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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!
October 23, 2023
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?
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!
October 17, 2023
A Look into the Lives of Moms who homeschool and run a business
Madison, Alabama is home to a vibrant homeschooling community, and within that community, there are mothers who have successfully combined their entrepreneurial endeavors with educating their children. In this blog post, we will delve into the experiences and insights of local homeschooling moms, exploring how they navigate the challenges of homeschooling while running their businesses.
The Homeschooling Journey
Homeschooling requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Jennifer Wolverton, the founder of Log Cabin Schoolhouse LLC, shares her experience of creating classes around her children’s interests when she first started with the business, but now she’s developing new classes as her children get older to cater to her interests, such as artificial intelligence. This personalized approach to education allows for both academic growth and entrepreneurial exploration.
Jenni McCarthy, who has over 10 years of homeschooling experience, has found ways to involve her children in her businesses, Five Oaks Farm and Jenni M Photography, allowing them to learn and grow alongside her. Jenni’s commitment to continuous learning and her “figure it out” approach, developed through her homeschooling background, have been vital in her entrepreneurial journey. Her dedication to her family, businesses, and personal growth is truly admirable.
Amanda Newman, owner of Newman Massage and Wellness LLC, shares that her homeschooling journey has fueled her desire to create a space within her business that accommodates busy moms, allowing them to find a balance between motherhood and their careers. Her motivation to start her business stemmed from a desire to contribute to her household financially, pursue her passion for massage therapy, and empower her girls to believe in their ability to achieve it all.
Homeschool Moms Share Their Top 3 Tips for Balancing Business and Homeschooling
Finding a balance between homeschooling and running a business is undoubtedly challenging, but these moms have discovered strategies that work for them. By incorporating lists, leveraging technology, and embracing compromise, they have successfully pursued their entrepreneurial dreams while providing quality education for their children;
- Lists: Making lists and working off of them allows moms to efficiently manage their tasks. Even when away from their workstations, having access to everything through their phones enables them to take care of small tasks on the go, ensuring that nothing gets overlooked.
- Compromise: Balancing multiple businesses, homeschooling, and family life requires compromise. Moms understand that they can’t have a perfectly clean house while pursuing their goals. By prioritizing and letting go of certain tasks, they create more time to focus on what truly matters.
- Leveraging Technology: Embracing technology has been a game-changer for homeschooling moms. With a reliable homeschool planner, a supportive spouse, and a self-sufficient website and course design, moms have been able to navigate the challenges of managing their businesses while also advocating for children and education. Taking advantage of “travel tech,” they can even teach virtual classes while on the go, making learning a unique and exciting experience for their students.
According to Jenni McCarthy, keeping up with multiple responsibilities would be impossible without her phone to help her remember everything.
Jennifer Wolverton, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of her planner, which she carries with her everywhere and relies on to stay organized throughout the day.
Amanda attributes her ability to keep up with both her business and homeschooling to effective time management, the energizing power of coffee, and the involvement of her whole family.
Are you a Homeschool mom trying to start a business?
Our local entrepreneurial homeschool moms have some words of advice:
Jennifer Wolverton says: “One day at a time. Homeschooling is a one- or two-decade adventure and so is a homeschool business. It actually doesn’t have to be a get rich fast scheme. It can be a slow simmer. It’s such a wonderful labor of love that no matter what comes of it, as long as the family is enjoying its fruits, it’s worth all the time spent.”
Jenni McCarthy offers encouragement: “You can absolutely do it, although choosing a curriculum format that allows for you to not have to teach all of the information is super helpful. I am here to make sure the work gets done, and available for any questions or sticking spots if needed. It allows me to work on my work while the kids are working on theirs.”
Amanda Newman provides some inspiration; “I would say make sure you can align your time and priorities and go for it. You are capable of so much more than you think. The beauty of homeschooling is how flexible it is. It’s truly ok to do math while cooking dinner, recite verbs in the car, and all the things in between. It’s a lot of hard work but very rewarding.”
Get inspired by How Jennifer Wolverton started her business
”I had been teaching my kids’ friends algebra and then I wrote an algebra curriculum. Then when the pandemic hit and we moved to Alabama from Pennsylvania I incorporated, and we went online like everyone else at the time. All of a sudden, I had students in every time zone. The next summer I had an Australian cohort in my Algebra Club! It truly was like dominoes. I didn’t plan it. It just happened.”
Finding Support and Resources for Homeschooling in Alabama
Homeschooling moms often face challenges when seeking entrepreneurial support specifically tailored to homeschooling. However, determined to find the help they need, some moms have taken matters into their own hands. For instance, Jenni McCarthy established the Rocket City Homeschooling info Facebook Group, a valuable platform where moms can ask questions, seek support, and discover educational resources in the North Alabama area.
Jennifer Wolverton found support from the Homeschool Trade Association, which played a crucial role in expanding her network and overcoming various business challenges. Additionally, the FPEA, the Florida homeschool convention, was highlighted as an excellent resource for networking with other entrepreneurial homeschooling moms. Jennifer Wolverton expresses her hope that Alabama will host its own homeschool convention in the future, as her experience in three different states leads her to believe it is the best state for homeschooling.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Milestones
Starting a business as a homeschooling mom comes with its own set of challenges. From maintaining a steady income to accommodating different schedules, these moms have encountered obstacles along the way.
Jenni McCarty reports that “The other piece that I feel like I miss out on is focused time. I don’t get a block of time to “go to work” and focus on work, and then come home and “focus on the kids” because I have been gone all day. My day, morning till night, is a lot of multitasking. I have to be really intentional about putting work messages away, and being present.”
Jenni continues “you can easily write a blog post in the amount of time it takes to match all of the socks in the laundry. The kids may have clean mismatched socks on, but the blog post will be there forever. lol. You have to find the areas you can let go of that won’t make you crazy, but will give you a bit more time to move the needle towards your goals.”
Homeschooling has influenced their entrepreneurial journey and helped shape their business in many ways. Jennifer Wolverton reports “ I find that once I found homeschooling was a part of my life, that was the first time I realized what “freedom” truly was. I don’t know if I ever would’ve started my own business if it weren’t for being a homeschool mom first. It transformed how I looked at the world I lived in. I own my day and my kids’ lives in a way I didn’t before we homeschooled. I didn’t even question the idea that you should go to school, then to college, then to work for someone else. But now I love that I’m so independent and I decide what I do each day and who I get to help. Having an LLC is an amazing thing.” and Jennifer adds “I think growing up as a homeschooler, and then also homeschooling my own kids, has forced the “figure it out” approach to everything.”
Every day holds a challenge honestly. My biggest one is setting boundaries with my time. Devoting a certain amount to my family and school and then a certain amount to the business. Amanda Newman
Nurturing Self-Care and Personal Growth
While juggling homeschooling and running a business, they have learned to carve out time for themselves. Whether it’s through diligent time management, embracing learning opportunities, or seeking moments of relaxation, these moms try and make it all work. Jennifer reports “Every morning I get up and go through the same routine and that helps.”
Amanda Newman “I’m not always the best at this but I just try to remember that I can’t care for others if I’m not taken care of. Sometimes it’s going without the extra hour of sleep so I can workout, or skipping out on a movie to make sure I get my devotion in. It’s just finding little ways to sneak it in through the day.”
Learn more about some of our local homeschooling entrepreneurial moms
You can learn more about Jennifer Wolverton on the Log Cabin Schoolhouse website. I also keep a page on FB for my advocacy work “Alabama School Choice”. I also work with the “K12 Policy Alliance and Jamie Buckland” in West Virginia – working towards education freedom.
You can visit Jenni McCarty, Five Oaks Farm website (website: Five Oaks Farm) to learn more, or book her photography sessions at, Jenni M Photography (website: Jenni M Photography). Additionally, she is involved in Five Oaks Restorations, a home renovation business that she started in 2021.
Amanda Newman, the owner of Newman Massage and Wellness LLC can be found on Facebook. Inspired by her own homeschooling journey, Amanda empowers her girls to believe in their ability to achieve both personal and professional success.
Are you a homeschooling mom in Madison with dreams of running your own business? The stories and insights shared by these remarkable moms serve as inspiration and guidance. Remember, with determination, adaptability, and a supportive community, you can successfully navigate the beautiful journey of homeschooling while running a business.
Homeschooling Mompreneur Support
For homeschooling moms in the Madison area, Madison Mompreneur offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. While attending coworking sessions may not always be feasible, the networking and marketing efforts of Madison Mompreneur can still benefit these moms. Madison Mompreneur aims to create a supportive community for homeschooling mom entrepreneurs.
If you want to learn more about these extraordinary homeschooling mom entrepreneurs or join Madison Mompreneur, visit our website here.
October 2, 2023
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 Madison, Alabama.
We are continuing this series with the spotlight on Tracy Abney, Owner of Rocket City Doulas!
Introduce yourself!
I’m Tracy Abney and I own Rocket City Doulas.
How does your business help people?
Reducing anxiety and instilling confidence in expectant and new parents
How long have you lived in Madison County?
19 years
What inspired you to start your business?
My own birth experience – I felt alone, scared, and like I had lost agency over my own body. I wanted to BE with people so they wouldn’t feel what I felt during birth and postpartum.
What sets your business apart from others in the industry?
Other than our standard of providing unbiased, non-judgmental support, we run as an agency model. We have shared birth teams, greatly reducing the risk that a client will end up with a backup they don’t know. We have a team of postpartum doulas that can handle any size of contract – big or small!
What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?
I’m so freaking proud of our team! To have so many doulas who are continually learning and growing in a community is so special!
How does your business contribute to the local community?
We partner with organizations in our area to support bereaved families. We offer bereavement doula support to our clients at no cost.
How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I am hopeful that we will grow even more into our role as the area’s top postpartum and infant care doulas! My long-term plan is for us to be known in the community who you call when you need postpartum support!
Who are your typical customers, and how do they find you?
Our clients are overall looking for evidence based care and support that is unbiased and non-judgmental. Our clients tend to want a doula to work cooperatively with the care team they’ve carefully created. They usually contact us on our website to set up a free call!
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
It depends on my mood and energy level (chronic illness gang here!) but often it’s networking and speaking at events/expos.
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?
We offer our Doulas continuing education by bringing in area experts to speak and teach at our monthly team meetings. Our training organization also sends out important updates monthly that I then pass along to our team.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?
Make sure you have your business ducks in a row before starting AND charge your worth! Many doulas think that less experience means they shouldn’t charge for their services. But, your time and education/training should be valued!
Any product/service you would like to highlight at this time?
Many people don’t realize that we provide education services! So, even if they aren’t up for hiring a doula, they can learn from them! We offer Newborn care classes, Childbirth education, Comfort measures classes, and Infant Feeding classes.
Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?
Yes! I may send my children to gather things I’ve printed, help me pack swag bags, etc. (I usually pay them a little bit, and only if they’re interested.)
What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?
Figuring out when to say “yes” and when to say “not yet. I need a few minutes”. I don’t want them to always remember me working, and I want them to know they’re important to me. However, I know that there’s benefit in them seeing me put time and energy into my work because it matters.
What business in the Madison area is your favorite?
Right now it’s Piper & Leaf in Madison. They allow one of our doulas to run our free monthly meetup/support group in their location!
Who is your business bestie?
It’s Jamie from Count It Joy!
Anything else you would like for us to highlight?
Our free monthly support group at Piper & Leaf in Madison. First Thursday of the month, at 6:00pm.
Where can people find you?
Website, Instagram, and Facebook
If Tracy’s experience as mom and business owner resonates with you, we would love to hear from you in the comments. And if you are a mom and business owner in Madison, Alabama and would like to be featured in a future Member Highlight post, email us at madisonmompreneur@gmail.com.
September 25, 2023
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 Madison, Alabama.
We are continuing this series with the spotlight on Emily Willis, Owner of Womb Space Healing Center. Enjoy!
Introduce yourself!
My name is Emily Willis, and I own Womb Space Healing Center.
How does your business help people?
Womb Space Healing Center is a holistic gynecology office offering safe and natural health solutions.
How long have you lived in Madison County?
I’ve lived in Meridianville since October 2009.
What inspired you to start your business?
