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 Courtenay Fults, Owner of The Sour Crumb!

Tell us about yourself!
I’m Courtenay Fults, and I own The Sour Crumb.

How does your business help people?
The Sour Crumb helps people by providing wholesome, homemade sourdough and baked goods made with simple, high-quality ingredients. We offer a delicious alternative to store-bought bread, giving families a healthier option without preservatives or additives. Our bakery also brings a sense of warmth and community—whether it’s a comforting loaf for a family dinner, a treat for a special occasion, or just a way to enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh-baked bread. Plus, we love sharing the joy of sourdough and cottage baking, inspiring others to appreciate real, handmade food.

How long have you lived in Madison?
5 years

What inspired you to start your business?
The Sour Crumb was inspired by a desire to provide healthier, homemade bread for our family. It all started with wanting to replace store-bought bread with something more nourishing for our children. As we baked more, friends and family started asking for loaves, and what began as a simple way to improve our family’s eating habits turned into a passion for sourdough baking. Baking became not just a way to feed our family but also a creative outlet and a source of joy. Seeing others enjoy our bread and knowing we’re offering a wholesome, locally made alternative inspired us to turn that passion into a business.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry?
What sets The Sour Crumb apart is our focus on high-quality, homemade sourdough baked with care. Unlike mass-produced bread, our sourdough is made with simple, wholesome ingredients—no preservatives, no shortcuts, just real food. Our story is also a big part of what makes us unique. We started baking to nourish our family, and that love and intention go into every loaf and treat we make. We’re not just selling bread; we’re sharing the comfort of homemade food, the joy of a well-fermented sourdough, and the connection that comes from supporting local, small-batch baking.

What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?
The greatest success is the connections we’ve built—seeing returning customers who love our bread, hearing stories of how our sourdough has become part of their family meals, and knowing that our baking makes a difference in people’s lives. The ability to share something homemade, created with care, and see it appreciated by others is the most rewarding part of this journey.

How does your business contribute to the local community?
We believe in the power of good food to bring people together, whether it’s a loaf shared at family dinner, a treat gifted to a friend, or simply the joy of enjoying something made with love. As a cottage bakery, we also support the local economy by sourcing ingredients from local suppliers whenever possible and encouraging people to shop small and buy locally made products. We love being part of a growing movement that values handcrafted, high-quality food over mass-produced alternatives. Beyond that, we share our passion for sourdough and homemade baking through storytelling and behind-the-scenes glimpses, inspiring others to appreciate and even try their hand at making real, homemade bread.

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see The Sour Crumb growing in a way that stays true to its homemade roots while reaching more people who appreciate high-quality, wholesome baked goods. 

Who are your typical customers and how do they find you?
Our typical customers are people who appreciate high-quality, homemade baked goods and want a better alternative to store-bought bread. They’re often families looking for wholesome options, food lovers who enjoy the taste and texture of real sourdough, and those who value supporting local, small-batch businesses. Many of our customers also have an interest in clean ingredients and love the idea of knowing exactly what goes into their bread. Most people find us through word of mouth, social media, and local community connections. Loyal customers share their love for our bread with friends and family, and our behind-the-scenes content, cozy branding, and engaging posts help new customers discover us online.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
What I enjoy most about running The Sour Crumb is the joy of creating something with my hands that truly nourishes people. There’s something so rewarding about taking simple ingredients—flour, water, and salt—and turning them into a beautiful, flavorful loaf of sourdough. I also love the connection it brings. Seeing customers return because they love our bread, hearing stories of how our sourdough has become part of their family meals, and knowing that our baked goods bring comfort and happiness to others makes every early morning and long bake day worth it.

How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?
I stay up to date on industry trends and changes by staying connected with the sourdough and cottage bakery community. I regularly read baking books, food blogs, and articles about fermentation, ingredient sourcing, and baking science to continue learning and improving my craft. I love exploring new techniques, flavors, and seasonal ingredients to keep my baking fresh and exciting. Since sourdough is both an ancient craft and a constantly evolving art, I’m always learning—and that’s one of the things I love most about baking!

