCalgary. He is also on the Canadian National WaterPolo Team and is therefore extremely busy. But what istruly great is when he comes home and tells me aboutwhat he learned in psychology and shows me all of hisnotes. The reason that I bring this up is that he is notenrolled in psychology – between classes and practice hegoes in to random classes and “just learns.”Developing a life long learner is what MVA is allabout and I think that we have succeeded as we haveanother child who has just been published and one whohad gotten a $25,000 scholarship. We are so very proud!What have you learned as mompreneurs?Being a mom and an entrepreneur is a balancingact. But as with anything, if it’s worth having, it’s goingto take work. Being the creative director of your dreams,you must be willing to put in long hours for minimalpay, occasionally eat cold dinners, deal with stress andhave perseverance. Also, if you are going to be successful,you need a great support system. Family, friends andco-workers are invaluable. If you can pull all of thattogether, the rewards are immeasurable!Every day brings new challenges and wonderfulrewards. Twelve years later, our enrolment is at 130students, 18 staff and a strong vision for the future.As the past Executive Director and Chair of theBoard of a charity myself, I know how hard itcan be to stay afloat. You have to incorporate somuch more than a regular business; includingfundraising events, grant proposals and donationrequests. Has this been a challenge for you?It has been a challenge, but fortunately we areblessed to have a wonderful team of staff members andparents who very willingly give of their time to assist uswith these issues. Being a not-for-profit organization hasmany obstacles and being a not-for-profit private schoolis even more challenging.A private school is seen by many as an elitistorganization, full of students from well-to-do familieswhere money is not an issue. So, when applying forgrants and donations, we are very quickly passedover. The fact is the majority of our families are middleincome earners and we also have several single parentfamilies. Staff must take a cut in their income earningswhen they come to work for a private school, but theperks are immeasurable.Because of our philosophy that ensures that eachchild’s self esteem must be built up and maintained, thestaff develops a close and caring relationship with eachindividual child and they are able to see and experiencethe difference they have made in each child’s life. It isthis ingredient and reward that is often what motivatesthese teachers to work for less then they deserve. It alsodemonstrates to us that we are on the right track andthat people genuinely believe in what we are doinghere.60The Mompreneur • June 2008

Last fall, you lost a student in a terrible bus accident.It was a heartbreaking story, not only for the family,but also for your school. How hard was it to come upwith a message for the national media coverage at thesame time as dealing with the shock of losing one ofyour students?Being a smaller school and given the very firm foundationwe have in our philosophy, we reacted as a family. First andforemost we needed to gather together to comfort each otherand maintain strength. As administrators, we are the “parents”and needed to remain strong. Any information provided to themedia was crafted from standardized documents, so in a sense,a lot of that work had been done already. Our job was two-fold;we had to impart accurate information to the media, while assistingour students, parents and staff members in the grievingprocess. This was made easier by dividing the workloadamongst our administration team. They each stepped forwardand took on a task based on their strengths. By doing so, weensured nothing was missed and matters were handled ascompassionately and efficiently as the situation allowed.What would you recommend to a parent who has a childwho is struggling in school?All children deserve to believe in themselves. Therefore, ifa child is struggling in school, we would encourage parents toinitiate dialogue between home and school and work togetherfor the sake of the child. Although it can be difficult for somechildren to change schools, make new friends, or get use to auniform it is often a positive choice with a successful outcome.We especially see a lot of students who have “gotten lost”in large classrooms or have suffered teasing and bullying andparents have made the choice to move them to a smaller, saferenvironment. We encourage parents to have their child spenda day or more at any school that they would like to transfertheir child to. It is a huge decision and one that should not betaken lightly. Change is difficult for anyone so allowing thechild to get to know the other students, the teachers and theatmosphere, as well as the school expectations before the moveis made is a very good idea. We know this first hand; we haveseen many children simply blossom in confidence, self-esteemand academics.In the end, no matter what choices the family makes, it isextremely important to maintain the child’s confidence andself-esteem, so any course of action needs to be communicatedin a positive non-demeaning way to the child. MPLenka PopplestoneBeing the creative director of your dreams,you must be willing to put in long hours forminimal pay, occasionally eat cold dinners,deal with stress and have perseverance.Jitka Smuszko.The Mompreneur • June 200861

