​Angela is a certified health coach for the young, old, and the expecting.  Her main focus and passion is helping kids and families be healthier by offering private coaching and workshops that help people get on the path to better health. She is also open to teaching in Eugene-area classrooms to show kids the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, and reduction of technology in a fun, accessible way.

Her certification is through the Sears Wellness Institute, started by Dr. William Sears. That program uses the L.E.A.N. Method, which stands for Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, and Nutrition.  Angela enjoys showing families how to be healthy on a budget. “I am able to get most of my clients on a path to healthier living for less than $50 a month.  I feel good about making healthy options accessible to everyone,” says Angela.

She was inspired to start her business when her seven- year old daughter was diagnosed with severe ADHD. “Her dad was treated for it as a child and had a bad experience with medication, so I looked for other ways to help reduce her symptoms. After a lot of research and implementation, her symptoms improved. After about two years, her tests showed no signs of ADHD,” Angela explains.

The experience gave Angela the confidence and understanding to help her son, her husband, and herself improve their health and reduce the need for medication. She began using her knowledge to help friends and family with health problems. When she learned Dr. Sears had started a school, she jumped in and learned everything she could.

Angela says, “I believe very child has a little bit of ADD. It's called being a kid, but 1 out of 8 are being treated or are misdiagnosed for it and the numbers are increasing. At least 1 in 3 kids has a condition that is considered life changing, and it is my job to help educate parents and kids on how to reduce the risks and symptoms – just like I did for my daughter.” 

She says Dr. William Sears is a mentor and was excited to meet him at a Juice Plus conference and at the Bellies, Birth, and Babies Expo.

Her biggest struggle is having confidence and finding new clients. Since joining Toastmasters and the MOB Nation, her confidence has improved. Since her focus is on education, she sometimes finds it hard to make the jump from sharing information to making a sale.
She advises new business owners to not give up. “They say it takes 3 years for a business to fail or succeed, but the average owner quits after the first year when they see they are spending more than they are making. Networking and building relationships is key. And as a business owner and with a degree in Management, I believe that any business owner should either know how to work the books or find someone who can. I have seen way too many businesses fail or struggle because they don't understand how it works, she says.

Despite her challenges she loves working for herself because she can set her own scheduled and put her family first.
Her best referrals are parents, teachers, health providers, therapists, and others in the health and wellness field who are interested in adding a nutritional aspect to their work.

​Danielle was inspired to start her Halisi skincare and deodorant line as a way to improve her own health. “I have an auto-immune disease that really took a hit on me in my 30's. I started making sure I was eating clean and only putting healthy things in my body. Then I had a weird issue with an unknown lump under my arm that no doctor could figure out. I started doing my own research and realized it was caused by the aluminum in my deodorant,” she says.

She realized that what she put on her body was just as important as what she put in it and tried the natural deodorant options available in stores. She quickly realized none of them worked. “At one point I even said, ‘I smell like apricot sweat!’ I got to work immediately trying to find out what was needed to make my own deodorant. Everyone thought I was nuts and I would smell horrible, but I finally figured it out,” she explains.

Danielle’s friends and family began asking her to make deodorant for them. She also expanded into creating other skincare items based on their needs. She launched Halisi on her daughter’s birthday, August 20th, 2016.

A mother of five, ages 1 to 14, she loves to cook, sew, bake, and create. She says, “For years people would tell me to go into business selling one thing or another, but none of them felt right to me. I really struggled with finding out the perfect career path for myself after taking so many years off to be a stay at home mom.”

Danielle is self-taught, and says that instead of a mentor, she looks at the big companies making claims about what their products do, then looks at their ingredient lists, researches active ingredients, and is determined to make the same things, but without the any of the harsh and toxic ingredients.

She says her biggest struggle has been being taken seriously. “I've definitely had my share of side eyes when I tell them what I do! I think some people just expect that if you're making skin care from your home it can't be good or that you should have extensive degrees. But they can't see the hours of research and effort that goes into everything I do. I am just fortunate that those who buy my products are believers and tell their friends,” she says.

Danielle’s advice to someone considering their own business is to make sure it clicks! “I spent so many years creating gifts and custom craft projects for people and they were always so insistent that I do it for a business, but it wasn't right. Don't force it but work hard to get where you want to be!”

Her ideal referrals are looking for better, healthier options when it comes to their skincare and personal care items. She also loves to hear from clients who have received amazing results and want to share it from the rooftops. “Being able to have someone with access to any products they want choose mine and then tell people about it is amazing,” she says.