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?
If you’re thinking about starting a bakery, my advice would be to start small and focus on what truly makes your baking special. Stick to what you are good at and don’t try to do everything, customers are overwhelmed by large menus and you’ll get burnt out quickly.

What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time?
Our online order platform for bakery drops and that we can take orders outside of a drop via messenger.

Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?
The boys are the official taste testers!

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?
The most difficult part of balancing mommyhood and running a business is managing the constant juggling act between the needs of my family and the demands of the bakery. There are moments when I feel like I’m being pulled in different directions—whether it’s trying to get bread out the door while keeping up with school runs, playdates, and family time. But at the same time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything because both being a mom and running the bakery bring me so much fulfillment. It’s all about creating a rhythm that works for our unique situation, and while it’s definitely challenging at times, I’m grateful for both parts of my life.

What business in the Madison area is your favorite?
I love Magnolia Soaps, The Cat Bird Seat Nursery, and Bricks and Minifigs.

Where can people find you?
Instagram & Facebook!

If Courtenay’s experience as a mom and business owner 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!

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 Lyssa Barrow, Owner of Lyssa Barrow Photography!

1. What’s your Name? Lyssa Barrow
2. What’s your Business Name? Lyssa Barrow Photography
3. How does your business help people? Capturing my clients’ memories of their loved ones and their life moments or showing them how to explore photography on their own thru my workshops
4. How long have you lived in Madison? 8 years
5. What inspired you to start your business? I love love love photography and friends and family wanted me to keep taking their photos so I felt it was time to do it professionally. 
6. What sets your business apart from others in the industry? Light Vibes, Fun Sessions and photo packages for everyone.
7. What do you consider to be your biggest success so far? My Happy Clients
8. How does your business contribute to the local community? I use my time and talent for volunteer work with a local non-profit as their photographer
9. How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years? I would like to double my bookings in 2025

10. Who are your typical customers and how do they find you? Parents of Seniors and Families (Moms and Grandmas) and they find me on social media or client referrals or thru my non-profit work
11. What do you enjoy most about running your business? The creativity
12. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes? First with continuing education thru workshops and then when implementing new trends I do so very selectively, the trends and changes in photography can be fleeting and don’t usually fit with my target clients but am flexible and willing to accommodate requests for the newest trends in photography. 
13. What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry? Build your portfolio and have fun practicing with it. Make the investment in software and equipment which will help you achieve the look you want. Learn to balance your time especially when it comes to editing. 
15. What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time? My Portrait Photography Packages (Families, Seniors, Proms and Headshots)

16. Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so? No except to have them take my photo! My son is a pretty good photographer!
17. What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing mommyhood and business life? Trying not to see yourself thru your kids eyes…I’m mostly done with hands on mommyhood as my youngest is close to Flown and Grown. But as I was slowly building my skills as they grew, it was easy to feel like an imposter as my children just saw me as mommy, not a professional in any way. You have to not let that feed into your imposter syndrome. They love you but you will always be mom to them and that’s okay. 
18. What business in the Madison Area is your favorite? Willow boutique in Vintage 72
19. Anything else you would like for us to highlight? I also have private photography workshops where I teach others to use their DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras without relying on the Auto setting.
Where can people find you? www.lyssabarrowphotography.com

If Lyssa’s experience as a mom and business owner 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!

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

To support more mom-owned businesses serving Madison, Alabama, check out our Member Directory!

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 Victoria O’Connor, Owner of Willow Events!

Introduce yourself! 
I’m Victoria O’Connor, and I own Willow Events, a full service wedding and event decorator based in Hazel Green, AL.

How does your business help people? 
We help clients design one of a kind floral pieces & event decorating for their weddings, birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers & more.

How long have you lived in the Madison area? 
I live in Hazel Green, but I have been in the Huntsville area since 1994.

What inspired you to start your business? 
I have always dreamed of having my own business since I was in high school. I always thought it would be a coffee shop never knew my path would be flower.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry? 
I put God at the center of my business. Its more than a business, but a ministry and advancement to his kingdom.

What do you consider to be your biggest success so far? 
Building my business from a $500 dollar start up. My husband and I lived pay check to credit card for a long time with him being a mechanic. It’s not easily supporting a family with the way they are paid. He said take $500 out of our income tax return and start your business. Its been a very long slow building process.

