Race for the Cure!

This all started in February 2008. The short version of the long story is that I created a glow in the dark pillowcase for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®. Specifically, the West Virginia and Northeastern Pennsylvania Affiliates.

That's me on the left below, with Rebecca Newhouse, President of the WV Affiliate.

I could ramble on about how this all came about, but it might be easier if you just clicked HERE, to read a recent article from the WV Gazette. The important thing is that I have never been "part" of something like this before. I've donated to children's hospitals, the Hole in the Wall Gang summer camp and other organizations, but this is the first on-going association. In addition to having this motivational and inspiring "I Promise" pillowcase being part of the "Sleep In for the Cure" goody bags, Comfy Cozy® has signed contracts with each Affiliate which enables us to offer the pillowcases for sale on comfycozy.com. For each "I Promise" pillowcase sold, Comfy Cozy® will donate 10% to the selected Affiliate in the race to cure breast cancer. We're hoping to donate quite a bit to each Affiliate and add more in the future.

Click HERE to go directly to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® page on our web site.

Before any of this came about, I was always good about having my mammograms. Never whined or put them off:) Then, last June, my "your results are fine" letter said something quite different. It had words like "suspicious" and "second screening" and "biopsy". WHAT! There is no breast cancer in my family, anywhere. This can't be happening.

The short version of that long story is that by the grace of God I'm okay. But the surgical biopsy part was scary, painful and recovery was not fun. The fear was overwhelming. The mixed emotions of being upset for having to go thru it all "for nothing", the guilt for being upset and the joy that I was "ok". I have a new sense of gratitude and dedication to the women that have gone before me, the scientist researching and trying to cure breast cancer, the Komen organization for the voice it has given to survivors and everyone "up for the fight".

I hope this pillowcase brings joy and inspiration to those diagnosed with breast cancer and survivors. Encourage your female friends to have a mammogram. Hold their hands if their letter isn't what they expect and pray for and with them.

CPSIA - Contacting your representatives in Washington

I forgot to add this to my list w/ my Congressman.  Click to find the contact information for your representatives - Congress  and Senate.  

Interestingly enough, I've been contacting mine a lot lately.  The past 6 months have really changed my attitude on being a citizen.  I love our country.  I'm proud to be an American, not just when I sing the song, but every day.  We fly our flag proudly, not just "because".  I've decided to make my voice heard on lots of issues, from Drill Here, Drill Now to Small Business issues and local education issues.  

I'm letting my children know what I am doing and why.  How it impacts them and our family, our safety and our country.  It's important that we stop sitting around complaining, but letting OUR officials know what we think about what they are doing.  Regardless of what political party you are part of, Sarah Palin was right - they work for US!  

Trust me, I feel better every time I write a letter or make a phone call!

Thanks!

I have a lot to be thankful for.  I'm not going to list them all, but I am going to think about them.

I may even sit around for a while and write them all down, just to look at them.  I never did any of the lists that Kandas has suggested - the 100 things we want to do, etc.  This list just might prove useful.  Last night my oldest son was aggravated about everything and nothing.  I told him he couldn't get up til he wrote a list of 25 things he was thankful for.  I realized it might not be the best time for it, but then again, it couldn't hurt!  After he wrote them, I made him read the list out loud.  At first he begrudgingly spouted them off.  I told him he had to start over and read them slowly and THINK about each one as he said them.  Amazingly enough, he did just that and his attitude changed dramatically by the time he got to the end of his list.  More amazing is that I was on the list LOL

I'm looking forward to what I just might put on my list...

Before I can do that, I have to go thru my "list of things to do" for work.  I suppose I have to be thankful that I have that list, too:)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Snow. Business. Facebook.

