Please say hello to Felicia Lee who runs the local chapter of Enterprising Moms Network.
These days, with more and more start-ups in the small biz world, organizations like EMN can really take the pinch out of the lonely, in-the-wind feeling we business owners/moms can sometimes experience. This is networking at its most helpful and finest.
The Jane Photo May charity is Parent Support BC. This is a great and longterm local organization where parents can turn for help in managing raising kids. How you can help them: Send your friends and family to the blog to leave a comment, and each comment during May will earn Parent Support BC $1. It’s such a little thing, but it can make such a big difference to a small organization. We are happy to send them a cheque for up to $200 at the end of the month, depending on how many comments you leave, so please be generous and help them out. You must leave your email to leave a comment, but we don’t collect them and they don’t appear on the blog.
Felicia Lee
EMN Vancouver Chapter Director
604.602.1909
vancouver@enterprisingmomsnetwork.com
www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com/vancouver
twitter: @vanEMN
Here are some words from Felicia:
When did Enterprising Moms Network begin?
Enterprising Moms Network was launched in October of 2007 with the mission of empowering moms with the skills and resources that will enable them to be successful, strong women for themselves, and for their children.
When did the local chapter begin?
The Vancouver chapter launched in August 2009, and we have since grown to almost 40 members.
Tell us about what moms can expect to experience if they join.
As a mom entrepreneur, you face many different hurdles and challenges than other entrepreneurs. EMN offers you a place to come to remind you that you aren’t alone and that it is possible to be a good mom and a good business woman as well. We combines topics that are relevant to YOU – from business topics such as marketing, budgeting, loan assistance to health concerns, raising children, and relationships. In addition, we invite dynamic speakers who are leading experts and successful mom entrepreneurs to share their experiences and knowledge with you. EMN has it all – including invaluable networking opportunities, extensive resources and an online forum for you to access throughout the month.
There is no risk to check out EMN – first time guests attend for free!
What would you like area mompreneurs to know about your business?
The thing I love most about EMN is seeing how members have come to know each other and are supporting each others in the past year. We are not about handing out business cards and forced referrals. Business opportunities and collaborations happen regularly, but it happens organically. Through our small group discussions, members have a chance to really get to know each other on a much deeper level than your other typical networking meetings.
In addition to running Enterprising Moms Network, I also run a Business Coaching Practice (www.candeo.ca) working with entrepreneurs on systematizing their sales, marketing, and business development such that business growth isn’t left to chance. I absolutely love the many mom entrepreneurs that I get to meet on a regular basis, and playing a part in enabling their success!
Tell us if you will about your family/kids.
My husband Sean and I have two amazing daughters, Allison and Lauren, and they are 3 and 1 year-old respectively. We also have a dog, Scruffy, a Jack Russell Terrier who is 10 years old. My parents are retired and live with us, so it’s a very busy household!
What is the best thing about being a mom and running a busy business?
Being able to set your own hours, and having the flexibility to decide when and where I work. For example – I don’t work on Friday mornings, and I take Allison to art and dance classes, then we play in a park before having lunch together. I love our Mommy-and-me Fridays!
What is the most challenging thing?
It’s probably no surprise – time! I struggle with trying to do too much. What I’m working on this year is giving myself permission to enjoy the process of being a mother and being a business owner. I’m learning not to rush so much through each day. Now I force myself to schedule “me” days – days where I don’t book meetings, and where I just spend time doing something that I like – it could be going for a pedicure, or spending time reading a book not related to business, or having a nice lunch with a friend.
Any advice for mom businesswomen as they launch businesses or go forward with them?
You are not an island! There are many resources and communities available for mompreneurs. Seek out other successful mompreneurs and learn from them. Find a mentor, a peer group, or a group of like-minded people to support you in your entrepreneurial journey. Many of your challenges have been solved before, so there is no need to make mistakes that you can avoid through talking and learning from others.
by admin
show hide 2 comments