How does your business contribute to the local community? 
I try to give where God tells me my business is about God it’s not always about the money. 

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years? 
Our long term goal is a wedding venue that is full service.

Who are your typical customers and how do they find you? 
Social media (Facebook)

What do you enjoy most about running your business? 
I love making my business very personal getting to know my clients and having fun seeing what we can create for their day. It’s also very beautiful that I become close with a lot of my clients. We are friends on Facebook, and I get to watch them all starting their own families now.

How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes? 
We are subscribed to the top floral design magazines, Pinterest, and any classes we can take.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry? 
Enjoy the process, take your time build slow and steady, and don’t sell out to get big over night.

What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time? 
Weddings, birthdays, and bridal showers!

How do you involve your kids in your business? 
I’m a home school mom so my boys go with me for the majority of the process. To the wholesaler, prepping flowers, filling vases/buckets, soaking oasis whatever is needed my boys are their to help.

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life? 
Just finding the balance between homeschooling, baseball, keeping up the home life, and running my business.

What business in the Madison area is your favorite? 
Lemon & Lavender

Do you have a business bestie? 
My business partner, Virginia.

Where can people find you? 
Facebook & Instagram

If Victoria’s experience as a mom and business owner 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!

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: Coached by Connie

Welcome to another edition of our Member Spotlight Series on the Madison Mompreneur blog! Get to know the members of Madison Mompreneur as explore their personal and professional life as moms who own businesses in the Madison, Alabama area.

Empowering Health and Wellness: Meet Connie Garcia of Coached by Connie

Connie Garcia is leading a wellness movement in Madison, Alabama with her business, Coached by Connie. With a unique approach to nutrition and fitness, Connie is changing lives and reshaping the way we think about health. Let’s dive into her inspiring journey and discover how her business is making waves in the local community.

A Journey Born from Necessity

Connie Garcia, a Madison resident for eight years, founded Coached by Connie out of a pressing need she observed in the health and wellness industry. “I was inspired to start my business due to a lack of solid information, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Connie explains. This gap in reliable health guidance became the catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey.

A Holistic Approach to Health

What sets Coached by Connie apart in the saturated wellness market? Connie’s philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “I don’t believe in diets, challenges, or medication alone for fast results. I feel any sustainable health needs to start with fundamental basics and education.” This approach addresses not just physical fitness, but also mental health, hormonal balance, and gut health – a comprehensive strategy that resonates with her clients.

Making a Difference in Madison

Connie’s impact extends beyond individual clients. “I have been told that I’ve changed lives,” she shares proudly. Her commitment to the community shines through her willingness to offer complimentary services to those facing financial hardships but are committed to improving their health.

The Challenges and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship

Starting a business is no small feat, and Connie counts launching her LLC single-handedly as her biggest success so far. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the wellness industry? “Be prepared for the emotional roller coaster and don’t take anything personally.” This resilience has been key to her growing success.

The Future of Coached by Connie

Looking ahead, Connie envisions growth for her business. “I would like to eventually have enough clients to hire an assistant coach or possibly rent a space,” she says, outlining her 5-10 year plan. This expansion would allow her to reach more people with her transformative approach to health.

Balancing Business and Motherhood

As a mother, Connie faces the universal challenge of balancing family and business. “The hours. It doesn’t seem like there’s enough in a day,” she admits. However, she finds ways to involve her children, encouraging them to work out with her and take an interest in nutrition, seamlessly blending her personal and professional passions.

A Community-Centric Approach

Connie’s love for Madison shines through in her support for local businesses. She particularly recommends her massage therapist, Amanda Peoples, highlighting the interconnected nature of the local business community.

Connect with Coached by Connie

Ready to start your wellness journey with Connie? You can find her on Facebook and Instagram. Whether you’re looking for in-person training or interested in her growing online services, Connie is ready to guide you towards a healthier, happier you.

In a world where quick fixes and fad diets dominate, Coached by Connie stands out. Through education, personalized care, and a deep commitment to her community, Connie Garcia is not just running a business – she’s leading a wellness movement in Madison, Alabama. As her journey continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the impact of Coached by Connie on the local health landscape is only just beginning.