I'm 3 weeks or so behind on posting.  This will be fast and furious - yeah right, from me that's kind of comical:)

Snow.  It snowed here in Southeastern PA last night.  Wasn't supposed to start til this morning.  A lovely surprise for 2 little boys and a puppy.  The dog had no idea what to do w/the stuff but the boys were ready for school faster than lightning so they could go play before school.  I love snow - as long as I can go play in it, don't have to drive in it and have a nice cozy fire to warm up to after being in it.  Feel sorry for those of you in the south that don't get it ever, or often.  Then again, some of you feel sorry for those of us that have to wear heavy coats and gloves for 5 months!

Business.  Sales of magical glow in the dark pillowcases are starting to pick up but not as much as I'd like.  Run, don't walk to your address book and send this link of our 50% off Sale to everyone you know.  Then ask them to forward it to everyone they forward every email they ever get too!  I'm looking for orders folks, so don't be shy.  They can post it on every blog they visit - maybe I should offer a commission??  One Free Pillowcase for every 6 orders referred to by someone!  Comfy Cozy glow in the dark pillowcases - what kid wouldn't love one under the Christmas Tree or for Hanukkah?  Plus there is that fun "Eat Chocolate Drink Wine Sleep Naked" design that I'm sure you could find a friend or 2 that would get a huge kick out of it!

Facebook.  I sign up.  I have a facebook page.  I'm not sure why lol!  I've spent way to much time on it.  Found some folks from high school and even have a few "friends" to speak of.  In addition to my SuperWahm friends, my facebook friends include a girl I cheered with at Charleston Catholic High School, my high school boyfriend (who is now a grandfather!) and another high school friend that is living in Bogata, Columbia and is a reporter for the NY Times and NPR.  I can't seem to figure out an easy way to find folks from the University of  Tennessee, but like I said, I've spent way too much time on it.  January would be a better time for this project.  I'm vowing to not look for anyone else until then.  

That's that.  Now, go send that link to your friends about the Comfy Cozy 50% off Sale!!!

Search Engines & Robots

Do you think the Jetson's had any idea what search engines, spiders and robots had in common?

For WAHMS, we aren't just moms, wives and business owners, we're inventors, designers, crafts"man" (I'm not so politically correct!), assembly workers, accountants, receptionists, customer service reps, sales reps, etc etc. We are also computer geeks! I know more than I want to know about my computer and software and updating my web site. We often spend more time on our computer, than on actually running our business. Let me clarify, we are RUNNING OUR BUSINESS when we are updating our web sites, but I'd rather be designing!

I am not a really good computer geekand I can't believe I understand what I do! OK, Peggy, let's get to the point!

For the past few days I have spent HOURS on updating Key Words, Meta tags, descriptions on my web site, comfycozy.com. It's a daunting, time consuming task. All with the goal of increasing the rankings on Search Engines and landing on page one, so that when you look for a personalized pillowcase for Christmas, that Comfy Cozy is going to be the first web site on that page!

We all want to use whatever tricks we can to achieve #1 rankings on Google & Yahoo searches. Sometimes the tricks are doing us any good. I wanted to share something I learned about what is called a "robots follow" tag. Two web sites, highrankings.com and seoconsultants.com say that the robots follow tags and revisit-after tags are not going to increase your search engine rankings, don't effect when the spiders stop by and who created them. I was totally bummed! Now I have to go find another trick that will make me think I've got one up on my competition LOL! Check out the web sites for more information. Now, I'm going to do some REAL work - paying taxes...but that's another post for another day!

Balancing Act

Enter the Super Duper SuperWAHMz Contest!

I think we all feel like we are doing a balancing act. We "superwahmz" aren't the only ones. While being a wife, mother and small business owner have some uniquely tricky moments, keeping all our plates from crashing to the ground is a challenge everyone faces. Sometimes I feel like I'm walking a tight rope and someone keeps making the distance longer with every step I make LOL. The past week or so, however, I'm making some headway across that tight rope!

It feels pretty good. I've decided to not let the recent headlines and financial crisis make me lose my balance. I'm challenging myself to stay focused on the positives and not get caught up in anxiety, fear and hopelessness. (After all, you'll still be ordering my Comfy Cozy Glow in the Dark Pillowcases for Christmas gifts won't you!!)

