Spotlight on Mommy - Snezna Kerekovic, Creator of Bellaboo Skin Care Line for Young Girls and Teens

This week I would like to introduce you to one of three Spotlight Moms -- Snezna Kerekovi, creator of the Bellaboo Skin Care Line for teen girls, which was inspired by her daughter, Bella. Her ah ha moment for the Bellaboo skincare line came when she was looking for skin care products for her daughter that were all-natural.  Snezna was surprised that was not a product out there for young girls that offered an all natural, gentle, non-chemical and caustic way of treating problem skin problems like acne.  As a result, the Bellaboo product line was born.  To learn more about Snezna's Bellaboo skincare products, or to order for your daughter or granddaughter, click here to visit her site.  

In the meantime, please enjoy my interview with Snezna.




Name:  Snezna Kerekovic

Company Name/Product/Service: Bellaboo

Company Location: Sydney, Australia

Company Website: www.bellaboobabe.com

Facebook URL: bellaboobabe

Twitter Handle: @bellaboobabe

Age of Company:  5 years

Favorite Inspirational Quotes: Change the things that you can and accept those that you can't

Favorite Book: Long Walk To Freedom

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

I have a 10 year old, Bella, who my skin care line is named after. Her nickname is Bellaboo and she inspires me everyday. I love to be busy and I love to work out. Running is my mental salvation and I am also loving P90x right now. I find that when I exercise I have more energy and am just more balanced. I am also very passionate about the issue of low self esteem amongst young women and spend as much time as I can trying to have an impact on this issue. I blog for a number of different sites. I run workshops at schools. 

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about? 

I was looking for skin care for my daughter to use and was astounded that everything on the shelf was based on chemicals and all about drying out pimples. there was nothing available that was natural or simply about just good skin care vs being about pimples. So my search for skin care for my daughter was the impetus for creating a skin care line that was all natural and about nurturing and caring for young skin whilst also addressing their skin issues, but in a gentle, non-chemical or caustic way.

What is a typical work day like? 

I usually get up at 5.30am, grab a coffee on my way to work and at my desk by 6.30am. Then the early part of my day is spent dealing with my business in the US. Because of the time difference between the US and Australia. Then, later in the day  I switch to the Australian side of the business. I normally have lunch in, working. Then I make sure I get my exercise in, either a run or a workout. Then i pick up Bella and we head home to prepare dinner. We always sit down as a family for dinner and discuss the day's events. 

What has been a struggle while starting up your company?  

The financial outlay is stressful....just the thought that you have invested so much into something you truly believe in and the long time it takes to get that return. There are lot of knockdowns along the way as well as wins, so it's a case of really having a hard skin and picking yourself up and just getting on with it. 

What did you do in your past work life? 

I was a journalist and then a publicist. I still have my PR company and that is my other business that I run!

What have been some of your major successes? 

Breaking into the US market and seeing the brand slowly and organically build.

What have been some of your major challenges? 

Dealing with buyers who are reticent to try something new.

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

When you've put so much into it and come so far, not being motivated is simply not an option. Determination to succeed is the ultimate motivator

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

Time management. I am almost military in this. I do a lot in a day. My friends are always incredulous about how much I manage to do. But, I know there's a lot I want to do so I make sure it happens. There's not a lot of time laying on the couch but exercising, getting a regular massage are "my" time. Then with my family it's about making sure we take holidays together regularly. On weekend doing fun things together. And, having support. Grandparents who take Bella to school and pick her up. A partner who supports me and encourages me. 

What is next for your business?

I would really love to see Bellaboo grow to the point where it is in multiple major retailers and becomes a brand that teen girls come to know and is simply the first choice. I would like to develop new lines too  - for girls, boys and women. I have the concepts and the product lines already but first have to get Bellaboo established and then it's expansion.

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

There is no doubt about it...it's hard but so worth it. To be the master of your own destiny is incredible but tough too. And you have to be tough. You can't be emotional ....you have to remind yourself this is business and make decisions as a business woman. And trust me, when you have put so much into something and you are passionate about it is hard to sometimes remove emotion from your decision-making but it is imperative.