The complete absence of holistic healthcare in this country and the bandaid approach that does not heal the root cause of physical problems.
What sets your business apart from others in the industry?
I look at your health holistically meaning complete health of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. I also have evening and weekend hours which no other gynecology practice in the area does.
What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?
Opening women’s minds to the fact that they can heal themselves and giving them their power back.
How does your business contribute to the local community?
I am offering women knowledge to empower them about their healthcare. I give them the tools they need to do the work and heal themselves.
How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I plan to expand on the small holistic health center I have at my office now with 6 other holistic health professionals. We plan to have a large building that is one stop shopping for holistic health for all.
Who are your typical customers, and how do they find you?
My typical customer is a woman from 18-60, although I have seen ages 10-93. I can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and my website.
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Freedom with my schedule and what I offer!
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?
I am constantly taking courses to further my education out of a desire to find more ways to help people but also I have required CEUs to keep my national certification and state license.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?
The first year is really tough on all levels but the end result is so worth it so stick with it.
What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time?
Holistic gynecology services and products that I sell in my lobby.
Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?
They visit sometimes when there is no school and momma has to work but are not otherwise involved as school and after school activities keep them and us busy.
What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?
Making sure I give my husband and kids my undivided attention when at home.
What business in the Madison area is your favorite?
Phuket Thai Restaurant and Sushi because Thai and sushi are my favorite!
Who is your business bestie?
I enjoy all my suite mates at work a ton and consider them my friends.
Anything else you would like for us to highlight?
I am a one woman show so everyone gets me only when they contact the office and all appointments are an hour long at least so no one is rushed. I am here to sincerely listen and help.
Where can people find you?
My website and my office at 3315 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite 501, Huntsville, AL 35801 which is between Drake and Airport.
If Emily’s experience as mom and business owner resonates with you, we would love to hear from you in the comments. And if you are a mom and business owner in Madison, Alabama and would like to be featured in a future Member Highlight post, email us at madisonmompreneur@gmail.com.
September 18, 2023
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 Madison, Alabama.
We are continuing this series with the spotlight on Co-Founder Lauren Hooper, Owner of The Minimalist Wallet. Enjoy!
Introduce yourself!
Hey y’all, I’m Lauren Hooper! I’m a co-founder here at Madison Mompreneur, and I am a finance and lifestyle coach via The Minimalist Wallet.
How does your business help people?
The Minimalist Wallet provides 1:1 coaching, group courses, and printable tools to help people find a financial lifestyle that allows them to live their best life while also doing good for the people and planet around them. If someone is in need of the lifestyle guidance that will help them live more ethically and sustainably, TMW is where to find it!
How long have you lived in Madison?
I’ve lived in Madison since 2015. My family and I re-located to Alabama right after my husband graduated; we moved up here from Gainesville, Florida (Go Gators!) for a job offer that fit exactly what he was looking for. We didn’t know anyone in the area, and he had only been up here once for the job interview so it was a big leap of faith!
What inspired you to start your business?
I went back to college in 2016 with two babies at home (I have boy/girl twins), and I knew right away that I wanted to do something personal finance related. My first attempt at college resulted in no degree, but $32,000 of debt from student loans, credit cards, and tuition owed to my university. I didn’t have the financial knowledge or support system that would have made getting out of that debt easier, so it was a big learning curve to say the least. I didn’t want to make the same money mistakes that led me into debt again so I spent years educating myself, cultivating better lifestyle habits, and paying off all that debt. Working in personal finance is a way for me to ‘pay forward’ all the help and support I got along the way from many different financial start-ups, bloggers, and authors. It wasn’t until my last couple years in college (I was a part-time for most of it) that I realized there was no job out there that would allow me to teach people about money in away that aligned with my own values and education on how to live a joyful, but frugal lifestyle. CEO of my own business was the only option that would give me that freedom. So in 2019, two years before I launched The Minimalist Wallet, I snagged the URL and related social media handles so that they would be ready for me when it was time.
What sets your business apart from others in the industry?
