Mom of the Month
April 2009

Who is Dreama?
I am Dreama, a workaholic stay at home mom to two daughters, Emily 9 and Katie, who just turned 15 and got her learners permit, HELP! I dreamt of children my whole life, so when both girls came in my 40’s I was thrilled. They have been my inspiration! Also my mom, who runs a Home Health Agency overseeing more than 100 certified nursing assistants. She is 76 and truly amazing. She has always encouraged me to reach for the stars.

What do you sell?
I sell both manufactured and hand made affordable doll clothing, shoes and accessories for American Girl Dolls, Bitty Baby, and Bitty Twins.

Why did you decide to start a home business?
I did not intend to have a “home business”, just a little something for myself to earn extra money to spend on my children. My daughter was so involved with her dolls at this time, and since I was also a doll lover, it became an easy choice to do something you love. However, finding just the right clothes was not an easy task. I started sketching, and soon I had my own designs that were not available anywhere else. I started with my own doll clothing line, but discovered the demand for these items outweighed the time I had to spend. After finding my first supplier, I was on my way selling doll clothing on ebay. I have always enjoyed sewing, I started at age 12 when we were financially unable to buy many store bought clothes. I babysat to earn money for fabric and made my own patterns. Doing something I loved enabled me to enjoy both, my family and my craft.

How did you get started?
Actually starting a website was due to a dear customer that also had her own top jewelry website. She was so encouraging and gave me the push I  needed to get started. She was there every step of the way those first few months when I became discouraged and I must say, had more patience than I deserved. She was responsible for leading me to a fantastic web designer that designed exactly what I wanted. I owe a lot to these two ladies, they basically were the force that started, and named, byDreama.

What do you enjoy?
Having my own website, I am in control. I had previously listed on auction sites and was very unhappy with the rules and costs. It is so rewarding to see something you have helped create.

How do you balance work and family?
Balancing both work and family is very challenging. I try to do most of my work while the girls are away at school; of course this is not always possible. I just try to make sure I am available for all important functions and each day take time to fulfill both their daily and emotional needs. During holidays, I don’t always do a great job, but they love me anyway.

What is your biggest success
My biggest success has been all the wonderful emails and comments from customers. I have met so many wonderful people across not only our country, but the world. To hear how happy they are with my products is very rewarding. To do something you enjoy and have others happy with what you do, I consider a success.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by my family of course, but also by other ladies I have met that are also WAHM business owners. What great groups to laugh with, learn from, and be inspired by. And of course, also the ones that helped me get started; to those I am very grateful.
I would like to one day be able to get back to the drawing board, and my roots, by designing once again. Seeing your own work is by far more rewarding that someone else’s.
 

Can you share your tips
I’m sure there have been a lot of wonderful tips already given, mine are simple. You must stay the course and push ahead. It is so easy to become distracted. You must follow up with customers and make sure communication is there. Problems seldom arise, but customer service is of utmost importance. Sometimes customers do not always know what they want, and knowing the right questions to ask can help you evaluate their needs. A happy customer is top priority and repeat business is the ultimate goal.
Also, I have found that offering a clearance section really helps in my business. I have people emailing me constantly asking, “are you going to have more on clearance.” I try to have things regularly, in this economy; it is an alternative to people wanting to spend less. You may find things on sale with a supplier or just extras, but they will benefit your business.

Advice to someone just getting started in today’s economy
If I were starting a business today in this economy, I would first look at ways to save the customer money. Try to choose an item that is frequently used or wanted and find a way to make it affordable and attractive to your customers. Of course, it should also be something you believe in, because without passion for your product, you will probably not have the desire and tools you need to succeed.

What is the best way you promote your business?
I have found that having an informative newsletter works best in promoting my business. I started using a company to maintain my customer list; it puts my name and website out to many more than I could do alone with the tools they offer. Also, always carry business cards everywhere. You never know where you may meet a new customer. I met one in the parking lot of a theatre carrying an American Girl Doll, it was a great opportunity.

What are your business goals for 2009
My goals for 2009 are pretty simple. Continue to go with my instincts and not the trends, try to learn something new each day that will enhance my business, and bring new customers, continue to focus on customer service and what they expect, and maintain a happy home. Should be an easy job, after all I am a woman!
 

Do you have a favorite quote?
I have many favorite quotes, many are posted around my house, especially about our faith, but I also have a couple life quotes that I feel are beneficial especially to someone just starting.

"It’s always too soon to quit!"
I think people expect things to come to them too easily, we must understand that anything worth having takes time and much effort.

“You have not lost the race until you quit” - something I always tell my children. Perseverance pays off.

”You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself”