Crib Sheet #49: BellyButtonBoutique.com’s Karla Trotman.

Karla inherited the entrepreneurial drive from a previous generation of movers and shakers; her parents are both entrepreneurs.  This momtrepreneur turned her uncomfortable life experience into an  online place of comfort for expecting women…(presumably all carrying future entrepreneurs).

What business did you start up?

BellyButtonBoutique.com, an online store that offers products of comfort and support for pre- and postnatal women.

What motivated you to do it?

One long and miserable pregnancy!  I couldn’t get comfortable, couldn’t sleep, had gestational diabetes, was in the hospital on bed rest and had the nerve to be worried as to whether or not I would be fired from my job!  One cannot live life that way.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

Two boys.  Dylan is 3 and a half and Bryce is 20 months.

How long have you been running your online place business?

It will be two years this year.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

I am still on the road to success.  At this point I am meeting all of my monthly financial obligations, which is huge!

How did your family react to you starting your own online place business?

My parents are both entrepreneurs.  I spoke to my father about what I planned on doing and he offered advice when asked.  My husband is the one that pushed me in the right direction.  Its because of him I am able to reach my full potential building online place.

Easiest part of your job?

Getting paid by customers.

Hardest part of your job?

Getting the world to connect on online place at  BellyButtonBoutique.com and pregnancy.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Networking.  I am working on it now.  It really helps when expanding your business.  People in your network can really sell your business to others.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

Print ads are not always the way to go when they are amongst a sea of other print ads.

Can you recommend 3 essential websites for moms in, or going into, business?

LinkedIn – its all about who you know and the people they know
Websitegrader.com – Once your site is up and you want to check your SEO
Savorthesuccess.com – Women in business helping one another and networking

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Actually launching the business.  That is everyone’s biggest hurdle.  You can register the name and secure the site, but until you launch, it’s all meaningless.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Checking my Google Alerts for trends in the industry.

Anything else I should have asked you that you should answer?

Most motivating book I’ve read lately?  “How to Swim with Sharks without Being Eaten Alive” by Harvey MacKay.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more Momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….to be an astronaut.
Fondest memory….the night my husband said, “…I say all of this to say, I love you…oh Lord, God, Jesus help me!!!”
Indulgence….dessert.
Last purchase…..a new purse.
Favorite magazine…..Newsweek.
Inspiration…..prayer.
My Life…..is full and I love it.