Spotlight on Mommy -- Leslie Campa of L & L Butterfly Books, LLC

This week's second Spotlight on Mom is Leslie Campa, of L&L Butterfly Books, LLC.  I stumbled upon Leslie and her business last month, when I was looking for mom entrepreneurs to spotlight.  If you follow my blog, then you know how important reading to your child is for me.  I spend at least an hour in a day reading to Savannah and Arabella, including prior to nap time and then at bedtime.  Not only is it a way to bond and spend time together, but I also feel that it will help them develop a love for reading.  I remember as a child how I loved to get lost in a book, and let my imagine run wild as I read my favorite storybooks.  This is what I hope for my girls -- letting their imaginations run wild. :-) 

I was sent a copy of Leslie book, I'm a Manatee Happy to be ME!, which I will review further on Friday, and give one reader a chance to win an autographed copy of this book.  Since receiving this book, I have it a handful of times with my daughters, who love the illustrations.  So, remember to head back here on Friday to learn more about Leslie's book, and for a chance to win a copy for your child.  But, in the meantime, please enjoy my Spotlight on Mommy interview with her.

Name: Leslie Campa
Company Name/Product/Service: L & L Butterfly Books, LLC  "Taking Words on the Wings of Imagination" through self publishing children's board books and presentation of story time with the Author/Butterfly Fairy.
Company Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Company Website: WWW.LLBUTTERFLYBOOKS.COM
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/LLButterflyBooksllc
Twitter Handle: @LLButterflyBook
Age of Company: October 2010
Favorite Inspirational Quotes:

In this world, we all need to do what we can to bring hope, imagination and innocent joy to our children and to each other. -Leslie Campa, Author 

If this world would realize that all living things have a heart beat, there would be a
happily ever after. -Leslie Campa, Author 

 "Words on the Wings of Imagination" -Leslie Campa, Author

"Isn't it great that we are not the same? We all look different and have special names."-Leslie Campa, Author

Favorite Book: I don't really have a favorite book, I have always loved board books for their colorful display of lessons. Of course, the Bible is a great one.

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

I love bringing children of all ages joy and reminding them how special they are.  My sons are 16 and 21, and my daughter is 19.  I enjoy doing story times for young ones, I enjoy being in nature and visiting the ocean whenever I can. I love being with family members and making new friends all the time.

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about?

My business partner and dear friend Liz Koppinger (a mother of a 3 year old) and I decided to take the stories that were given to me in my dreams and share them through self-publishing.  We chose a name that would represent who we are and ever changing lives that people have much as a butterfly changes from a caterpillar only to spread beauty and message of acceptance.   

What is a typical work day like?

I am constantly thinking of ways to reach out to schools in Arizona and children, so there is a lot of research, meditation and faith for everything I do.  Weather it is emails, an event or a mailing, I do it all and fill the orders of each and every person who orders the book.

What has been a struggle while starting up your company? 

Teaching myself how to build a website has been a challenge, media, etc. it's all a learning process but my brain is big enough to do it with God's grace of course and my business partner and friend Liz has been a huge support and backs me on everything while she runs her own business as a CPA.

What did you do in your past work life?

I have been a waitress, a secretary a financial aid officer and a Marketing Manager.

What have been some of your major successes?

We chose the first story that we thought readers and families would embrace as well as spread a message of being happy with who you are. "I'm a Manatee Happy to be ME!", the moment I wrote it, I just had a feeling that Sea World would one day have it in their manatee exhibit which I loved visiting through my life. Sure enough they welcomed it with open arms and so did Borders where I broke two records for most attendance and purchases for a debut Author's book signing event (the testimonial is on my website) and Barnes & Noble has recently welcomed us in their website store.

* We won the purple Dragonfly Contest of Arizona in 2011

* We were also featured on Jewels & Pinstripes website of California where movie stars like Tori Spelling often shop.

What have been some of your major challenges?

The printing costs can sure be a challenge but it always seems to work out if it is meant to be.

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

I keep a portfolio of all the pictures of where I have done story times.  The local elementary schools, book stores, Kid-Stock and Tutor Time, just seeing all of the happy faces remind me that I am doing something great as an individual and it's my job to keep doing it and spreading happiness. If you don't use it you will lose it. 

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

My children are up their in age now but I have always scheduled Do Not Disturb Mom time and it seems to work out.  The family has always helped out with events as well if I needed an extra hand or two. Of course, my business partner is always a support in every way.
 

What is next for your business?

We are currently having our second book illustrated, as a matter of fact there are only two more paintings to do. Each page is starts out as an actual large water color painting.

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

Women seem to have forgotten what gifts they are to this world, we can have children, we have intuition that is amazing, we have sisters who aren't our blood and on top of that we are brilliant!  Never doubt who you are, what you are and exactly what changes do you want to make on this planet.  If you can see it, if it crosses your mind everyday, if you get consumed by ideas that come out of nowhere than that is your calling.  You jump on that dream and take one baby step at a time, before you know it you will see the butterfly in the mirror you have always been.