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Member Spotlight: Dr. Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Learn more about the mom behind Parenting Playgroups … Where Parents Learn and Children Play … Dedicated to helping parents raise happy, successful children from birth through 10 years of age, and to help make their families stronger. Meet Rene on Tuesday, February 9th at 9:30am. Get details and register.

parenting playgroups Member Spotlight: Dr. Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups

Dr. Rene Hackney

Name: Rene Hackney, PhD.

Title: Founder

Business: Parenting Playgroups

Industry: Parent Education, Psychology, Children’s Play

Product/Service: Parent and Teacher Workshops, Preschool Play, Social Skills Groups

Years in Business: Six

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals: Parents of children birth to ten years old

Personally speaking …

Home life: Married 17 years with two daughters: Alicen 11, Claire 8

Childcare situation: They are home with a sitter summer mornings. They are with me after school and with dad when I lecture.

Motivation for starting your business: I wanted to work for myself, make decisions as I go. I enjoy teaching preschool and wanted to marry that with my education.

Greatest benefit of running your own business: Can take my children with me as needed.

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it: We opened our second office. No celebration yet, too early.

On your nightstand: Why Gender Matters, The Friendship Factor, The E Myth

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without: A toy – Facebook – love being in touch with so many friends.

Last purchase for self: Old Navy Flip Flops

Favorite way to unwind: Hot bath

Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz): If there is trouble, speak directly.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom: Meeting others who overlap efforts. I need to reach out more!

Connect and learn more:
Web Site | Blog | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Tags: Dr. Rene Hackney, Member Spotlight, Networking, Parenting
Posted in Family, Member Spotlight, Networking | No Comments »

Setting Goals and Intentions for 2010

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

What are your intentions for yourself, your family and your business as you head into the new year?

Too tied up in the frenzy of the holidays to give it much thought? No worries … Join us at the next Coffee and Connections where coaches Carolyn Semedo, of Apply Within, and Suzanne Caldwell, of Vital Coaching and Consulting, will help you get on track.

What: Setting Goals and Intentions for 2010
When: Tuesday, January 12 @ 9:30am
Where: Busboys and Poets – Arlington, VA

During this interactive event, you’ll:

Explore, clarify and get grounded in what’s most important to you, at your essence
Learn how to integrate those things and honor them in your everyday life
Understand the basis of those internal struggles, external conflicts and the ever-present “should” and “ought to” and learn what to do about them

Through coaching we’ll help you learn how to achieve a sense of alignment and integration so that you can set meaningful goals and intentions for your whole life from an empowered and grounded place.

Join us to learn how to get your new year off to the best start possible!

Shared by one business owner:

“I have found clients, friends and gotten information for services I need and hired those recommended service professionals. It is a good resource because being a part of the group offers a level of trust you wouldn’t find elsewhere. I have found such a supportive environment in which I have been able to get valuable feedback from a very talented group of women. It is an important group for me especially because it is valuable to have a resource of like-minded mamas.” — Jessica Christian, Photographer, Jessica Photo

Tags: coaching, consulting, Events, goals, Networking, planning
Posted in Business, Events, Networking, Work-Life Balance, Work-Life Integration | No Comments »

Holiday Biz-aar Thanks

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Thank you so much to all who participated in The Enterprising Moms first Holiday Biz-aar (see pictures on our Facebook Page). Despite the bad weather, the event was a success on many levels, and so a round of thanks …

Thanks to all of the vendors for making the event such a hit. I continue to be amazed by the talents of the women in this community!
Thanks to all of the fellow TEM members and shoppers who came out to shop and support our vendors and Spill the Beans. The energy in the room was palpable!
Thank you to portrait photographer Rebecca Weiner for our grand door prize of a winter portrait session with up to three children. And congratulations to the winner – Jennifer Folsom, who just happens to have three kids!

A very special thank you to Donna Memmo for opening the doors of Spill the Beans after hours to TEM and the community and providing the delicious food (especially loved the cupcakes!) and drinks that kept us going through the night.