FITNESSby Julie RiachGoing Green WithYour Fitness RoutineIncorporating the principals of green living intoyour health and fitness goals is a great way tobenefit both you and the environment.The benefits we gain from regular exercise areunparalleled. It increases a sense of well-being, boostsphysical and mental heath, controls weight andprevents cardiovascular disease and other ailments.Taking steps to green your fitness plan will not onlyallow you to also establish a connection with yourcommunity but also to get close and personal withMother Nature.There is no better time than spring and summerto go green with your routine. It’s fun and easy andmay even further connect you with people and parksin your neigbourhood. Spending a little time outsidewill supply you with plenty of fresh air and sunshine(a vitamin D kick – but do please be smart aboutwearing sunscreen). Simply walking or runningthrough a park instead of on a treadmill or going foran actual bike ride not only saves on electricity bills,it will improve your connection with the environmentand the community. A lot of power is used in gyms tokeep the machines running, the music blaring and theflorescent lights burning.Do you have children? What better place to getsome musculoskeletal exercise than at the playground?Park benches are great for step ups, v-sits and tricepsdips. Monkey bars can be used for pull ups and pushups and slides can be a great place for single leglunges. A touch of imagination can go a long way.You may even inspire some other parents or kids tojoin you.If you’re a city dweller, make some time to getout to the countryside. There are some beautifulhiking trails just outside every Canadian city. Rallythe family, pack a lunch (in recyclable containers)and head for the hills. Many local farms havepick-your-own fruits and vegetables. I remember goingto an apple tree farm as a kid and had a blast pickingapples off trees! Just think – you’ll have healthysnacks for days to come.Better yet, start your own garden. Weedingand tending to plants can add some ultra-greencardiovascular and low-impact resistance training toyour day. You’re standing, you’re kneeling, you’repulling and pruning! In the end you’ll have a win-win62 The Mompreneur • June 2008

Exercising makes you feel good. Exercising whilebeing eco-friendly makes you feel fabulous.This summer, make a commitment to yourself toincorporate some green in to your fitness regime.situation with having had some exercise and havingsome pesticide-free veggies for dinner. Getting downand dirty with the tranquility of nature is also great foryour soul.Commuting to work via bike or walking is also agreat way to go green and get some aerobic exercise.If this seems like a big undertaking, try it one day aweek for starters. Having a change of clothes and sometoiletries at work can help ease the transition fromeco-friendly bike commuter to polished looking businesswoman.Bad weather shouldn’t prevent one from a greenfitness program. A simple way to save some power is tocreate a home gym that doesn’t require an outlet. Stockup on dumbbells, a jump rope, a stability ball and otherlow-cost home gym gear.Sustainable clothing and gear are also importantfactors as you embark on a greener fitness plan. Start byshopping for eco-friendly sportinggear. Try to avoid buying one-usewater bottles. Instead, usehome-filtered water in reusable(non-toxic) plastic or stainlesssteel bottles.Exercising makes you feel good. Exercising whilebeing eco-friendly makes you feel fabulous. This summer,make a commitment to yourself to incorporate somegreen in to your fitness regime. It’s fun and easyand you may end up feeling more connectedto both nature and to your community. MPJulie Riach is the owner of Thrive Fitness Inc.in Calgary. She is a Certified Personal Trainer(PFT-MRC, Pre/Postnatal Specialist) with a BAin Psychology from York University.www.thrivefitness.caEco-friendly clothing andaccessories for babies, toddlers,new moms and moms-to-beFrom BPA-free baby bottles to bamboo blankets,weʼve got everything you need to raise baby green!Special Offer: 15% off your purchases!Use coupon code 0cac665a59. Offer expires June 30/08.www.kaikids.cominfo@kaikids.com • 416.318.1501 • 1.888.688.8KAI (8524)N.S.S. Booth #2552IntroducingTea Lovers Collectionand 300handcrafted cardsfor all occasions!1•888•685•0004Vancouver, Canadawww.anniemacdesign.comThe Mompreneur • June 200863

Home-Based & Small BusinessCanada DirectoryFeaturing home-based& small businesses.Canada-wide plusso much more!Shop from homeor register yourbusiness today!Business Listings Classifieds Articles EventsCoupons/Discounts10% Discount on all services when you use this code: mumsthe1Expires June 30/08.64 The Mompreneur • June 2008

Book ReviewWaking Up the West Coast:Healers and Visionaries At a GlanceThrough interviews and photographs, thisone-of-a-kind book offers simple strategies,personal accounts and fresh ideas to help inspirereaders to live a greener, healthier life by providingmotivational examples and easy solutions.Waking Up the West Coast is a visually compellingeco-guide that celebrates the insight and wisdom of over100 leading holistic health practitioners, sustainabilityexperts, social entrepreneurs, artists and advocatesbased in British Columbia.The book was awarded a bronze medal in theInspirational/Spiritual Category of the IndependentPublisher’s Awards 2007 at Book Expo America 2007.The book was also nominated as a finalist in theInspirational/Motivational category of the NautilusBook awards 2007, which are designed to celebrate“books that contribute significantly to conscious livingand positive social change.”Waking Up the West Coast is printed locally byHemlock Printers on 100% post consumer waste recyclednew leaf paper.Jaime Kowal is the author, publisher andphotographer of Waking Up the West Coast and isbased in Vancouver.Jaime leads a dynamic photography companyspecializing in global travel, unique lifestyles, authenticportraiture and all things green. MPwww.jaimekowal.comThe Mompreneur • June 200865