If Connie’s experience as mom and business owner 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!

Don’t forget to read about other Mompreneurs, our latest member highlight was The Flour Elise

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 Krista McDowell, Owner of The Flour Elise!

Introduce yourself!

I’m Krista McDowell, and I’m the owner of The Flour Elise, a baked goods and cake company in Madison, Alabama.

How does your business help people?

The Flour Elise helps people by offering baked goods & cakes for their special occasions/events.

How long have you lived in Madison County?

I have lived in Madison for 13 years.

What inspired you to start your business?

I have always loved baking & wanted to open a bakery since I was a little girl.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry?

I specialize in custom buttercream cakes & turning those fondant cakes into buttercream cakes.

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

I consider my buttercream hot dog cake to be my biggest business success so far!

How does your business contribute to the local community?

I offer beautiful buttercream cakes that look like the beautiful fondant cakes.

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

I see myself having a storefront location & offering many more offerings that the Madison town is missing out on.

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

My typical clients are looking for baked goods. They find me through Facebook, Instagram, word of mouth & vending events.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

Baking & customer service

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

I’m constantly learning and getting inspiration from Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?

Make sure you do all your research. Also be ready for lots of work & sleepless nights!

Any product/service you would like to highlight at this time?

I offer birthday cakes, and I am looking to booking some more in the coming months.

Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?

Yes my 17 year old is my biggest helper! He goes with me to all of my events as well as washes my dishes. He is amazing!

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?

Making sure he feels appreciated for everything he does for me!

What business in the Madison area is your favorite?

Taqueria Luna! They’re such an amazing business & are always sharing my posts.

Who is your business bestie?

Yesss Morgan Anderson with Rainbow Realm Hair Co! We support one another, share each other’s posts, reccomend one another & chat alot. She’s truly amazing at what she does & I believe in her so VERY much!

Anything else you want us to highlight?

My sugar cookies!

Where can people find you?

Facebook

Don’t forget to read about other Mompreneurs, our latest member highlight was Michelle Thao of Momtastic Fitness

If Krista’s experience as mom and business owner 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!

Hello Madison Mompreneurs! We are excited to bring you a special blog post today. We have the pleasure of collaborating with Heather Jones, a certified life coach for mompreneurs, who is launching a new chapter of the Association for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE) in Huntsville. The chapter aims to create a supportive community for military spouse entrepreneurs, providing a space for sharing ideas, celebrating successes, and navigating the unique challenges of military life together.

AMSE Huntsville Chapter

The AMSE Huntsville chapter is more than just networking. It’s a place of belonging for military spouse entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. Members will have access to mentorship, support, networking opportunities, skill development resources, and most importantly, a sense of belonging.

I’m incredibly excited to announce the launch of the Huntsville chapter of the Association for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE)! I invite all military spouse entrepreneurs to join the AMSE Huntsville chapter. Let’s rise together!

Heather Jones

Heather is here to share her story, her vision for the AMSE Huntsville chapter, and why this community matters for all military spouse entrepreneurs.

From Career Climber to Stay-at-Home Mom: A Shift in Focus

Many of you reading this might already know the rollercoaster ride of being a military spouse and certainly the one of being a mompreneur. I certainly do. In my early twenties, fresh out of the military myself, I was on a fast track. My career was blossoming, and I was even enrolled in night school for baking and pastry arts – my dream of opening a bakery was taking shape. Then, life took an unexpected turn: my husband decided to reenlist. We discussed it thoroughly, and agreed to embark on this new chapter together. However, this also meant putting my career and business aspirations on hold.

When our first child arrived, the decision to stay at home felt heavy and at the same time comforting. Motherhood brought a joy I never knew existed, a fierce love that filled my days. But amidst the snuggles and bedtimes, a quiet emptiness started to grow. I realized I wasn’t pursuing anything that truly sparked my passion outside of being a wife and mom.

Lost Purpose and the Envy Monster

The truth is, I began to feel like my contributions paled in comparison to my husband’s service. Here he was, making a real difference in the world, while I felt like my role was simply to create a cozy home. Envy started to creep in and I was just not feeling settled where I was in life.

