Crib Sheet #32: Stress Free Kids’ Lori Lite.

She was on Shark Tank!  Ah, the envy of us all…this momma really gets down to business with 4 books out, a 3-CD set, and plenty more to come.  Couldn’t we all use some tools to de-stress our little ones?

What business did you start up?

My home based, online company is Stress Free Kids. I have created a line of books, CDs and curriculi that help children manage anxiety, stress and anger while promoting self-esteem and a more peaceful sleep

What motivated you to do it?

My young son was chronically ill and hyperactive. Every night it took 2 hours to put him to sleep. My husband and I would literally fight over whose turn it was to put him to bed. There was so much stress in my house that I became sick and my daughter developed stress-related night terrors. If that doesn’t motivate you, nothing will.

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

I have 3 children ages 21, 19, and 12.

How long have you been running your business?

My business started out as a hobby and has been an actual business for 5 years. We just changed our online company name to Stress Free Kids this year (2009) to better express what we do.

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

I feel like 2008 was our most successful and profitable year. I released 4 new hardcover books: Angry Octopus, Bubble Riding, Affirmation Weaver, Sea Otter Cove, and my Indigo Dreams (3 CD Set).

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

My kids loved it. They liked having dad around and working from home.

Easiest part of your job?

I am a natural at coming up with new ideas.

Hardest part of your job?

Finding time and funding to implement my ideas.

What skill would you most like to improve?

I could use help in the organizing department.

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

I wish I knew the importance of networking and relationships. I would have gone to dinner with people I met at trade shows instead of resting my feet in my hotel room.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

My greatest accomplishment is showing my children to always believe in yourself and your dreams. They are very impressed that I got on ABC’s Shark Tank. I showed them that anything is possible.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Receiving an email from a mom telling me how one of my stories has changed her child’s life. So please keep the emails coming!

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

Childhood ambition….I was 5 when I started selling pictures I drew to neighbors….my dad made me return their money. I think that just made me more determined to make it big.
Fondest memory….there are so many, but it seems that now that my children are older it means more when they text me or tell me that they love me.
Indulgence….Chinese Food….. I could eat it every day.
Last purchase….An outfit from White House/Black Market. I wore it on Shark Tank. I would love to do an ad campaign with them.
Inspiration….. People inspire me. Receiving heartwarming notes from parents, teacher, and psychologists that have seen my stories touch and change a child’s life has inspired me to create more books and CDs to help children. When I go to sleep at night I know that I have made a difference to a child and I want to give them more ways to help them have a peaceful sleep.