Article from The Ottawa CitizenThey're savvy, often former high-tech professionals who've left the rat race to raise their children. Hungry for a creative outlet, looking to make some extra cash, or just plain bored, these stay-at-home Type As are ditching their designer suits and starting online businesses from the comfort of home.
They call themselves mompreneurs and they're staking out new territory on the web.
Not too long ago, mothers used to get advice and swap tips the old-fashioned way -- over a cup of coffee or a playdate at the park. Today's multitasking moms need only turn on their computer and head to the Internet to trade information, exchange recipes and shop online.
But social-networking on the web -- check out sites such as Savvymom.ca and Mommyclub.ca -- has done more than bring women together to give each other tips and support. Women have realized they have valuable services they can sell -- directly to each other and around the world online.
"Mompreneurs is a made-up word, but we are mothers who are inspired by our experience and recognize there is a gap in the marketplace for a certain product or service that needs to be filled for moms or their children. Technology is driving this trend," says Minnow Hamilton, co-founder of SavvyMom Media and online publisher of savvymom.ca, which has 22,000 subscribers across Canada and four city-specific editions, including one for Ottawa.
"Moms are spending more and more time online," says Hamilton, who is based in Toronto. "A lot of mompreneurs agree they are spending as much time working at home as they used to in the office. But there is more flexibility with online businesses, and the women feel good and are more motivated about what they are doing."
In Ottawa, dozens of moms have thriving online businesses, and in some cases have been so successful, they've had to expand into retail space. We highlight five of them.
LILOU ORGANICSwww.lilou-organics.comMompreneur Lisa Schmidt was motivated to start her online business while reading the labels on skin-care products for children shortly after the birth of her daughter.
Alarmed by the number of suspected harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens found in name-brand products, she spent countless hours sourcing companies that met her standards for natural and organic ingredients.
"With personal-care products, the label doesn't mean anything," says Schmidt. "'Natural' doesn't mean there are no chemicals. It's scary what people are putting on their faces."
Schmidt, who now has two daughters aged one and two, studied the Ottawa-area marketplace and felt there was a need for what she had to offer. In August 2006, she founded Lilou Organics, a primarily online business that offers chic, non-toxic organic products for everyone in the family.
The 34-year-old is on leave from her teaching job at Woodroffe High School, where her husband Brian is also a teacher.
Last August, the couple moved to Richmond and opened a showroom in the commercial space attached to their home, where their products are on display with testers and samples for people to try.
"I don't have day care, so I work every single night and around nap times," says Schmidt. "I'm in more of a rhythm now, but it was very challenging juggling a newborn and a new business at the same time."
A self-confessed material girl, Schmidt spent years working in retail while a student and knows the value of good customer service. She offers free gift wrapping and personal greeting cards with the purchase of prepackaged gift items.
"Online shopping is so convenient for moms with small children. Who wants the hassle of bundling up everyone to go shopping?"
Lilou offers 16 different lines from all over the world, including Aubrey Organics for men, Earth Mama Angel Baby, Juice Beauty, Peacekeeper cosmetics and TweenBeauty.
Janet Wilson is a Citizen writer and editor.