Danielle loves being a MOB member because “Not a lot of people understand the balance, or should I say, struggle, that comes with being a mom first and a business owner second. Work doesn't stop when the kids need you and vice versa. I've done work while sitting in bleachers, wearing a baby, and taking sporadic photos of kids in the pool so having people that can empathize with you is such a blessing,” she says.  

“I don't get to clock out of any of my jobs and many people outside the MOB just can't relate to me. Having a tribe who get you is such an amazing feeling.”

She loves working for herself and being the boss. "I make the schedule, I make the rules, I make the products. The entire company is about me being able to control every aspect of it. I went in to healthcare in college and was so excited to help people. But doctor politics and unhappy patients really wore me down. I didn't want to work for or with people who had questionable ethics and I just wanted to make people happy,” she explains.

Danielle says the MOB community was the thing she didn’t know she needed. She was a member for a year before jumping in and participating. “I’m saddened at the missed opportunities, but there really is no better time than the present to dive head first into this wonderful community! A friend told me she added me, and I thought it wasn't the place for me since my business was so new and little. The reality was I didn't need a successful, booming business to be a part of the family. There were so many other mom's just like me who needed help and encouragement,” she explains.

MOB Alliance members receive 20% off her products.

You can find Danielle online at:

www.halisiskin.com
www.facebook.com/halisiskin
www.instagram.com/halisiskin

​Although she lives in the small town of Elko, Nevada, Brittney Stefanic hasn’t let that stop her from growing her business nationwide.

“I am excited to be bringing my pediatric sleep consulting services to my rural community because parenting can feel isolating, no matter where you live, but especially when you feel disconnected from goods and services that are available in other places. The parents in Elko County are no different from parents in Denver, Salt Lake City or Scottsdale in that we all deserve breaks during nap time, time to decompress after the kids are in bed, and uninterrupted sleep during the night,” she says.

Shortly after launching her business, she was featured in the Elko Daily Free Press with a business story “Pediatric sleep consultant ‘tucks in’ to Elko”. She is excited to bring what some may consider “big city amenities” to her town and beyond.

Brittney understands the challenges of being a parent and the extra challenges that come from living further away from services others may take for granted. “If you have the privilege of living down the street from a Trader Joes, Starbucks, Nordstrom Rack, and Chipolte, consider yourself lucky! You can grab yourself a delicious iced latte, or even a burrito, and receive my consultation services from the comfort of your living room.  I might be jealous of your every day conveniences, but I won’t let that stop me from supporting you and your family in reaching your sleep goals,” she explains.

Brittney’s focus on sleep comes from personal experience when her son had a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University of Utah hospital as a newborn. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but while he was growing and developing in his tiny little hospital incubator, he was learning amazing self-soothing habits because he could not always be picked up as soon as he got upset. In addition to saving our son’s life, the nurses in the NICU were also helping our son learn one of his very first skills — how to become an independent sleeper! We capitalized on his NICU-initiated skills and followed the advice of our (AMAZING!) pediatrician to learn more about infant sleep in order to help him to continue to grow and develop.”

​ Inspired by her son’s sleep and wanting to continue at home, she read blogs and books and searched the internet for more information. “My son was still so tiny that I knew we needed something gentle, and I wanted something that fit us. Luckily, I found great reviews about Dana Obelman and The Sleep Sense™ Program,” she says.

Britney implemented ideas from the Sleep Sense Program with great results. “My husband and I had no idea how lucky we were! As first-time parents, we just assumed that all 12-week-olds were sleeping 10 hours through the night. Come to find out, that is NOT the case. As I chatted with friends, some with children as old as early elementary school, I realized that babies, toddlers and young children are often not taught the skills necessary to “sleep through” an uninterrupted night,” she explains.

​Britney found herself touched by photos found on Instagram’s #sleepbabysleep. She knew she wanted to bring those tired moms and babies a good night’s rest.  When she received an opportunity to apply for The Sleep Sense™ Consultant Training Program she says it just felt right. “I’m sure you’ve had times in your life when an opportunity presents itself and you just can’t turn it down. Well, for me, this was one of THOSE moments.”

As you can hear in a recent episode of Moms Who Know podcast which I am featured on, “a good night sleep is possible, even as a mom” no matter where you live or how old your kiddos are!

Britney now helps families, from newborns to toddlers, bring sleep back into their homes! “I believe that this path is the perfect blend of my science background, my desire to educate, my ability to relate, and above all, my passion for supporting others during a challenging time in their lives. I’m excited to be starting here, taking this risk and trying something new. After all… great things never come from staying in one’s comfort zone,” she says.

