Jenny owns a drop-in daycare in Portland called Kids Klubhouse. Founded in 1992 and owned by Jenny since 2008, Kids Klubhouse is a state-licensed center that fills the need of parents needing a fun night out or a few hours of childcare during the day.

She was born in the United States, but grew up with family in Taiwan. She explains, “Most people don't know this, but technically English is a second language for me.  We moved back when I was eight, and I learned to speak English but forgot how to speak Chinese which is probably one of my biggest regrets.”

Jenny began working with kids after high school before moving to Portland to attend culinary school. “After realizing that working in a restaurant wasn't the right job for me, I decided to try child care again and found that being around kids and providing a safe and fun environment is what really made me happy,” she says.

Her father passed away in 2005 and left her a small inheritance. “I really wanted to honor my dad by using the money wisely.  I had been working for Kids Klubhouse and when the previous owner started talking about retiring, I knew it was my chance to invest my money,” she says. 


Jenny counts the former owner of Kids Klubhouse, Fran, as longtime mentor. “While working for her, she became like a mom/therapist/friend to me.  Even after selling the business, she and her husband have continued to guide me and offer support whenever help is needed,” she explains.

One of her biggest struggles has been to not take things personally. She understands that a daycare or provider isn’t the right option for every child, but it is challenging when a client doesn’t come back or chooses to leave a negative review without contacting her first to resolve any issues.

Jenny says she also struggles with the business side of running a business. “Playing with and entertaining children? I got it!  Knowing where to advertise? Managing staff and their issues? It's like I'm wandering around in the dark,” she says.

However, she is proud of owning and running her own business where she gets to help families. “I love that I get to set my hours, and that I get to be a part of so many families' lives.  Also, I get to bring my babies to work with me, once they get old enough,” says Jenny.

She advises new business owners to reach out and network. “Don't try to do it all yourself, you'll go crazy.  People are out there that WANT to help you, you just have to let them!!”

She is most excited about being a MOB NW member because of the community she has found. “Finding my tribe, and a place where I feel accepted and understood. I think we've all been there when we have kids and lose some friends. I've always felt that owning and running a business has caused some friends to distance themselves from me as well. It is nice to have a place where people understand that sometimes personal time/plans come after family and business,” she explains. 

Her ideal referrals are parents with children ages 30 months to 12 years in need of childcare. Kids Klubhouse is just 5 minutes from downtown Portland and a few miles from Highway 26 and 217.

You can find Jenny online at:

www.kidsklubhousepdx.com
www.facebook.com/kidsklubhousepdx

Jessica and her husband have two kids under four, own and run RedFred Productions, and she is a birth photographer and doula. “We just moved into a co-working space with the fabulous Megan Wise of Uniquely Wise Photography. We are in NW Portland and so excited to be there!”

She grew up in Oregon, and her parents are both artists. “My mother is an incredible painter and basically everything she does or touches is just pure gold. My father is an incredible photographer, hobbyist for most of his years, but now works in video and photography full time out of Eugene.”

Growing up with talented parents lit a fire for Jessica.

“I've always had to have some sort of creative outlet, and photography has been a huge passion. My husband went to film school, his passion lies within the video realm of storytelling. It just seemed logical to us to combine our gifts and passions. We've really enjoyed working together in creating our dream jobs through our business, Redfred Productions,” she explains.

I love the flexibility to be a "stay at home mom.” Although I work, I spend so much quality time with my children and that is my ultimate drive.

Jessica says her biggest accomplishment happened over the summer when she and her husband worked on an enormous project with Quality Healthcare Corp for the Oregon Health Authority. “We were able to create a series of 13 web videos for providers and staff across Oregon in improving healthcare. It was a great experience and we learned a ton. 13 videos in 4 months is pretty amazing! I have my super talented husband to thank for all that hard work!”

Jessica has been lucky enough to have many mentors, and she counts her parents among them. “They praised my creativeness and showed me it was ok to make this a business and pursue your dreams even though some may see it as unrealistic,” she says.

Jessica also several photographers she works with regularly that she also considers mentors. “We bounce ideas off each other and often shoot as a second shooter from time to time, she says.

“Kirstyn Lundquist of Sweetmint Photography is always pushing me to be better. She has photographed my family for years and our friendship has flourished through our working together to create and capture. Leilani Rogers who has been my birth photography inspiration lead me to the path I am on showing me that documenting these stories can be real and beautifully raw. Monet Nicole Moutrie has been a recent "girl crush" so to say, her edgy and raw birth stories have opened a creative light I am just now discovering.”

She says her biggest struggle in her business is the sticker shock potential clients experience. Jessica recognizes that the upfront expense of photography and video can be a challenge for small businesses. However, as a professional, she knows the kind of impact a high-quality headshot, video or product shot can be for business.

When asked what advice she would give to someone considering a new business, she says “Dive in, the water is fine! Plan, prepare and plan some more. Its easy to feel overwhelmed and in over your head, but keep swimming. Surround yourself with supportive individuals, a tribe if you will.”

The best referrals for Jessica and and Redfred Productions are non-profits, small businesses, and even private parties and events looking for video.

As a doula, she’d like to have more referrals through providers, birth centers, and hospitals. 
Jessica says she loves being a MOB! “I found my tribe, some are artistic, some are all business, and some are just crazy, Like me! I love that I can come as I am, feel supported, and support other women in business.”
 
You can find Jessie online at:

RedFred Productions:
FB www.facebook.com/redfredpro
Twitter: www.twitter.com/redfredpro 
www.redfredpro.com 

Jessiephotodoula:
FB www.facebook.com/Jessieclarkbirthingdoula
IG: www.instagram.com/Jessiephotodoula 
www.jessiephotodoula.com