mompreneur interview: ellie bags

Mompreneur: Deanna
Business: Ellie Bags
Website: http://www.elliebags.com

Tell us about your business
We started our Ellie Bags™ store to make life simpler for moms & dads. Our feature product is the amazing new Over Tote System™, “The smart new way to carry a diaper bag.” We also have our “Make Life Simpler Collection” which is full of products that make your day a little easier.

What inspired you start your business?
As a new mom, I was tired of constantly switching things back and forth between my purse and the diaper bag. And I really didn’t like lugging around a big diaper bag when I only needed a few things. I enlisted the help of my mom and we found a solution. The Over Tote™ carries all of your baby supplies and goes OVER your purse!

How long has your business been in business?
We’re brand new! We opened in August and are still celebrating our grand opening.

What did you do in your past work life?
Actually, in my current work life I am a 3rd grade teacher. I was lucky enough to have the time to create my business while I was on leave. Wish me luck doing both this fall!

What is your ideal workday like?
I love networking and meeting other moms that are doing the same thing. It’s so great to learn from others and then to be able to pass that knowledge on. The best part has been being able to see my son’s smiling face “at work.”

What have been some of your major successes and challenges?
One of my biggest successes is with networking and meeting new people. That has opened up so many different opportunities to learn and grow my business. It has been challenging because this is all so new to me. I’ve had to learn and research how to do every step. Right now the biggest challenge is getting the Over Tote™ out there for everyone to see. It’s new and unique, so it’s difficult to explain how it works.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
My family and friends have been very supportive. Their enthusiasm and excitement is a real boost for me. I also remind myself how exciting it is that it’s possible to create something and turn it into reality. Of course, my son is my biggest inspiration. His smile is all it takes to lift my spirits.

Do you have a motivational quote?
I am a bit of a quote fanatic, so I have many! However, nothing beats the poem, “It Couldn’t be Done” by Edgar A. Guest. It has already been a blog entry of mine. http://twurl.nl/hl5jht

If there was one piece of advice you could give to your children about running a successful business, what would it be?
You have to be willing to put in the time. But if it’s something you love doing, you might actually look forward to the hard work!

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
It’s about fitting things in where they go best. If my son is enjoying playing with his toys, I can jump on the computer and get a few things done. And when he goes to bed I can concentrate on the bigger projects.

Do you have a favorite business tool and/or resource?
I have learned so many new things this year. I would have to say that I really enjoy blogging. I love that it gives me a “home base” where people can learn a little bit about me and can also check out anything else I have posted, like my facebook page, how to follow me on twitter, our You Tube Video, etc. Check out my blog, Mommy’s Idea, at http://mommysidea.blogspot.com

What advice would you offer to aspiring mompreneurs?
Get online and talk to other mompreneurs. You will learn so much from them. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

What is next for your business?
We’re just trying to get out there so that everyone can see our product. We want people to be saying, “That’s really cool, what is it?!”

Your two cents sales pitch?
I absolutely love my Over Tote™. It has made it so simple to leave the house, whether I’m on my own or with my sweet little guy. We’re hoping we can help make your life a little simpler too. It’s mom-invented and handmade in the USA. Please stop by and say hello on our guestbook!