HUMAN RESOURCESby Angela Del CorpoEssential HR FunctionsHuman Resources, as a task, can sound quitedaunting to a business owner. Most are fraughtwith some past memory of having to deal withHR in some negative way. Others, may have no ideaas to what HR even does, discounting their value alltogether.Regardless of your thoughts on HR, realize thatthis area of your business is an essential part of runninga well functioning company. If you are not able tofinancially handle the expense of hiring someone toattend to these functions, be aware that, as a businessowner, you are responsible for executing these tasks.Employee FilesAlthough keeping employee files sounds like arelatively mundane activity, it needs to be done and,when needed, will help you in a pinch. I am often askedabout recordkeeping and the type of information abusiness should retain. When it comes to employeefiles, the more information, the better!Here are some key pieces of information you shouldkeep on file:• Originals of the employee’s resume/application,interview questions and answers, any testing resultsfrom the time of hire as well as their references andtheir responses.• A copy of their Social Insurance Number and oneother piece of identification.• At least two persons of contact in case of anemergency.• If you required background checks at the timeof hire, a copy should be kept.• Keep completed tax forms and taxationinformation.• If you provide direct deposit for pay, keep a copyof their void cheque.• Maintain information on sick time or vacationtime used or accrued.• Track pay increases as well as any commissionsor bonus information.• Keep a copy of all the performance reviews,disciplinary information, warnings (verbal and written)or any information pertaining to the performance of theemployee.• Keep a copy of any awards, courses or trainingprovided internally or externally for the employee.• Keep a copy of any WSIB/WCB forms that mayhave been completed for that employee.66 The Mompreneur • June 2008

Human Resource functions need not be daunting.If you are going at this solo for a while, be sureto think through your decisions and how theywill impact your company and your employees.• If you allow for expenses, keep a copy of anyexpenses paid.That all may sound like a lot of information to keep,however, all of the information is important for you tohave on hand. A business owner doesn’t like to think ofall the things that can go wrong with employees but,the reality is, complaints arise and lawsuits may follow.The better prepared you are with information, the betterthe outcome for your business.Policy and/or Procedure ManualsPolicy and procedure manuals can be a lot of workto implement. However, the overall statement that ismade to your employees when manuals are in place atan organization is one that surpasses an organizationwithout them.Whether you refer to it as an “employee handbook”or “policy manual,” know that you should be specific inyour policies. Think about the type of culture and thetype of employee relations you would like to build inyour organization. For that reason, consider includingthe following:• Policy for the use of company equipment(computers, phones, etc.).• Dress code.• Attendance policy.• Vacation policy (include any “blackout” periodsif your business experiences a busy time of year).• Sick or personal time off.• Expenses (if any are covered by your company).• Travel policy (if you have employees that travel).• Respect and courtesy of other employees.• Theft or vandalism.• Discount policy (if you offer it).• Education, training or other professionaldevelopment tools you offer employees.• What to do in case of an emergency (include mapsout of the building, where to meet in case of evacuation).If you are presenting this manual to employeesalready hired and in a “routine,” accept that there maynot be all positive feedback, especially if implementationis taking place because of some unacceptable behaviour.Be sure to be specific, without being discriminating orderogatory. If you are just starting to build staff, theoptimum time to implement such documentation is uponhire, making it part of the orientation process.Regardless of the time of presentation, I recommendhaving employees sign a confirmation sheet that he/shehas read and understood the policies. This comes inhandy in cases of providing disciplinary action ifviolation of any of the policies occurs. And of course, thesigned confirmation would be something you should keepin their employee file.Terminating EmployeesTerminating employees can be a very difficulttask. There are two general reasons for termination.The first is with just cause. Just cause canencompass many things. For example; continuedinsubordination, frequent absenteeism, inadequatejob performance over an extended period of time, theftor fraud or serious misconduct not condoned by theemployer.Bear in mind that, with just cause, you should beable to produce instances where either (a) correctiveaction had taken place or (b) a warning had been given.If the reason is performance-related, documentationshould be available citing areas in which the employeewas made aware of their areas of development and/ornon-compliance.All of the above warnings should be delivered tothe employee verbally or in writing.The second is dismissal. Dismissal is anychange by the employer of a major term of employment,such as a unilateral change in job responsibilities,intolerable behviour on the part of the employee orforced resignation. Note, that as a result of dismissal,an employee may decide to take on legal action.In Canada, it is illegal to terminate an employeeviolating any of the protected areas of human rights.All jurisdictions in Canada agree on six prohibitedgrounds; race or colour; religion or creed; age; sex(including pregnancy); marital status and mental orphysical disability.If you are considering terminating an employee, itis imperative to seek legal advice as well as HR support.Termination is the leading cause of legal action in manycompanies and can bring a company to closure.Human Resource functions need not be daunting.If you are going at this solo for a while, be sure to thinkthrough your decisions and how they will impact yourcompany and your employees. Human Resources canbe incredibly rewarding and ultimately will be thebackbone for the type of culture andenvironment you wish to build foryour company. MPAngela Del Corpo is the owner ofThe Organized Diva, located in Oakville,Ontario. We specialize in outsourcedadministrative services, includinghuman resource assistance toentrepreneurs and small businesses.www.theorganizeddiva.comThe Mompreneur • June 200867

