search the blog

Latest on the blog

Attention Madison Mompreneurs: Business License Renewal Deadline Approaching!

Getting my Madison City Business License Renewed

As a fellow Madison business owners and a mom, there’s just too much on my plate somedays, so I wanted to share more information about Business Licenses in AL!

Key Deadlines You Need to Know

If you operate a business in Madison city, here are the crucial dates to remember:

  • Business licenses expired on December 31st, 2024
  • You have until January 31st, 2025 to renew without penalties
  • Renewals are still possible after January 31st, but penalties will apply

What You Need to Know About Madison City Business License Renewal

The City of Madison sent renewal notices in November 2024. These notices include a list of required documents specific to your business. If your notice doesn’t list any special requirements, you can simply call the licensing department, and they’ll help guide you through the renewal process.

You can renew your business online, or visit the Revenue Office located at 100 Hughes Rd. Madison AL. The office is just to the left of the building, here’s a video I made when I renewed mine, just in case you need a visual of where to find the Revenue Office as it is tucked away on the side:

Madison city business license

Important Notes for Different Jurisdictions

Since Madison spans across both Madison and Limestone counties, some businesses may need multiple licenses:

  • Madison County (expires December 31st)
  • Limestone County (expires September 31st)

For detailed information about business licenses and renewals, visit their website . You can also contact them directly at (256) 772-5651.

Madison City Business License: What Every Mom Business Owner Should Know

When you’re juggling family responsibilities and business operations, keeping track of administrative requirements like business license renewals can be challenging. Here’s what you need to know about the business license in AL, specifically for Madison city business owners:

  • The business application process is straightforward and simple
  • Different types of businesses may have varying requirements for their Madison city business license
  • Home-based businesses still need proper licensing

Tips for Managing Your Business License Responsibilities

As busy moms running businesses in Madison County, AL, here are some practical tips to help you stay on top of your licensing requirements:

  • Set calendar reminders for renewal deadlines
  • Keep all business license documentation in a dedicated folder
  • Consider setting aside quarterly time to review all business compliance matters
  • Join local business groups to stay informed about licensing changes

Resources for Madison County Business Owners

To make the business license process easier, make sure to visit The Madison City Revenue Department as they offer guidance for your business license in AL. They have been super helpful and quick everytime I was at their office.

Remember, staying compliant with your business license requirements isn’t just about following rules – it’s about protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

Uncategorized

January 22, 2025

Madison City Business License: What Every Mom Business Owner Should Know

Owner: Holly Breeding

About: Liberating Teams offers coaching and training designed to improve workplace collaboration and leadership. Their programs empower teams to work together effectively and thrive.

Phone Number: (205) 903-0832

Coaching

January 21, 2025

Liberating Teams

Welcome to another edition of our Member Spotlight Series on the Madison Mompreneur blog! This series will help you get to know the members of Madison Mompreneur as we ask them questions about their personal and professional life as moms who own businesses in the Madison, Alabama area.

We are continuing this series with the spotlight on Brandy Booth & Shannon Fisher, Owners of Lemon & Lavender!

Introduce yourself!

We are Brandy Booth and Shannon Fisher, Owners of Lemon & Lavender, a brick & mortar store located in the Shoppes of Historical Downtown Madison (Alabama).

How does your business help people? 

We are two moms on a mission to give shoppers the opportunity to shop eco-friendly and confident that all products have clean ingredients with sustainable packaging. We help people move from being convenience consumers to conscious consumers.

How long have you lived in Madison? 

Both of us have lived here for over 20 years!

What inspired you to start your business? 

There were no options in the area at the time to shop, knowing that everything in the store was eco-friendly and sustainable. 

What sets your business apart from others in the industry? 

We focus not only on our products but sustainable practices in manufacturing and dealing with packaging and waste.

What do you consider to be your biggest success so far? 

Opening the first Refillery in North Alabama where customers can bring their own containers to refill cleaning and bath supplies by the ounce. Just like a bulk bin at a natural grocery store where you might bring a reusable bag to purchase rice, beans, or coffee, you can do the same with cleaning solutions like laundry detergent and personal care products like shampoo or bath salts.

