Mom-E of the Month

August 2010 Mom-E of the Month:

Virginia Anderson
Owner, Oregon Translation

Kids: Julian, age 4

Brief biz description: Oregon Translation would like to be your language partner and help your business grow locally as well as globally. Owned by Professional Translator Virginia Anderson, Oregon Translation specializes in the translation of business, financial, legal, technical, training, and marketing documents and Web sites in over 40 different languages.  At Oregon Translation, your language is our language.

Target audience: We seek to establish long-term relationships with businesses and non-profits involved in international trade. Our secondary targets are Oregon businesses and governments aiming to reach the local immigrant community, consisting of Hispanics, Eastern Europeans, Chinese, and Southeast Asians.

Job held before you started this biz: I began as a part-time freelance translator in 1996 before I graduated from college. I translated during evenings and weekends (around a series of full-time corporate jobs) until I had a stable enough customer base to fully launch my own translation business in 2001. My last external employment was as Translation Project Manager at viaLanguage.

Initial Start-Up Costs: A few hundred dollars worth of dictionaries and a reliable computer

Initial Funding Source(s): boot-strapping and pooling resources with my husband’s Web business, Canvas Dreams.

First "woohoo!" business moment: Too long ago to remember. An early example was when I was contracted by Accenture in late 2001 to research and write bilingual marketing copy about their global engagements, and I participated in international conference calls between Germany, Argentina, and the USA. Most recent “woohoo”: In June 2010, Pink Martini hired us to provide a Ukrainian interpreter for language assistance at their recording session.

Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment: .Thinking I was going to be able to do it all after my son was born. I mistakenly believed that babies slept a lot and that I would be able to continue running a growing business while caring for my son. Not so! After 18 months of juggling, we found a great, flexible daycare for our son, enabling me to fairly divide my attentions between work and parenting.

How you feel about competition in your industry: Dynamic! The language services industry is growing rapidly. Competition is inherently global and comes in all sizes. I love to network with other language professionals because, as a group, we view the world’s diversity and interactions from a privileged perspective.

Greatest source of clients for your biz: OregonTranslation.com and in-person networking.

Your inspiration: Learning and sharing cultural anecdotes about the places where I have lived and travelled, thereby opening up a new world for my husband and son (and others) to explore.

#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow: Communicate honestly. Listen when your customers tell you what they (think they) need; then tell them honestly how/if you can provide that. Maintain open communication with your customer when a project goes haywire, so you can work together to solve the issues.

#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance: Delegate and divide the load. You cannot be a good parent, a good spouse, and a good business owner if you are constantly torn between all of your responsibilities. Identify tasks that your spouse is willing to take on or hire someone to do them, so you can focus on your strengths or simply catch your breath.

Kim Campbell
Co-Owner, Campbell Salgado Studio

Kids: step-daughter Paulina (age 27) and son Tamaio (age 9)

Biz Description: Husband and wife team Francisco Salgado and Kim Campbell joined forces professionally in 1995 to create Campbell Salgado Studio, a trend-setting Oregon-based photography studio with an international clientele. Situated in a lovingly restored 1908 building with an attached portrait garden, Campbell Salgado Studio helps families record the special moments of their lives through breathtakingly beautiful and original photography.

Target audience: Families with children of all ages, from maternity to extended family photo sessions.

Job held before:  I trained and worked as an Art Therapist at Edgefield Children's Center before deciding to follow a dream of photography.

Initial start-up costs: Fifteen years ago, we were fresh out of College, my husband had a BFA in photography and an MFA in Sculpture and together we decided to capitalize on his photography skills to start a business that would allow us to be creative.  We borrowed about $3,000 for a medium-format camera and lighting kit.

Initial funding source: family loan

First Woo-hoo! moment: I took some amazing black and white portraits of a pregnant friend 11 years ago and I knew that I would want the same kind of imagery when I was pregnant and figured there might be a market for it.  After sharing these images with midwives, OBGYNs, and pregnant mamas I discovered my instinct was right.

Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment:  
Having a family friend build our first website. Mind you this was early in the game when sites were pretty basic and that's what I got - a really basic site. The following year I hired a professional web company and I was thrilled with what a professional designer brought to our site. That site was more expensive but definitely worth the investment.

How you feel about competition in your industry:  My goal has always been to provide a full-service, boutique-style portrait studio to Portland.  My clients love that we offer a range of products from custom framing to jewelry.  I think the more photographers strive to offer that experience the better we can educate our clientele on the benefits to working with a professional, rather than a 'click-n-burn' photographer.