INSPIRED MEALSby wovenfareDo you feel like you are cooking the same threedishes over and over and OVER again? As dinnerhour looms, do you find yourself standing in frontof an open fridge, flanked by a hungry family, hopingfor some inspiration? Do you feel uncomfortable withhow often you opt for the nutritionally questionableconvenience solution?Our planning is your inspiration…The easiest way to ensure you and your family aregoing to eat healthy, nutritious, home-cooked dinners is– quite simply – to plan for them. Our weekly meal plansprovide creative dinnertime solutions – complete withgrocery lists – to ensure you have everything you needto make delicious meals each night of the week.Mompreneur® and wovenfare.com have teamedup to bring you the wovenfare weekly.Sweet Maple ChickenWhat you need:3 - 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 6 - 12 bonelessskinless chicken thighs, salt, pepper, chili powder, maplesyrup, Dijon mustard, olive oilAll you need to do:Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pound the chicken breastsor thighs between two sheets of wax paper to an eventhickness. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and chili powder.Combine a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup with1 to 2 tsp of Dijon mustard and a drop of olive oil.Brush the mixture over the chicken and bake for 20 to 25minutes or until cooked through.What’s a wovenfare weekly Meal Plan?It is a weekly meal plan with dishes anyone canmake and everyone will love. The dishes range from oldfavourites, infused with flavour-full twists, to inspirednew ideas that will make dinner time a pleasure for thewhole family. Healthy can taste good and be stress-freeto prepare.Featured wovenfare weekly Meal Plan:Burgers with Herb ButterWhat you need:ground beef, 1 onion, whole wheat Kaiserbuns, unsalted butter, fresh tarragon, freshparsleyLog on to wovenfare.com to download the recipesand the grocery list.June marks the end of another school year as wellas the beginning of a new – and equally hectic -– summerschedule. When your schedule seems to be getting awaywith you, rely on a meal plan to ensure everyone isgetting nutritious dinners.It’s time to take dinner outdoors; plan regular BBQfavorites throughout your week. The open-air living willfuel your children’s appetites for those delicious homecooked dinners.All you need to do:In a food processor combine threetablespoons of butter with a tablespoon offresh tarragon, about 4 sprigs of parsley(stems removed), and salt and pepper totaste. Pulse until smooth. Place the mixture on a piece ofplastic wrap and wrap into a log. Refrigerate until it hardens.You can pop it in the freezer if you do not have time to let itharden in the fridge.Chop the onion and mix it with the ground beef and egg.Form into patties. Keep in mind that they shrink whilecooking. Grill until they are cooked through. Toast thebuns in the last few minutes of grilling. Place the pattieson the bun, top with slices of the herb butter and serveimmediately. MP68 The Mompreneur • June 2008

Q&Awith The MompreneurWhile recovering from cancer, Laura Jennekenshit upon an idea for a business. She would recycleold materials into new products and give them asecond chance, just like she felt she was getting.She and her partner, Vicky Gerke, startedEchoes in the Attic and now market theirtrendy bags, pillows and jewellery across Canada.EchoesIn The AtticLaura recently took the time to answer our questionsabout the company she and Vicky are so passionate about.How did you come up with the idea to start yourcompany?The idea for the company came from my mostdesperate act of recycling when I cut off all my hairbefore chemo took it and made braids that I sewed tomy bandana. As part of my year-after treatment, I tookup sewing and met my now business partner Vicky, thensewing teacher/guru, and I just knew we’d do somethingtogether.We started Echoes in the fall of ’05 and we’re nowin 50 stores across Canada and have five e-tailers (soonto be six) and our own webstore.Where do you source your materials?The chenilles we use for our “Past-times” pillowsare getting harder and harder to find so they are a tradesecret. I do my share of shopping at second-hand andthrift stores, as well as at auctions, and have manyfriends scoping these out for us.As for our other gorgeous materials, we have verygenerous eco-donors who are keeping their showroomsamples and off-cuts diverted from landfills. Ourbiggest donors are Robert Allen Fabric, Ethan AllenFurniture and The Global Group, as well as TaylorRobyn Originals. We get samples of what we call‘rescued remnants’ and we ‘mine’ for fabrics at Globaland come away with as much as 500 pounds at a timeof great fabrics, including our newest vegan, cruelty-freematerial (eco-speak for pleather). It’s a long-lastingmaterial for which the breakdown in landfills isextremely long, so we’re keeping it from going there.How do you distribute your products?I deliver the products to the stores within drivingdistance. I try to group my deliveries together as muchas possible on a particular day so as not to leave as biga footprint on the environment with gas consumption.For those stores further away, I get an idea of theirtastes in pattern and bag style and put together anorder and send them pictures. They approve every bagor pillow in the order and then we ship it out.Do you do all the manufacturing yourself?We do all the mining for fabric, sorting and design.Vicky does some of the sewing but keeping up with thedemand means enlisting help. We chose to hire astay-at-home sewer and she off-loads larger orders toother moms who want to work from their homes. Vicky’sbasement serves as our workshop, storage and studio,and my home office is where the final product is keptbefore orders go out and where we do our photo shoots.How do you stay current with trends/styles?My former job as an Interior Decorator is onlyone side of my love of design. Between us, Vicky andI subscribe to umpteen magazines. Vicky, with herbackground as the ‘sewing-guru,’ is addicted to sewingmagazines and trade shows, where she can talk the talkwith other talented artisans.Our inspiration comes from many sources, butusually harkens back to the past. We’re both verysentimental and we let our love of old things inspire us.Of course, our donated materials are a very big part ofour design. For instance, we launched our tote bag lastfall at the Home & Country Magazine show in Torontoand it was a huge hit. Usually the materials used to linethe tote are just as beautiful as the outside and thatinspired “The Two-Timer Tote,” a totally reversible totebag – one bag with two looks for longer use.Are all your products made from recycledmaterials?Yes, all our products are made with recycled or‘rescued remnants.’ We do have to consider the needsof the 21 st century, though. We soon realized that a bagdesigned to sling across the body on my 5’ 3” frame didn’tquite look like a fit for Vicky at 5’ 9”. Hence our earlycommitment to new, adjustable straps made of weltingon most of our bags. We also use new magnetic domesand zippers for security purposes on the bags, andzippers on the pillowslips so you can remove and washthem. Our pillow inserts are also made from newmaterials.70 The Mompreneur • June 2008