How does your business contribute to the local community? 

We give the residents in our local community the opportunity to shop in a more eco-friendly manner. We are also conscientious in our manufacturing and waste from the store to repurpose it rather than recycle or trash it. 

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years? 

We are in the process of expanding our Refillery to include more cleaning and bath products. We also hope to lead inspiration to other businesses to adopt more eco-conscious practices. 

Who are your typical customers and how do they find you? 

Our customers are a wide variety of ages, but mostly those who already live an eco-friendly lifestyle or desire to make those changes. Many find us online as they search out for eco-conscious businesses. 

What do you enjoy most about running your business? 

We most enjoy educating those who visit about both our products as well as how to incorporate them into a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes? 

We stay up to date by constantly researching more products and lifestyle practices.

Anything else you would like for us to highlight? 

We partner with other local businesses for sustainable purposes. Phoenix Glass Recycling gives us glass containers each month to give away to customers for Refillery. We also give some other local businesses our packing material we receive in shipments to reuse for their shipping of products to help eliminate waste.

Where can people find you? 

108 Main Street in Madison, Alabama and online at lemonandlavendermadison.com. On Facebook and Instagram we are @lemonandlavendermadison.

If Brandy and Shannon’s experiences as moms and business owners resonates with you, we want to hear from you in the comments! And if you are a mom and business owner in Madison, Alabama email us at madisonmompreneur@gmail.com. to be featured in a future Member Highlight post!

Member Highlight

January 15, 2025

Member Highlight: Lemon & Lavender

As a mompreneur in Madison, Alabama, building a thriving business requires clarity and purpose. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, taking time to align your vision and goals with your values ensures your business reflects what truly matters to you.

mom business owner writing down vision and goals for 2025

Start with Your Values

Begin by figuring out or revisiting your core values. What drives you as a business owner and as a mom? Maybe you value community, sustainability, financial independence, or work-life balance. These values should guide not only how you run your business but also how it fits into your life.

Write Your Life Vision

Based on your values, create a vision for your life. Picture what you want your life to look like in 5 or 10 years. Does it include financial freedom, flexible hours, or a business that supports other moms in Madison? Writing this vision helps clarify what success means to you.

Set Meaningful Goals

Now, translate your vision into business goals that reflect your values. For example, if community involvement is a priority, a goal could be to host quarterly networking events for Madison moms in business.

Create SMART Action Steps

To achieve your goals, break them into action steps using the SMART framework:

  • Specific: Define the task clearly, e.g., “Plan a networking event for 20 local moms.”
  • Measurable: Track your progress, like securing a venue or sending invitations.
  • Attainable: Keep goals realistic, given your resources and schedule.
  • Relevant: Ensure the action aligns with your values and vision.
  • Time-Bound: Set a deadline, like completing the event plan by the end of the month.

With clear values, a strong vision, and actionable goals, you can build a business that supports your dreams and serves the Madison community effectively.

Want to read more mompreneur-focused content? Check out these previous blog posts and workshops:

Blog Post: The Value of Co-Working

Blog Post: Task Batching: What It Is and How To Incorporate It Into Your Mom-Owned Business

Video Workshop: Stress Reset for Mompreneurs

Business

January 8, 2025

Business Vision and Goal Setting for Madison’s Mom-Owned Businesses in 2025

mom business owner writing down vision and goals for 2025

Owner: Erica DeSpain

About: All Things Madison is a lifestyle platform that highlights local businesses, stories, and events. It connects the community with resources and inspiration for everyday living.

Business Services

December 11, 2024

All Things Madison

Owner: Kanique Mighty-Nugent

About: Komposition LLC delivers creative design and business solutions tailored to client needs. Their work blends strategy and artistry to create meaningful impact.

Phone Number: 256-542-1703

Business Services

November 21, 2024

Komposition LLC

Building and supporting local community is always front of mind for us at Madison Mompreneur. Which is why we are excited to announce another way for the whole Huntsville/Madison/Decatur/Athens area of Alabama to keep their local economy strong this holiday season – by utilizing the 2024 Madison Mompreneur Shopping Guide!

