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MOB Nation BLOG

MOB NW Networking Event - Art ala Carte Vancouver

6/30/2016

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On June 26th, the Vancouver-area MOB NW meetup was held at Art ala Carte Vancouver. Art ala Carte is an all-ages open art studio that encourages and promotes creativity for all. Their Art ala Carte Mobile division brings the open-studio art concept to schools, libraries, corporate events, and parties all over the Portland/Vancouver area.

Our presenters for this meet up were Shannon with Young Living and Stephanie from All the Wright Words. Shannon had just returned from the latest Young Living conference a few hours before the meet up, and she was excited to share information and the newest products being released.




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MOB NW meets up are casual and come-as-you-are.
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(l-r) Brittainie (MOB NW board member & Younique consultant), Eva (MOB NW board member & artist), Tara (Stella & Dot consultant), and Selena (Love YOU More Project creator & Speaker).
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MOB Monday - Sejal of Kindred Mother Care

6/27/2016

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Sejal Fichadia is a mom of two and owner of Kindred Mother Care.

She was inspired to become a postpartum doula after the birth of her first niece and shares that transitioning from a stay-at-home-mama to doula has been quite a journey. However, her father’s advice still guides her. He told her “there is no other alternative to hard work and perseverance.”

As a Certified Postpartum Doula, a Certified Educator of Infant Massage, a Certified TummyTime
TM tutor, and a kangaroo care certified professional, she is proud her clients are a diverse group in the Portland Metro area.

Like many moms who own businesses, Sejal’s work is also her passion.  “Even though I say it is work, I never have a day when I don’t want to go to work unless I’m sick or my family needs me. I have met some really kind people in the birth world and continue to learn from them. I also learn from the parents and babies I educate and care for as a postpartum doula,” she says.

Her gentle temperament and magic way with babies has led some practitioners who have worked with her to call her “the baby whisperer.”

Continuing education and application of new information is important to Sejal. In fact, she will soon finish a required 500 clinical hours as part of her board exam to become an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) which will allow her to help even more new families.

She is excited to be a MOB and learn from moms who have experienced the same ups and downs of being a mom and a business owner.

One of Sejal’s challenges, which other passionate business owners can certainly relate to, is difficulty charging money for something she enjoys so much.
When asked what advice she would give to other new business owners, Sejal says “It is definitely a test in patience and perseverance. Even if you are the best at what you do, you have to remember that without networking and marketing knowledge this is a huge task you’re are taking on and it will take a long time before you will feel like you have this MOB thing in order.”

Sejal also suggests not attempting to do everything yourself because delegating tasks you do not know makes you more efficient.


Sejal is available as a postpartum doula or as an educator. As an educator she offers group or private classes in infant massage and Tummytime.

Since she is both an educator and a postpartum doula, her ideal referrals are from moms, lactation consultants, birth doulas, and nurses or doctors working with new families.

“I feel that there is a huge need for the right information and right help for our clients who are parents.” 


You can find Sejal and Kindred Mother Care online at:

www.facebook.com/kindredmothercare
https://mobile.twitter.com/zobars

www.kindredmothercare.com






Thank you Bitsy Lane Photography for the photos! 
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MOB MONDAY- Sarah's extreme sweets n treats

6/20/2016

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​Our featured MOB is Sarah Akey of Sarah’s Extreme Sweets ‘N Treats. 
Sarah was inspired to try her hand at cake decorating after a family member gave her a cupcake decorating kit for Christmas several years ago. 
“My initial thought was ‘this is going to turn out bad’ I was wrong! It was a lot of fun and I was actually good at it. Time passed and I decided I could make this happen full time. I did not want to keep working for someone else and paying someone to take care of my son. I wanted to do it. And I wanted to homeschool him too. It was against everything that made sense. But I took the leap. And here I am today!”
She loves working the freedom of working for herself and the ability to be with her son. Sarah hopes to inspire other single moms to go after their goals.

Her mentors include cake decorating artists like Kara Andretta and Sharon Zambito for their skill and craftsmanship, and MOB NW founder Aria Leigty for her dedication to business and community. “I'm better because of her influence on my life,” says Sarah.
Like many small business owners, Sarah’s biggest business challenge has been pricing. She says “It's so easy to under charge and let my business run me, instead of the other way around.” Her business continues to grow and she expects to own a food cart within 36 months.

Sarah’s advice to new business owners:
“Don't quit. If you want it bad enough, it will happen. You cannot let the stumbling blocks keep you from pressing forward and realizing your dreams. I've wanted to quit so many times before I've even really gotten started. And every time, I have pressed into my support systems and once you realize you're not alone (and you're not, every single one of us has struggles in small business), it makes it easier to move forward.”