When I approached Donna about hosting the event, she didn’t hesitate for a minute. True to the nature of The Enterprising Moms, she’s a true collaborator and was so eager to participate and to share her shop with us. So, tell your friends about Donna and Spill the Beans and:

Subscribe to her newsletter
Become a Facebook Fan
Visit her shop … to work, to play, to eat and drink, or just sneak away!

The food is fantastic (sorry, not a coffee drinker!) and the atmosphere is so welcoming. Spill is very family friendly with toys, books and games for kids (and health kid-friendly snack foods) and regularly scheduled entertainment. It’s also a great place for adults to meet and gather for work or play, with internet access for either! Learn more and check out the events calendar.

Thanks to all!

Tags: Collaboration, Events, hoiday biz-aar, Spill the Beans
Posted in Celebrate, Events, Networking | No Comments »

Member Spotlight: Donna Memmo

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Learn more about this Enterprising Mom of three and owner/operator of Spill the Beans Organic Coffee and Chat House, the host venue for our upcoming Holiday Biz-aar on Wednesday, December 2nd. Come out and enjoy Donna’s wonderful hospitality along with one-stop shopping featuring a variety of offerings from local entrepreneurial moms.

mario and donna Member Spotlight: Donna Memmo

Name: Donna Memmo
Title: Owner/Operator
Business: Spill the Beans – Organic Coffee and Chat House
Location: Alexandria, VA

Type of Business: (B2B, B2C, B2G): B2C
Industry: Food Service
Product/Service: Coffee/Bagels/Pastries/Lunch/Dinner
Years in Business: 1

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals: Everyone!

Personally speaking

Home life:
My husband (and support system) Mario (above), my daughter, and two little boys and I live in Hollin Hall, a cozy neighborhood in the Mt. Vernon area of Alexandria. We happened to find a property less than two miles from home, and are fortunate to work with and for her neighbors, friends, even her kids’ teachers and coaches!

Childcare situation:
My children are all school-aged, which was a requirement before we could embark on this adventure. My boys attend Ft. Hunt Elementary, which happens to be literally down the street from Spill the Beans!

Motivation for starting your business(es):
In this era of coffee house play dates, I saw a need for proper accommodations. Toys for the tots to play with enables mom an entire conversation or email written without interruption! I also saw a need for delicious foods without sacrificing quality or wholeness.

Greatest challenge you faced in starting your business?
Time is truly the greatest challenge. I love dealing with the public and pouring lattes for my
patrons, but am constantly trying to strike the balance between that and the management side of my work.

How you overcame it:
Still trying! I have been blessed with a super team, and they are all supportive when I need to “hide” in the office to churn out
a newsletter, plan an event or catch up on email!

Greatest benefit of running your own business:
Being with my kids almost as much as if I did not work….It’s also brought out a bond with my husband that was unexpected. We’ve joked for years that we never, ever agree on anything, but having the exact same goals for this business has finally put us on the same page!

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you
celebrated it:
Spill the Beans celebrated its One Year Anniversary this past Halloween! We had an all day celebration complete with entertainment … fun!

On your nightstand:
A notepad for when the wheels in my brain will not stop turning late at night. Three or four books which I have been trying to read since opening Spill the Beans … to no avail!

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
Blackberry and Google Calendar. I utilize the google calendar because I can manage all my calendars at once: sports, school events, Spill the Beans events, family appointments, etc.

Last purchase for self:
I honestly do not remember. Guess I should schedule a shopping day!

Favorite way to unwind:
Glass of wine with my husband.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
The support system! I love women helping women! This is what it’s all about!

Connect and learn more: Web Site | Blog | Facebook

Contact: Spill the Beans, Organic Coffee & Chat House | 703-780-3561

Tags: Alexandria Small Business, business-owner moms, Coffee House, Collaboration, Enterprising Mom, Entrepreneurial Mom, Holiday Biz-aar, Member Spotlight, Spill the Beans
Posted in Celebrate, Collaboration, Events, Member Spotlight, Networking, Small Business | No Comments »

The Enterprising Moms Holiday Biz-aar

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Join us for The Enterprising Moms’ first Holiday Biz-aar on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 hosted by Spill the Beans Organic Coffee and Chat House – owned and operated by fellow Enterprising Mom, Donna Memmo.

