Women are amazing. We not only "wear many hats", but we also "spin lots of plates". Daily, I am inspired by friends that are raising both babies and businesses and this month I would like to introduce a few of them to you. Each of these local women lives are unique, but they share a deep commitment to their families while balancing the rewards and challenges of running a business, and that is something I can tip all the "hats" I wear off to.
HEIDI STOLTZFUS:
Owner of Little Bo-Tique Consignment shop, mother of 3
Age: 42 Education: High School How long have you been in business? 10 years Former careers, if any: Receptionist/nurse assistant until I had children, then stayed home full time.
What was your motivation for starting your own business? When I stayed home with my kids, going down to one income was challenging, so I had to shop strategically if I wanted my kids (and myself!) to dress in style. I enjoyed finding deals at consignment shops and it interested me in owning one myself some day.
What is the biggest reward of owning your own business? It is flexible, I can generally make my own hours, I get to choose who I work with and I now can teach my children the importance of a good work ethic. I also love having an environment for the opportunity to meet other moms and having connections in the community that way.
Biggest challenge? Yes it's flexible, but that also means that when people call off sick, I need to adjust my schedule and go in. I also need to be available for texts/phone calls throughout the day. Being in retail, another challenge can be trying to satisfy every customer. It's not always possible, but we do our best!
Who was/is your inspiration, particularly to being a mom & business woman. I've always been driven, but did not necessarily want to be a "career" woman. I wanted to work, but being a wife/mom is my priority.
Was this always something you envisioned yourself doing or was it more something you "happened upon". Both! After I decided that I wanted to own a consignment shop someday, our pastor did a sermon on dreams/vision. I specifically remember him saying that in order for you to fulfill your vision, you need to put legs to it. The next few times that I went shopping at consignment shops, I would leave my name and number in case they decided to ever sell their existing business. Later that same year, I was contacted by one of them, saying she was ready to sell (after she previously told me that she would never sell it). So we took the risk and bought it. There were quite a few people who didn't think it would work out for us - but we also had support of friends and family and it has been successful for us.
Best piece of advice for women in business. Balance. I don't have it perfected, but remembering what is priority and what can wait.
Looking back what advice would you give yourself now about starting a business? It's a lot more work than it may look like. Give yourself grace for mistakes. Surround yourself with key employees!
What has been your proudest moment as a business owner? Seeing our sales increase each year
Favorite thing about living in Lancaster County. Lancaster is such a caring close knit community, it is beautiful in every season!
KARI LEHMAN
A local lifestyle photopgraher specializing in natural light lifestyle candids & portraits, mother of 2
Age: 30 How long have you been in business? 5 years Education: 8 years of college with a few different career changes
What was your motivation for starting your own business? I wanted to do something I was passionate about. I felt like I continued to take many different classes in college and wasn't getting anywhere closer towards a degree unless I did full time schooling after my son was born. I was working three different jobs, going to school, and trying to be a momma all at the same time. I realized I was spending more time trying to collect paychecks doing things I didn't particularly love.
What is the biggest reward of owning your own business? Waking up everyday enjoying the schedule I have created.
Biggest challenge? Questioning if I am being an amazing "hands on" parent, completing all daily duties at my home, and staying organized with the business aspect of Free Your Mind Photography.
Who was/is your inspiration, particularly to being a mom & business woman. I wouldn't say I have just one person I look up to. I truly look up to any momma who can juggle all of the tasks in her life and/or career and still make her children the priority.
Best piece of advice for women in business. Always remember how amazing you are.
Do you have a mentor in business, if so what role have the played? I certainly have many "photography" friends from all over. We always chat & help one another with advice & encourage one another rather than compete. I think thats truly important in the business no matter what.
Looking back what advice would you give yourself now about starting a business? Get prepared & get organized!! There is a whole lot more to a photography business than just capturing beautiful moments for clients.
What has been your proudest moment as a business owner? I would have to say the fact that I do what I love on a daily basis, have a flexible schedule, return clients, and a wonderful upcoming schedule. The fact that I am a single mother supporting two of the most amazingly beautiful little ones I have ever met because of the business I have started for myself- is a proud moment for me everyday.
Favorite thing about living in Lancaster County. Lancaster has so much hidden beauty. People work hard here. I think I take for granted the small town lifestyles around here- but at the end of the day, I love walking into a store, restaurant, coffee shop or bar and the staff / customers know you and your family on a first name basis! It just feels like home!
SHELLY YODER
Owner and Cupcake Stylist of Couture Cupcakes, mother of 1
Age: 32 Education: Lancaster School of Cosmetology How long have you been in business: 5 years Former careers, if any: Money Laundering Investigation for a corporate bank
What was your motivation for starting your own business? To be my own boss while doing a job I truly feel passionate about.
What is the biggest reward of owning your own business? My biggest reward in owning my business is the freedom I have to be at home with our daughter full time and still contribute to our finances.
Biggest challenge? Working from home does have limitations that would not exist if I had a storefront bakery. I refuse to let those challenges hold my business back. I work hard on marketing to let the public know about my delicious cupcakes.
Was this always something you envisioned yourself doing or was it more something you "happened upon". After completing a series of cake decorating classes just for fun, I was encouraged by a local entrepreneur who had seen my work to pursue a cupcake business. He said he believed that people would be willing to pay me for my decorating talents. I never looked back. He sure was right.
Best piece of advice for women in business. “Don’t tell people what you’re going to do. Tell them what you’ve done.”
Do you have a mentor in business, if so what role have the played? Bethenny Frankel, founder of the Skinnygirl lifestyle brand empire. Bethenny spoke at a luncheon I attended. I saved several quotes from her speech that day. One I always go back to is, “Don’t assume anyone is smarter than you. Just act on it.” I personally believe, there will always be competition in business, no matter what you’re selling. You have to separate yourself from the pack and just go for it. Bethenny is a relentless marketer and I’m constantly working to better myself in that area of business.
What has been your proudest moment as a business owner? There are so many... Being interviewed for a local television show, features in magazines; I am extremely proud of the strong corporate partnerships I have established over the last five years. Being asked to bake Dale High’s 70th birthday cupcakes was an honor.
Favorite thing about living in Lancaster County. Shopping local. There are so many fabulously creative entrepreneurs in this area who think outside the box and add their special touch to our local community.