Greatest source of clients for your biz: Direct client referrals are the best. When our clients display their photos in their home they are making an aesthetic statement by featuring their family as works of art. Referrals from clients mean that the new inquiry already has a fair bit of knowledge and insight from their friends into how unique our business is.

Your inspiration: Not surprisingly, as a visual artist I love to observe things, from exploring new places, reading design magazines to visiting museums and galleries in Portland and when traveling.

#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow: Create the kind of business that you would frequent yourself.  I've always taken the kind of images that I want for myself: expressive, touching and beautiful. I am also a big believer in a strong service-oriented business model where clients are provided with an amazing experience.

Karen Houlding
Owner, Omnipresent Systems

Kids: Josh (9) Nick (7)

Biz Description:

I assist small businesses with their online marketing through websites, email campaigns, social media and blogs.  I offer training services so business owners can continue to maintain their own marketing campaigns and administrative tasks.

Target audience: Small business owners

Job held before: I have always worked in small offices wearing many hats from Administrative Assistant to Network Administration to Website Design.

Initial start-up costs: Around $2,000.

Initial funding source: Personal capital investment

First Woo-hoo! moment:
Learning that a previous client had recommended my services for a busy parenting magazine, who has now been my client for 6 years!

Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment:  Making assumptions on what you think clients would want - never assume, always present your ideas and have them approved!

How you feel about competition in your industry:  I think all the online tools available today are the competition -- business owners can now do the basics themselves, but for those who don't have the time or patience, I will always be available!

Greatest source of clients for your biz: Referrals from clients have been the most trusted source of new business.

Your inspiration: Continued education through online courses and Power MOB workshops keeps me motivated to keep learning and gaining more skills!

#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow: Honesty and integrity are the best ways to handle yourself, even in difficult situations when you don't agree with a client's decision.  When you stop working for a client or company, you'll be remembered for how you handled yourself at that point, rather than for all the work you've done over the years.

#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance: Have a hobby to distract you from the pressures of work!  I love to read and I also opened an Etsy.com shop (Giftz by Karen) last year to nurture my creative side!  I also turn off email before the kids get home from school so my attention is fully on them and our family for the evening!

Wendy Foster
Mamalates

Kids: Henry (6), Charlie (3.5)

Brief biz description:
Pilates based synthesized movement for pregnancy, new and all moms. Including specialty workshops and education for postpartum rehabilitaion. DVD + kit for home use,  birth recovery  training program for professionals working with new mothers

Target audience:  
Pregnant women and mothers
 
Job held before you started this biz:
Co-owner of local Pilates studio/ teacher training center
 
Initial Start-Up Costs:
$5,000
 
Initial Funding Source(s):
Business line of credit
 
First "woohoo!" business moment:
I was 2 months postpartum and craving cesarean recovery information+ support. I couldn't find much, created my own safe exercise program  and relaized there must be other moms out there needing this as well.
 
Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment:
I thought I could produce + distribute my DVD within a matter of a few months. Instead, it took 2 years! But during that time I became very clear about the big picture, my priorities and learnedthat maintaining my work /life harmony while fulfilling a professional goal meant slow, baby steps- with thought + intention.

How you feel about competition in your industry:
I welcome competition!  It challenges me to be more inventive, creative with my business + confirms  that women are needing and seeking out what I offer.
 
Greatest source of clients for your biz:
Word of mouth, networking /referring with other amazing professionals that work with my same target group
 
Your inspiration:
The dear ladies of MotherSource
 
#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow:
Start small and grow into it; use the first year or 2 for R+D.
 
#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance:
Exercising in the wilderness.

Kelley Peake
The PLAY Boutique

Kids: Kennedy (8), Ella (5), Brooklyn (11 months)

Brief biz description:
The PLAY Boutique is an innovative lifestyle brand offering opportunities for children to learn, parents to connect, and families to find balance. Our offerings include a school, café, merchandise, parties, and more.

Target audience: 
Busy parents with children ages birth to 8y trying to find balance in their lives.
 
Job held before you started this biz:
Developed and ran the New Business Development department for KinderCare Learning Centers.
 
Initial Start-Up Costs:
$350,000
 
Initial Funding Source(s):
Personal  cash, savings and investments
 
First "woohoo!" business moment:
Seeing little bit of money at the end of the month in the bank account meant other people believed in us enough to help them with their most prized possessions in life. And that they were willing to pay for that help meant our services were of a quality customers saw value in and at the same time we were able to operate a successful business model.
 
Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment:
I quickly realized trying to be perfect was costing too much money and it would run out if something didn't change. I accepted the leaky roof, the not so fantastic play structure, and the hand me down toys. I worked to balance meeting the needs of our customers in a way that they accepted us in our not so perfect fashion. It has allowed me to learn so much in the past four years and now have a successful model that can be expanded upon.

