Crib Sheet #50: For Baby With Love’s Stephanie Nash.

How much happiness does Stephanie get from a properly-clothed tushy?  Quite a lot.  Check out why she went the alternative route and how successful she’s become, all while as time-management-crazed as the rest of us are.

What business did you start up?

For Baby with Love.  An online baby boutique geared at promoting cloth diapering and natural parenting alternatives.

What motivated you to do it?

When my husband & I found out we were expecting twins we knew I wouldn’t be returning to work after maternity leave.  We also researched cloth diapering and realized that it was the way we wanted to go; but, couldn’t find a retailer locally to supply them so we decided to start our own cloth diapering online store.

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

We now have 3 children:  the twins are 5 and our newest is 3 weeks old.

How long have you been running your business?

We’re celebrating our 5th year this month.

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

We didn’t see a profit until year 4; however, we doubled our sales every year and continue to do so.

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

My husband was and is very supportive and a big help.  He often will pack shipments and process orders with me.

Easiest part of your job?

Promoting cloth diapering!  It’s easy to promote and sell something that you believe in with every fiber of your being.

Hardest part of your job?

Finding the work/home balance.  The downside to running a business from your home is that you’re on call 24/7.  My e-mail never stops and neither does my phone.  We often get calls at 4am from customers on the West Coast not realizing they’re calling another time zone.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Time management.

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

Definitely get a bookkeeper or accountant right from the start.  It can be very time consuming and costly to correct your books if they’re not done properly.

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

PR In Your Pajamas,  Kirtsy.com, and  Canadian Gov’t Grants & Loans.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Being recognized by the Halton Environmental Network as a Green business.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Giving a one-on-one cloth diapering info session.  There’s nothing better than providing someone with the facts on cloth diapering and showing them the options out there.

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

Childhood ambition…..it changed a lot; but, I always went back to a teacher.  I guess in some ways I am!
Fondest memory…. spending time at a family friend’s cottage.  I love the outdoors and being part of nature.
Indulgence…. manicure/pedicures.  I love to be pampered but seldom find time to do so.
Last purchase….. “Santa” gifts for my daughters
Favorite magazine….. I don’t really have time for reading these days; but, I always enjoy flipping through craft magazines to see what I can make.
Inspiration….. My family.  Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.