She says one of the biggest struggles in her business has been finding balance. “It is hard to juggle the social media calendar, client needs, marketing attempts, vending at events, being a mom, cooking dinner, maintaining a clean house, being a good friend, making time for myself, and getting my own SLEEP!”

Britney advises new business owners to manage their calendar from the beginning. “On the days you plan to work on/for your business, outline what you hope to accomplish each hour. Use different colors, stickers, app, planners -- anything that works for you. Time management is about to have a whole new meaning,” she explains.

She says her ideal referrals come from well-rested former clients who know, first hand, how effective her techniques are. “An ideal client can live anywhere in the world but they are READY for a change in the sleep habits of their family. I love working with the friends/family of my happy clients because the trust is already established, and people know that I'm not just a "sleep wizard" aiming to trick their kiddos into sleeping well.”
Brittney is excited to be a MOB because she loves the support and being part of a community that understands the growth and challenges that come with being a mom-owned business.
She loves working for herself and being in charge of her time. “I know if I have a trip planned, I will be able to book clients for later in the month, or if I have extra childcare available one week, I can support more families than normal! There is definitely something to be said about being your own boss,” she says.

She offers MOB Alliance members a 20% discount on any customized sleep package!

You can find Brittney online at:

www.brittneystefanicsleep.com – where you’ll find helpful blogs
https://www.facebook.com/BStefanicSleep/ https://www.instagram.com/brittneystefanicsleep/
https://www.pinterest.com/brittneystefanicsleep/boards 

Originally from Alaska, Katie is a realtor licensed in Oregon and Washington, and mom to a toddler. She was inspired to start her real estate business because she loves houses and the freedom that comes with not having a set schedule, a boss, a time clock, or a glass ceiling. She also enjoys the freedom being with her little boy, Jensen, as much as she wants.

“Almost every agent I ran into before I got licensed only loved making their bank account happy. After that, I put my foot down, studied my little butt off, and passed that test. I strive not to be that stereotypical real estate agent that you often hear about. I'm here because I love houses and I love helping people feel good about the process of finding the house that they love....or getting rid of the one they don't,” she says.

Katie says that when it comes to real estate, no two transactions are ever the same, and she needs to be constantly learning to stay up to day with changes in the market, the laws, the forms, and the buyers themselves.

“I love every minute of it. Being a realtor forces me to constantly change, grow, learn, and adapt, which is something I am very good at and I feel stuck when none of that is happening. It also provides me with the ability to be a full-time mother. I have Jensen with me 90% of the time. I never have to worry about missing anything, and my clients love him! If they have a problem with Jensen being with me, well, then those aren't my clients,” she explains.

Katie says she is thrilled to be a part the evolution that happens as her clients go through the transaction - the excitement of being pre-approved, the frustration of not being able to find the right house, and the “YES!” moments of finding the perfect house, winning the bidding war, and passing inspection. “The best part is when exchange keys. I hold the hands of my clients through the entire process, feel all the feels along with them while also keeping everything on track so that they can reach their ultimate real estate goals. All with a baby on my hip! #momboss.”

Fellow realtor, Elyse Winter, says "Katie is a go getter and really cares about her clients."
 
She advises new business owners to truly love what they do and be prepared for slow times financially. Katie says “When your bank account is empty, and your credit cards maxed out and there's no savior on the horizon - it's easy to feel worthless and give up. But if you love what you do and have a little cushion, it will be much easier to push on through to the other side.”
 
Katie knows first-hand the struggle of launching a new business from scratch since real estate agents don’t get paid unless deals close. “And when deals don't close, and you still have all your business expenses...it can get a little nerve-wracking,” she says.

Her best referrals are people who want to buy, sell, or invest in real estate – and since she is licensed in Oregon and Washington, she can help buyers on both sides of the river!
 
Katie says she is excited to be a part of the MOB for the support and growth. “The amount of love and support that pours from this group is unreal. I have never, ever seen so much generosity and genuine care for others ever in my whole life. It is astonishing. This tribe helps me grow so much as a human being, which reflects in the way that I do business. The MOB is so much more than a networking group. Its…everything. Indescribable.”
 
Katie supports the Capes and Crowns Foundation by donating 1% of all her commissions. When a MOB Alliance member uses or refers someone to her, she doubles that donation.
 
 
You can find Katie online at:
www.katiegonne.com
www.facebook.com/katiegonne.realestate
www.instagram.com/katiefaace

Angela, owner of Embrace Your Lashes, and her husband, Brandon, moved to Oregon in 2012. “We fell in love with Oregon after a three-day mini vacation in 2011. We took the leap of faith and it was the biggest, yet best, risk we've ever taken,” she explains.