When we asked Sarah what she like best about being a member of the MOB NW, she replied “The networking! I love the sense of community that comes with this alliance and the support in the good and the bad. I adore being a part of like-minded women in the same boat I'm in.”
Sarah is a single mom, and faith is a huge part of her life. When she isn’t working, she volunteers and serves her community. She also enjoys reading, blogging, hiking, and meeting new people.
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Her ideal referral: Parents looking for one-of-a-kind cakes for baby showers, gender reveals, and birthdays.

You can find Sarah online at 
www.facebook.com/SarahSweetsBakery
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MOB NW Networking Event - Treehouse Children's Boutique

6/18/2016

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On June 14th, MOB NW members gathered at Treehouse Children's Boutique to network and meet new friends.

Located on N. Williams, Treehouse sells locally made baby clothes, including their own label, wooden toys, and items to inspire creativity in young children. They also offer music and art for toddlers and children in their auditorium space.

Each MOB NW meet up gives two MOB NW members an opportunity to present and share their business.

Our presenters for this meet up were Julie from Traveling Julie Photography and Rebekah with Demarle at Home.

Julie photographs newborns, children, families both here in Portland and occasionally on location at the coast. She also offers professional head shots and photos in and around work spaces. You can connect with Julie on her Facebook page.

Rebekah shows families how to make quick and easy dinners at home. You can connect with Rebekah on her Facebook page to set up a party or to make a purchase.

Thank you to Lani of Lillian Parker Photography for the photos!

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photo credit: Lillian Parker Photography
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photo credit: Lillian Parker Photography
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photo credit: Lillian Parker Photography
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photo credit: Lillian Parker Photography
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How to find your BIZ BFFs (and why!)

6/15/2016

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Members of The MOB NW
Photo by Traveling Julie Photography
It takes a village to raise a business. Just like we benefit from support, encouragement, and helping hands as mamas, we need to lean on others to thrive as business owners. Call them your accountability partners, your mastermind group, or your tribe--you need some business besties in your corner to support you as the mother of your business.
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In an age where we can DIY everything and outsource the rest, it’s easy to feel like solo-preneurs have to be solo, that asking for help shows weakness, and that we should be able to figure it all out on our own. But that’s not how we’re meant to function! As humans, we crave connection. We need each other. As we learn to lean on our sisters in business, we all grow and we all benefit.

After years of working for someone else, I found entrepreneurship to be freeing at first. And then I soon found it to be incredibly isolating. I needed colleagues! I needed coworkers! I needed someone to bounce ideas off of, someone to vent to, someone to celebrate with. But my one-woman-business wasn’t expanding to include another member (or even a water cooler) any time soon.

But over time, I found my people. I now have a supportive crew of sisters cheering me on and picking me up when I fall. We hold each other accountable to take action on our goals. We call each other for brainstorming sessions when we’re feeling stuck. We text each other when we make silly mistakes. We proofread each other’s web copy, we share industry resources, and we give each other a stern talking to when our prices seem to undervalue our work. We send each other referrals, share each other’s offers, and pop champagne for each other when we find success. In every sense, we are biz BFFs, and our businesses flourish because of this support.

Do you have a tribe of women in your corner? Whether you’re looking for your first business friend or you want to grow your support network, here are 3 easy steps to follow when building your sisterhood:

Step 1 - Be your authentic self. I know that sounds like Danny Tanner advice, but it’s the oldest advice in the book for a reason! There can be a lot of pressure to be professional and show your best face. And sure, showing your customers your highlight reel instead of your messy backstage has its benefits. But there is also a time for vulnerability. People want to know you because you’re YOU! Be who you are, quirks and all, and people will be attracted to the real you. The friends you make when you are yourself are the ones that you can lean on when things get tough and the ones who will be as happy for your successes as they are for their own.

This also means being open about your business when you’re talking to your non-business friends. It can feel like we talk about our businesses all the time because we’re IN them and we don’t want to bore our friends. But the truth is, everyone’s busy and thinking about their own work, some of your friends might not even know what you do! When you talk to them about your business--and especially when you share that you’d love to meet other business owners--you may find they have friends to introduce you to or that they’re thinking of starting a business too!

Step 2 - Put yourself where people are. Seems obvious, but this is a real stretch for a lot of us! We’re busy with our businesses, we’re busy with our families, maybe we’re shy or we’re introverts or we just haven’t had to make new friends since middle school and it’s scary! But if you step just a little bit out of your comfort zone, a whole new world opens up and you will find your tribe in all sorts of unexpected places.

Not sure where to start? Online groups are an easy, low-risk place to meet people (you don’t even have to get out of your jammies!) Do a search for entrepreneur groups on Facebook. When your favorite blogger does a link-up or announces a free challenge, join in. Or start interacting with other business owners you admire online and see where that relationship goes.

