Spotlight on Mommy -- Pam Wachowicz of Bay Breeze Designs

This week I would like to introduce you to Pam Wachowicz of Bay Breeze Designs.  Pam creates whimsical and unique invitations for special occasion including baby showers, bridal showers, baby announcements, save the dates, rehearsal dinners, kid's birthdays, BBQ's, girl's night out and much more! In addition, Pam can create custom invitations based upon your party needs.  Just drop her an email and she will work with you on the perfect invite.  Throughout my interview with her below, I have included samples of her baby shower invitations.  I just love Pam's designs, and know you will too.  For this week only (March 7-13th), Pam is offering Inspired by Savannah readers 20% off her entire Etsy store by entering the coupon code: SPOTLIGHT at checkout.  Enjoy!

Name:  Pam Wachowicz
Company Name/Product/Service: Bay Breeze Designs/Handmade invitations, cards and other personal touches for your special occasion
Company Location: Tampa, FL
Company Website:  www.baybreezedesigns.etsy.com
Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/baybreezedesign
Twitter Handle: @baybreezedesign
Age of Company:  1 year, 8 mos.
Favorite Inspirational Quotes:
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." -- Oprah Winfrey
Favorite Book:  Anything by Nicholas Sparks

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How many children do you have?  What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.

 
I grew up in New Jersey and went to college at the University of South Carolina where I studied advertising. I met my husband there and we’ve been together for 12 years, although we’ve only been married for almost 6 years. We have one daughter, Abby, who just turned 2 and have another little one on the way. I really enjoy creating items for special occasions.

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about?

I create custom cards for baby and bridal shower invitations, rehearsal dinner invites, bridal party thank you notes, shower thank you notes and cupcake toppers. I really enjoyed planning my wedding which inspired me to help create little personal touches for my friends’ and families’ events. I knew I wanted to be a SAHM, but wanted to find a way to supplement the income. So, I’ve turned my passion into a business!

What is a typical work day like?

I wish I could say I had a schedule I stick to each day. That is one of the areas I’m working on! For the most part, I wake up when my daughter wakes up and get her settled. During my cup of coffee, I check emails, renew/list, touch base (if possible) in the social networking world and answer any inquiries. I then spend the rest of the morning with my daughter doing some sort of activity. After lunch and during her nap, I work on fulfilling orders or creating. Then I spend the rest of the day with my daughter until she goes to bed, but continue to check email throughout the day. Once she is in bed, I work on fulfilling orders, listing new items and/or writing a blog post.

What has been a struggle while starting up your company?  

The biggest struggle is finding the right balance of work and family. I don’t feel I spend enough time on my business. I’m moving my office into an area where I hope to sprinkle more work into my day. The new area is in a spot where I can keep an eye on my daughter as she plays. However, we will be adding another little one into the mix which I hope doesn’t throw me off! 

What did you do in your past work life?

I was in the marketing field where I created marketing strategies and managed their execution. 

What have been some of your major successes?

Finding my niche has been my biggest accomplishment. When I first started, I was all over the place. Over time I found the cards that sold best were wedding and baby focused. I’ve now shifted gears to provide more of these items in my shop. I still offer some holiday specific items, but 70% of my shop now focuses on wedding or baby items. My other success would be sticking with it. When it is slow, it is tough to find ways to stay creative and motivated, but I’ve had the support of my family and guidance of my mentor, Lisa Peter, who has helped me continue to chug along!

What have been some of your major challenges?

Where do I begin? Two of my biggest challenges have been budgeting and time management. I’m really working on these areas this year to increase my profit margin and business exposure.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?

My motivation stems from my passion to create things for special occasions and of course, the support of my family and friends. My biggest cheerleader has been my dear friend and mentor, Lisa Peter. With her vast experience selling online, she has guided me and lifted me up during the most challenging of times. Her tips and advice have really brought my shop to where it is today!

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?

Not sure if I know the secret. Still trying to figure that one out! I do believe that family does come first and that is my priority. However, my business needs a little more attention, so my goal is to try and find more time without sacrificing anything from my family!

What is next for your business?

My next step would be to intermix graphic design with hand stamping. This will allow me to offer more options to my customers and take my creations to the next level. I love to design menus, programs, place cards and other items. This is the direction my company will be headed once I raise enough capital to invest in the proper equipment.

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?

Don’t give up! Keep going and if something is not working, tweak it. Try new photos, a different title or description and utilize all the “free” marketing tools out there to promote your business.