Having a visual image of what a REAL balancing act looks like helps immensely! I find the following 2 examples help me to "walk the walk". I have apparently forgotten about these the past few months when I was swaying back and forth, on the verge of falling! It seems a good time to look at them again and buck up to the challenges that face me.

The first one is the amazing accomplishment of Libby as the first woman to walk the Lost Arrow Spire Highline. You HAVE to watch this video with the sound. Libby is one of my heroes now and somewhere on my list of 100 things I want to do in my life, is to walk a highline! OK, my husband isn't too thrilled with the idea, so I'm starting with putting a cable in my yard. It may only be 6 inches off the ground, but I think it will be great for me and my boys to walk on!

The second one I learned about from my oldest son, who brought home The Man Who Walked Between the Towers.
I was amazed, impressed and in awe of what Philippe Petit had done. It was on
Aug. 7, 1974, when Petit stepped onto a cable rigged between New York’s Twin Towers and proceeded to walk back and forth, literally suspended in midair, only pausing to lie down for a bit of a rest—1,368 feet above the ground. YIKES! (Note: Libby had a safety line, Philippe did not!) It's a great story for kids. Not the part that his walk was illegal, but the accomplishment. So my boys could appreciate his walk, we drew a chalkline, the same distance, in front of our house and tried to walk it without falling off ...not that easy!
Both of these are inspiration that no matter how hard it is to balance everything in our life, we can do it. The wind will blow, the distance will seem endless, but we CAN do it.

Super Duper SuperWAHMz Contest

Are you ready for a contest?

(sung to the tune of "Are you ready for some football???")  

Pay attention, because there are a few prizes and a few ways you can get a few entries to win one of the few prizes.

Let's do prizes first... (commence clapping.  you can hoot and holler too, if you want.)

First up from Kandas at Shaka Studios, we have a $150 Gift Certificate good towards the purchase of this lovely Brazos TV Stand or any handcrafted furniture or bedding from Shaka Studio. (oooo's and aaaaah's would be appropriate now : )



Secondly, from Diane at D's Sticheree, we have this ADORABLE embroidered Doggie Tote Bag. (imagine  a Price is Right model holding this : ) Valued at $34.00, it can be personalized just for your pooch. Imagine all the doggie treats this cute tote could hold.



Next up, from Noelle at Cabin Fever Primitives, a hand poured, highly scented, 16 ounce jar candle. (breath deeply and you can just smell it : ) Valued at $16.95, a great gift for someone you know, or a treat for yourself.



"What's next???" you ask. How about a little something from Peggy at Comfy Cozy? An ORIGINAL "magical" Glow in the Dark Make a Wish Pillowcase! (these are really cool!) Perfect for anyone that believes in wishing on a star. Valued at $18.95, it can also be Personalized : )



Wait, we're not done yet....Jill from Tips From Home is giving away a $99 membership to Branddoozie, the do-it-yourself marketing tool that provides start-ups and small businesses with online access to design, publish and print marketing materials. The Start up package includes a matching Brochure, Flyer, Business Card, Envelope, Letterhead and Postcard. It also includes a Free logo builder, and you'll be able to upload your own photos and have access to our free stock photography. (this is way cool!)



And last, but not least, would be my prize....you know me as Lynn - the piggy bank painter, but I do paint other things. In honor of the upcoming election (will it ever end?), I am giving away this assortment of hand painted, Americana items from Korff Ceramic Originals. A set of votive candle holders, tea bag holders and a double spoon rest, a total value of $44.00, these are great gifts for yourself, or someone you love.  (I say "keep them" : )

How to Enter.....

1. to get 1 entry in our contest, simply leave a comment.
2. to get another entry (that makes 2) follow our blog.
3. to get yet another entry (this would make 3) blog about our contest and link to it. Then leave us a comment so we know where to look for our link.
4. to get 6 more entries (yes, I said 6) visit each of our 6 websites that are listed with the prizes. Find your favorite product at each site (w/price, if applicable) and leave a comment back here for each website. Please leave a separate comment for each website.