This internal struggle pushed me to explore ways to contribute and find purpose again, all while being present for my growing family. I experimented with various work-from-home options, searching for that perfect fit.

Life Coaching: Filling My Cup and Finding My Niche

It was during this period of exploration that I found life coaching. The process of becoming a life coach itself became a journey of self-discovery, helping me define my coaching style and identify my ideal client: military spouses yearning to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance while raising a family.

Life coaching wasn’t just about a career change; it became a source of personal fulfillment. As I attended to my own passions and goals, it fueled my happiness and empowered me to show up fully for others. It was like filling my own cup first, allowing me to then pour into the lives of others from a place of knowing.

Why Community Matters: You’re Not Alone

Looking around and then back at my own experience, I realize I wasn’t alone in that feeling of being “lost.” Countless military spouses put their dreams on hold, sacrificing their individuality in the process. But what if we could have both – fulfilling careers and a thriving family life – right now, not someday?

That’s the core principle behind the AMSE Huntsville chapter.

Building a Network of Support: Together We Rise

This chapter is about creating a supportive community. Imagine a space where you’re surrounded by women who “get it” – the unique challenges and triumphs of being a military spouse entrepreneur. A space to share ideas, find encouragement, celebrate successes, and navigate the ever-changing military life together.

More Than Just Networking: Where You Belong

Maybe you’re a seasoned entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level. Perhaps you’re just starting out, filled with dreams AND questions. The AMSE Huntsville chapter welcomes military spouse entrepreneurs at at any stage of your journey.

By joining our community, you’ll gain access to:

• Mentorship and Support: Connect with experienced military spouse entrepreneurs and learn from their expertise. Find a network of women on a similar path who can offer encouragement and celebrate your victories.
• Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional circle, collaborate with other military spouse entrepreneurs, and find potential referral partners.
• Skill Development: Participate in workshops and access resources designed to help you grow your business.
• A Sense of Belonging: Find a network of women who understand the unique challenges you face and celebrate your victories.

Madison Mompreneurs is proud to support this endeavor and we encourage all our military spouse entrepreneurs to consider joining the AMSE Huntsville chapter. It’s communities like these that empower us all to achieve more, together. To join, visit AMSE Huntsville chapter.

Grab your AMSE membership today!

We are so glad to have Heather as part of Madison Mompreneur community, and we are so proud of her. Learn more about what other Madison Mompreneurs are up to at our Member Highlight Blog Series.

Madison Mompreneur Member Highlight Series: Featuring Michelle Thao of Momtastic Fitness

Today we are excited to share a Member Spotlight on another Madison Mompreneur! The Member Highlight Series is designed to 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 by shinning a spotlight on Michelle Thao, owner of Momtastic Fitness.

Introduce yourself!

I’m Michelle and I am the owner of Momtastic Fitness where I specifically work with pre/postnatal moms.

How does your business help people?

I help my clients by providing and executing safe and effective workouts for pregnant and postpartum moms. Making sure they are comfortable and knowledgeable about exercising also.

How long have you lived in Madison County?

I lived in Madison about a year but city hopped over Huntsville/ Madison area. Currently live in Meridianville.

What inspired you to start your business?

What inspired to start my business all started when I was pregnant with my daughter 6 years ago. Being in the fitness industry and lacking resources for the pre/postnatal demographic was discouraging. Moms should be able to feel seen and heard not just athletes.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry?

I’m a mom who loves fitness! Not only that but I actually work with pre/postnatal moms specifically. I mean, that’s pretty niched down! Not a lot of people actually heard of pre/postnatal trainers when they schedule a consultation with me.

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

My biggest success is having the desire to see change in people whether small or big, I celebrate them all. Seeing people getting results is already the big success.

How does your business contribute to the local community?

My business can contribute to local communities by providing resources about safe and effective exercising to the hospitals, pelvic floor therapists, doulas/midwives, etc. I think exercising during pregnancy especially can be really beneficial to these communities and physicians because not a lot of people know fitness trainers that works with moms.

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

I see it evolving into great, bigger things than what I expect! In the next 5 years or less I hope to have my own fitness studio instead of renting one.

