I first stumbled across this week's spotlight mom last month when a friend sent me a link to an online Facebook auction she was having on some of the designer clothing she sells in her online boutique. Who can resist a bargain? I sure couldn't, and ended up buying a handful of cute shirts, pants and dresses for the girls, and saved over $250. And, even though Denise lives in Canada, I received my order in less than a week to the United States, which was amazing, as I used to wait upwards of 2-3 weeks for international orders to be received in the past.
After taking part in her online auction to sell off old inventory to make room for new styles for 2013, I took a look at her online boutique and Etsy site, where she also offers hair accessories, in addition to designer clothes. And, when I saw she was a fellow mom, I knew I had to reach out and see if Denise wanted to be a Spotlight Mom? She agreed, and also offered to give one lucky reader a chance to win a hair accessory of their choice from her online shop. Here are some a few examples of the award-winning hair accessories she offers in her online boutique:
Beautiful, huh? I could buy up her whole store for my girls, as they are all so cute. So, make sure you head back here on Friday for your chance to win an award-winning hair accessory for your little from The Appleseed Boutique. But, in the meantime, please enjoy my Spotlight on Mom interview with Denise Urness, owner of The Appleseed Boutique, based out of Canada.
Name:
Denise Urness
Company Name/Product/Service: The Appleseed Boutique/ Award Winning Hair
Accessories & Designer Clothing
Company Location: Dawson Creek, BC, Canada
Company Website: www.theappleseedboutique.com /
www.theappleseedboutique.etsy.com
Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/TheAppleseedBoutique
Age of Company: 3.5 yrs (2009)
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: To conquer oneself is a greater task than
conquering others.~Buddha
Favorite Book: To Kill A Mocking Bird
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? Hobbies?
I have two children, a boy age 6 and a girl ages 3.5 years old. I love my pugs, plants, music and of course.. CRAFTS!
I have two children, a boy age 6 and a girl ages 3.5 years old. I love my pugs, plants, music and of course.. CRAFTS!
Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?
It started when my little girl was born ( yes, very typical with what I do hehe) She had a really odd shaped head, so I started making her headbands & the rest is history! It was a hobby turned business, but I still consider it a hobby that pays for itself!
It started when my little girl was born ( yes, very typical with what I do hehe) She had a really odd shaped head, so I started making her headbands & the rest is history! It was a hobby turned business, but I still consider it a hobby that pays for itself!
What is a typical work day like?
Busy,, but I try and stay relaxed, I never rush things, quality over quantity is my motto!
Busy,, but I try and stay relaxed, I never rush things, quality over quantity is my motto!
What has been a struggle while starting
up your company?
Dealing with copycats! Well, used to be a struggle..I didn't know how to handle it or take it.. I really encourage those of you out there dealing with a copycat, to not see them in a negative light, just remember to ENJOY what you do and if anything, teach others, share your skills because it is OK for other people to enjoy what you do too! ( took me a while to grasp that, I am much happier ever since I did)
Dealing with copycats! Well, used to be a struggle..I didn't know how to handle it or take it.. I really encourage those of you out there dealing with a copycat, to not see them in a negative light, just remember to ENJOY what you do and if anything, teach others, share your skills because it is OK for other people to enjoy what you do too! ( took me a while to grasp that, I am much happier ever since I did)
What did you do in your past work life?
Welding, Rig Mechanics, Waitress
Welding, Rig Mechanics, Waitress
What have been some of your major
successes?
I'd say having children would be my greatest success, also learning how to rap almost every Tupac song out there -- hehehehe
I'd say having children would be my greatest success, also learning how to rap almost every Tupac song out there -- hehehehe
What have been some of your major
challenges?
Saving up enough money to expand my business with a 3 month deadline! Worked my butt off , but I did it though.. even though there were a few people in my life that didn't think I could..it really pushed me to get it done and I did it! NO HELP.. just my own hard work..so, NEVER let anyone tell you , you can't do something..if you want it, go for it!
Saving up enough money to expand my business with a 3 month deadline! Worked my butt off , but I did it though.. even though there were a few people in my life that didn't think I could..it really pushed me to get it done and I did it! NO HELP.. just my own hard work..so, NEVER let anyone tell you , you can't do something..if you want it, go for it!
On those impossible days, what motivates
you to keep going?
Deadlines!!
Deadlines!!
What is your balancing secret in managing
a business and family?
I pretty much do my crafts when the kids are sleeping or having quiet time :)
I pretty much do my crafts when the kids are sleeping or having quiet time :)
What is next for your business?
Designing some new pieces!!
Designing some new pieces!!
Do you have
any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or
are on the fence about starting a business?
Yes! If you want to be successful, come up with your own ideas , be creative & DO NOT GIVE UP! It took me over 3 years before I really saw any financial profit(still not much for the amount of work I do) so make sure you really LOVE what you're doing and don't do it for 'money'.. and you will prevail :)
Yes! If you want to be successful, come up with your own ideas , be creative & DO NOT GIVE UP! It took me over 3 years before I really saw any financial profit(still not much for the amount of work I do) so make sure you really LOVE what you're doing and don't do it for 'money'.. and you will prevail :)
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