I know, I know, it sounds confusing. But you bloggers are smart people and I know how you all like multiple entries... *grin* You can do it.

The rules (are as follows)...

• There will be a random drawing for EACH prize offered, from all entries received.
• You may win more than one prize.
• No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Etc, etc, etc.....
• The prizes will be shipped free of charge to US residents. If you are outside the US and would like to enter, and win, you would be asked to pay the shipping charge.

This contest will run from Tuesday, October 7th to Tuesday, October 14th. Drawings will be held on or around Wednesday, October 15th .

Have Fun and Good Luck!

Lessons from my mother

My mother is a saint - or she should be granted sainthood! My father & mother have more patience than anyone I've ever known - they needed it! Life wasn't perfect, we were your typical average "middle class" American family in the 60's & 70's.

I've tried to become my mom on occasion - yes, I don't think "being like your mother" is an insult! Since I had my children she has tried and tried and tried to teach me certain ideas and ways to be a mom.

The other day I asked her advice. Told her she could deny my request OR be honest with me and I wouldn't be offended by anything she said. After years of suggesting things to me, she said "yes"! Sometimes our conversations are going over the same struggles of being a mother - she says I'm too hard on myself and still talk to my boys too much. This time, she said a few things she had never said before - how can that be? Not only that, what she said hit me like a ton of bricks - I could ACTUALLY follow this advice...at least I think I can LOL It was a light bulb moment.

The lessons I've learned from my mom have helped me get thru some rough days of motherhood. How blessed I am to have her and my father in my life. I don't take a moment
of them for granted. I thank God for all the lessons they have taught me, even the ones that took YEARS to make sense.

They helped me when my business was struggling and I thought I'd have to give it up. Our boys were young and I was more of a mom than a business owner. They loaned me money and support. But didn't hesitate to say "Peggy, it's time to either make this company work or let it go". That was an important one.

I hope I can teach a few lessons to my boys that will stick with them and make them better people and great fathers.

Sarah Palin - WAHM or not?

So, I've been thinking of whether or not I should write a post about something "political". I decided this wasn't so much political as it was professional. Regardless of what you think about Sarah Palin's politics, you have to admit that she's a successful woman, wife and mother. All I could think of last week when she was on tv, was "how does she get thru a day - how does she do it?".

I wasn't so much caught up in the immediate attention of her being a WOMAN that was selected to possibly be the Vice President of the United States, but the fact that she was a MOTHER who could possibly be the Vice President of the United States! Not a mom of grown children, but a mom of 5 kids spread over 18 years and one is a BABY! My respect for her as a politician and professional woman is one thing, but here she is taking on this HUGE opportunity with kids in tow:)

Sarah Palin may have lots of help. Something tells me she isn't doing the laundry at midnight, but we do know she's nursing a baby at 2 am! She probably doesn't dust either, but something tells me, she would if she had another hour in the day. As a Governor, doesn't she "work at home"? Is her office in the Governors residence? I'm sure there is one there. She probably has times when one of her kids will come into her office and not even care that she's the governor, to them she's just "mom" and they want something to eat or $5 LOL. OK, she probably has a secretary that just might ask them to wait - I'm sure they don't have to make an appt.

I write about her because I've been having an exceptionally rough patch as a wahm. I wrote about the guilt /regret thing and it's just not "in me" to whine and pout for more than a few minutes. This summer seemed to be a combination of "life is wonderful, enjoy every minute" and "life is hard, how do I get thru the next minute".

When I saw Sarah Palin on stage, I started getting excited about my life and the possibilities that lie ahead. She obviously has worked hard to get to where she's at, threw a few punches along the way and certainly took some...she most definitely will be taking on alot of folks that would rather not see her succeed past being Governor of Alaska.

