Do you ever come across a booming shop online run by a SAHM or see a mama running her own business while juggling a family & wonder how she does it all? I know I do!
This season, I am highlighting some of my favorite small businesses run by moms right here in Maine! My wish is that through these interviews, you feel inspired by these incredible mamas to take the next step in following your own dreams or consider supporting these mamas as they work hard to continue pursuing theirs.
Though my family keeps our gift giving small, we try to be incredibly intentional about how & where we spend our dollars. I know for a fact that we can make an impact in our own community by supporting small businesses & those run by other mums have a special place in my heart. ♥
Our next “Mama in Small Biz”, Bethany Blake also known as Bee – Owner of Bee is for Babywearing & The Wild Bees, is someone whom I greatly admire. I’ve been following Bee on social media for a few years now where she shares a beautiful mix of babywearing, her shop and down to earth, honest to goodness, real life stories. You may have even “met” Bee a while back in her guest post here but I am so excited to have her share a bit more of her story with you…
{All photos provided by & owned by Bethany Blake}
Interview with Bee Blake – Owner of Bee is for Babywearing : The Wild Bees
1. What is your business & what product or service do you specialize in? Bee is for Babywearing: The Wild Bees. I am a certified Babywearing Consultant available for in-home consultations where I can help you with intro to babywearing, a new carry, new carrier or to tweak your current carrier. Through my online shop, I make and sell genuine Baltic Amber as well as adult & child silicone teething necklaces!
2. How & when did you start your business? I started selling online when my girls were only a few months old so, I have been selling online for almost 5 years. I have had a few products go through my shop but the Baltic Amber and Silicone necklaces have remained. I started doing babywearing consultations 2 years ago when I became a Certified Babywearing Educator.
3. What is your WHY? Not just the practical reason for starting your own business but what drives you to keep going? I keep going to help family and friends safely and positively wear their babies! I also love that my products are there to help you get through the teething phase which can be a lot on a new mother or father!
4. Tell us a little bit about your family dynamic? My partner and I met in Boston and moved to Maine when our Twin Girls were 6 months old. They will be 5 in January and our son is 3. We love being outdoors and going on adventures. My partner works nights and I work afternoons outside of the home and somehow we just make it work!
5. How do you balance work & family life? Right now I have a part time job outside of the house, as well as another part time job on the computer doing data entry work. I then run my own business online – I make it all work because I love doing it. I don’t think I could manage any if I didn’t love it. I spend my days with my children and I do my work at home after they are in bed sleeping. It is hard to get any work done with three toddlers awake so I don’t even try!
6. What is the most rewarding part about owning your own business? Extra money of course – I won’t lie. Bringing in my own income because of my work is very special! Having parents choose me to make their children products or choose me to help them learn how to safely wear their babies is something I appreciate, knowing that they put their trust in me!
7. What is the most challenging part of owning your own business? Taking it slow – I am always looking at how I can build my business up. I want more in my shop, I want more consultations, I want more business. I have to remind myself that it all takes time and I will get there when I am ready!
8. What is one way you give back or support fellow moms or small business owners? Right now I have an hour Skype consultation with a silicone necklace of their choice as a raffle item with World on my Shoulders. I also do quite a few of giveaways with small businesses that are looking to get in front of a bigger audience.
9. How do we as consumers impact your family when we support your small business? It’s the simple things – I use this money for my family; groceries, clothing, things we need – this business helps support our family financially!
10. What has been the best compliment, review or piece of feedback received from a client or customer? {Yes, we want you to toot your own horn!} I take pride in the fact that I have been doing this for a years now and not just doing it as a trend/fad. I love when I hear people have had my items for 4+ years. I love when people continue to shop with me for that long… I guess the best compliment is that a happy customer will remain a long term customer!
Are you a practical gift giver like me? If so, then don’t miss your chance to score a sweet deal on one of Bee’s genuine Baltic Amber Necklaces or Silicone teething necklaces for all the kiddos & adults in your life! Cause’ guess what? Teething babies are no joke, arthritis sucks (or so my nana tells me) and having anything that doubles as stylish & useful is a total win in my book. And, even though I’m a seasoned baby wearer, I seriously cannot wait to have a consultation with Bee cause’ this mama is determined to learn how to wrap this time around.
USE PROMO CODE: ‘ORCHARD15’ FOR 15% THE ENTIRE SHOP!
{Valid at TheWildBees.Com through 12/24/16!}
∴ SHOP TWB HERE · LIKE TWB HERE · FOLLOW TWB HERE ∴
→ If you missed our other “Mamas in Small Biz”, you can read previous posts in the series HERE!
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• I did not receive any form of compensation for this post. I support other moms out of the kindness of my heart in hopes that you will do the same!