Spotlight on Mom: Mandy Richardson of M is for Monster, Monthly Subscription Boxes for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Monthly subscription boxes are no longer just for adults looking for new beauty products, jewelry, clothing, etc.  Now, kids are being included in this fun right to your door mailing each month.  And, one of the most popular subscription boxes for kids are activity and arts and crafts kits.  My girls can't get enough of these kits, and love receiving fun new boxes each month that center around different themes.  As a busy parent to two active toddlers, I find these kits to be very useful when it comes to planning afternoon activities with the girls or finding things to do when it is raining outside.  Before these kits, I would find myself searching high and low for craft supplies, only to have to run to the local craft store to buy glue, beads, pipe cleaners, etc.  Then, after the activity was done, I would find my secret stash of craft supplies...that even I couldn't find. :-)

Kits like the ones that fellow mom entrepreneur, Mandy Richardson has created and offers through her website M is for Monster have become a favorite of both of my girls.  

You can tell that Mandy, who has experience as a preschool teacher, really puts a lot of thought in creating each month's new box.  It is like she knows what activities kids want to do, and ones that get them excited about using their imagination while getting creative.

As part of my Spotlight on Mom feature, Mandy was kind enough to send along a sample kit for the girls and I to do together.  I wish you could have saw the girls' face when I opened the box and they saw all the great activities that Mandy had planned out for us.  

Ahh, I love when someone else takes the guesswork out of planning activities for the girls, as it makes it so much easier, and makes for that quality time that much more enjoyable, as I don't have to worry about finding certain supplies.  I love being able to watch the girls roll up their sleeves, get a little dirty, and be so proud of themselves once they make something, that they can't help but put on display for all to see.  We can't go a day without Skyping the grandparents to show them what creative things the girls have made that cover our fridge or line our shelves. 

I will be sharing more about Mandy's M is for Monster monthly kits for kids in an upcoming review this Friday, so make sure you head back here to read it.  

But, in the meantime, please enjoy my Spotlight on Mom interview with Mandy, the mom behind the fun M is for Monster monthly activity kits for toddlers and preschoolers.  Enjoy!

----

Name:  Mandy Richardson

Company Name/Product/Service: m is for monster

Company Location: Ohio

Company Website: www.misformonster.com

Facebook URL:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-is-for-Monster/151883565000295

Twitter Handle: @mformonsters

Age of Company:  >1

Favorite Inspirational Quotes: There are so many! If I had to give you just one, it's probably be Julia Child's : "Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."

Favorite Book: Giraffes Can't Dance

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

I have three children, 5, 3 and 15 months.  I love love love planning parties! If I suspect the slightest reason to throw a party, I'll do it!  I also have a slight obsession with magazines and cookbooks. Something I inherited from my mother. It's an odd trait and we accept it ;)

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about?

After I had my third child, I was trying to keep my other two entertained at the spur of a meltdown--er--I mean moment.  I knew subscription box companies existed and searched to find one that was educational, fun and a great product for the money. I only found boxes that entertained them for a half hour--if that. I knew that other moms of younger children had to be feeling the pressure of juggling it all and keeping the little monsters happy, so I thought that if I were going to spend all this time planning and then go shopping for it all, I might as well do it for my fellow moms as well.

What is a typical work day like? 

Crazy! Because I do this as well as be a SAHM, things can get a little wacko. I try to not answer emails during the day and solely be with my children, but sometimes that's not possible. My main priority is my kids because they are my number one goal. But I also need to have another purpose. And M is for Monster gives me just that. I get to do things for my kids as well as other peoples children and I LOVE that.

What has been a struggle while starting up your company? 

Funding! It is such a money sucker to start a business. I always have to many ideas and never enough money to implement them ;) all with time I keep telling myself.

What did you do in your past work life? 

I was a server at local restaurants. Then a preschool teacher for 10 years. I also own another company called When & Where invites where I great luxury invitations. (Remember me talking about party planning? Yep. That's where this business came from.)

What have been some of your major successes?

My kids :)

What have been some of your major challenges?

My kids. Lol

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

Bedtime! I just remind myself that the day can't last forever. And then I drink wine.

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

I haven't found it yet. I struggle with balance. Do you have a secret on how to do this? I would love to know!

What is next for your business?

Now that my daughter will be entering kindergarten, I have thought of including a box for ages 6-7 yr. olds.

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

DO IT! You will always regret it if you don't. The what ifs will bite you in the butt. And who likes their butt bitten??