My interest stems not only from the fact that I am also a freelance writer and a parent, but also from the fact that Lorna and Tamara have an engaging blogging style. I especially admire their partnership. There have been many times that I have wished for a partner to provide feedback and share ideas with, as well as to share the workload.
I was thrilled when Lorna and Tamara agreed to be interviewed for Work From Home Momma. I admire their frankness and honesty in this interview, and I'm sure that you will too.
Here are their responses:
Work From Home Momma: How many years have you worked from home?
Tamara: My former job was a pretty relaxed setup, where I went to the office half time and worked from home the rest of the time. So, overall, it's been about 2 1/2 years.
Lorna: Through a combination of jobs where I could work from my home office, I've been home-based for 2 1/2 years.
Work From Home Momma: What made you decide to start a home business?
Lorna and Tamara: Lorna became pregnant shortly before we got laid off by our previous employer. She was devastated at the idea of having to go find an office job, and Tamara was incensed that she would have to. The idea grew from that and our mutual respect for each other's writing abilities. In passing, Lorna threw out the idea of the two of us starting a business, wondering if Tamara would respond. Two days later, she did . . . with this great freelance writing idea.
Work From Home Momma: Why did you decide to work as a partnership?
Lorna and Tamara: We came up with the idea together, and we both realized that it would be beneficial to have someone to hold us accountable, to encourage one another, and to make it more fun. We both believe that we would not have gotten this far if we didn't have each other. It's not just about kicking each other into gear when necessary, but it also has to do with having a good time. Who wouldn't want a job that they were proud of that was actually fun to do?
Work From Home Momma: How did you find the right partner?
Lorna and Tamara: We were both in a less-than-desirable situation with our previous employer, but we discovered through it that we got along quite well. We have compatible writing styles and appreciate one another's work. We weren't close friends or anything when this all began, but we just sort of clicked. It grew, and here we are!
Work From Home Momma: Why did you choose writing?
Lorna and Tamara: We chose writing because we both really enjoy it. In fact, we get a little crazy about it sometimes! Really, though, we both have a similar passion for writing, and we really like each other's work. We tend to think we're pretty good at it, too. One of our most commonly used phrases is "we rock!" That's not to say that we're arrogant or that we don't get discouraged, though. Rather, we use it to rally ourselves and remember how much we actually like doing this.
Work From Home Momma: What is your biggest challenge?
Lorna and Tamara: Our biggest challenge is getting in our own way. We've spent a lot of time learning what to do and what not to do. Implementing those things, on the other hand, can be so intimidating. We're leaving that phase behind us, though, as we've realized that it's time to just dig in and go for it. We foresee a lot of growth in the next couple of months as we really apply what we've been learning. We now truly value what we have to offer.
Work From Home Momma: What is unique about your writing business?
Lorna and Tamara: We have two traits that we feel set us apart. First of all, we both have our strong points; and they complement one another very well. For example, Tamara jumps into projects with both feet, while Lorna likes to consider every angle. This keeps us moving forward, albeit at a safe pace.
The second trait is our passion for social justice issues. This has allowed us to focus our attention on small businesses and nonprofit organizations. We love using our talents to make a difference in the world.
Work From Home Momma: Where do you see your business going in the next year? In the next five years?
Lorna and Tamara: Through the end of 2007, our business experience was really all about learning what we need to know to be successful. We got our foot on the starter block. The gun went off on January 1st, and now we're off and running. At this point, it's about applying what we've learned and really building on our previous experience to grow financially. We've raised our financial goals significantly from what we originally intended, and we feel confident about reaching them.
Five years from now? We plan to provide work for other writers who want to make a living through their craft. We'll do that with a living wage, benefits, etc. working for our company. Writers, freelancers especially, often don't the respect they deserve, so our goal is to create a company that gives it freely.
Work from Home Momma: Is there anything else about your business that you'd like to tell the readers of Work From Home Momma?
Lorna and Tamara: When we came up with our goals for 2008, the number one action step we needed to implement was WORK HARD. It seems silly, but that really is the path to getting what we want. Freelance Parent is about helping other freelancers feel like they can work hard without sacrificing their families or themselves.
Do you have more than two years of 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
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