Our inspiration comes from many sources, but usually harkens back to the past.We’re both very sentimental and we let our love of old things inspire us.Is your business making the returns youanticipated?Our business, after two-and-a-half years, is alreadyfulfilling the five-year goals we had originally plannedfor. We are still serious about diversification and notputting all our eggs in one wholesale basket so we’re inthe throes of launching workshops where Vicky will teachtrade tricks and secrets. She will help participants makeone of our simpler bags or a pillowslip and give themlimited access to a bit of our ‘stash’ of gorgeous fabrics.We’re also launching house parties in southernOntario. An Echoes rep will come to your home andmake an event out of shopping with your friends. Thehostess will get incentives for throwing the party anda percentage of overall sales that translates into greatproducts for her.What business challenges have you faced andovercome?In the beginning, it was tough. We didn’t reallypay ourselves for the first year. But our exposure andgrowing popularity kept us striving. The receptivity ofpeople at one of The Home & Country Magazine showswas really overwhelming.Now looking back, it seems that whenever there wasa lull or moment of doubt, something would miraculouslymaterialize out of thin air to inspire us to keep it going.Now, we don’t even consider the possibility of not havingthis company. We both just keep coming up with moreand more ideas to grow the business.Echoes In The Attic owners:Laura Jennekens (above) and Vicky Gerke (below).What are your future plans for your business?We’re currently co-producing a bag for The GlobalGroup as a promotional bag to get more people to use arecycled tote and say ‘no’ to plastic.Launching workshops and house parties willdiversify our interests and broaden our client base. It’s alarge part of our focus right now, as well as maintainingrelations with our wholesale clients.We also plan to make in-roads into the U.S.We work very hard to live up to our ideology: “ThinkGreen, Choose Green, Pay It Forward, Live On Purpose,Change The World One Responsible Decision At A Time.”We accomplish this by donating to various charities,like Rebecca’s Hope for Leukemia Research at PrincessMargaret Hospital for which we designed a bag anddonate half the proceeds. We also donate to breast cancerfundraiser groups and individuals. We are in talks withthe hospital that treated me to provide them with ourbags and donate half the retail price to their fundraisingefforts.And we will continue to provide wholesale and retailoutlets and our webstore with Canadian, hand-made,salvage-chic, environmentally sustainable fashion andhome accessories. MPwww.echoesintheattic.comThe Mompreneur • June 200871

GREENThe Shopping Listgreengirls.caEco-friendly, fashion-forward clothing andaccessories that are accessible and ffordable.We prove that it is possible to be 'green' anda 'girl' at the same time. Mini-sweater made ofrecycled sweaters. Tee-bag made of recycled t-shirts and the handle from an old belt.www.greengirls.caLunapadsWashable menstrual pads,padded panties, menstral cups andmany other environmentallyresponsible products for women’swellness. Manufactured in Canada.www.lunapads.comInikia Cosmetics100% natural, 100%organic, 100% vegan,100% environmentallyfriendly, 100% cruelty-free:Inikia Make-upwww.inikacosmetis.comNurtured.caMaple teether and cherrybowl are both sealed withbeeswax, and a cottonreusable birthday banner.www.nurtured.ca72 The Mompreneur • June 2008Visit our website at www.themompreneur.com

