Last month I introduced you to AprilMarin clothing and accessories, through a product review and giveaway. If you missed my post, click here to read it now. Now, I want to share my Spotlight on Mommy interview with the two ladies and friends behind this great clothing and accessory store.
Names: Marin Milio/ April Bukofser
Company Name/Product/Service: AprilMarin, Inc. Women’s Clothing and
Accessories
Company Location: Online
Company Website: www.aprilmarin.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/AprilMarin-Custom-Clothing/91898326251
Twitter Handle: @ http://twitter.com/AprilMarin
Age of Company: 3 years
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: “Easy does it” “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm” “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”
Favorite Book: Fancy Nancy and Pinkalicious
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.
Marin has a daughter, Grace , who is 4 months old and April has two daughters, Dylan, who is 3½ and Brooklyn, who is 5 months old.
April enjoys playing tennis, shopping and designing. Marin enjoys yoga, shopping and eating! They both enjoy spending time with their kids and family!
Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?
AprilMarin started solely as a hobby at first. We met at Pace University in a marketing class and always toyed with the idea of having our own business one day. We would meet up once a week after graduating and brainstorm different ideas and after many meetings AprilMarin was born!
What is a typical work day like?
Each day is different. Whether we are setting up for an event or fashion show, working in the office sending out press releases, updating our database, communicating back and forth with wardrobe and stylists, maintaining our social media outlets, there is never a dull moment!
What has been a struggle while starting up your company?
I’d say at times it has been easy and other times harder. The main struggle has been that there are not enough hours in a day! We have so many great ideas for our business and sometimes it’s hard to get to
them all!
What did you do in your past work life?
April worked for several different designers and fashion companies and Marin worked at MTV Networks in Marketing and Events.
What have been some of your major successes?
Some major successes of ours have been getting our clothing featured in multiple publications (Parents Magazine, ALLYOU, Daily News, Journal News, Westchester Magazine, The Today Show, Wendy Williams Show on FOX, etc.
Also, we pride ourselves on giving back. We try to participate in as many charity events as possible (American Heart Association, Leukemia Society, CancerCare, etc.) during the year.
What have been some of your major challenges?
Managing our business while also playing mom is always challenging. We try to set aside separate times to do both so we can put 150% of our attention on what we are currently doing. This is easier said then done.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
The fact that we love what we are doing and feel blessed to be able to do what we love, while still having time for the ones we love.
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Humor is key to get through a busy work day … it is important to take a minute when you get overwhelmed and laugh at the lunacy of your life!
What is next for your business?
We plan on coming out with a full line of accessories so be on the lookout for that! We also plan on having our clothing and accessories in stores this season...check back later this year for great new items!
Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?
Go for it! The best advice I can give is to do something you love so it doesn’t feel like “work.” Give yourself time to figure out what you want and then do serious research and planning to map out your action
steps. It also helps to see how others in a similar position/field got started and read about their stories. Also, surround yourself with positive people that are supportive and encouraging and believe in yourself! Confidence is a woman’s best accessory!
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