Learn How this Mompreneur Built a Business from a Love Letter!
Nothing puts a smile on your face, like getting a love letter. And apparently no one knew this better than Linda, wife, mother and founder/ owner of Kind Notes, a successful mompreneur business that sells decorative jars filled with customizable kind notes.
Her imaginative idea came to her a few years ago when she wanted to send her boyfriend (now husband) a love letter for each day he was away, but thought a daily love letter might be a bit much. So instead she sent him short and sweet little notes, a new one for each day.
Linda’s hubby really enjoyed reading a new note each day. It wasn’t long after that, Linda realized that other people might also enjoy the warm and fuzzy feeling that comes from starting a new day with a special, little note from someone who loves them. She also thought people might appreciate a business that sells these kind notes already packaged elegantly for them.
She was right.
Below is my interview this lovely mompreneur. She talks about her biz, how it started, where it is now and how she manages this successful company that sells worldwide while putting her family first! If you are a budding mompreneur looking for a little inspiration…then grab a cup of coffee and read on…
1.) What is your business? Please describe in detail.
We exclusively manufacture customizable jars of messages enclosed in mini decorative envelopes, to be opened each day. Words of inspiration, love or thanks, or even a fond memory, these 31 notes will send a smile to the recipient. KindNotes has been said by many to be a unique gift that is expressive and meaningful, suitable for any occasion and everyone, especially for those who have everything.
You may choose from a variety of collections or add your personal touch by customizing your KindNotes® in five quick and easy steps with an interactive wizard, selecting the container, filling, ribbon, envelope design, and message options (A. Choose from our library of more than 500 messages; B. Request blank papers; C. Request your personalized messages to be handwritten for you).
Each order is completely assembled and put together according to the customization so that you don’t have to do a thing, from your messages being folded and stuffed into each envelope, to their very presentation inside the container.
Our products are made with high quality materials and are finely crafted to be treasured and reopened year after year.
2.) Is it a local, national or int’l business?
We offer our products and services worldwide.
3.) Who is your target market?
Our market consists of both men and women between the ages of 18-65.
4.) What made you decide to go into business for yourself?
I made the first version of KindNotes for my then-boyfriend-now-husband several years ago. I thought about the pleasant feeling of receiving a personal letter in the mail each day, but soon-after thought the long letters might just scare him away so I wrote 31 short notes onto small pieces of paper, stuffed them into plain miniature envelopes and put them in an embellished jar. My husband then began each day with a note that made him smile.
Several years later, we decided to share the idea and make it available to everyone, knowing that people have no time, have trouble thinking of unique gifts, or have a difficult time expressing their thoughts. It’s a great way to spread kindness!
5.) What made you decide on this particular business?
I’ve always liked crafting meaningful gifts and my husband loved opening the notes each morning – if he liked it that much, why not share the idea with others and provide a service to hand-make it for them? It was worth a try and soon proved to be a great decision.
6.) How long have you been working at it now?
It’s been about 3 years.
7.) Are you working to supplement household income or replace your previous full time income? Or just as an outlet for yourself?
It’s truly rewarding to know that people out there are beginning each day with a smile. Even if it requires a good amount of time to make the KindNotes according to each customization, we make sure that our prices are affordable and reasonable. It’s worth it to know that our products help spread kindness to others.
8.) How many kids do you have or planning to have?
I have a 5-month-old son, Preston.
9.)If you currently have kids, describe in detail how you manage your kids, husband, home and business?
There is so much to do in a day that I sometimes stare blankly across the room, not knowing how or where to start. Luckily it lasts for only half a minute and I move forward with tackling my list of priorities. I always manage to keep a balanced schedule and make time to spend with my family. Making to-do lists and prioritizing are key.
10.) What are your future plans for the business and home life?
We keep our inventory fresh with new product releases throughout the year. We continuously look for ways to improve our products/services and hope to grow our marketing efforts for 2010. As for home life, I plan to keep my family close no matter how busy I become, giving my son the love and attention he needs.
11.) What is your best weapon against the stress of managing business and home?
If my mind is occupied with too many things that are causing me to become stressed, I remind myself “one thing at a time” and do the next most important thing on my list. My other favorite reminder is, “Be thankful for what you have”.
12.) Do you have any advice/tips on becoming successful as a mompreneur?
When I was younger, I would always hear the adults say “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it”. Now I know that this is a true piece of advice. If you feel strongly about something, just do it. If you turn out to be wrong, you’ll learn from it and move on to better opportunities.
Any additional thoughts?
**We offer envelopes/papers sold separately for those who want to make their own KindNotes – this saves them a lot of time. Strips of paper alone can be used but enclosing them in envelopes make it more exciting for the recipient to open and the presentation of the jar looks even better with the decorative envelopes.**
**We offer all troops an additional 20% off to help them stay connected with their family. They would need to request their discount code by emailing us at info@kindnotes.com using their military email address.**
Here are several ways to connect with us:
Thanks so much for your time Linda! Blessings to you and your family in 2010! For more great mompreneur stories, check out Featured Mompreneur at The Pursuit of Mommyness!
It always excites me whenever I see women put up their own businesses and become independent. Mompreneurs have great insights into marketing gaps and the effort they put in to juggle their time to balance home and business is really amazing. Cheers to all the moms who give it a go! I hope we will continue to see the rise of mompreneurs as future leaders of our businesses and communities.
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