I've put things on hold with Comfy Cozy because of how it might effect my kids and husband. I've also used that as an excuse to not take chances. Sarah Palin is an example for us to take those chances. She may not be perfect - who is?

So, my point is that Sarah Palin was and still is a wahm. She was a small business owner and we all know that means you work at home even if you have an office somewhere. The next time someone doesn't see me as a "working woman" or comments that I don't have a "real job", I'm going to let it roll right off my shoulders...we could have a WAHM in the White House.

I'm wondering what you think?

Guilt part deux

I was going to comment to Lynn's post, but figured it would be a lengthy one and my thoughts would keep rambling on. I thought I'd write a new post.

I've been having guilt/regret moments lately. I hate it. Everything Lynn said is true for wahms, really everyone, but when you throw in owning your business, it's more than guilt for either a) not spending more time w/ your husband and kids or b) cleaning your house or volunteering for something. There is always c) doing ANYTHING that has to do w/ your business.

Right now I "should" be a) hanging out w/ my hubby before he goes to work
b) cleaning up the kitchen and the dining room
c) processing an order, updating my web site, straightening my desk

Instead, I'm posting a blog! I've always had guilt frustrations about home/work. Lately I'm having regret sneak it's ugly head in. I love my company, love designing pillowcases, enjoy the satisfaction of creating, guiding, running a business. I have the American Dream:) The dreaded "but" comes in when all that guilt seems to back me into a corner. When the being a wahm is too much. Yes, it's all self imposed. My husband thinks I'm doing a great job and doesn't care if there is dust on the furniture. My boys think it's nice that I'm home. I on the other hand, have moments when it's just too much and all I want to do is dig in my garden, bake cookies and read for a month!

The regret that I had never taken this leap of faith and challenged myself to be a business owner, then have kids and try to "do it all". I've never felt this before...at least not this way. I couldn't imagine having continued my job as a sales manager after I got married, let alone after having kids. I LOVE my life and the decisions that have brought me here. Is it horrible to have those moments when I want to get off this merry go round?? Oh, I know I would last a couple days LOL Then my husband would lock me in my office and not let me out til I processed orders, updated my web site and straightened out my desk!! I'd go crazy NOT being a wahm!

Life is tough, I've said I'm trying to get rid of the negatives and focus on all that is good in the world and my own life. Outside influences are really what makes that difficult...but that's a whole different post on politics and society! For now, I'll work out this guilt/regret thing. The good news is that should only take a few days...school starts on Tuesday and both our boys will be gone "all day". I'll have hours and hours of uninterrupted WORK - woohoo!! Look for a post somewhere in the next 2 weeks about how much I miss them and love being with them all summer:)

Now, I'm off to the kitchen, bake some cookies and spend the afternoon w/ family...the business will still be here and Tuesday I'll have to put my roller skates back on to catch up!

When does the merry go round stop?

I feel like it's been going around and around forever...and I HATE merry go rounds! I can't even watch my kids playing on one at a the park and the "real" ones w/ the horses I can't even THINK about them without getting a little queezy (how do you spell that anyway?).

Apparently, for a WAHM, it never stops! Jill mentioned yesterday learning new tricks. As a WAHM, we learn new tricks every day - we HAVE to. When you're a one woman business, there isn't any delegating. For some things I pay folks that know what they are doing. Other times, if the budget is tight, you have to "figure it out". That isn't necessarily a bad thing. On Monday I found out I needed an ad banner by Tuesday at 10am - YIKES! I don't have one, don't know how to make one, don't have the money to pay someone to do it right now.

So, after asking for help and waiting for replies, I said to myself "wait a minute - I have an idea!" Instead of re-inventing the wheel, I've learned to use what I have. Sometimes you don't have to make something totally new, you have the pieces, you just have to put them together differently. It worked like a charm.

