Char is one busy work-at-home mom (WAHM), and I was glad to have the opportunity to share her story with the Work From Home Momma readers. (Char has also shared an organizational tip with us, but you'll have to read to the end to find the link.)
Work From Home Momma: How long have you had your own business?
Char: I launched my business in September of 1996 - so 11 years.
Work From Home Momma: What made you choose marketing and web design?
Char: Before I started my own company I had been working as a technical writer and kept trying to dress up very dull documents so people would actually read them. I was also the director of a computer-learning center for kids and had to do a lot of my own marketing materials so I learned by necessity. As my client base grew I took on new challenges and my skill set has grown from there.
Work From Home Momma: Which do you do more of, marketing or web design?
Char: Definitely web design, but my focus is starting to shift a bit more towards the marketing and social media consulting aspect of it. I am sure I will always do at least 50% web design though.
Work From Home Momma: What is your biggest challenge as a WAHM and as a business owner?
Char: Up until this year the biggest challenge has been juggling the demands of having little ones around all day while trying to balance work time and mommy time. It will be easier this year - the youngest one started Kindergarten this week. As a business owner, my biggest challenge is learning to say no. I want to help everyone and take on every project, but that is not always the best for the client or for me. I am taking on a few subcontractors this year and that should help let me take more projects but not overwhelm me task wise.
Work From Home Momma: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment?
Char: A few years back I designed some special advertising sections for Working Woman Magazine and the Inc. 500 issue. It was really nice to see my work on that large of a scale. More so, I really think my biggest accomplishment is that I have built a strong enough client base that I don't really have to go looking for projects each month. It has taken years, but it has been worth it.
Work From Home Momma: If you had to pass on advice to a woman who was just starting out as a WAHM, what would you say?
Char: Identify your passions and work them! There are so many creative ways to make money while working from home now; you just have to be persistent.
Work From Home Momma: Can you recommend any websites about web design or marketing to the readers?
Char: There are too many to list them all. It really depends on whether you are looking for instruction or inspiration.
Work From Home Momma: Just to make sure that I've got them all, how many websites to you personally write for?
Char: You can see some of the traditional web sites I have designed and maintain at my main portfolio site.
- www.keystrokes.net - my main portfolio site
- www.essentialkeystrokes.com - web design and new media tips
- www.casualkeystrokes.com - personal site/work from home balance/mommy stuff
- www.wearyparent.com - parenting teens and tweens - I write it for B5 media
- www.printables4kids.com - free printables created by me
- www.dolldiaries.com - news, photos and fun about Barbie, American Girl and other play dolls
- www.sportsgirlsplay.com - raising a happy and healthy athlete
- www.raisingahealthyfamily.com - health info, tips, and mom-tested strategies for raising a healthy family
Work From Home Momma: Is there anything else that you'd like to share with the readers of Work From Home Momma?
Char: Don't just work in a vacuum. Network. Whether you go to a local business networking meeting regularly or network on line, just do it! The doors it will open up are unbelievable.
Organizational tip: Here is a link to the post about the binder system that Char uses to stay organized.
Do you have more than two years experience in a home business? Would you like to share your story on Work From Home Momma? Contact me at Laura [at symbol] workfromhomemomma.com.
Great interview! I've only just now gotten around to being able to catch up on some of my favorite bloggers reads. :)
Posted by: Gayla McCord | September 5, 2007 6:03 AM | Permalink to Comment