Mommprenuer: Claire Eads, Bebe Dulce

Tell us about yourself: I am a Mom of a 2 year old little girl and expecting my 2nd this spring. I grew up making and creating everything from candles to clothes as a child. I have always had a love for the challenge of making and creating wonderful products. When my daughter was born, I did not want to go back to my office job even though it was in the design field. I knew that was my chance to work from home and live my dream of being an entrepreneur.
How did you start creating your artwork? When I was on maternity leave I decided to make baby gifts for several friends and relatives that were expecting. I took products that I liked for my daughter, added my own twist and made them into products I loved.

How did you make the decision to pursue your art career and work from home? I have always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. Once I sent my friends and family the baby gifts they told me that I had to sell them. Actually, several of them got me to make baby gifts for their friends before I even decided to start a company. Also from receiving gifts from so many people for my daughter I realized that everyone buys baby gifts, young or old, married or single, kids or no kids, everyone buys baby gifts!

How do you balance work and family? It is very hard; my daughter goes to school 2 days a week, so that helps me keep my head straight. I also work a lot after my daughter goes to bed, not too late though, I don’t do well tired. I make lots of list and goals for my days; typically if I get half of it done I am happy!

If you could go back in time to the beginning stages of your venture, what advice would you give yourself? I would have done more marketing and PR from the beginning. I only recently really started marketing my website.

Tell us about your average day: There is no average day! There is nothing average about a life as a Mom and an entrepreneur! Seriously I wouldn’t know where to begin!! Wake up, Feed daughter, check email, clean, play, package orders, post office, check email, play, try to send out 2 marketing emails a day, nap time is time to make business phone calls, check email, love life and be happy for all I have!

What do you love most about owning and operating your own creative business? Although it is the hardest and most challenging job I have ever had, it is also the most meaningful and rewarding. I love what I do and I am not afraid to pat myself on the back from time to time! I work hard!

Besides your work and family, what else do you enjoy doing? Socializing with friends, hiking, biking, snowboarding, snowmobiling, weekend trips, anything outside in the mountains.

Why do you think consumers should shop handmade? I think giving a handmade gift has so much more meaning than something from the big-box stores. Handmade gifts are personal and show people how much you care. You didn’t just toss something in the cart; you carefully selected something you knew the recipient would cherish!