What if you quit your day job to start a company all your own?
Suddenly, you're your own boss. You make your own hours and assignments, you decide where your office is, and handle your own marketing decisions.
WKYC's Danielle Serino sat down with a group of local moms who quit their past careers to start their own companies. We're calling them "momtrepreneurs" and we'll tell you their stories in a three-part series on Channel 3 News. They'll reveal how they launched their businesses, how they juggle motherhood with their work and more.
Watch each part Monday through Wednesday on Channel 3 News at 6 p.m.
Chelsey Kovar: All of Her Design
"In early 2017, I won an American Package Design Award from Graphic Design USA for my Package Design for Vegetarian Naturals Kids Whole Life Gummies and I started to expand my reach. I decided to turn my business, All of Her Design, into a studio and set out to lease my first brick and mortar space. I found a small office in the heart of Polish Village in Parma and “opened up shop.” 2017 brought me another award from Graphic Design USA, this time an American Health and Wellness Design Award."
Melissa Malone: Owns four businesses
"I left the traditional workforce a couple of years back and started building my businesses. I own The Book Store in Medina, Hadleigh Rae Publishing, Medina Tent Company and Sweet Melissa Landscaping. I also have four daughters who I want to inspire every day. My oldest is in the process of starting her first business."
Jen Krueger: Minor Details CLE
"I was a high school administrator when I decided to "retire" to be with my children (ages 2 and 4). I am the smallest of small business, working during nap and night time. I design custom made wedding invitations, party paper goods and paper gifts. I am not formally trained but in the past four years, I have grown my hobby into a successful and thriving business. I have several on-going collaborations with other local business, one I'm specifically proud of is "Special Spaces." They redesign rooms for children with cancer. I have been featured in Cleveland Magazine, Mingle magazine, on several blogs and Martha Stewart online."
Lauren Back: Backattack Snacks
"I'm a former teacher. My husband, Brian, and I started a healthy snack food company called Backattack Snacks in 2015. We make the best beef jerky in the world, five flavors of oven-roasted almonds and even vegan jerky made of portobello mushrooms."
Ayesha Abdullah: The Therapeutic School House
"I worked in the East Cleveland City School District for 17 years, left in June 2017, and took a leap of faith to open an amazing daycare that specializes in young children on the autism spectrum."