The event is two-fold opening with a networking and shopping event for mom-business owners from 6-7 pm followed by a public holiday shopping event from 7-9 pm.

All will enjoy light appetizers and a cash bar while indulging in fun and convenient one-stop shopping, just in time for the holidays!

The purpose of this community-focused Holiday Biz-aar is to:

Encourage the patronage of local small businesses
Invest in and give a boost to the local economy
Provide an opportunity for mom-business owners to build relationships while building businesses.

The Biz-aar will feature local entrepreneurial moms selling many unique and eco-friendly products lines, including:

children’s apparel and accessories

organic home organizational solutions

handcrafted jewelry

children’s hand-print keepsakes

artwork preservation solutions

creative stroller covers and more

botanically based skincare products

home goods and accents

Patrons will also be able to book sessions with a professional portrait photographer and a wine consultant.

When:
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
6 – 7 pm The Enterprising Moms Networking and Shopping Hour (Enterprising Moms: Registration Required)
7 – 9 pm Public Holiday Shopping Event

Where:
Spill the Beans Organic Coffee and Chat House
Fort Hunt Centre, 1900 Elkin Street, Alexandria, VA 22308

Spill the Beans, a locally owned coffee house with a loyal following, embraces moms and tots and general community, offering free wireless access, some organic and healthy lunch and dinner options, loose leaf teas and beer & wine. Spill is also a frequent host of parties and community events. If you haven’t been, you simply must – and let Donna know when sent you!

Tags: business-owner moms, Entrepreneurial Mom, Events, Holiday Bazaar, Holiday Biz-aar, Holiday Shopping, the enterprising moms, Women-Owned Businesses
Posted in Collaboration, Connecting, Events, Networking, Small Business | No Comments »

The Enterprising Moms is Coming to Fairfax County

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

TEM_Logo_Color Fairfax County business-owner moms shared a morning full of great ideas for fostering the growth of a community of The Enterprising Moms in the area during our Meet & Greet last week. We did lots of brainstorming and sketched out a path for moving forward that will foster a sense of community and provide opportunities to share, learn and grow. Planning is now underway. If you’d like to stay in the loop as things develop, please get in touch.

And, save the date for our next gathering on Thursday, November 19th. Details and registration at The Enterprising Moms.

Tags: business-owner moms, Entrepreneurial Moms, Events, Fairfax, Networking, Self-Emlo
Posted in Collaboration, Events, Networking, Small Business | No Comments »

The Enterprising Moms is Coming to Fairfax County – Join Us!

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

What: Meet & Greet – Fairfax County and nearby areas
When: Thursday, October 22nd, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Patriot Park, 12111 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22030

Want to connect with other self-employed, business-owner and entrepreneurial moms in Fairfax County and surrounding areas? Then join us for this newly forming monthly gathering as we lay the groundwork for a future area chapter of The Enterprising Moms.

Business savvy moms from Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William counties and nearby areas are invited to come out and meet moms who are traveling similar paths. Connect and collaborate, share insights and strategies, and participate in the evolution of this growing community of business-owner moms. This ongoing monthly gathering will evolve into a more structured meeting format and setting with featured speakers and presenters (from both within The Enterprising Moms community and beyond) on timely topics of importance to Enterprising Moms.

So, if you’re in the area, plan to join us, and bring a friend or two. And, spread the word!

While the event is free, registration is required. Get details and register.

Tags: business-owner moms, Entrepreneurial Moms, Events, Meet & Greet, Self-Employed Moms, the enterprising moms
Posted in Connecting, Events, Networking | No Comments »

Member Spotlight: Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups

Monday, August 17th, 2009

parenting playgroups Member Spotlight: Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups

Dr. Rene Hackney

Name: Rene Hackney, PhD.

Title: Founder

Business: Parenting Playgroups

Industry: Parent Education, Psychology, Children’s Play

Product/Service: Parent and Teacher Workshops, Preschool Play, Social Skills Groups

Years in Business: Six

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals: Parents of children birth to ten years old

Personally speaking …

Home life: Married 17 years with two daughters: Alicen 11, Claire 8

Childcare situation: They are home with a sitter summer mornings. They are with me after school and with dad when I lecture.

