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!

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

Start with Your Values

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

Write Your Life Vision

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

Set Meaningful Goals

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

Create SMART Action Steps

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

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

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

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

Blog Post: The Value of Co-Working

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

Video Workshop: Stress Reset for Mompreneurs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Shopping and Supporting Local!

As a mompreneur, it often feels like you’re expected to do everything at once. Between running a business, managing a household, and caring for your family, the temptation to multitask is strong. You might try to respond to emails while cooking dinner or schedule social media posts while helping your kids with homework. But as efficient as multitasking may seem, it’s likely undermining your productivity and focus. Cal Newport’s book Deep Work sheds light on why multitasking isn’t helping you and how focusing on one task at a time can transform your business.

The Multitasking Myth

Many of us believe that multitasking helps us get more done. We’ve been led to think that handling multiple tasks simultaneously will save time and boost productivity. In reality, research shows that multitasking actually reduces efficiency and increases the likelihood of mistakes. The reason? Our brains aren’t wired to handle multiple high-level tasks at once.

When you try to multitask, your brain has to switch between different activities. This constant mental shifting leads to what’s called “attention residue,” where part of your mind remains focused on the previous task. This split focus means it takes longer to complete tasks, and the quality of your work suffers.

Insights from Deep Work

In Deep Work, Cal Newport argues that true productivity comes from focused, undistracted work. According to Newport, multitasking prevents us from engaging in deep work, which is the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks. This type of work is essential for producing high-quality results and making meaningful progress in your business.

For mom entrepreneurs, the concept of deep work is especially relevant. You often have limited time, so it’s critical to make the most of the hours you do have. Multitasking leads to fragmented attention, preventing you from achieving the kind of deep focus that drives real business growth. On the other hand, dedicating uninterrupted blocks of time to a single task allows you to enter a state of deep concentration, where you can think more creatively, solve problems, and complete tasks faster.

Why Multitasking Hurts Your Business

1. Reduces Efficiency:
   Every time you switch tasks—whether from answering a client’s email to checking your social media feed—it takes your brain time to readjust. This constant switching not only wastes time but also reduces the quality of your work. For a mom entrepreneur juggling business and family, this time loss adds up quickly.
2. Increases Stress:
   Multitasking often creates the illusion of being busy, but in reality, it contributes to burnout. The constant mental switching leaves you feeling drained without making significant progress. By focusing on one task at a time, you reduce the mental load and experience less stress.
3. Prevents Deep Thinking:
   Many business tasks require deep thinking—whether it’s planning your marketing strategy, writing content, or analyzing financials. Multitasking keeps you at the surface level of your work, never giving you the opportunity to dive deep and think strategically. In contrast, focusing on one task at a time enables you to engage with the work on a deeper level and produce higher-quality results.

How to Break Free from Multitasking

For many moms, multitasking is a habit born out of necessity. However, breaking this habit can lead to significant improvements in your productivity and well-being. Here are a few strategies inspired by Deep Work to help you shift away from multitasking:

1. Time Blocking:
   One way to combat multitasking is by using time blocks. Dedicate specific blocks of time to focus on a single type of task, such as content creation, client communication, or financial management. During these blocks, eliminate distractions and focus solely on the task at hand. This helps you achieve the deep focus Newport advocates for, allowing you to complete tasks more efficiently.
2. Set Boundaries:
   As a mompreneur, setting boundaries is essential. Let your family know when you need uninterrupted time to work, and schedule personal and household tasks outside of these work blocks. This helps create a clear separation between work and home life, reducing the temptation to multitask.
3. Prioritize Your Tasks:
   Not all tasks require deep focus. Identify which tasks in your business need your full attention and prioritize those during your most productive hours. Save less demanding tasks for times when you have lower energy, like responding to emails or organizing files.

The TL/DR:

Multitasking might feel like a necessity when you’re balancing business and family life, but it’s doing more harm than good. As Cal Newport explains in Deep Work, real productivity comes from focused, uninterrupted work. By breaking free from the multitasking trap and embracing deep work, you can manage your business more effectively, reduce stress, and create the mental space needed to truly thrive as a mompreneur.

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

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

Blog Post: The Value of Co-Working

Video Workshop: Creative Mindfulness for Mom Entrepreneurs

Madison Mompreneur Member: Carolyn Kimbro

About Peachtree Interior Design: At Peachtree Interior Design, we believe that every space has the potential to be beautiful and functional, no matter the size or location. With projects spanning across multiple US cities, we take pride in our ability to deliver innovative and stylish solutions. Our team aims to exceed expectations with every project, utilizing creative design techniques to transform spaces into something truly special.

• Link

Looking for our latest Shopping Guide? You can download it here.

Ready to list your business in our directory? See if you meet the requirements and join us here.

Madison Mompreneur Member: Carla Taggart

About Bizzy Mom Podcast: Join Carla & Kristin each week as they laugh (or cry!) about mommin’, marriage, owning a business and all things in between!