As we reflect on another incredible year, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement for the growth and connections we’ve fostered within our community.

This year has been transformative for Madison Mompreneur. We’re thrilled to share that our community has blossomed to nearly 100 members, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of moms in our area. Our friend and co-founder, Lauren, has recommitted to the vision of Madison Mompreneur, bringing renewed energy and dedication to our mission.

Throughout the year, we’ve hosted over 40 coworking sessions, creating spaces where women in business could come together to accomplish tasks, network, and support each other’s growth. These gatherings have been a powerful reminder of the strength we find in collaboration and mutual support.

We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our community through the Mompreneurs of Huntsville Facebook group, which now connects over 1,100 local entrepreneurs. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Stephenie Walker for her unwavering commitment to women in business in the Madison area and her continued support of our group. This expansion allows us to connect with and support even more mom entrepreneurs in our region.

As we present this year’s Shopping Guide, we’re reminded of the incredible value that mom-owned businesses bring to our community. From passion projects that have blossomed into thriving enterprises to established businesses that continue to innovate, the moms of the Madison area are truly making a difference.

We encourage you to use this guide as your go-to resource for supporting local, mom-owned businesses. By choosing to shop with these entrepreneurs, you’re not just making a purchase – you’re investing in dreams, supporting families, and strengthening our community.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Here’s to another year of growth, support, and success for the mompreneurs of Madison!

Happy Shopping and Supporting Local!

Business

November 20, 2024

How To Support Your Madison, Alabama Community This Holiday Season

image of the 2024 Madison Mompreneur Holiday Shopping Guide

The latest work trend on social media, Bare Minimum Mondays, has sparked a conversation about reclaiming work-life balance. Many employees, especially those working from home, are embracing this trend to ease into the week. On Bare Minimum Mondays, they focus only on essential tasks—skipping optional meetings and avoiding new projects. The goal is to reduce stress and allow time for personal or household tasks that often fall to the wayside.

image of a woman relaxing behind a desk, taking part in Bare Minimum Mondays

As a mompreneur, this trend might resonate with you. One of the main reasons many moms choose entrepreneurship is the flexibility it offers. While owning a business can lead to long hours, answering emails late at night, and feeling constantly “on call,” it doesn’t have to be that way. Bare Minimum Mondays can serve as a reminder that you have control over your schedule.

Instead of diving headfirst into a packed Monday, consider adopting the idea of a slower start to your week. Use this time to prioritize essential business tasks while also tackling personal or household responsibilities. It could mean answering only urgent client emails, skipping non-essential meetings, or avoiding starting any new projects until midweek when you’re in full swing.

As your own boss, you get to decide when you’re working and when you’re not. Embracing a Bare Minimum Monday can help you prevent burnout, find a better balance between your business and family life, and create the space for a more productive and focused rest of the week. After all, your success as a mompreneur isn’t just measured by how much you do, but by how effectively you manage both your business and your personal well-being.

Want to read more mompreneur-focused content? Check out these previous blog posts and workshops:

Blog Post: WAHMing (Work at Home Mom-ing) this Summer? Tips From Our Mom + Biz Owners!

Blog Post: The Value of Co-Working

Video Workshop: Creative Mindfulness for Mom Entrepreneurs

Business

November 13, 2024

Bare Minimum Mondays for Mompreneurs

Owners: Victoria O’Connor

About: Willow Events specializes in planning and coordinating unforgettable celebrations. From weddings to community gatherings, their team handles details with creativity and care.

Phone Number: (504) 247-8641

Decorating

November 11, 2024

Willow Events

Owners: Brandy Booth and Shannon Fisher

About: Lemon & Lavender is a refillery, home goods, and gift store on a mission to provide a curated selection of eco-friendly products that empower consumers to embrace a sustainable lifestyle, fostering a positive impact on both personal well-being and the health of our planet.

Address: 108 Main Street, Madison AL 35758

Phone Number: (256) 509-3969

beauty

November 11, 2024

Lemon & Lavender