Just Bloomed

04/02/2018

Really happy to see this in our "home" airport. Great work, Mamava!

PHL says the lactation suite, installed in Terminal F, offers a clean, comfortable, and stress-free environment for nursing mothers.

02/27/2018

“I’m so comfortable just nursing my son anywhere,” she said.

What a beautiful moment! We wish more advertising included breastfeeding as the normal part of life that it is.

For hundreds of Instagram followers, it was a powerful moment that normalized breastfeeding – a mother nursing her son. But the image, captured in a Gap advertisement for sleepwear, was just a typical moment with her son for Adaora Akubilo.

02/01/2018

What a great sight to see during the State of the Union address on Tuesday. You go, momma!

Politics aside, seeing a momma nurse her little one, for all the world to see, is a HUGE win for our community! Did you see it??

10/26/2017

Less than two days until we make our TV debut! Philly friends, check us out on Fox29 this Saturday morning during the 8am hour of Good Philadelphia. Hope you can tune in!

10/12/2017

How cool is this!

The emoji from Apple is finally here! The newest round of emoji also include dinosaurs, dumplings and ‘ILY’

Check out all the new emoji here >> https://nyti.ms/2xZ7f1X

10/11/2017

Our next business is Purposeful Networking. This is something we all could use to find out a bit more about each other!

Jennifer Lynn Robinson, Esquire
CEO Purposeful Networking TM
President, FemCity​ Philadelphia
Speaker |Trainer | TV Host | Moderator
www.purposefulnetworking.com

1. Tell us a little about your business?
I have two businesses. I founded and run Purposeful Networking. I do keynotes and workshops on various business networking topics to help people be more comfortable and strategic with their networking efforts. I work with companies, non-profits, universities and conferences. Last year I became President of FemCity Philadelphia. We are a women's business networking organization of about 1700 in the Greater Philadelphia region. We meet monthly in various locations around the city and suburbs. purposefulnetworking.com femcityphiladelphia.com

2. What made you start your own small business? I was a litigator for 12 years and had a near death accident in 2008. Besides having very serious physical injuries I had a traumatic brain injury that prevented me from going back into a courtroom at the time due to cognitive impairments. I never had any plans to be an entrepreneur but started in 2011 feeling that as I was still recovering and having surgeries it was best to have more control over my work schedule than to stay at a corporate job.

3. What had been the biggest blessing and the biggest challenge of running a small business? The biggest blessing is building something for yourself and watching it grow. It has also been amazing to have such a strong entrepreneur community around me. Nearly all of my network was in the legal community before. The biggest challenge is that everything falls on you and your are dealing with your business 24/7. And without a regular paycheck!

4. Would you have done anything differently? Yes there are definitely things I spent monies on early on as far as organizations and marketing that I wish I had not done. When you first start out there are things that you do because you think you "should" and you don't know any better. Part of my goal with Purposeful Networking is to help make sure others do not make those mistakes.

5. What advice would you give to women thinking of starting their own business? Although it is comfortable to network only with other women don't do it. I say that even though I am in charge of a wonderful women's organization. Force yourself to go to co-ed networking events and grow your network.

6. Tell us about another women owned small business that you've had a great experience with or love their product. There are so many! But I will highlight one I have used just this past week. There is a local program called YEA- Philadelphia which stands for Young Entrepreneurs Academy. It is very much like a kids shark tank. The winner this year was Littlebags.BIGIMPACT. Anna Welsh (the founder) is only 12 years old! I just bought one of her bags which I was able to customize online with a monogram and tassel. Please check her out. https://www.littlebagsbigimpact.com/impact
You can also learn more about YEA here and even volunteer to be a business mentor for the program: http://www.yeaphiladelphia.org/

Are you networking with purpose?

10/09/2017

Next up is a business that'll make your mouth water
Andrea Polizzi, Co-Founder/Chief Waffatier
Waffatopia
www.waffatopia.com


1. Tell us a little about your business?
Waffatopia was started by myself and later joined by my husband (Brian Polizzi) in the hopes of introducing the Liege waffle from Belgium to the U.S. Our goals were to provide a unique, handmade artisan treat for both convenience, and new traditions. Our Liege style waffles are similar to those served right on the streets of Belgium, and are made from a yeast risen brioche style dough (not waffle batter) which over the course of two days, is cared for by our Waffary staff (our Waffatiers). :) The addition of Belgian Pearl Sugar during baking, produces a caramelization to the waffle yielding a semi-sweetness for a no-syrup required treat. We are an online business, shipping thousands of boxes a year all over the U.S. and we've been so happy to become that special breakfast, awesome gift, and new family tradition to so many.