• Link

Looking for our latest Shopping Guide? You can download it here.

Ready to list your business in our directory? See if you meet the requirements and join us here.

Madison Mompreneur’s Calendar: A Tool to Align Your Summer with Madison City Schools’ Schedule

Introducing our Madison City Schools’ based Summer Calendar. This tool has been crafted to coincide with the Madison City Schools’ schedule, aiming to assist all you dedicated moms in organizing your summer more efficiently.

I have been using this Summer calendar for the past 3 years, and I love having everything in one page. My kids will refer to it all Summer long to know what camps or play-dates are coming up next. I start using it in March, around Spring Break time which is when most summer camps open their registrations. You can check a list of Northern Alabama Summer camps at Rocket City Moms, they always have updated information.

With multiple kids’ schedule to coordinate, this calendar makes my life so much easier. Whether it’s coordinating business conferences or scheduling playdates, our Madison City Schools’ based Summer Calendar can help you stay ahead. This user-friendly tool provides a visual layout of the summer months, enabling you to handle your time and tasks effectively.

Download your calendar here.

Harness the Madison City Schools’ Based Summer Calendar for Better Productivity

Our Summer Calendar can be utilized in countless ways. I like to use it to visualize all the Summer trips that are coming up, it makes it easier to balance camps, trips and lazy times at home. Even when we are staying around Madison, we still like to take easy day trips to get out of the house for a bit.

Mark critical school dates, lay out your work agenda, or even slot in some well-deserved ‘me time’. By visualizing your schedule in one page it will be easier to coordinate multiple people and projects at once.

Stay Coordinated and Balanced with the Madison City Schools’ Based Summer Calendar

Our Summer Calendar isn’t solely about organization; it’s about balance. It serves as a reminder that while work is crucial, so is family time and self-care.

We only get a few Summers with our kids, and making time for creating memories with them, is so important to us moms. Let’s not forget about ourselves. I don’t know about you, but Summer time is so much about my kids and family that I am not always intentional about making time to see my friends or for self-care. So go ahead and book that well deserved massage for one day this Summer, do it right now, and you are more likely to commit to it. You will thank me later.

Use the calendar to deliberately plan relaxation time, guaranteeing you’re not neglecting self-care amid your business hustle.

A Resource for Every Mompreneur

Always remember, a well-organized summer results in a productive summer. Our Calendar is more than just a tool; it’s a strategy designed to help you excel in your business and personal life. While Madison Mompreneur does not host any coworking event during the Summer, we hope you utilize this Calendar to make this summer a triumphant one. We’re here to back you on this journey!

Make sure to tag on social media if this calendar is helpful to plan your summer, and you can always check our calendar for our upcoming Fall coworking session and events.

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

When we dreamed up this group at the start of 2023, we were so excited for how it could change the experience of not just moms in the Madison area who own businesses, but the greater community’s ability to easily find and support mom-owned, local businesses. 

Which is why we are excited to announce a new offering to the Madison area to help check off your holiday gift list AND support the local businesses that allow our area to thrive. The 2023 Madison Mompreneur Holiday Shopping Guide is here to help you do just that!

This Holiday Shopping Guide is exactly what we have wished existed for years. It is so easy to just place a delivery or pickup order at the same big box store, hire the first service or experience that pops up in an online search, or rely on generic gift cards for gifts. We wanted it to be easier for ourselves and others to access a comprehensive directory of local businesses that truly need our support. 

We all have the same 24 hours in the day, but there are often very few of those hours that moms can devote to their businesses. Moms are building their businesses slow over time, in the small pockets between breakfast clean up and lunch prep, while we sit at soccer practice, and after bedtime when we have already worked a full day at another job. We don’t always get to go to the networking events to make connections and find potential clients. We know that our dream is worth the effort, but primary parenting responsibilities traditionally fall on us so we work to find the balance.

Investing in a business from the start can be a huge help, but as moms funding isn’t always accessible or a sound business decision. We can’t always hire additional staff or contract someone to help with small tasks. We can’t run lots of paid ads online or around town. We might not have all the pretty business cards and marketing materials.

As mom entrepreneurs, we deeply know the struggles that mothers face as business owners, but we also see the incredible value that working with a mom-owned business brings. No shady sales tactics, no run-around, no games. Our businesses often start out as passion projects, and we can continue that passion when we create products, form LLCs, and move into brick and mortar spaces. Moms are here to take care of the world, and they absolutely take the best care of their clients. 

Supporting a mom-owned business isn’t just a benefit to other moms. It is a benefit to us all, to our community as a whole. When our moms are supported and succeeding, we all do better. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. 

We won’t make you wait any longer to dive into the 2023 Madison Mompreneur Holiday Shopping Guide. Once downloaded, we encourage you to save this guide somewhere accessible so that you can continue to use it throughout the year, not just the holidays! The next time you find yourself at your regular, convenient shopping destination or searching online for a specialty service, we hope you open this guide and choose to support your local mom-owned business instead! Happy shopping!