Originally from San Diego, she’s an only child, and has been a vegetarian since she was five.

She married her husband, Brandon in 2008. They have three children, live in SW Portland, and a dog, Khaleesi (yes, named after the character on Game of Thrones).

.Angela has a big heart and generous spirit. “I've been a gestational surrogate twice, carrying twins twice December 2014 and November 2016. My family and I love the connection we've made with both families and love seeing the babies grow!”

She also works part time at All Families Surrogacy in Beaverton as a Surrogate Coordinator.

Angela says her mother inspired her to start her business. “She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2013. After many rounds of chemo, a full hysterectomy, and more chemo she took a break to give her body and mind a rest. Unfortunately, it came back with a vengeance. It wasn’t ovarian cancer but peritoneal cancer which is very rare. She passed away in March 2016. It was definitely one of the hardest events I've ever been through in my life.”

Angela’s mom was her biggest fan and supporter. She helped Angela pay for esthetics school – Angela attended school full time at night while working full time during the day while also pregnant with her second daughter.

Angela says her mom was her enthusiastic model so she could practice doing facials and other treatments. “She was always proud of me and really inspired me,” she says.

After her mother passed, Angela renewed her esthetics license because she knew her mom would want her to finally make use of it. “I took an eyelash extension training in Lincoln City in March 2017 then hit the ground running! Helping others feel good about themselves is rewarding and has really helped me through the grieving process. I love reading positive reviews and seeing how my clients have that extra boost of confidence because lashes really do make a difference!”

Angela will be attending a training in November 2017 called Oncology Esthetics to learn about how to take care of clients that are going through their cancer journey or have been through it.

She hopes to volunteer some time each month to helping them feel good about themselves. “I'll be reaching out to local hospitals and clinics to see if they would give me space each month to do this. In 2018, I'm hoping to expand my services and start offering facials again because I always loved doing them,” she says.

Angela says her mentor is Tricia Boggess of Diva Lash Studio & Spa in Lincoln City. “She's the one I took my first eyelash extension training with. She is always available when I have a question or need help, even long after my training. I also admire Kimber Jaynes who is the Founder of Borboleta Beauty in Utah. I'm constantly amazed by these ladies and our lash community,” she says.

She says her biggest struggle is finding balance. “I feel like I'm constantly trying to find balance in everything with my business, family life and personal life. I always think I can handle more than I should,” she explains.
 
She advises new business owners to trust their instincts and to not compare your business to someone else’s. “We're all doing the best we can and if we have each other to lean on, it can make owning a business so much easier!”
 
Angela can work with anyone aged 18 to 100+ “People who want to enhance their beautiful lashes to gain a boost of confidence and save time on their makeup regimen,” she says. She also enjoys working with people preparing for special events like wedding parties.

“I would also love to specialize in helping cancer patients after my training in November
 
Angela says being a part of the MOB is like having a backbone to her business. “I know that I have a whole team of ladies who would be there for me if needed. I love how the MOB is expanding nationwide. It has been a huge blessing to my business and has connected me to so many amazing people,” she explains.
 
Angela loves working for herself and being able to be there for her kids. She also enjoys the freedom of being able to take her time with her clients and not feel rushed. “I space out my appointments so that I have the extra time and can give each client my undivided attention,” she says.
 
She offers MOB Alliance Members $10 off eyelash extensions and lash lifting & lash tinting.
 
 You can find Angela online at:

www.facebook.com/embraceyourlashes
www.instagram.com/embraceyourlashes
www.twitter.com/embraceyourlash
www.embraceyoureyelashes.com

Michelle owns Haute Madre, a modern resale boutique specializing in women's fun, fresh, gently used fashion & accessories. It is located in Hazel Dell (Vancouver) next to Bortolami's Pizzeria and has plenty of parking.

She describes herself as someone with a bubbly upbeat personality ALWAYS up for a good time! “I love to camp, travel & eat yummy food! I'm married to my best friend in the world and mommy to the sassiest 5 year old you've ever met! Two years ago I beat breast cancer so I am proud to say that I am a survivor!! Every day is chance to be a true joy in someone's else’s life...and that's what I try to be.”

She says her greatest accomplishment is finding true undeniable happiness in her life. “I can honestly say that I've never been happier in my entire life and I know it is 100% because I've realized the secret to a lovely life is gratefulness. I am grateful every day for everyone and everything in it.

Michelle loves thrifting now, but it wasn’t always that way.  She says “Growing up with a single Mom meant we thrifted...A Lot! I didn’t always love it, but once I became an adult and started paying my own bills, I soon realized the importance of scoring a bargain.”