2. What made you start your own small business?
I've always wanted to do something for myself, and although I've had a great career in the corporate sector, something about these waffles and their ability to bring such happiness just kept leading me down the road of developing Waffatopia. I've always considered myself a bit of a "foodie" and international travels always had me bringing back something unique for us to enjoy. These waffle stuck...and I just knew there was something special to introduce to folks all over the country.

3. What had been the biggest blessing and the biggest challenge of running a small business?
Being your own boss can have tremendous ups and downs. In the early stages, you are EVERYTHING. You are research and development, production, marketing, advertising, Human Resources, accounting, legal, maintenance...everything! While that is a substantial and sometimes overwhelming challenge, the learning experience is simply invaluable. You never really appreciate or understand something until you have done it for yourself, and while running a small business comes with its daily challenges, the largest blessing is that each day, you become smarter and smarter...learning every singe minute and then putting those learnings back into your business investments. Then, as you branch out and hire team members, you already have an appreciation for their roles and responsibilities they can bring to your company, because you have done them yourself.

4. Would you have done anything differently?
At least at this stage....I'm happy to say...nope! :)

5. What advice would you give to women thinking of starting their own business?
I can't stress enough the importance of having a strategy and plan. You've probably heard it a million times, but in helping out other businesses in the past several years with strategic thoughts and development of their plans, we see that often times these "business plans" consist of a few short sentences which expect to morph into a successful business by themselves. I always want to see that individuals have a well thought out business idea consisting of market research, sales planning, financing (and that's a huge one), and various other aspects specific to their particular product or service. If you don't have the time to formulate a written document with well thought out plans, then you will rarely make time for the actual running of the business. Serious businesses require serious planning, pivoting and ex*****on. I also understand (from direct experience) that "you don't know what you don't know", and research into all aspects of your business should very well turn up things you don't understand or need help on. Get that help! There are experts out there that can give you those critical nuggets of information that can turn one paragraph of a business plan into pages, simply from that new knowledge. Nothing brings us more joy now than learning from our experiences, and being able to pass that on to others that have the same dreams we do!

6. Tell us about another women owned small business that you've had a great experience with or love their product.
We'll stick to the "foodie" side of things for now, and I'd say check out Nomadic Pies, Taste Artisanal Market cheese spreads and honeys, and Katja's Empanadas! :)

10/04/2017

Our next featured business is going to motivate you to get yourself organized!

Carrie Kauffman, Professional Organizer
Owner, Carrie's Essential Services, LLC


1. Tell us a little about your business?
I’m Carrie Kauffman, an award winning professional organizer, member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC) and owner of Carrie’s Essential Services, LLC. I provide organizing services, in homes & offices, on the Main Line and surrounding communities. Carrie’s Essential Services specializes in moving & packing, preparing homes for sale, office setup including document, billing and filing management as well as general organizing & de-cluttering.
My innovative approach introduces functional systems that work for your lifestyle. Whether you are looking for increased productivity and performance for your office or just a welcoming space in your home you can be proud of, we’ll achieve it together.
I am resourceful, honest and transparent when it comes to my process and communicating with my clients. I believe people will enjoy their spaces more when they learn to let go of things that no longer serve them.

2. What made you start your own small business?
I really wanted a career that would work with my life and the needs of my family. I have twins, one with special needs. That meant when they started kindergarten they went to two different schools in two different townships. That in itself involves a lot of organizing! Children with varying needs, two different school schedules, frequent time out of the office for me or my husband…I needed something that would give me the flexibility to put my family first, while still making time to do what I love. The ability to control my own schedule, as a small business owner seemed like a perfect fit. So I did my homework and took a huge leap of faith! I started my organizing business one month after the kids started kindergarten and I haven’t looked back. Carrie’s Essential Services will celebrate 5 years in business on October 1, 2017!