TRAVEL WITH KIDSby Michelle ThomsRiding The RailsIf the thought of the whole family schlepping into theminivan with all of your stuff and driving eight plushours with frequent bathroom and food breaks is toomuch for you to handle this summer, why not considerthe train? Via Rail travels across Canada and makesstops at most major cities along the way.Recently, my family and I were on a four-hourdrive to see extended family when our three-year-oldexclaimed she had to poo. We were on the TransCanadahighway with no bathroom stop in sight. After a long,involved conversation, we determined she really did haveto go.I was envisioning the worst – cleaning poop fromher clothes and possibly the car seat.Needless to say, we sped down the highway untilwe found an exit with a restaurant sign.With this last adventure in mind, I was motivatedto find an alternative to long driving trips and theirtoileting disasters. What I discovered is exciting –kids between two and 11 travel for free every summerbetween June 1 and September 15 on VIA Rail. Babiesunder two always travel for free on their parent’s lap.People over 60 can bring another adult with them forfree until December.If you decide to take the train, arrive at the stationearly to take advantage of their priority seating forfamilies with young children (not all stations have this,so check ahead). This will ensure that you are seatedtogether and comfortably on the train before yourdeparture. Priority seating can also help with makingsure there is space for you and your family’s luggage(car seat, strollers, suitcases, etc.).Dining and snacking on the train is no problemeither. You can order food on the train or bring yourown. Adults can even enjoy a glass of alcohol on thetrain. How often does it happen that you can enjoy abeer, a board game and some quality time all on the wayto Grandma’s house?Another advantage of train travel is that the kidscan change positions and walk around easily withoutbeing strapped in. The view outside is beautiful andserves as entertainment, mixed with geography lessons.Older children can easily amuse themselves for hourswith their feet up and a good book or video game. Familyboard games and card games can be played until you’reblue in the face.The more serious traveler can take advantage of“sleeper class.” It is offered for most cross-Canada trips.Making this trip with your family will be an amazingbonding time and learning experience. You’ll be given acomfortable seat and a bed at night. There is even accessto showers in sleeper class. On many routes, movies areshown in a common area.I will admit the price is a little scary but we all havedifferent reasons for deciding to take the train and, tosome, this price tag may be well worth it.Whether you take the train, plane or a magic carpet,my advice is to always have crackers on hand for thelittle ones.Wait. Does the conductor still give out snack packsof nuts and crackers shortly after boarding?I’m in. MPMichelle Thoms is the owner of gogoBabyInc., a baby equipment rental agencylocated in Toronto. She is also a travelenthusiast and the mother of threechildren. Visit her website atwww.gogoBaby.ca for moreinformation or to e-mail her.The Mompreneur • June 200873

BUSINESS DIRECTORY74 The Mompreneur • June 2008ALBERTAShelley Soles, RealtorRoyal LePage Benchmark, Calgary 403-259-9327www.shelleysoles.caChipperfield PhotographyWe can stop time… 403-263-6166www.chipperfieldphotography.comMoms, Dads and KidsThe “Little Black Book” for busy families. 780-945-7400www.MomsDadsandKids.comLittle Soles Inc.Urban Class Footwear for Children 403-270-0123www.littlesoles.caInternational Strategies Ltd.Import/export consulting. 780-777-6777www.intl-strategies.comCrystal Ink Design FirmGraphic Designer. 403-708-8093www.crystalink.caBRITISH COLUMBIACanadian Young Women in Business Society [YWiB]Helping women in the process of launching their careers developlong-term social and professional networks.www.ywib.caNima’ma MaternityVancouver’s newest maternity arrival features a variety of maternity & nonmaternitycollections for women, organic skincare & cosmetics, jewellery &accessories. Located at 2938 West 4th Ave. Open Mon-Sat, 10 am to 6pmand Sun 12-5 pm. www.nimama.ca or email info@nimama.ca.MomcaféEvents connecting inspired moms – Vancouver: 604-290-4236jill@momcafe.net www.momcafe.netForum for Women Entrepreneurs of BCEducating and mentoring women entrepreneurs, 604-516-9250Jill Earthy, Executive Director / Kim Appleton, Program Directorwww.fwe.caWeekenders’ CanadaJackie Hickson, Image Consultant / Personal Shopper. 403-730-8573jackiehickson@shaw.caMaggies Shortbread & Cookies Inc.Ph: 403-226-9418 Fx: 403-235-4237 maggiesshortbread@telus.netwww.maggiesshortbread.comChipperfield PhotographyWe can stop time… 403-263-6166www.chipperfieldphotography.comDaBaby"Black" is the new pink & blue! Our line consists of the coolest, designedonesies, bibs, beenies, hoodies, t-shirts & pants ...divine, hip ...it's all about DaBaby! 780-856-5688 or 1-888-533-2583www.dababy.caCatherine CampbellAbstract Artist. 403-686-0273. e-mail: glencath@telus.netwww.catherinecampbell.ca...little delishWhen stule meets kids. Cozy, stylish children's foam chairs andtrendy barrettes. info@littledelish.comwww.littledelish.comAvon Independent Sales RepSell or Buy Beauty productsLana Carron 403-836-7840 or Jolene Avery 403-514-1646VitalBodySkin NaturallyDistributor for Cloud 9 Naturally –Skin Care for damaged and/orhurting skin plus an exceptional bath & beauty line. Our productswill put you on Cloud 9 403-247-0626. louise.adams@telus.netwww.cloud9naturally.comBeautiControlHome Spas & Relaxation Sessions. 403-589-3346www.beautipage.ca/spadivaJewels ‘n’ MoreJewelry parties, hand bags, sterling silver and costume jewelry403-921-3041shikha110@hotmail.comInvestors Group Financial Services Inc.Tina Schultz, Financial Planner. 403-256-5890 or 403-880-0857E-mail: tina.schultz@investorsgroup.comMary Kay CosmeticsInnovative and safe skin care, color cosmetics and body careproducts. 403-256-6578, slitalien@shaw.ca, Learn more with meabout the Mary Kay Opportunity and receive a free gift.www.marykay.ca/slitalien1Passion Parties By VanessaThe Ultimate Girls Night In!403-398-6329 /vanessaspassion@gmail.comhttp://vanessais.yourpassionconsultant.comTHE PAMPERED CHEFKari Volponi- Independent Director. Making your kitchen a betterplace to be! E-mail veevah@shaw.ca for link to website403-999-5932