Five months ago she opened Haute Madre. “I knew I wanted to open a women's thrift shop based on my love of clothes and even deeper love of getting a deal! I wanted a shop where women could not only come to find a hot shirt at a hot price...but also an overall enjoyable experience. A place she can come and unwind, see some great clothes and really the overall atmosphere of being welcomed to shop. It's basically like being invited to shop your best friend’s closet,” she explains.

Michelle credits many strong women in her life as mentors, including her mother. “She ALWAYS told me how incredible I was and how she knew I would have a bright future. I feel like that undeniable belief and support allowed me to truly believe in myself,” she says.

She also looks up to peers and fellow business women. “I have a go getter sister-in-law that crushes at her career and really brings home the bacon. I have other women friends that kill at their passions...they do hair and paint furniture and stay home and raise rad human beings. My mentors that inspire me every day are simply the women that surround me every single day!”

Michelle’s biggest struggle has been making people aware of Haute Madre.  “I've been open long enough to know that my formula works. Good Clothes + Great Atmosphere = Awesome Experience. The majority of my customers are returns so I know I'm doing something right. Now I just need to gain the exposure to bring in more fabulous ladies,” she explains.

She advises new business owners to just go for it. “If you believe in yourself and your business, other people will, too. When someone is excited & passionate about their business it truly shows and people love seeing authentic passion and pride. So if you're serious about doing something...Go for it! Do one thing every day that helps you move toward your master plan. You’ve got this and there are tons of ladies willing to hold your hand until you're ready to Jump in! Come on in...The water's fine!!”

Michelle says she loves everything about working for herself. “I'm a hard worker… so long days and feeling like I got ran over by a Mac truck don't bother me one bit. I'm most excited for my little girl to grow up seeing her Mom do what she loves. I don't expect her to take over my business one day. I expect her to find what truly makes her happy deep down in her soul and Do That!! She WILL know that she can do anything and it will be AMAZING... because it will be 100% her effort, her mistakes and her success!  I can’t wait to see where Haute Madre ends up but for now I'm enjoying the pure fact that I did it...I really frickin' did it!! Yay Me!!!”

Michelle’s ideal referral are thrifters looking for stylish statement pieces at amazing prices. “I love when someone comes in expecting a bargain mart but is blown away to find their new fave place to come shop and hang out with a gal pal or two,” she says.

She’s excited to be a member of the MOB because it is unique. “This is NOT a networking group or professional platform in anyway you've ever known before. The Mob is a tribe, a sisterhood of women looking to lift up and enlighten one another. I am so blessed to have joined this group and would encourage anyone even considering it to do so NOW. The MOB is growing at record speed and it isn’t coincidence. Women love feeling a part of something and knowing they matter. The MOB cares about each and every member and it shows," she says.

Michelle offers MOBs 20% off any purchase in her shop.

You can find Michelle online at:

Website: Hautemadre.com 
Facebook & Instagram: @hautemadre
Twitter:@Haute_Madre

Abbi Wood is a professional wordsmith who connects business owners with their audience through words that shine. She first realized how helpful her word skills were in college when she began to help fellow students with their writing. When we asked Abbi what inspired her to start her business she said, “Being nosy. I couldn’t sit back and not meddle; these days I’m better about waiting until asked before helping!”

She loves the freedom of working for herself. “I can work from anywhere with an internet connection and any time of day/night I choose. No 9-5 hours for me! I fit my biz into my life, and not the other way around. I make time for the things that are most important to me (family and gym) so I’m not bringing my clients a burnt-out, stressed wordsmith. I’m 81% chill and 19% pedantic. Mostly, I love what I do and I have fun doing it. When it counts, I stand my ground,” she says.

Abbi says she has many mentors. “I surround myself with mentors all day long.  Those that have had a direct impact: my husband, Erik Wood, owner of Geeks to Go for sharing this life with me and supporting me all the way in everything I do and want to do; Selena Maestas of The Love YOU More Project for reminding me that I can be a priority in my own life; Gwen Montoya for gently walking me through the scary biz thing called marketing with her monthly Build Your Marketing Muscles group; Emily Roach of Biz BFF for giving me the skills I need to adult in biz; Mindy Schoeneman of Sincerely Me Words for being my sister in biz and putting community over competition every single day of the week. Nedra Rezinas of Blue Deer Forest is the voice of reason in my life; she understands what I’m going through before I even say it and I can’t thank her enough for sharing her expertise with me. The (not so) funny thing is that I could keep going – I love my MOB community!”
 