3. What had been the biggest blessing and the biggest challenge of running a small business?
My biggest blessing is getting to do what I love, everyday. I can’t wait to get started on each new project. I get to share my talents with others and make a difference in just a few hours. I get to be with my kids on their days off and be there when they have special events at school. I'm able to take off when needed and work when I want to work.
My biggest challenge is telling myself that it's ok to take a break. When you’re used to always answering your phone or responding to emails, it's hard to just that shut down. But it’s important to take time to relax, unwind and recharge, doing something just for you. My husband reminds me why I started the business and the rewards that come with it…including working when I want to and taking time off when I want to, as well.

4. Would you have done anything differently?
I can't stay that I would've done anything differently. I'm still giving the same service as I did when I first started and I still give 100% to each and every client. I stick to my approach. I made a decision not to charge a consult fee because I know that clients' may have anxiety or stress even before I walk in the door. I want them to know that I'm invested in their project just as much as they are…that their time is precious, just as mine is.

5. What advice would you give to women thinking of starting their own business?
-Get organized at home and work, before starting any business. It takes work but it’s the only way to be successful at both.
-Get your spouse or partner to buy in. This decision, and the lifestyle that comes with it, involves them, as much as you.
-Understand what your time is worth. Research your industry before setting rates. Ask other professionals in your business.
-Ask yourself how much money do you need to make each month to cover your expenses. Make sure you’re happy with what your bringing home.
-Determine your working/office hours. Know what your day to day will entail and what your time commitment looks like, not only during the week but weekends, as well.

6. Tell us about another woman owned small business that you've had a great experience with or love their product.
I can always see the potential in a space…what it will look like, how it will function after it's been decluttered and organized. The final product energizes my clients. They want to take it to the next level, maybe a fresh coat of paint or a whole new look. I am lucky to have great working relationships with other home services providers, including many talented interior designers and decorators. Amy Cuker of Down 2 Earth Interior Design, Kimberly Barr of Kimberly Barr Interior Design, Liz MacDonald of Shelf Help, Carrie Soroush ARC Interiors are among my favorite partners. If clients are looking for window treatments or custom cushions for benches I refer them to Michele Kincade Window Treatments by Michele or Claudia Clobes Yudis of Urban Loft Window Treatments. These talented business owners help me take my client’s space to the next level.

Professional Organizer Serving the Philadelphia Suburbs. Organizing Your Home, Office, Life.

10/03/2017

We had a great time showing off Just Bloomed on Good Day Philadelphia on FOX 29! Our Bizzy Moms segment will air later this month. Stay tuned!

10/01/2017

October is National Women’s Small Business Month. What better way to celebrate than to feature some other small businesses owned by local women. We'll be featuring several woman owned small businesses per week. Go ahead and check them out - you'll be as amazed with them as we are!

Our first featured business:
Dana Zificsak, Agent with Magical Moments Vacations
Travel Planner
http://magicalmomentsbydana.com/


1. Tell us a little about your business?
I am a fee-free vacation planner who specializes in Disney and Sandals/Beaches resorts in the Caribbean.

2. What made you start your own small business?
I was previously a teacher and I had a long commute to the school I worked at, and once I had my son (who is now 5) I wanted to be home with him more. I started this business when he was 1 and I was able to go full time in it when he was 2.

3. What had been the biggest blessing and the biggest challenge of running a small business?
The biggest blessing is being able to become a part of my clients' lives and help them design experiences that their family will remember forever.
The biggest challenge is the work-life balance. I work from home and set my own schedule. It's a blessing to have a flexible schedule and to be able to help at my son's school and spend time with him during the day. At the end of the day, all the work I have in my inbox still needs to be done, and many times I'm up until midnight catching up, I wouldn't trade it for anything though.

4. Would you have done anything differently?
I think the only thing I wish I had done differently was to get started in this business sooner! I love my clients and the work I do for them.

5. What advice would you give to women thinking of starting their own business?
You have to have a mindset of success. When I first started, I was either working on a clients' trip or thinking of ways to promote myself. I didn't just wait for people to find me, I put myself out there-- on Facebook and at events and built from there.

6. Tell us about another woman owned small business that you've had a great experience with or love their product.
This is a hard question, because I know so many! One of my favorites is Lisa Anastasia Photography, owned by Lisa Ochwat. Her style is unique and her photos are beautiful.