I don’t have a one-size-fits-all method for personal finance. Personal finance is PERSONAL. So I like to create programs and tools that mirror the same, bespoke experience someone would have if they are doing 1:1 coaching. I also find that most financial programs are centered around the individual, and I think that so many of the systemic issues we have in our society that are related to money are because people are told to focus on themselves and their needs only. But a lot of financial security comes from having a community that supports you whether it’s the grandparent who moves closer to provide childcare, a job that has paid maternal and paternal leave, or a government that sees the benefit of providing universal pre-k and free meals. When we recognize that the decisions we make with our money everyday have a ripple effect on the change we want to see in the world, you can both build your own individual financial support while also supporting people and planet aka community.
What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?
Honestly, I think I am my own biggest success. I was my first and longest-running client. The methods and tools I have developed for my clients were workshopped on myself. The things that I teach are how I also choose to live my own life. I also have a few people close to me who have remarked on how they see the world differently after meeting me. They are less concerned with having an aspirational life and more concerned with just living a joyful, intentional life. My influence has effected how they see themselves, their relationships, their personal finances, how their household runs, even the jobs they are and are not choosing to take. Knowing that I have effected that change in them is really wonderful. But as a business owner, I have slow, stagnant periods when I had no clients. When I base my success on the outcome (or lack) of my business relationships with others, it doesn’t provide the steady stream of motivation I need to keep going as a business owner. But my relationship with myself never ceases. So I can wake up each morning, reminded of the amazing things I have accomplished for myself and will continue to accomplish, and it keeps me going.
How does your business contribute to the local community?
While I market globally, I have had many local clients, all women and many mothers. 1:1 coaching has a special bonus for local clients because we have the opportunity to meet in-person just for conversation or to take action on a project that needs guidance, like creating a capsule wardrobe or decluttering a kitchen. I also have the ability to give very detailed suggestions about lifestyle changes because I am deeply familiar with the routines, businesses, school schedules, etc. that affect their lives. I also have business proceeds that are donated to local charities like the Kids to Love Foundation, Crisis Center of North Alabama, and 89.3 WLRH (local NPR affiliate).
How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I would love to take the case studies from my 1:1 and group coaching clients to help write books and physical workbooks. I also really enjoy public speaking so any opportunity I have to speak in front of a large audience about the intersections of personal finance, intentional living, and sustainability, I will take!
Who are your typical customers, and how do they find you?
My typical clients are women, ages 25-45, with children, often married or divorced, living in the United States or Canada. They are looking to reduce overwhelm, feel more secure in their financial future, live simpler, and do some good for the people and planet around them. Often find me via Instagram or a podcast (I’ve been interviewed on a few over the years).
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Brainstorming short and long-form content, writing, doing deep dives and continued education on the topics that I know would benefit my audience are all really enjoyable. I also love the freedom that comes from not having to convince anyone else about business decisions. I can follow my gut, move out my own pace, and rest in the confidence that I have experience and the knowledge to take my business in the right direction.
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?
Before I was a personal finance business owner, I was a consumer of books, podcasts, Youtube channels, documentaries, articles, magazines, software applications, social media accounts for anything related to minimalism, personal finance, ethics, and sustainability. While trends in intentional living and finance are noted, I am the most interest in what businesses are doing related to ethical and sustainable living. I consider myself to be in that same industry, but I am just focused on the financial aspect along with the lifestyle changes. In terms of the coaching industry, I follow a few voices that reflect my same views on the ethics of life coaching.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?
Having a passion for a topic is not always enough to sustain a business. Unless you can immediate outsource all of nitty gritty things that need to happen to someone else (or multiple someone else’s) you have to be willing and able to do all the back end work like filing paper for an LLC, opening up accounts, creating and managing a website, writing copy for advertisements, creating images/videos/graphics.
My job as a personal finance coach is similar to the traditional financial planner or consultant jobs that many people hold through large investment firms like Edward Jones, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard. Often people also choose to become a Certified Financial Planner meaning they have a fiduciary responsibility to their client (not to the product they are selling). Having a formal or informal education in what it means to be a fiduciary is something I would highly recommend to anyone that wants to work in finance. I have a Bachelor’s in Finance which mostly focused on managing funds for business or large brokerage accounts, but also included some education on personal finance and individual and small business taxes.