How you feel about competition in your industry:
We have worked hard to build a system and framework that will make us both successful and unique. But at the same time, we have found it more beneficial to work with others finding ways to partner, rather than, trying to assume we are the parents one and only choice.
 
Greatest source of clients for your biz:
Referrals from existing customers and word of mouth.
 
Your inspiration:
My three wonderful daughters. I am so thankful everyday for the chaos, ever messy car, absent mindedness, and all that goes with trying to balance life and work. Being there for the little things that happen during car pool, after school snack time, and many firsts has pushed me to continue to build a model that will provide other parents the same opportunity to stay connected with their families, even in the midst of controlled chaos.
 
#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow:
Surround yourself with good people and empower them to be better than you.  You will never be able to do it all. But when you build an amazing team, it all can be done.
 
#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance:
Do not answer you cell phone. Losing control of your time will cause major catastrophes in all other areas of your life. Have a set time to return calls and answer emails.

Erin Kirkland
Freelance Writer, AKontheGO

Kids: Matt,16; Owen, 5

Business: Freelance writer and author/editor of AKontheGO.com, a web site dedicated to family-friendly travel and activities within Alaska.

Target audience: Parents/caregivers of children 0-17

Job held before you started this biz: Director of Communications, Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska

Initial Start-Up Costs: $2,000

Initial Funding Source(s):  A very supportive husband who relished the idea of exploring Alaska with his family.

First "woohoo!" business moment: Securing a monthly column in an Alaska travel/adventure magazine, and hearing a well-known Alaskan writer tell me "It's about time somebody came up with this idea!" (for a family travel niche in Alaska).
 
Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment: I once was referred to a major project for a Native-owned corporation who wanted five feature-length articles for their annual report, due at the same time as two other projects for Coast magazine. My work-family-self goals were sorely tested, and I was not as pleased with my quality of work as a result. I learned to say 'No' after that experience. I'd rather do top-notch work and have less income than sacrifice my art or family relationships.

How you feel about competition in your industry: Freelance writing is still very much a "who-you-know" business in Alaska. I had to work very hard to establish myself as a credible writer in cooperation with other freelancers. They have been very gracious in sharing time and sources with me. That said, there are few family travel writers who actually live/work in Alaska, so my direct competition comes from the Lower 48.
 
Greatest source of clients for your biz: Word of mouth! Blog and magazine readers are my best source, along with the connections created through Facebook. My editor at Coast Magazine is also very good about referrals.

Your inspiration: A sense of satisfaction that comes from watching children in complete harmony with Nature. That, and the view of the Chugach mountains from my home office window. I am blessed to be given such a place to live and work, and I never, ever take that for granted.
 
#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow: Have a goal for today, tomorrow, and next week, in addition to next year. Sometimes I find myself needing to create smaller objectives in order to reach the bigger ones.

#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance: Never be afraid to say 'No' to projects that might tip the family's goals out of balance. My major assignments are never accepted without a family meeting to discuss the details and possible negative outcomes.

Melissa Peebler
Owner, Me Too! Cafe
Mom to Max, age 6 months








Brief biz description:
We are a restaurant with a built-in babysitter.  Our goal is to give parents a refuge to take some time and reconnect while we play with the kids.
 
Target audience:  
Parents would love their kids, but also want to be able to talk to other grownups over a glass of wine with great food. 

Job held before you started this biz:  
Blowing stuff up for kids as Public Programs director for a Dallas children’s science museum, and recruiting here in Oregon.

Initial Start-Up Costs:  
A healthy 6-figures….

Initial Funding Source(s):  
Personal savings

First "woohoo!" business moment:  
One of the first weekends we were open, we had a couple come in clearly cranky with each other.  After a glass of wine, and an hour or so they moved from their table to our couches and giggled with each other over dessert.  They left holding hands, and refreshed.  It was so fun to see the transformation!

Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment:          
Our first couple of events were a little nuts & just too much. We are much better now at capping the reservations for events, and knowing when to say we just don’t think we will be able to serve you well tonight - can we book you for our next night.  Also, my husband is the smartest most wonderful man I’ve ever met – but an AWFUL waiter.  I’ve fired him 3 times, but he’s great at greeting!  Lol.  It’s about knowing who & what you are.

How you feel about competition in your industry:   
It’s always a challenge – and sometimes frustrating – to compete against the big chain restaurants.  It’s really a tall order to compete with them, given their economies of scale and marketing budgets.  Our advantage is that we’re truly a local, community establishment, in every sense of the word.  We get to know our customers, and their families – we try to treat them like guests in our own home.  
 