Despite having a long list of mentors and business allies, Abbi shares that the most challenging time is always at the beginning.  “Whether it’s the very beginning, or beginning of a new chapter in my biz. You’d think growing gets easier the more you do it – nope! And therein lies the challenge: always being up for change and growth. Thank God for the people in my life,” she says.

She advises new business owners to do the best they can at the moment. “Don’t sacrifice progress for perfection; do it anyway; do it the best way you know how. There are countless resources that make things easier for us – get involved and learn about them so you can do the hard things in a relatively easy way. And as a person who polishes words for a living, this is not hard to say at all: you have to pull the plug occasionally and just put something out there. Something always beats nothing. So if you’re weighing your options and pondering your way through perfectionist tendencies – every minute you spend debating and wondering and weighing is another minute you’re not doing it,” she explains.

Abbi loves to work with business owners in different ways. From someone who wants an extra set of eyes on their business communications to someone who wants to outsource it all, Abbi has a service for you. She is always growing and expanding her services to meet the needs she sees in her community. “I’ve recently branched out to offering workshops around language in biz, so anyone looking to learn and grow with their community should stalk me a little and then reach out,” she says.

She says her biggest accomplishment is pushing through fear. “I keep doing the scary things with the help and support of people around me. I just want to take a second and say that if you don’t have people, I’ll be that person for you.  All you have to do is reach out.”

Abbi loves being a MOB for the community. “Being involved with a group that is conquering biz and personal lives! It’s the ultimate representation of biznality!

She offers new MOB Alliance members 33% savings on her bio writing support package (10% off is her standard Alliance discount).
 
You can find Abbi online at:
www.abbiwood.com
www.facebook.com/abbiwoodwordsmith
www.instagram.com/ask4abbi
www.twitter.com/ask4abbi

Tamara grew up in Washington, and has lived in the Vancouver area for most of her life. She’s been married for 15 years and is a mom of two teens.

She also owns two very different businesses. Her first business, opened in 2015, is Forever Spring Cleaning. Her second business, which she owns with her partner Paige (who also owns All Star Fusion), is the NW Escape Experience.  She’s also a devoted cheer mom. “I’ve served as President of my daughter’s cheer gym boosters for the past 3 years.  I'm a complete cheer mom (without the drama),” she says.

In March of this year, she did something she is extremely proud of - she took a leap and left her full-time corporate job to focus on her businesses.

She admits she loves a clean house. “My favorite past time as a child was waking up on a Sunday morning spending time with my mom and sister for family cleaning day,” she explains.

Although she tried to keep that tradition going with her own children, they were less than enthusiastic about cleaning with her. She soon realized that cleaning wasn’t something that many really enjoyed and it took a lot of quality family time away. Tamara realized that if she was dealing with this issue then there would be a lot of other families dealing with it, too.   “My goal with Forever Spring Cleaning is to help other families find time in their business lives to spend more quality time together as a family and less time worrying about the cleanliness of their homes by providing cleaning services to SW Washington,” she says.

Tamara says all the MOBs she has met are her mentors in some way, shape or form.  “I get so much from this group.  The support is just outstanding.” She also looks up to her business partner Paige Major (co-owner of NW Escape Experience). “She's a very creative person and we work very well together.  Probably because we both have very different strength and weaknesses!”
 
Her biggest business struggle is the work/life juggle familiar to most MOBs. “I tend to let work consume all of my time and I have to stop and realize that I'm doing this to better the lives of my children and spend more time with them,” she explains.
 
She advises new business owners to hire professionals to take care of the tasks they aren’t experts in. “Although this may seem like a shameless plug, and I guess it is, hire a housekeeper to clean your home, a landscaper to do your yard, a personal assistant to do those tedious tasks so that you can focus on what is going to help your business grow and give you the ability to spend more time with your children.  Because that's why most us are in business for ourselves...so we can provide a good life for our family and spend more quality time with them,” she says.

Her ideal referral for housekeeping is anyone that doesn't have time or doesn't want to spend time cleaning their own home, anyone that is moving and needs a good deep cleaning, or anyone looking to help with organization.  For the NW Escape Experience, a good referral is anyone who would like a fun night out but is tired of the same old date nights.
 
She says she loves working for herself because she can be there for her kids. “I love being able to go to school events and not have to ask for time off!” Tamara also relishes the control that comes from being in charge. “I love being in control of my own destiny!  I love helping other women be it providing them with a clean home or hiring employees that are also moms and giving them an opportunity to grow as a person,” she says.

She shares the story of one of her employees. “She was a wife and a mother of 3 who had never had a job. After her divorce, she had no experience but had to find employment.  I saw something in her during her interview and took a chance.  She has now worked for me for almost two years, has been promoted to a supervisor, and has the ability to provide for her three kids! The best thing is that she gets told by her children that they are proud of her!”

