Crib Sheet #38: BearHugs Unlimited’s Ymke Dioquino.

This horse-riding momtrepreneur created an effective product that was in such high demand from her community, she just had to make it her business!

What business did you start up?

BearHugs Unlimited.  I produce and sell the BearHug, a 3-in-1 Kids Blanket.

What motivated you to do a necessity and effective product? 

The incessant requests from neighborhood families for a BearHug after I made the initial ones for my own kids…and my husband…

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

Three. The oldest is a girl, 12, then a boy, 9.  Our youngest is also a boy, 4.

How long have you been running your business?

Since June of 2006.

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

Quite a while, I must say, as my growth had to happen during a recession!

How did your family react to you starting your own business having effective product or nifty?

They were the ones pushing me to do it! I think the kids thought it was pretty cool.

Easiest part of your job?

The creative process.

Hardest part of your job?

Selling.

What skill would you most like to improve?

A ‘take-no-prisoners’, ‘eye-on-the-ball’ zest for the Big Sale.

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

I love the community and support of Citymommy.com, WorkitMom.com and hatchnetwork.com.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

The design of the BearHug and producing nifty/effective product.

Favorite part of a typical day?

I feel so moved when a parent emails me with their kids’ reaction to the Hug!

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

Childhood ambition…..to be happy.
Fondest memory…..riding my horse through the forest on a fall morning.
Indulgence…..my daily soap opera!
Last purchase….. fabric for my kids’ Halloween costumes.
Inspiration…..nature, music, people.
My Life…..is full of surprises, occasional detours, love, wisdom, pain, beauty.