Meet five OC Moms who forged their own path to success, raising a business…and a family.
Casey Beau Brown
Casey’s Cupcakes
Mom to Kensington Kelly Brown, 10 weeks
Orange County
Business Founded in 2009
What inspired you to become a mompreneur?
I have always been an entrepreneur, it was taught to me by my parents, Kelly and Duane Roberts – Owners of The Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, CA. “When Casey and her brother, Doug, were young; it was important to build a strong work ethic, to be good citizens, get good grades and be kind and respectful to everyone. Casey was exposed to my business ethics at a young age. I am very proud of the woman and mother she has become!”
When I was a junior at Pepperdine, my parents helped me open my first Casey’s Cupcakes, which was followed by four additional Orange County locations after winning Food Network’s Cupcake Wars “Walk of Fame” episode. I created three glamorous cupcakes inspired by Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe.
How does your child feel about your business?
Kensington is only 2 months old, but she smiles every time she hears “Casey’s Cupcakes”!
How do you de-stress from the pressures of raising a child…and a business?
A warm hot bath and a date night with my husband.We love Mastro’s, Javier’s, Andrea at Pelican Hill, Studio at Montage.
Tips for other mompreneurs?
Always do what you love, don’t be so hard on yourself and support each other. I knew I always wanted to have a family and this year was perfect timing. I have an incredible husband. Family is one of the important things in life to both of us.
Stephanie Stedfield
Stephanie’Salon Newport Beach
Newport Beach
Mom to Sharlene (10), Selena (4)
Business Founded in 2003
What inspired you to become a mompreneur?
I just love what I do. I like to make people feel confident. Hair plays a big part in your mood. If you feel great about your look, you’re motivated. When you’re happy, your air affects other people. Making people feel beautiful and happy is worth more than money to me; to give people confidence and see their joy is priceless.
How do your kids feel about your business?
I raised both my kids in my business. They call my salon “Mommy’s House”! They love when other moms bring their kids. Moms don’t have to feel guilty taking the time to treat themselves, when they come in to my salon they can bring their kids to play with mine. I even have a playroom. Most of my clients know my kids and that is the first thing they ask about when they walk in.
How do you juggle mom-time and business-time?
I book clients around my children’s schedule while they’re in school and at activities. That still gives me a lot of work time. It also lets me take short notice appointments. I’m very lucky that I have amazing clients who are so flexible and patient.
How do you de-stress from the pressure of raising a child….and a business?
Girlfriends are the best therapy! Honestly, I really enjoy motherhood. My kids bring me so much joy. Businessis up, down, all around. That is life! Why stress? I have date nights with my husband. I also support charities. I like galas and events for good causes.
Tips for other mompreneurs?
Know what you want. Have a vision, but be flexible as the same time. Think positive and prepare for the negative.
Gina Ozhuthual
Bohemian Mama
Huntington Beach
Mom to Camilla, age 15 months
Business Founded in 2015
What inspired you to become a mompreneur?
After being in the sales industry for a Fortune 500 company for almost 18 years, I identified a need in the retail market for moms like me, who desire a destination to shop thoughtfully-sourced items that not only make them feel beautiful, but a place their children love as well, all in one chic location.
How do you de-stress from the pressures of raising a child…and a business?
I absolutely love de-stressing by kickboxing at Huntington Beach Ultimate Training Center. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get fit (take the stress out on a bag!). If I don’t, it’s easy to burnout, and that’s no good for anyone.
How do your kids feel about your business?
Camilla is just 15 months old, however she loves to model new goods, and I love knowing that I am building something special with her in mind.
How do you juggle mom-time and business-time?
That is tricky, and honestly sometimes it’s a blur. It takes work and juggling between my husband and I. However, I do my best to make sure I am present when I am with her and use my time effectively.
Tips for other mompreneurs?
I first would say, “Bravo” because it takes bravery, sacrifice, and hard work to do something outside the desk job, and something you believe in. You’ve done something so many have not. Whether it’s successful or not, you tried and that is MAJOR! I would also say, just keep learning, growing, and studying your competitors. What do they do well? What are they lacking? What can you do to be better? Listen to your customers, and adjust accordingly!
www.BohemianMama.com
Reija Eden
Reija Eden Jewelry
Huntington Beach
Mom to (Cameron (15), Carissa (10), Cade (6)
Business Founded in 2008
What inspired you to become a mompreneur?
My dad and my grandmother from my mom’s side were entrepreneurs, so I think it’s in my blood. I still remember the time my dad left his day job to start his own company. I thought it was amazing, but scary. I told myself I wanted to be like him. I got laid off from my job in the tumultuous mortgage business when my daughter was two. I founded my company to show my children that women can have their own company and still care for their family.
How do you de-stress from the pressures of raising a child…and a business?
I’m lucky because I really enjoy what I do. Jewelry making is a stress relief for me. Now that the children are older, I have more time to devote to my business. Our schedules are so crazy with all three being in sports/activities, but we find a way to get it all done.
How do your kids feel about your business?
Our daughter thinks it’s fun that mom makes jewelry. She has her own set of tools and likes to make different things herself.
How do you juggle mom-time and business-time?
I work as much as I can when the children are in school and at night after dinner and homework is done. I also get up really early in the morning to catch up on emails and get my day going before it’s time to wake up the children and get them ready for school.
Tips for other mompreneurs?
Follow your dreams and just keep going when everything feels overwhelming or people tell you no. It will get better. Being organized is the best. When it seems like there isn’t enough hours in a day, there is always a next day. Enjoy the children when they are little. Let go of “perfect”. Mommy-guilt is overrated. It’s so important to take care of yourself — what better way than having a career that fulfills you. The kids get to see that a mom can have a business and be a mother at the same time and learn the value of hard work.
Tamie Tran
Tustin Blue Dental Group, Tustin
Tustin
Mom to Daisy 11, Heather 7
Business Founded 2016
What inspired you to become a mompreneur?
I love my profession because I can be my own boss. I took the plunge and started my dental practice in order to have the freedom of choosing my own hours so I can spend more time with my girls. Well, because of that and TEETH! I had lots of cavities and bad experiences with dentists when I was a kid. I decided I could make a difference and help people from getting decay by becoming a gentle and caring dentist.
How do your kids feel about your business?
They like what I do and they love coming to the office after school and playing pretend dentist. They want to one day own their own business. They are considering the healthcare profession, but aren’t sure which field might interest them. Perhaps, veterinary or eye services.
How do you juggle mom-time and business-time?
I plan my day ahead and stay organized. I know some people have their entire lives on their computers or on their phones, but I keep it traditional, using a paper planner and writing down the day’s schedule each day, week and month. I do have the flexibility of setting my own hours, so I work while they are in school or busy with friend and doing other activities.
How to you de-stress from the pressures of raising a child…and a business?
I set one day a week for myself. I spend it playing sports, walking or running. Just me time!
Tips for other mompreneurs?
I think the most important thing is to do what you love, set a goal and go after it passionately. It’s a great gift to show children at an early age to be proactive and to work hard for what you want. Learn from mistakes and try harder.
By Sascha Zuger
Prosper Show says
Moms need to be commended for a job well done especially in handling business and family. It doesn’t matter to them how challenging and hard the work is. It still make them to keep going and pursue the dreams that they have. These are the entrepreneurs need to be followed.