Crib Sheet #46: Zola’s Beth Remmes.

Beth Remmes brings an entirely new meaning to the term Earth Mother.  Inspired by Mother Nature herself, she is the green pied piper (not to be mistaken with the Green Giant) inspiring others and making change in many environmental issues, many ways.  Make sure to watch her YouTube video, below.

What business did you start up?

Zola was set up as a company in July of 2007, and it went online in March 2008.

What motivated you to do it?

I have always been interested with environmental issues, but what finally led me to take action was that I saw a disconnect between the threat of climate change and people’s everyday behavior. I wanted to help people bridge the gap between the learning about the our impact on the earth and taking actions to live more sustainably.

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

My step-daughters are 24 and 22 (Lauren & Lisa).  My daughter Carlyn is 7 and son Frankie
is 4.

How long have you been running your business?

2 and a half years.

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

The business is still in the early stages, so I am still working towards becoming profitable, but when I talk to other moms who have signed up as Coordinators and they are excited by the great conversation they had with family and friends at a party about how they can all “go green,” or when I hear from someone that their neighborhood started a community garden as a result of a Zola party, it is very validating that they are concern of environmental issues.

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

They have been and continue to be very supportive. I could not do it without them, especially my husband, Frank. My children even draw the logo and write cute messages like, “Zola Goods helps the earth.”

Easiest part of your job?

Networking! I love to go to Green Events around town and talk to other people in the field.

Hardest part of your job?

Managing sales taxes in various states.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Quickbooks.

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

I thought that the second my site went live that I would be inundated.  However, it takes a lot of hard work, and constant networking to get the word out there. SEO (search engine optimization) is also important. Like life, your business will go in cycles, and in most cases your life will not miraculously change overnight.

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

For me, the sites I go to the most are in the green industry – but what I would say is to find: a) a site that inspires you daily – whether it is a quote, or a song, or a joke, make sure that joy is a part of your life every day b) a site that keeps you in the know about what is going on in your industry c) a site where you have community support – even if that means Facebook. It is important to connect with other people, especially if you work from home.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

For Zola, I am proud to be a Green America approved business, and that I did not compromise my integrity in any way. The business is completely transparent and is based on the 3Ps, people, planet, and then profit.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Putting my children to bed and then coming down to the kitchen for a hot cup of tea and quiet house with my golden retriever, Suzie, at my feet.

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

Childhood ambition….To be a park ranger.
Fondest memory….I loved going to nature camp over the summer when I was a kid.
Indulgence….just put up bamboo shades in our bedroom.
Last purchase…..beautiful photograph by surf photographer David Pu’u.
Favorite magazine…..It’s a tie – Ode and Oprah Magazines.
Inspiration…..everyone who finds a way to be of service in this world (notably; Zainab Salbi, Julia Butterfly Hill, Greg Mortenson, and Paul Farmer).
My Life…will hopefully make a difference.