Motivation for starting your business: I wanted to work for myself, make decisions as I go. I enjoy teaching preschool and wanted to marry that with my education.

Greatest benefit of running your own business: Can take my children with me as needed.

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it: We opened our second office. No celebration yet, too early.

On your nightstand: Why Gender Matters, The Friendship Factor, The E Myth

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without: A toy – Facebook – love being in touch with so many friends.

Last purchase for self: Old Navy Flip Flops

Favorite way to unwind: Hot bath

Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz): If there is trouble, speak directly.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom: Meeting others who overlap efforts. I need to reach out more!

Connect and learn more:
Web Site: Parenting Playgroups
Blog: Working on this
LinkedIn: Rene Hackney
Facebook: Rene Giese Hackney but we are starting a page for work
Twitter: working on this too

Posted in Member Spotlight, Networking, Small Business | No Comments »

Member Spotlight: Jennifer Folsom

Monday, June 1st, 2009

Jennifer Folsom
Director, Momentum Resources

Type of Business: (B2B, B2C, B2G): B2B
Industry: Staffing
Product/Service: Part-time and flexible full time staffing
Years in Business: 1.5 yrs

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:
Small to medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations looking to hire permanent or contract part-time or flexible full-time in a variety of fields, from CPAs and Accountants to Bookkeepers, Project Managers and Virtual Assistants.

Personally speaking …

Home life:
7 year old identical twin boys, 22 month old son, husband is software and management consultant

Childcare situation:
Belle View Elementary School & part-time nanny

Motivation for starting your business:
As a former investment banker and management consultant juggling twins and a more than full-time career, I knew there was a huge talent pool out there of women just like me who would trade any number of things, salary, title, etc, for just a little bit of flexibility so that they could gain a better work life balance. Smart companies and organizations are hiring these women (and some men) at very cost-effective rates to get the job done with lower overhead and risk.

Greatest benefit of running your own business:
Flexibility! Though I work harder than I have in my life I am absolutely passionate about this work. I know that we are doing good for both our candidates, who get careers that make sense with their family lives, and clients, who save money AND get high-quality work done. I’m able to have a big breakfast with my kids each morning, send them to school, get a little one on one time with the baby, work hard for 6 hours, get the kids OFF the bus for the crazy homework/dinner/bed hours, and then go back to work. By working when my kids sleep (5-7 am, naps, evening) and are at school, I am really getting the best of both worlds.

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:
In the past month, I’ve been able to place a Virtual Assistant and Research Assistant with Michele Norris, host of NPR’s All Things Considered (and personal hero of mine). I found a Mandarin Chinese translator on 48 hours notice that is half the cost of a friends’ prior translating service, putting a stay-at-home to work on her own terms and saving this firm thousands of dollars each month. And I had my first threepeat business, placing a third resource with a high growth government contracting firm. To celebrate I joined an over 30 women’s soccer team, taking back some of the personal time I’ve given up for the business over the past year.

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
My iPhone, amazing, amazing tool

Last purchase for self:
Solo trip to Seattle

Favorite way to unwind:
Sitting on my deck with a glass of wine and a good book (current read: Melissa Bank’s The Wonder Spot)

Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):
Do the work you love, and the money will come.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
This is the only group where I feel COMPLETELY at home, as every single member is having the same challenges every day, raising children and growing a business. There are women I network with, kvetch with, laugh with and ultimately, do business with.

Connect and learn more:
Web Site | Blog

Tags: Enterprising Mom, Member Spotlight, Moms
Posted in Member Spotlight, Networking | No Comments »

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Archive for the ‘Networking’ Category

Member Spotlight: Dr. Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups

Setting Goals and Intentions for 2010

Holiday Biz-aar Thanks

Member Spotlight: Donna Memmo

The Enterprising Moms Holiday Biz-aar

The Enterprising Moms is Coming to Fairfax County

The Enterprising Moms is Coming to Fairfax County – Join Us!

Member Spotlight: Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups

Member Spotlight: Jennifer Folsom

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