MMIA Magazine - Million Moms In Action Magazine August/September 2014 | Page 51

20 mogul
moms

The web design
& marketing Mama
“I never thought about having my own business until about 5 years later when my daughter was born.
After my maternity leave ended I just could not leave her.”
MMIA: When did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
NICOLE: I was first exposed to entrepreneurship through my husband.
He has his own construction company. While he enjoyed working for
himself I was working full time in advertising for a local newspaper. I
never thought about having my own business until about 5 years later
when my daughter was born. After my maternity leave ended I just could
not leave her. So I quit my job and opened an online baby boutique about
3 years later and loved every minute of it! But…my heart was still in the
marketing field. To be honest I don’t know why I didn’t open my graphic
design business back then but I don’t regret opening my boutique either.
I believe taking that first step no matter what idea you have is critical to
your growth and having that boutique has given me some wonderful
experience and has opened many doors as well.
MMIA: How long did it take you to go from business idea to actually
seeing income?
NICOLE: I started really making money in about three months. But like
with any business just starting out each penny you make usually goes
right back into the business. I started actually paying myself after the
first year.
MMIA: Do you ever regret your decision to become a full-time
entrepreneur?
NICOLE: No way. I am not only doing this for myself but for my children.
Sure being a work-at-home entrepreneur has its challenges but I will never
regret choosing my daughter over my corporate job.
MMIA: How do you balance the roles of mommy and entrepreneur?
NICOLE: Balance? What’s that? LOL Honestly I don’t think I have a
balanced bone in my body. I do use lists that I am constantly adding to
every time I get an idea. But seriously, I enjoy living in the moment. My
family comes first and then my business. I find that when their needs are
taken care of it enables me to get my work done a lot easier and while I
am working there is no guilt getting in my way. Every day is different and
so is every family you just need to learn to do what works for you and
stick to those strategies.

MMIA: How do your children feel about mommy being an entrepreneur?
NICOLE: I don’t think my 3 year old so