Mama Beads & Baby Baubles in the Top 100 and in the Top 10 of the “Most Glamorous and Most Innovative” Categories
Congratulations to Mama Beads & Baby Baubles, located in Abington, Pennsylvania, for being named in the Top 100 for 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and in the Top 10 of the Most Glamorous and Most Innovative Categories. We caught up with business owner and entrepreneur Amy Martin and asked her to answer some questions and share some words of advice and inspiration with our StartupNation audience.
Tell Us About Your Journey
StartupNation: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Amy: I love that I am able to control my own destiny! I have complete say over creativity and if I need a day off that’s my choice to make:)
StartupNation: To what do you attribute your success as an entrepreneur and business owner?
Amy: Customer service is number one!! After being an executive chef in the restaurant business for many years I learned first hand how important your customer is, without them you have no business! So take care of them and they will return the favor. I also pride myself in my quality of work/craftsmanship and create unique, custom, one of a kind jewelry.
StartupNation: What ignited the spark in you to start/select your particular business as an entrepreneur?
Amy: After a diagnosis of a Multiple Sclerosis forced me to retire from my chosen profession as a chef, I struggled to find my passion. Several years later I married, we had two children both girls and my world was soon painted pink! Having fun dressing up and accessorizing with my girls was a regular part of my day. I toyed with several ideas of how to incorporate mommy life into my former life as a chef but really couldn’t put in the kind of time and energy it would take for a venture like that. Many years ago as a young woman living on my own, I made beaded jewelry that I’d sell at craft fairs to make some spending money. I began to dabble in the beading world again and then one day a friend showed me a picture of a “bubblegum” beaded necklace. She asked me if I could make one for her daughter, not wanting to turn down any business I said sure! Now where am I going to get those beads? One year later, I’ve made it my business! I now incorporate key chains, hair clips using “felties”: little felt & embroidery thread characters I add to little girls’ hair clips as well as ready to sell and custom “bubblegum” bead necklaces and bracelets. I get a great sense of accomplishment and pride especially after a week of non-stop orders! I want to be an example to my daughters that no matter what life throws you, you can achieve anything if you have the drive, passion and work hard.
StartupNation: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Amy: Know your market. Is there a market for your product? Creativity. Can you provide a product that is fun and creative and unique. And of course you need to know how to eventually make a profit!! So find a good accounting program, crunch your numbers and take a leap of faith!
Words of Wisdom – Inspiration for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
StartupNation: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Amy: Find your passion and make it your career.
Inspiration
StartupNation: Where do you find your greatest inspiration?
Amy: From my daughters and my parents.
StartupNation: A motto you live by?
Amy: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Marketing and Building Their Customer Base
StartupNation: How do you market and build your customer base?
Amy: I used Facebook. Built a business page and did some paid advertising. Other than that my business is word of mouth.
Learn more about Amy’s business and view other businesses that entered and placed in the competition by clicking here for the top ten and a full list 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and entrants.
Do you have a startup? Are you a passionate entrepreneur with an idea that has taken off and want to share your success with others? Would you like your business to receive priceless exposure in the media and be positioned to take your business to the next level? Then join us this fall for the 8th Annual StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition which ranks outstanding home-based businesses and the amazing people behind them! Watch for your change to enter! In the meantime, be sure to visit us daily for new content to support and grow your business!