BUSINESS DIRECTORYONTARIOWeekenders Canada IncHave a passion for fashion? Starting our great business opportunityis as easy as shopping with your friends. Contact Anne Craig at905-731-1613 or annecraig@rogers.comStyle ExpressionsInterior design, home & vacant staging, colour consultations,children's bedrooms. Helping you get the look of your dreamswithout breaking the bank. 905-846-4793 or 905-399-6647www.styleexpressions.caHOME INTERIORS AND GIFTSJoin my team, shop from homeLisa Nichol, Independent Consultant. 519-885-5834www.homeinteriors.com/sites/lisanicholONLINE – ANYWHEREWellness MomsA simple business for busy moms that are eco-conscious. Noselling and no risk. Our goal is helping you reach yours!www.WellnessMoms.comWomensWealthandWellnessWork From Home with your own 23 yr old Premier Healthand Wellness Co. No Selling, No Parties, Not MLM, The bestComp plan in the business. We are a consumable manufacturerof health and wellness products.www.womenswealthandwellness.com/wendyWomen in a Home OfficeA refreshing networking opportunity. 1-800-615-7685www.womeninahomeoffice.comReZultsMatter Making What Matters - HAPPEN!A Personal Development & Professional Excellence Businesssince 2001. Maureen Tazzioli, Professional Speaker and Trainer.maureen@rezultsmatter.com www.rezultsmatter.comBeautiControl - Create the life you love with Spa Escapes!Experience spa treatments in your own home. MarianneHutchings, BeautiControl Consultant 403-923-3696.marianne.hutchings@luscioustech.com. Join my team or shoponline at www.beautipage.ca/luscioustechDimpleskins Naturals100% natural skin care products for babies & children, madefrom ONLY pure and organic ingredients. Our famous 'BUMBUM BALM' is a must in every diaper bag! Made in Canada.604-395-MAMAwww.DimpleskinsNaturals.comPut your company in ourBusiness Directory for only $45/month(or 4 issues for $150).E-mail us atTheMompreneur@shaw.ca.Modern Mommy GearOne stop shopping for eco-friendly products for baby, parents,pets, and homes. Helping hip parents raise environmentallyresponsible children and manage eco-friendly homes.www.ModernMommyGear.comTiny Gem Baby SolutionsOnline baby and toddler boutique. Featuring cloth diapers,potty training supplies, great on-the-go gear and many otherinnovative products for parents, babies and toddlers.1-888-640-4GEM (4436) info@tinygem.cawww.tinygem.caPixie Dust KidsBaby and Toddler Bath and Bed Accessories.From my home to yours. 780-434-1440www.pixiedustkids.caBarks ’n GigglesOnline retailer of unique and hard to find baby items1-888-848-4028, Jennifer@barksngiggles.comwww.barksngiggles.comMountain View AcademyPreschool to grade 12 – Educating and empowering studentsin a community where they feel valued and respected -Personalized programs – University preparatory.403-217-4346 www.mountainviewacademy.caCanadian Scrapbooker Inc.Canada’s only scrapbooking magazine dedicated 100% toCanadians! 403-809-4888www.CanadianScrapbooker.caKai Kids: Gentle on your family, gentle on the earthEco-friendly gear for babies and mamas. Everything you need toraise baby green! 416-318-1501 or 1-888-688-8KAIwww.kaikids.comLynn O’Gallagher – Shaklee Independent DistributorFor a healthy you, home, & environment.403-617-2771 lynnog@telus.netwww.shaklee.ca/lynnVisit our website at www.themompreneur.comThe Mompreneur • June 200875

