Crib Sheet #7: Skout’s Louise Donnelly-Davey

Meet our first momtrepreneur from Down Under!  Louise Donnelly-Davey is a real go-getter, read on about her two businesses and where you should be listing your business if you have one.

What business did you start up?

I started a lot but nurtured only a select few to fruition. My first business was a design business. I drew pictures when I was 5 and sold them to my neighbors. It wasn’t till I was pregnant with my 1st child that I went to the art store , bought some canvas and paints and began creating again. That’s a long time to wait to follow your bliss. When I had my second baby I started GiGi designs, a children’s clothing company with both a fashion side (GiGi Essentials) and a Baby Merino Side (GiGi Pure). I ran GiGi successfully for nearly 5 years selling to New Zeland, Australian and American retailers. Last year we sold both sides of the two businesses to separate buyers. I took a wee while off, went stir crazy and then started Skout Trade Fair. The site is an online network for people in the Kids Products Industry. Now I help other people succeed! My other business, which is tied into Skout, is the Kids Product Directory, an online directory and magazine for consumers.

What motivated you having two businesses?

I was always a true believer of helping other women in business, even when I had my own design company. I knew that life was about sharing and karma – and it felt good to pass on the knowledge that I had to others. I started the WENI”S–the Womans Entrepreneurial Network, Inc., in my city-– and every Friday a group of talented entrepreneurial mums would get together with our kids and drink wine and hang out. We were all a fantastic support to each other, and some of those women are now on Skout!

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

I have 3 wonderful cherubs. My youngest has just turned 3, my eldest is 7 and my little girl is 5. I am in love.

How long were/have you been running your two businesses?

We started Skout Trade Fair in October 2008 and the Kids Product Directory shortly after.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful (however you chose to measure success)?

I am still not there yet. I’m so hard on myself!

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

Total support. My husband knows me well and could see I was happiest when I was creating. He had faith in GiGi Desings and could see it was a hit, so was very supportive. Now it’s the same with Skout. He’s my rock. My daughter wants to be the same as mummy when she grows up.

Easiest part of your job?

Helping others.

Hardest part of your job?

Stopping long enough to have dinner.

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

Chocolate or plain cookies with tea? Definitely chocolate.

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

Childhood ambition…. to open a flower shop – always the entrepreneur.
Fondest memory…. hanging out with my cousins in the summer.
Indulgence…. (s) wine, chocolate, baths, peace and quiet!
Last purchase….. $80 Cat Biscuits.
Favorite magazine….. Studio Bambini.
Inspiration….. My children.