My Own Little Story

If you read my most recent newsletter you have heard the news: I finally launched my online baby book- www.MyOwnLittleStory.com

This blog, The Inspired Mom, was born out of the concept that there must be more moms like myself.  Who had an idea, a dream, a goal and they might need some support in order to pursue their ventures.   In fact, the very reason I was able to reach my goal was because I had a support network of friends and family who wanted to see me achieve my goals.  Even though I have launched my website, I still have a huge journey ahead of me.  I need to get out there and market my book.  This is not something I have experience in doing, but then again everything I have done over the last three years has been outside of my “scope” of experience.

Up to this point, I never considered myself to be a creative person; but, as I look at my website and a finished baby book, I realize I am sort of creative.  Also, I didn’t envision myself as an entrepreneur, but I can’t think of anything else to call someone who has created his or her own business.   I knew nothing about technology or how to build a web-based business, but I have managed to ask the right people and do enough research so that I could bring My Own Little Story to life.  Now, I am going to teach myself something about marketing and public relations.  I guess in the near future, I might have to hire someone if I want it done right.  In the meantime time, I am going to harness my passion for my product and see who will share my enthusiasm

I hope that my readers will take a look at my website you can click here: www.MyOwnLittleStory.com.  There are some really cool features of My Own Little Story that have never been done before on a baby book site. (more…)

Don’t give up- when the going gets rough.

If you have ever dreamed of owning your own business you will enjoy this story about Phyllis Calza.  Phyllis started her career in education working with children as the Program Director for a reading intervention program. Her job was part of a special program that was funded by the state of California (back when there was money to spend).  In 2002, the funding for this reading program was cut and Phyllis was left wondering what she wanted to do for a career.   She and her husband wanted to start a family; but, just like so many of us, Phyllis didn’t get pregnant as easily as she had hoped. While she was in the midst of career decisions and trying to get pregnant, Phyllis realized that she would really like to start her own stationery and gift business.  However the timing didn’t feel right because she was more focused on getting pregnant.  So, she took a short break from working and wound up pregnant with her first child, Austin. (more…)

You never know which decision might change your life forever.

On September 11th, 2001 Denise Berger made a decision that would end up saving her life.   At 8:46 that morning, Denise was working in the South Tower of The World Trade Center on the 103rd floor, when she saw an airplane crash into the North Tower.  At the time, nobody in her building was aware that the collision was a terror attack.  Denise said she saw the plane crash as if it was in slow motion.  Her vantage point was such that she could make out figures sitting in the cockpit.  After the initial impact, she heard several explosions and was fearful that the Tower she was in would catch fire too.  She made a split second decision to get out of the building.  Denise followed her gut and figured she could always go back to her desk later if there was no need to worry.  In addition, Denise was newly pregnant with her second child. (more…)

My Life On Time

As a mom it is critical to be organized.  If you don’t write things down, you are likely to forget something extremely important- like donuts for the kindergarten class on “Dad’s donut day” or your day to drive the carpool to swim lessons.

That’s why we could all use a great calendar or planner to help family life run smoothly and eliminate the likelihood of getting the dreaded call from school that your child is sitting  in the office because you forgot to pick them up!  Laura Marusa, a mom of two kindergarten girls, had a hard time finding the right calendar to fit her needs.  As a result, she dreamed up the perfect calendar then created it using her own computer and design skills.   She named her creation My Life On Time.   (more…)

Goals for 2009

Just start thinking about what you would like to do in 2009.  Post your comment below and we can all support one another.  I have a few things I would like to do:

1- Release my online babybook- my readers will be the first to preview this labor of love that I have worked on for almost 2 years.

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Are you inundated with Christmas catalogs? Just throw them in the recycle bin!

I have to say I am a bit overloaded with ads and catalogs this holiday season.  It looks like retailers REALLY want me to buy another flat screen for $999.99.   Considering most of us are too busy to sort through all of these catalogs to find something sort of cool, I want to share a link to a gift that I received and absolutely love.  Take a look at Naturally Knotty totes and clutches.  

I was introduced to this brand when one of my stylish girlfriends gifted me with this water proof, sand proof, spill proof (because it’s laminated)  tote.  The very next morning, I tossed my workout gear in and headed out to teach my spin class.  I was given the bag with four pockets (pictured above) which came in  handy for my keys and a water bottle and my bike shoes with clips didn’t scratch or tear the interior.  Afterwards, I threw my sweaty towel along with a half open water bottle  into the bag and when I came home to realize that the water had spilled, I just dumped out the contents and dried it. No damage to the bag and my life got just a little bit easier.   Now here is the story on how these bags came to life: (more…)

Erin Condren- remember that name.

I have been wanting to write Erin Condren’s story from the day I launched the inspired mom.  She is an incredible role model for mom entrepreneurs.   She was the person who actually got me started dreaming about “possibilities”.  Her success has been an inspiration to me and I hope you find some inspiration too.

Erin’s journey to success was hard fought and included some setbacks that might have have caused many-a- woman to throw in the towel.  The lesson to be learned from Erin is that sometimes disappointment is part of the actual journey on the road to success. (more…)

A mom who isn’t afraid of anything!

Mani Pedi Cutie in Hermosa Beach is one of those places you have to visit in order to appreciate. When I walked in, I was both impressed and curious. At first I thought MPC was just a gorgeous salon. Then, I noticed an area designed with young girls in mind and learned that the salon uses non-toxic beauty products. When I heard the proprietor was I mom of two kids, I knew that I had to interview her for my website.

Fearless, intelligent, determined are just a few adjectives that I would use to describe Ally Conley, the owner of Mani Pedi Cutie. With two children ages 3 and 6 she created an upscale nail salon that is both eco-friendly and child friendly. When you read her story, you will understand why I chose the adjectives above to describe her. (more…)

“No matter what you do, there will be critics.”

Don’t be afraid to pursue your own dreams based on what others say when you share your idea. Use criticism to strengthen your resolve and refine your goals.

If you are brave enough to share your vision with others you might hear some popular and expected responses. Of all the moms that I have met and interviewed each one has had their critics. Statements such as, “it has already been done”, “how will you find the time” or “what happens if you fail?” Instead of allowing any doubts to stop your pursuit, use the criticism to refine your focus.

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“Those who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed.” Lloyd Jones

At moments I am paralyzed with fear that my efforts to build a website focused on inspiring other moms will fail miserably.  Who am I to think that my words and the stories of others who motivate me, will have the same effect on my readers.  I have such lofty goals for this site…can I even live up to my own expectations?
 
 I can sit here on my living room chair (aka my home office) and fearlessly start typing, or I can continually look back on today and regret that I didn’t just give it a shot.   There is a chance that I fall short of expectations, but there is also a chance that I surpass my expectations.

If I motivate one mom, to take action to turn some goal or dream into a reality, then my efforts are not in vain.