The other thing I always keep in mind about competition is the old saying that ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’. It’s always fun to see other similar businesses copy our ideas and events – it makes me think that we must be doing something right!
 
Greatest source of clients for your biz:   
Word of mouth!  If you do a great job for Moms, they’ll definitely spread the word!

Your inspiration:
I started this business before I had my first child.  I was inspired by all my mom-friends who were desperate to find a place where they could relax, take a break and have an adult conversation, while also knowing that their kids were having fun as well.

These days, I’m inspired by my son, Max.  He regularly reminds me what’s truly important in life…
 
#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow:   
It sounds obvious, but it really is all about doing everything you can for your customer.  We aren’t big on rules, we just do whatever it takes to create a place you would want to bring friends and hangout.

#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance:
The best thing that ever happened for my business was getting put on bed rest.  It really forced me to ‘Work on my business, instead of in my business’.  It’s made all of the difference in the world.  Now, I set  specific time for café work, and that’s it.  Knowing I have those hours coming allows me to focus on Max without feeling like I need to be working.

Tonya Lance
Owner, Varo Designs
    
Brief biz description: Interior Design and Space Planning

Target audience:  Home, Business and Motor Yacht Owners

Job held before you started this biz:  My last job was Senior Interior Designer / Project Manager with Carol Williamson & Associates.  Before that I worked with my interior design idol, Henry Brown.

Initial Start-Up Costs:  Due to the nature of my business I was able to have very low start-up costs.  I began my business very conservatively using an existing personal computer and working from a very modest home office.

Initial Funding Source(s):  I drew just a small amount from personal savings, less than $500.00.  

First "woohoo!" business moment:  I sure think being named MOM-E of the Month is pretty neat! It was also very exciting the first time a new client called me out of the blue to hire me based on a previous clients recommendation.  I was so shocked by the call that I forgot to get their name and contact information.  Somehow I managed to piece it all together without the client knowing.       

Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment: So far - my biggest mistake has been to hire the first accountant that was recommended to me vs. seeking the perfect fit.  I've learned that not having the proper professional support can be extremely costly.            

How you feel about competition in your industry: There are many very talented Interior Designers in the Portland Metro area. I'm proud to call some of them my close friends.  It's so nice to trade stories and discuss feasible solutions with colleagues who face similar issues.        
 
Greatest source of clients for your biz:  Referrals have been an excellent source of clients for my business.    

Your inspiration: Love

#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow:  I have two rules of thumb #1. Strive to always be honest with yourself; outsource your weaknesses and tap into your strengths #2 Don't buy anything you can't afford.   
 
#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance:  For me it's important that I simply remind myself of how fortunate I am every day.  When having it all seems like too much I strive to remember that I could be working for someone else, missing even more precious time with my beloved family.

Marie Sherlock
Editor, Metro Parent Magazine
 
Brief biz description: Parenting magazine serving the Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA metropolitan area
 
Target audience: Our readers are parents of kids, mostly ages 14 or so and under. Our advertisers are trying to reach this demographic.

Job held before you started this biz:  Editor of Portland Parent, Metro Parent's predecessor (before that, I was a freelance writer/editor/author and - in a previous life! - a lawyer)
 
Initial Start-Up Costs: about $85,000 (and slave wages for the first year or so)
 
Initial Funding Source(s):  Personal savings

First "woohoo!" business moment: I don't know if it was the first such moment but winning multiple awards from Parenting Publications of America (a national trade group for parenting magazines) certainly was the biggest "woohoo!"- especially this past year when we won seven. It's far more gratifying to get that kind of feedback - that we're putting out a quality publication - than it is to make money at this (although that's important, admittedly!).
 
Biggest Mistake-Turned-Teaching-Moment: I think the biggest mistake we've made (and continue to make!) is not getting enough help - as in, trying to do too much ourselves, especially in the tight economy...
 
How you feel about competition in your industry:  Everyone locally is very kind, super nice - and I think we're all struggling with the economic downturn.  
 
Greatest source of clients for your biz: For the most part, our salespeople just keep their eyes and ears open and approach those businesses that they feel would be benefited by a presence in the magazine.  

Your inspiration:  Since I was a young child, I always loved to write. I got off track - going to law school, trying that for awhile - but fate took me back to writing. I think being the editor of Metro Parent (and one of the owners) is sort of what I was meant to be. That sounds corny when I write it down - corny but pretty accurate.
 
#1 piece of business advice everyone should follow:  The same advice I give my kids about life in general: follow your passion. Life's too short to work hard at something you don't love.
 
#1 sanity-saving tip for work/life balance: Haven't figured this one out yet!

Info coming soon!