Attending a workshop, course, or conference is another great place to meet like-minded entrepreneurs. Attending an event within your industry is not only a great way to learn more about business, but you get to meet people who know exactly what you’re going through. It may feel weird at first to rub elbows with your competition, but making industry friends is huge when it comes to sharing resources, problem solving, and feeling like someone else “gets” it. Courses designed to improve your business are also an awesome way to make biz friends. The relationships I’ve seen form in my online course, Branding from the Inside Out are incredible! When everyone’s working through a course, sharing their work, giving and receiving feedback, and helping each other get unstuck, a special bond forms.

And of course, The MOB NW and MOB+Alliance are here to bring businesswomen together and help you form supportive friendships. We offer 3 networking events per month, quarterly conferences, monthly webinars, and an active and engaging Facebook community, and endless opportunities to get out and meet each other both on and offline. If you are searching for your sisterhood, we would love to welcome you!
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Portland MOB NW June Meetup - Photo by Eva Kelley Creative
Step 3 - Nurture these relationships. It’s not enough to just meet people. Maintaining friendships takes some work. (Fun work! But effort nonetheless.) When you meet someone at a networking event that you click with, follow up a few days later to grab coffee. When you bond with another entrepreneur in an online course, reach out and ask how her new project is going and propose weekly emails to share your progress with each other. When your new biz friend launches a new product, share it like the biggest fangirl on the planet. Be a listening ear. Be a cheerleader. Be a Biz BFF. And you’ll find that your tribe will support you right back!
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About the Author.
​Emily Roach is a graphic designer, brand educator, and professional business bestie. She runs her two businesses, Biz BFF and Fresh Paper Studios, out of her home in Portland, Oregon, while her 4 year old runs the rest of the house. When she’s not designing wedding invites, strategizing with business owners, or filming design tutorials, she and her family spend their free time camping around Oregon in a vintage school bus.
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Mob Monday- meet the board

6/13/2016

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Every Monday, the MOB NW will be bringing you "MOB MONDAY."  We will feature a different Mommy and her amazing business.  This week, to kick off our first ever MOB Monday, we are proud to present the board members' businesses!  Get to know what they are doing in the community and make sure to check them out!  

Aria - art ala carte

Aria has owned Art ala Carte for four and a half years.  Aria transformed salad bars in to art bars, filling them with glitter, beads, paint and every other imaginable supply.  Art ala Carte offers open studio, birthday parties, workshops, classes and more.  The AAC mobile unit travels to schools, libraries, festivals and private events.  Aria strives to make art accessible to all in the community.  
"Art should not be intimidating.  Art ala Carte is all about providing the space, supplies and support for each individuals OWN idea of art.  We want to give kids access to unlimited mediums and the confidence to explore."  
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Aria Leighty

Eva - eva kelley creative

Eva Kelley is an artist living the Portland area. She likes creative projects of all kinds, but her favorite medium is painting. Eva takes commissions for artwork and other creative projects, as well as creating and instructing different art parties, classes, and workshops on-site throughout the metro area. She believes everyone has an artistic voice, and hopes to create an environment where people feel safe to explore that part of themselves while having fun. 



gwen - gwen montoya 

Gwen makes marketing not scary. In her one-on-one coaching, she creates a custom, step-by-step marketing strategy designed to keep you focused and moving forward. In her group & e-courses (including Build Your Marketing Muscles & Step-by-Step Social Media) she guides busy business owners towards methods and habits that will make their marketing more manageable.
"Marketing your business doesn't have to be chore you avoid. You can enjoy it and have fun!"

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ashley - aireconsultants

​​Ashley is an accounting technology professional, wife and mother of three with a passion for helping small business owners organize and understand their finances. She is certified in a number of accounting technology systems including all versions of Quickbooks, Freshbooks, Waveapps and Xero. Ashley’s strong business background allows her to quickly analyze and advise businesses, organizations and individuals on how to use accounting technology systems to run their small businesses more efficiently. Her objective is to equip owners and their staff with the knowledge they require to effectively run their businesses.
"I am here to do what I love in order to allow small businesses to focus on their business"

emily - biz bff & Fresh Paper Studios

Emily is a graphic designer, brand educator, and professional business bestie. As a Biz BFF, She helps entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into real life through one-on-one consulting, DIY design courses, and an online community that feels like a 24/7 entrepreneurial slumber party. Emily's design business, Fresh Paper Studios, allows her to bring a playful edginess to the wedding and gift industry with her quirky, modern invitation and stationery designs.
"To all my entrepreneur ladies--just because you're going to Do It Yourself, that doesn't mean you have to figure it out alone."

brittainie - GlamGoddessB

Brittainie wanted to be able to find a way to empower, uplift, and validate women through makeup, but still be able to raise her daughter full time.  After much research on companies and product quality, she teamed up with Younique and Created GlamgoddessB.  She has combined her expertise with quality products, incomparable customer service (in person or online), and a positive community impact. If you've met Brittainie, you know she is knowledgeable and very welcoming.   
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