September 2011 Star Mompreneur – Jamie Lee from Wee Piggies & Paws

This months Star Mompreneur is Jamie Lee from Hamilton Wee Piggies & Paws.  Wee Piggies & Paws creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind, highly detailed LifeCasts mounted or professionally framed to your specifications. Hamilton Wee Piggies & Paws is a work-at-home business which Jamie Lee purchased so she could balance work and her family needs. Read more about Jamie Lee below.

1. Tell us a little bit about you and what inspired you to star?

I’m a loving, busy Mother of 2 children, Chase who is 4 years and Chloe who is 1.5 yrs with another one on the way.  We were inspired to purchase Hamilton Wee Piggies & Paws for a few reasons.  With the economic crisis a few years ago, I had had a feeling my company wasn’t going to remain open in Canada for much longer.  Second, I had wanted an opportunity that would allow me to work while having my son at my side.  So that’s when I realized I needed a plan to accommodate both needs.  After having a treasured keepsake made of Chase from a nearby Wee Piggies & Paws Franchise, I decided to buy the Hamilton Wee Piggies location that conveniently just happened to be for sale.  This allowed me to work while being able to spend more time with Chase.

2. What is your ideal workday like?

We put a lot of time and care into each of our products so we are only able to see clients a few days a
week.  Each day for us but we consistently take customers on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each weeks.  Other mornings consists of play dates, outings to the park, shopping or picking up supplies.  While the children are napping in the afternoon, I typically go into my office and work for as long as they sleep.  Some days are certainly busier then other as are certain times of year but I wouldn’t change a thing about it!  Being with my children while creating beautiful keepsakes for parents has got to be the best job out there.  It’s am amazing experience.

3. On those impossible days, what keeps you motivated?

Mommy Friends! Whether it’s a girlfriend of mine or a customer I’m seeing that day, we keep it real and realize that we’re not alone.  Knowing that there are others that also go through challenging days helps me get out of any rut and gets me back on the right track.  I also belong to a Mamapreneur group that can relate to many of the business/family challenges that may come my way.  They are my motivators in balancing work and family life so that everything runs smoothly.

3. Do you have mentors and role models who inspire you?

Absolutely! The founder of Wee Piggies & Paws, Debbie is a HUGE mentor to me.  Her honesty and life experience has played a big role in my success with the Hamilton Franchise.

4. What is the most satisfying part of being a Mompreneur? And what is the least?

The Most satisfying part of being a Mompreneur is realizing how many extra hugs and kisses I get by being there with my children.  I used to think I wanted the corporate world and I now realize, I would have lost out on SO much had I followed through with my original ‘dream’.

The Least satisfying part of being a Mompreneur is trying to handle different behavioral stages will trying to maintain a consistent work routine. I’ve learned to accept change because it definitely is for the better.

5. How do you balance being an entrepreneur and family life?

I think I’m still learning this.  It’s very difficult as there is always something to do.  One positive step we’ve taken to eliminate blending the two on a regular basis is we’ve taken up camping most weekends.  It’s something our family loves to do and it gives us a reason to get out of the house and away from work.  We’ve go the convenience of having a trailer parked seasonally at a campground so we’re only required to bring food and new clothing each week.

Next step is setting ‘work hours’.

6. What advice would you give other moms considering starting their own business?

1) Have a support system – I’m very fortunate with my husband who plays a large role in creating the keepsakes.  My parents are very helpful with the kids if I need some extra time to get caught up.  And my in laws, friends and mom group are amazing at helping me get my promotional materials done.

2) Look at the type of business you are getting into and look at your space requirements.  Some businesses require a lot of space and organizational skills – such as my own. It could be destructive to some businesses if you didn’t have an area to keep work separate from home life.

3) Financials – Make sure you can stay afloat financially even in slower periods.  There are economic reasons and family reasons that are unpredictable that could slow down business.  Every mamapreneur must prepare for this.

7. What have been some of your major successes & What have been some of your major challenges?

I’ve learned that I am passionate about marketing and networking which has largely contributed to my success.  Challenges have been learning better time management skills and maintaining motivation.

8. Do you have a favorite business tool and/or resource?

I love working with Facebook.  It’s a great way for me to connect with previous and new clients.  I’m able to share fun & informative information with other parents.  It’s a subtle way to remind people about my presence.

9. What are your future plans for Hamilton Wee Piggies & Paws?

When my children are in school full time I would like to expand my marketing to showcase other
products Wee Piggies & Paws can create.

10. What would you like our readers to know most about Hamilton Wee Piggies & Paws?

I would like them to know we put the upmost quality and care into each of our products and are very passionate about creating an amazing customer experience.

11 How can our readers get more information and stay connected with Hamilton Wee Piggies & Paws?

You can visit our website www.weepiggies.comor ‘Like’ us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HamiltonWeePiggiesandPawsor follow us on twitter @WeePiggiesJamie.