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

Typical customers are mainly moms. They find me honestly through word of mouth

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

The part I enjoy the most is putting my expertise and knowledge into action.

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

Continuing education! In addition to continually learning from physicians and physical therapists.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?

I would say, things take time and consistency. Don’t rush into anything that doesn’t make you feel at peace when making decisions.

Any product/service you would like to highlight at this time?

I offer FREE consultations. In late Spring, I will be starting small group training sessions.

Michelle offers training year round, so make sure to check out her website for the latest programs.

Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?

No, I don’t. Not really but whenever I have clients, and they bring their kids with them, I help assist the mom with their kids.

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?

Oh my goodness, scheduling and keeping up with things will probably be the most challenging thing!

What business in the Madison area is your favorite?

Mine is The Exercise Coach and YMCA!

Who is your business bestie?

Yes, Shelby Simon and Kaelie Harris.

Anything else you want us to highlight?

I also offer in home training in addition to my small group classes. I would love for all pre/postnatal moms to join me.

Where can people find you?

Send me a message on my website or text me.

We love that Michelle offers specialized support for pre/postnatal moms, as moms often give so much of themselves during that season of life. If Michelle’s experience as mom and business owner 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!

Don’t forget to read about other Mompreneurs, our latest member highlight was Heather White of Heather Leigh Art

Member Highlight: Heather White of Heather Leigh Art

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 Heather White, Owner of Heather Leigh Art!

Introduce yourself!

I’m Heather White, and I own Heather Leigh Art.

How does your business help people?

I create art for homes or offices or to give as gifts.

How long have you lived in Madison County?

I have lived in Madison County for 23 years.

What inspired you to start your business?

I had a urge to create beauty out of blank canvases. I love decorating and finding the perfect sentimental pieces to be displayed.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry?

I’m willing to work with you (and even brainstorm ideas if you wish) to create a special painting or series of paintings.

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

I’d say taking the leap to invest in my art whether it be a new class or better materials has been well worth it.

How does your business contribute to the local community?

From time to time I like to donate a piece of art for local causes.

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

I’m finally launching my website, so I’m hoping to expand my customer reach.

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

My typical customers appreciate original art over mass produced art and love giving sentimental paintings as gifts.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

Painting and creating!

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

I’ll notice color trends, but I try not to focus on it and just paint things I love in my style. There are always trends in social media which is a bigger challenge I’m still trying to understand.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?

Just start and give yourself time to fail and learn, but keep going!! Slow and steady wins the race!

Any product/service you would like to highlight at this time?

I love all my art pieces, but I especially love doing custom pet portraits! 

Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?

They sometimes watch me and give me “pointers” or opinions.

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?

Finding uninterrupted time is hard, but it’s good to step away from a painting and come back with fresh eyes…so, maybe it’s a good thing to need to stop.

What business in the Madison area is your favorite?

Right now PiperMache because she helped me build my website and is phenomenal to work with.

Who is your business bestie?

Right now, I’m partnering with Amy from The Keen Hart. We are planning to do a candle & notecard bundle soon.

Anything else you want us to highlight?

I’m a featured artist at Harrison Brothers Hardware.

Where can people find you?

On my website at heatherleighart.com.

If Heather’s experience as mom and business owner 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: Christine Stroecker of Birch Acres

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 Christine Stroecker, Owner of Birch Acres LLC!

Introduce yourself!

I’m Christine Stroecker, and I own Birch Acres LLC.

How does your business help people?

Birch Acres LLC is a fully licensed and insured residential remodeling company. It is my goal to breathe life back into the space of your home. I truly believe that homes hold energy, and that energy affects those living in the space. Making your home more functional, aesthetic, and comfortable, will have an impact on your daily life and how you feel each day. Our homes are usually our biggest material asset, so investing in them (in the correct ways) is very wise. Elevate your home, Elevate your life 🙂

How long have you lived in Madison County?

South Huntsville is my home base. My family has lived here for a little over two years. My husband and I are both from Alabama, but we moved from state to state during/after college. This is our first time living in Alabama as a family, so it feels great to be home!

What inspired you to start your business?