GREENThe Shopping ListBe’atoCalgary’s most convenient way of gettingorganic and fairly traded freshly roastedcoffees and loose leaf teas delivered rightto your door. Order online anytime atwww.beato.ca.Dimpleskins Naturals100% natural baby care products.www.dimpleskinsnaturals.comGrowing Up OrganicStainless Steel Dish Set. Made of a highquality 304 (18/8) grade of stainless steel.Great at keeping food warm. Dishwashersafe but NOT microwave safe.www.growinguporganic.caOrganically GiftedYour one stop shop for eco-friendly gifts.This web-based company creates uniqueeco-friendly gifts for all occasions.They specialize in toxin-free bath and beautyproducts, soy candles and organic gourmettreats. They even donate 1% of everypurchase to the David Suzuki Foundation.www.organicallygifted.ca76The Mompreneur • June 2008

Women’s Sexual and Psychological HealthDr. Suzanne LemieuxClinical and Consulting PsychologistSpecialist in the assessment and treatment of:• Sexual problems• Trauma / abuse• Emotional difficulties• Relationship problems• Coping with life transitionsCall: (403) 607-0747Evening appointments welcomeEmail: dr.lemieux@shaw.cainnovative design for thefirst few years of lifewww.modern-mommy.cominfo@modern-mommy.comCheck out theMompreneur®podcasts on ourwebsite at thelink below.The Mompreneur • June 2008www.themompreneur.com/articles/category/podcast/77

SALES TALKby Kim DukeThe DangerousSales MistakeIworked in the crazy, energizing and highly creativeindustry of Canadian advertising for 15 years andsomething that applied to my customers then stillapplies today. In fact, it is even more important todaythan it was 15 years ago. It was something I showedthem how to do so they could attract more customers– consistently.What is it?Staying in the four-week radar.I hate to break it you, but most people don’t knowyou. That means there are hundreds and thousands ofpotential customers who don’t have a clue what you do.If they don’t know who you are and how you canhelp them, your phone doesn’t ring. Period.Why?Because you’re completely off their radar! And thebottom line is that is simply dangerous to your sales.When I worked in television advertising, the GoldenRule was creating “top of mind” awareness. If I sayketchup, you think Heinz. If I say peanut butter, youthink Kraft. If I say clothing, you think Gap.If I say sales expert extraordinaire, you think SalesDivas!Get the picture?Right now, how many people are thinking of yourproduct or service instantly when they are looking forwhat you have to offer?If you’re not in front of your customers andpotential customers on a regular basis and withrelevancy, you are living dangerously.Well, I have good news and bad news for you.The Good NewsYou don’t require a multi-million dollar advertisingbudget to create “top of mind” awareness with yourcustomers. (I spend less than $1,000 a year on myadvertising.) It can be achieved with a small investmentof money and a larger investment of time and creativity.The Bad NewsIf you are staying out of your customer’s radar formore than four weeks, you are forgotten.78 The Mompreneur • May 2008So where do you start?Radical Ways To Stay On Your Customers’ Radar• Stay within the four-week radar. What is yourstrategy for staying in front of your customers andpotential customers? Do you even have a strategy? Suchas sending out an newsletter or e-zine twice a month,taking your client for breakfast, thank you cards, articlesin the mail, picking up the phone? What are you doing?• Don’t Contact Them Without Added Value.Never, and I mean never, call someone and say, “Oh,hi. I was just calling to touch base.” Gag. That is solame! Instead, call them and say “James, I ran acrosssomething on the weekend that gave me a wonderfulidea for you!” Make people curious instead of bored!• Get On The News! I can hear you now. “Themedia wouldn’t want me.” Two words for you: “WHOSAID?” It will give you a reason to contact clients andlet them know you’re in the news. You can send them acopy of the article, etc. That creates interest and alsovalidates that you’re the right choice for them. The bestpart? It is no-charge. Go to www.publicityhound.comand sign up for Joan’s free newsletter on PR . Tell her Isent you!So here’s a question for you. Who has fallen off yourradar? Is it someone really important to your businessbut life has gotten in the way of staying in touch?My Diva Dare to you: contact them within thenext two days and surprise them with something! Getmoving! MPCopyright 2006 (c) Kim Duke Sales Divas Inc.Kim Duke, The Sales Diva, provides savvy,sassy sales training for women small bizowners and entrepreneurs. Kim works withclients internationally, showing themThe Sales Diva secrets to success!Sign up for her saucy and smart FREE e-zineand receive her FREE Bonus Report“The 5 Biggest Sales Mistakes Women Make“at www.salesdivas.com.Visit our website at www.themompreneur.com

The Mompreneur • June 200879