There are also a lot of coaching certification programs for people who want to be life coaches. If you don’t have a strong grasp of what a life coach does, one of these programs would be beneficial. Find one that will teach not just what to do, but what not to do since there is a difference between coaching and therapy, and you will want to know what practices are considered ethical and which aren’t.
What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time?
I offer 1:1 coaching year round and I stand by this as the best bang for your buck (and your time).
My Aligned Values Workbook is a low risk, high reward, printable tool for learning about the concept of values and creating your own custom set of values.
And I have a self-led email course coming up in September for those that are interested in decluttering and analyzing/adjusting their spending habits – get on my email list to be the first to know when sign up starts for that!
Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?
They know all about what Mom does so they are always asking questions about what I’m up to. They are often a part of the content I am creating for marketing. My daughter created a “Earth Savers Club” complete with hand drawn cards make when I showed her the first prototype for own business card. My son hopes to one day be a part of any YouTube videos I make for TMW. They definitely don’t actively work in my business, but the lessons I teach my clients are the same lessons they learn from me.
What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?
Where to begin…..being a mother (or more accurately the default parent) is a 100+ hour work week, especially if you don’t have childcare, but even when you do. You are thinking about them, making decisions based on them, doing things directly for them. Owning a business, especially as a solo business owner, is a 100+ hour work week. So now we’re looking at 200+ hours of work in a 168 hour week. You need to sleep, you need to eat, you need to do essential care for yourself, but then your brain is also constantly switching from making lunches to creating a Reel on Instagram to finding a pair of clean socks to answering an email to remembering to donate to the PTA fundraiser to remembering to pay your business taxes. You can gain freedom from a rigid work schedule, but that is substituted for an endless work schedule crammed into the margins and often not given full, undivided attention. Being a mother is often thankless and isolating, and in business, mothers (below childless women) are the least valued and most underpaid workers; unfortunately that transfers to how the world sees moms who own businesses. Even when you are, by all usual metrics, considered successful, people still see it as a cute, fun hobby that you should drop at any time if your children (or your partner) need something. One of the motivations for starting Madison Mompreneur was to help moms take their own businesses seriously and for the public at large to take mom + biz owners seriously. Systemic and cultural challenges mean that moms have to work twice as hard to get half as far. It is endlessly frustrating.
What business in the Madison area is your favorite?
I have worked part-time as an instructor at Pure Barre Madison (located in a Downtown Historic Madison) for about 5 years. And I was a client for another two and half years before I started teaching. I really can’t say enough good things about the clients and staff there. I joke that all the friends I have, I made at PB Madison (which is mostly true). It is a community that I feel really honored to be leader in.
Do you have a business bestie?
I have been so lucky to connect with many, many mom entrepreneurs in the past couple years. But one of the personal & professional relationships I value most is with my friend Camila Montanhani, a family and branding photographer in Westchester, NY. Camila and I connected in a Zoom call with fellow stay-at-home-moms looking to navigate the complexities of the pandemic in May 2020. We were both passionate, outspoken, and crunchy (a synonym for people who lean towards the natural and alternative). We also both have a heart for advocacy work and are very in tune with how mental health affects motherhood and entreneurship. In early 2022, we decided to start doing regular Zoom meetings with just the two of us, to help keep ourselves accountable in our businesses. We meet every Monday from 9am-11am (Central Time) and our sessions are part co-working, part strategy, part therapy. We’ve only met once in person, but we have such a strong connection, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.
Anything else you would like for us to highlight?
As a life coach, I feel uniquely positioned to give advice to moms and business owners. And as a minimalist, I’ve seen the immense change that happens in people when they change their surroundings. And I think that advice applies to being a mom and business owner – be unwavering in what you allow into your life. There is so much noise, some much distraction, so much that isn’t applicable to you. Take only what you need and ignore the rest. It will give you so much more peace of mind and will keep you consistent in your belief in yourself and in your action. Consistency is the key to success in business and in parenting even when you don’t have the skill, time, talent, money, all the things we think are essential.
Where can people find you?
