Scrapbook Mamma

www.scrapbookmamma.com

Why You Left Your Last Job:   My last job left me, so to speak. I was downsized from my job as the Corporate Director of Revenue Management Training for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.

How You Started Your Business:      In 2007, while I was working a full time as a Corporate Trainer  and in the month my quadruplet daughters turned 1 years old, I began thinking about starting my own business. I wanted to find a way to work towards leaving corporate life and doing my own thing. With 4 small daughters at home, I needed a flexible schedule and to be in more control of my destiny. I was travelling quite a bit, and sometimes on very short notice. I had no problem with this when I was single and did not have children, but at this stage in my life, I needed a change. After 11 years, I am no longer with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, due to a lay off in December 2008 and I am now living my goal of working for myself, and loving it! I have had a few opportunities to go back to the hotel business in the last few months, and honestly it has been tempting to go back to a regular pay check, but I am committed to making my business a success. My company is called Scrapbook Mamma and I make custom photo books for those who want to do something wonderful with their pictures, but don’t have the time or the inclination to do it themselves. This was something I did for myself often with the millions of pictures I had of my daughters and gave as gifts to family and friends. It was my creative outlet, and a hobby I could do while having 4 babies to care for. I had so many other people tell me they wish they could have someone make something like that for themselves with their pictures and an idea was sparked.  I thought it might make a nice little business and when I found myself without a job, I decided to jump in with both feet. To say I have taken a cut in pay is the understatement of the year, but  I am so happy to be putting my efforts to a company that is my passion and gives me so much joy. Since have been able to devote all my time to my business, it is thriving. I am looking at many opportunities for expansion, and possibly to franchise my idea to help other working mothers go out on their own as well.

What Does Success Mean To You:      At this point in my life truly enjoying what I do and who I work for is far more gratifying than monetary rewards. Even though I am not financially solvent yet, I feel successful because I love my work, and the lifestyle I have now. My daughters just turned three years old and I have so much more time to spend with them, yet I still work every day, which is something I need to do for myself. I have a great work life balance and that is what success means to me!

MaryBeth Reeves
Scrapbook Mamma

 

 

<< previous • SUCCESS STORIES • next >>