Tamara says she loves being a MOB because it gives her a sense of belonging. “The group is so supportive and encouraging.  I know that I have a group of like-minded women in my corner at all times.”

You can find Tamara online at:
www.nwescapeexperience.com
www.facebook.com/nwescapeexperience
www.instagram.com/nwescapeexperience

Chalea, the metal maven behind Mune Studios, has been making jewelry for over ten years. Her heirloom quality pieces are designed to be tough enough to be worn by moms and caregivers with young children. “I’m a mama on a mission to make creations that really speak to those who have sensitive skin as well, and it's important that they're able to wear that jewelry around their children,” says Chalea.

Her family lives on a small working farm in SW Washington. “I've been in the PNW all of my life and I can't imagine living anywhere else, it's the best place to raise my kiddos!”

A long-time artist, she’s been drawing for 18 years. Her passion for making art grew into jewelry design and making back in 2006. She began making pieces just for friends and family at first, but many urged her to turn her hobby into a profession. “I started creating jewelry from raw Argentium silver wire back in 2015 after seeing how endless my horizons could be when you’re capable of making all of your components on your own. My other job, the best in the world, is being called mama,” she says.

She was inspired to start her business because she didn’t see what she wanted in the world. “There simply had not been a line of fine jewelry out there prior that would survive being worn around my little ones,” she explained.

Due to the nickel content in most jewelry, Chalea wasn’t able to wear a lot of jewelry growing up and wished there were more options out there. That, along with her desire to create with her heart, spurred her passion to offer people options in their adornments. Chalea doesn’t think you should have to put away your fine jewelry once you become a mother! 

Over time she released a line coined "Mama Metal.” Her use of thicker chains allows little hands to wander up to play with the charms while worn by an adult. Chalea’s unique process causes the metal to create a twinkling noise moms and kids come to know and love.

“The centerpieces have been fused with my torch, hammered by hand, and hardened right in my kitchen stove. There aren’t harsh chemicals involved. I make each piece by hand with attention to detail; with beads and components that are carefully selected from yesterday's trinkets, mom-n-pop shops, & small manufacturers who share my commitment on using safe materials. Seeing the smiles of mothers and children enjoying my necklaces reaffirms that I'm doing what my heart meant to do,” she explains.

Chalea says she has a whole village of inspirational people that have mentored and looked out for her along my path. “I want to say a special thank you to all of those mothers who I am fortunate enough to call friends; those souls that stay with me late at night and helped me equally work through brilliant ideas or helping to pick me back up after tumbles in life,” she says. She also credits her dad as one of her greatest mentors because he always believes in her. “That has made such an amazing impact in my life. I am so appreciative of the effort and energy that has been invested in me.”
 
Her biggest struggle in business is people not understanding the quality and durability of her jewelry. “People hear "mama metal" and have no concept of it and it can be hard to get them to look past their assumption that I'm just selling regular jewelry; when I am helping to provide them with such comfort and love goes into each piece that I make. They don't know that it's made for mamas to wear while snuggling, nursing, or wearing their children. It's a safe comfort space for their babies and children to reach up to make the centerpiece chime with those wonderfully soft jingles they find so reassuring, she says. Chalea also mentions that even moms wearing the jewelry will often find themselves reaching up to play with their necklaces. “It is soothing to their nerves as well, a measure of comfort in this loud and busy world.”

She advises new business owners to find mentors to help you along the way and build your local tribe of support as quickly as you can. “I believe when you go together you go farther! If you're out there alone trying to do your thing it can be so easy to throw up your hands and toss in the towel if you're struggling. Also, please know that we all struggle, and sometimes the success stories you hear about have struggled even harder to get where they are,” she says.

She also reminds business owners to know their work and charge accordingly. “I see businesses go under because they are not clearing enough to cover their overhead with a forward sustaining profit margin. Don't allow anyone to undervalue what you do or talk you down it you aren't wanting to charge them anything less. Trust me, you'll thank yourself for it later.”

“The other advice that I've found useful is to make sure your thoughts are in a good mindset and that you're taking care of yourself. Successful people have a successful mindset and often have to push past upsets and setbacks. They can be part of the process and they aren't the end of you or your business!”

Chalea loves working for herself because she understands her own needs better than anyone and she can advocate for herself and what she needs. She also loves being able to see the positive impact her work has in the community.

Chalea loves to work with mamas and parents who value the work that goes into an heirloom-quality piece that's made just for them. “They may not even know quite what they want yet and may be curious and want to explore their options and I can help them along that journey,” she says.