On Instagram at @lauren_etc and @theminimalistwallet, via The Minimalist Wallet website, and at the Madison Public Library every Tuesday from 11am-1pm (aka Madison Mompreneur co-working) during the school year 😉
If Lauren’s experience as mom and business owner resonates with you, we would love to hear from you in the comments. And if you are a mom and business owner in Madison, Alabama and would like to be featured in a future Member Highlight post, email us at madisonmompreneur@gmail.com.
September 1, 2023
Welcome to the first post in our new Member Spotlight series! 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 Madison, Alabama. We are kicking off this series with the spotlight on Co-Founder Juliana Piper, Owner of PiperMache. Enjoy!
- What’s your Name
Juliana Piper - What’s your Business Name
Well, grab a chair, I have a few. Webdesign is my main business over at PiperMache Webdesign. I also have a little Digital Shop where I create Printable cards for teachers called Notes on PiperMache (I’m rebranding as I called that business Pipermache Digital Art previously, so it could be either name depending on when you reading this). Lastly, as you probably already know, I am the co-founder of Madison Mompreneur. - How does your business help people?
I help people have a better digital life. Either by creating cards that parents can print at midnight before a major event at school (you know you’ve been there, I certainly have), or by developing visual experience through websites to increase my clients business growth. - How long have you lived in Madison?
Since 2012 - What inspired you to start your business?
Notes was born out of necessity lol.
I started PiperMache just before I turned 40. I had been newly diagnosed (officially) with ADHD and decided to follow my brain’s gift and do what I was passionate about. In 6th grade I fell in love with creating Letter Engineering Drawing. While everyone else thought that was the most boring assignment in middle school, I was having dopamine sparkles and keep doing it on my own just for fun. Unfortunately at the time, I had no idea how one could make a living with a passion for drawing letters. - What sets your business apart from others in the industry?
Besides the fact that I am a business nerd, and have experience working with a variety of industries and business sizes, from Fortune500 Companies Oil Conglomerates to small Homemade jewelry’s business. I am highly empathetic which gives me an advantage to having a keen eye for client’s experiences. - What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?
Having the courage to explore what my biggest gifts are and use that to help others. - How does your business contribute to the local community?
I love helping local businesses grow digitally, specially women owned business. - How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I am currently expanding my webdesign services to e-commerce websites, and I hope to expand to creating website in multiple platforms. - Who are your typical customers, and how do they find you?
My customers are small business owners or managers, and I meet them online or I am refereed to them. - What do you enjoy most about running your business?
I love exploring more efficient ways of doing things, I am often trying new platforms to automate things. That is good and bad, but I guess with my line of work it helps me to know multiple platforms that can help my clients be more efficient online. - How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?
I’m almost always enrolled in one or two different courses or certifications. - What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?
Just go for it, there are a lot of courses out there that can teach you even if you are not academically trained. We all have something special to offer, and if designing is a passion of yours, you can only go wrong by not trying it. - What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time?
I just started offering Website Audits, and I am really excited to do a deep dive into many different businesses, I like looking at the data and providing suggestions for improvement. I am excited to see this service grow. I actually offer a Quick Free website audit at the moment so anyone can have at least 3-5 tips on how to improve their website. - Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?
Yes, to some degree. My daughter is very well versed in Canva as she loves to create digital art. My son likes to make potty jokes’ stickers. I haven’t been able to monetize that one yet. lol - What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing mommyhood and business life?
I run out of time constantly. There’s just isn’t enough time to be a mom with so many requirements, and a business owner. Boundaries have been really key if I want to do my best in either job. - What business in the Madison Area is your favorite?
I have changed my health by attending Barre classes in the past two years, so I would have to vote for Pure Barre. - Do you have a business bestie?
Lauren is definitely my bestie at Mompreneur. I am so thankful she is invested in the idea as much I am. She has been a great partner and I have learned a lot from her. - Anything else you would like for us to highlight?
I want to encourage anyone that having a business doesn’t have to be scary, you just have to be willing to ride the waves. It doesn’t matter how big of a lesson you’ve learned today, you will always have an opportunity to bring that lesson with you and try again the next day. - Where can people find you?
Website: https://pipermache.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piper.mache/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=pipermache
I hope you enjoyed reading about one of our members, please support our local Madison mom-owned businesses.
August 28, 2023