Starting my own business has been on my heart since I was in high school. Surprisingly, I got really comfortable in the corporate world after college and thought I’d never leave. There were multiple things going on in my life from 2020 – 2021 that seemed to push me to start my own business. First, my husband and I flipped two houses on the side while working full-time. This is really where I fell in love with residential construction AND saw a huge need in the market for a more sophisticated experience. Secondly, once I had my son in 2021, my vision of how I wanted the rest of my life to look and the vision being sold by the corporate world weren’t aligning. Having my son was the main catalyst to starting Birch Acres.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry?

Besides the fact that it’s run by a young female….

The residential remodeling industry is way behind with the times. The quotes given to homeowners are vague; the expectations are not set properly; the billing process is usually unorganized and not clear; it can be “sketchy” in regard to safety; people’s deposits are taken (I can’t tell you how many times I have heard clients say another contractor took their money).

I want to make a positive impact on the reputation that residential contractors carry. When you work with Birch Acres, you will have a fully modern experience. I want to make sure we have a trusting relationship with open communication. My billing process is very clear, organized, and you can make payments online. I have been told numerous times that my quotes are very detailed compared to others. We will discuss different issues that we might encounter. I am very diligent at tracking cost, and dependent on what type of contract you have, we will be in frequent communication on budget. Lastly, we understand that we are coming into your home, so we make sure that we are respectful of your space and your time. We’re basically doing surgery on your home (your most valuable asset), so I want to make sure that my clients understand what to expect.

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

Creating a business that gave me so much time back that I can now spend with my family.

How does your business contribute to the local community?

We donate extra materials that are unused to people that are in need. We will load up the unused materials and take them to where they need to go! We are also particularly careful to dispose of waste properly.

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

My goal is to create a construction company that provides an upscale remodeling experience that is communicative, sophisticative, and creative. I want to re-write what people typically think when they go to hire a contractor. Hopefully I am at 5x the revenue that I am projecting for this year, and I’ll certainly need a large team to help me accomplish that.

Equally as important, I want to create a company where the employees thrive in their roles. I want the work environment to promote creativity (not only with design but with processes too), encourage ownership with projects, empower them to take charge. My hope is that working at Birch Acres is a growing experience for the employee that pushes them out of their comfort zone. I want the employees to gain confidence in themselves and their future. Hopefully the employees absolutely love their job and that joy spills into their home. As an employer, time with family will always come first. Money will come and go, but time you can’t get back.

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

I have two main types of customers: (1) Homeowners (2) Investors. They usually find me through a referral, Google, Houzz, or the BBB.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

F-R-E-E-D-O-M. Can’t say it enough. I have so much freedom with my time. I have control over how much money I make. I have freedom to choose who is a good fit for me to work with. Once day when I am hiring, I’ll have the freedom to choose my employees. I have freedom to choose how my processes work and what deliverables look like. I absolutely love the amount of freedom owning a business gives me.

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

I am a student right now at the Interior Design Institute. I fully plan to elevate the design aspect of my business!

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?

#1 you MUST get your Homebuilder’s License! Don’t be afraid of the test. My books are on loan right now to someone who is studying for the test, and I’d be happy to loan them to anyone. #2 don’t be afraid to network around town, build a website, cold call people, etc… this was so uncomfortable for me at first, but it has gotten me so many jobs.

Any product/service you would like to highlight at this time?

During the holidays, I notice a big dip in homeowner projects! It makes sense that people don’t want a renovation going while they are spending large amounts of time at home and inviting guests over. The holidays are stressful enough! That being said, INVESTORS are a HUGE source of revenue for my business. Investor connections really pull my business through the winter season since they are always on the gas!

Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?

My son involves himself by crawling into my office chair and banging on my keyboard… that’s about as involved as he gets.

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?

When I left my corporate job, I was convinced that I wouldn’t have any more super late nights working. I strive to maintain that, but it happens every once in a while. I feel a strong pain in my heart when those moments happen. I use those moments to feel grateful that they are few and far between and that I am on the right track.

What business in the Madison area is your favorite?

Vintage 72 🙂

Who is your business bestie?

I have a few over the internet, but I need a real-life one!

Where can people find you?

On my website, Facebook, and Instagram.

If Christine’s experience as mom and business owner 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!