She also loves to work with women who are in related businesses where it makes sense to collaborate and help lift each other up. “Life coaches, inspirational gurus, and other mother business owners are often friends I haven't met yet, that I would love to get to know more. Many of my pieces carry affirmations and are a great aid for those seeking to remind themselves of how much they are loved,” she explains.
 
One of her biggest accomplishments was listening to her gut and allowing her unique personality to shine. “I was doing a disservice to myself by not acknowledging the real me as I felt I had to always put a strictly business persona forward,” she says. Although she was scared at first, she’s been working on changing her inner voice. “I am cultivating amazing friendships -- and I have people seeking out my work! It feels good to know that the work I create with my hands is wanted and is being cherished by others. I am changing my life by being true to myself and showing my daughters that you can be successful in living your dreams,” she explains.
 
Chalea says she loves being a MOB because of the community of friends, and friends she hasn’t met yet, who understand the juggle of being mom and trying to earn a living. “They have your back and they lift you up. That is so priceless! It gives us a common banner to know that we belong to something amazing and can give us common ground out in the community to say hi and form new relationships, where we may have been too shy to in the past,” she explains.
 
You can find Chalea online at:

https://MuneStudios.com
https://Instagram.com/MuneStudios
https://facebook.com/MuneStudios
#MuneStudios

We’re so excited to introduce you to Katie Brushett, our MOB Alliance Eugene chapter leader!

Before we tell you more about Katie, we want to share a little bit about why we love having her as our Eugene chapter leader.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Katie is her amazing energy and a drive to build a strong community around her. “She’s always reaching out to MOBs to support them and learn more about their businesses,” Brittainie explains.

"She loves to connect people, and it shows.  I love having someone in Eugene who is so passionate about the MOB and seeing it grow," says Gwen.

Eva adds "Katie has a genuine interest in cultivating a strong MOB community in Eugene.  She is and will continue to be a strong leader there."

Aria says “I had such a great feeling about her and her energy. She has exceeded my expectations in every way!”

Katie lives in the country with her husband and two little girls. She is a part-time high school secretary and full-time fitness fan. She’s channeled her love of health and fitness into her own business called “Katie Brushett Health & Fitness”.

She is one of seven children, including fellow MOB, Elizabeth, of Healthfully Prepared and Lemonberry Moon, and grew up in Portland. Katie says “I'm a fifty-fifty mix of loving the outdoors, camping, hiking, and loving massages, pedicures, and getting spoiled!”

Katie was inspired to pursue her passion for fitness after the birth of her youngest daughter. “I had some major complications after birth, and lost 20 units of blood and platelets. I was in the ICU for a few days, my body was shutting down, and the outlook wasn't good. I made a full recovery, and the doctors said it was mostly because I was in such great shape. After that, I knew I wanted fitness to be a bigger part of my life. I became a certified INSANITY LIVE instructor, and shortly after that became an online health & fitness coach,” she explains.

She credits her sister, Elizabeth, as being a mentor for her business pursuits. “She is so creative, has so many amazing ideas, and balances all of her businesses and her family,” says Katie. She also says her friend, Ellen, has been a mentor in her health and fitness journey. “She's been a talented fitness instructor & master trainer for YEARS, and is so encouraging and supportive,” Katie explains.
 
MOBs can relate to Katie’s universal struggle of trying to balance it all. Especially when it comes to managing multiple businesses, family, and personal time without letting anything fall too far behind.

She advises anyone beginning a business to not second guess themselves or slow down if you don’t have immediate support from those around you. “I love working for myself and knowing that I am the one responsible for my triumphs and my defeats. If something goes wrong, it's me, if something goes right, it's me. And, of course, getting to work in my jammies on my couch!”

Katie says her biggest accomplishments come from when her clients achieve big milestones in their health and fitness. “The one that stands out the most is a client who was able to get off of different medications because of the changes she made in her nutrition during one of my groups,” she says.
 
She says she loves being a MOB. “I love knowing that at any time, night or day, there is a whole group of other moms who are just like me and will support me without question. whether it has to do with my business or not,” she explains.
 
Katie’s ideal referral is someone who wants to focus on their own happiness and be healthier (physically and emotionally) for them and their family. She can work with anyone online in the US and Canada, and you can attend her live classes in the Eugene area.

MOB Alliance members get a free bonus workout DVD with the purchase of a challenge pack! 

You can find Katie online at:

https://www.facebook.com/katiebrushetthealthandfitness/?ref=bookmarks
www.beachbodycoach.com/KATIEBRUSHETT
https://www.instagram.com/katie_brushett/