How I got started
Monday, April 28th, 2008I am so excited about this program and the opportunity to share my experiences with you. I live in Woodstock, GA and have three wonderful boys – 6, 4, and almost 2 – plus a VERY supportive husband named Davis. My family is the most important thing in the world to me, but I also strive to be successful, both for myself and as a role model for them.
I’ve worked in Corporate America since the day I walked out of graduate school 10 years ago. I was fortunate to land some exciting jobs in Sports Marketing, but they weren’t enough. I always felt stuck. I wanted to build something from the ground up and make it successful.
After my third child was born, I decided it was time to focus on what I really wanted to do. I wanted a flexible schedule so I could spend more time with my family. That of course means early mornings and late nights, but at least I can go to the school play or take cupcakes on my son’s birthday!
The idea for customizable art came to me one night while sitting on the couch talking to my husband about what I wanted to do. We knew that whatever we did should capitalize on our background. I have a solid marketing and business background while he has an art gallery and frame shop. So we naturally decided to do something with art. But I didn’t want to just sell it. We needed to offer something unique and cutting edge. Then we came up with the idea for customizable canvas-based art. We knew this was “it”.
I started the business plan and found a web developer willing to write the program for a reasonable price. We then looked for talented artists and suppliers. When I applied for this grant, we had already developed a concept and logo, reached out to several suppliers and artists, and the website was under construction. I knew my company would be a perfect fit for this program. Every element they offered, I needed! The web site services provided by Yahoo! Small Business couldn’t have come at a better time. I was in the process of researching my options for product cataloging, merchant solutions, and web hosting. I will now have guidance in all of these areas and even some help with the design. My website is my company, so this element is very important to me. You can visit my site at www.RedKoala.com
I am also very excited about the mentoring. I’ve worked for both big and small companies, but I’ve never been responsible for every aspect of running one. The mentors will be a huge asset as I navigate the ups and downs of building a company. Carolyn Kepcher has done some amazing things in her business career, but I really respect her desire to balance work and family. I think it’s great she wants to help other women find that balance too. It’s not an easy thing to do, but if you work hard at both, you can do it. Bobbi Brown, the CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, will be a great mentor. She has built a business and watched it flourish. Can I have a better mentor than that? She will understand everything I am going through and have the wisdom to guide me through it. Cathie Black, President of Hearst Magazines, has probably seen it all. She manages some the top magazines in the country. Her experience says it all. She is a very intelligent and capable woman, and I can’t wait to learn great things from her.
The process of winning this grant was amazing. I think I had panic attacks every night after receiving the first e-mail from Yahoo! asking for more information. Every day I felt great about it, and every night I worried about it. I guess that’s part of starting your own business — and not the last time I’ll feel like I’m on a roller coaster ride.
Even though I felt in every ounce of my body that I would win this grant, I’m still slightly in shock that it actually happened. I have worked hard and have had big dreams for this company. Now I’m on the fast track to making my dreams a reality! YAHOO! has been my favorite saying for the past week, and I’m sure that it will continue to be my favorite for a long time!