I had spent lots of money on the photography and packaging for my Comfy Cozy pillowcases.
James Applebaum at Electric Bluefish Productions created the inserts using images from a photo shoot with Jeff Blumberg at PictureTHIS! Photography. So, my "lightbulb moment" came just when I thought I'd have to cancel the ad - use the insert! A few text modifications for the ad and help from James in formatting it and "ta-da" - banner ad for MomFinds.com was ready to go.

Sometimes we have to take a deep breath and for me, that can be hard sometimes. I'm always 3 steps ahead of myself and am learning the trick of stepping BACK to look at a situation before I jump in. Usually, things work themselves out and I can avoid adding any stress and anxiety to my life:)

My merry go round is still spinning. Another day, another ride! Hopefully with this ad, it will mean another dollar or two!! Today I'm hoping I don't have to learn any new tricks. I'll leave that up to our beagle puppy LOL

Birthdays

On the 17th I turned 44. I love my birthday:) I love being 44! I don't think I'm "old". I've decided that looking at life as a gift is better than as a struggle everyday. Even if some days are a struggle. I don't like the fact that everyone I love is getting older though, mainly my parents and brothers and sisters. Most days I pretend like they are all in their 30's with years and years to go in life. I also know that another year, even another day, isn't guaranteed.

My dad's birthday was on August 2nd. I got him a card with 2 old timers on the front. It said
"When I was young we didn't have a birth DAY, we had a birth HOUR and when times were really hard we were lucky to have a birth MINUTE...and we were happy with that".

I think it's a good philosophy to be happy with every minute. It's VERY hard sometimes, today for me is a struggle since I feel like I'm spinning my wheels and getting nothing done. ARGH! So, in light of that, I'm going out to lunch with my husband since he's on vacation and our kids are off to a friends for a few hours. YEAH - alone with my husband in a restaurant!

Then I'll be back tomorrow to face the trials and tribulations of being a WAHM. Some really good things have happened though, my orders for the Femail Creations catalog have started to come in and I just got a re-order for a custom design client, The Friends of Martins Tavern. All of our custom designs are done under Glowfx designs - you can check out our portfolio here.

off to lunch!

Talk

So much to talk about...so little time:) Been a busy (personal) week and a half for me, but I'll keep this focused on business. I'm excited about 2 new Glow in the Dark Pillowcase designs that I just got printed and are ready to sell! If you are an animal lover - well, specifically dog and cat lover - you're going to love these. The first one, inspired by our new beagle puppy, Scully, is called "PUPPY LOVE":

The second is for all you cat lovers in the world. Personally, I like cats as long as they are at your house, but of course, how could I NOT do a fun Glow in the Dark pillowcase for you too:)

















Unfortunately, my site is a little wacked, so I can't link you straight over there to order, but all should be fixed by tomorrow and I'll sneak back in and add a link. In the mean time, you can start writing a list of all the dog and cat lovers you know and be ready to place your order!

Speaking of ordering, I haven't had a chance to mention that Comfy Cozy is having a Christmas in July sale, too!! Take 20% off all orders placed for our "magical" Glow in the Dark pillowcases, Keepsake photo/sticker calendars and Travel & Toddler pillows. We personalize all of our pillowcases too and offer gift wrap. So, get your buying all wrapped up now!!

Now, I have to go and check on a puppy and get him ready for "kindergarten"!!!

Eight days a week!

So, it's Wednesday again. Wednesday is my "work day". The only day my husband (a chef) works "normal" hours - 8-7, if you call that normal and my kids are in school. Up until today that is. Today is the first day of summer vacation. I greet that with a :) and a :(

Sometimes I feel like I'm working eight days a week. It's one of the negatives of working at home. Other times I feel like I'm trying to cram eight days of work into one day. My "to do" list is long, I don't get everything done (like I ever will!) and there are days when I'm overwhelmed and don't know what to do. The good news is that most Wednesdays I'm really productive! I feel good about myself and my business. Having a solid day to focus on work is HUGE to a superwahm. I don't do anything but Comfy Cozy or Glowfx designs work. May seem silly, but on days when everything is jumbled up, I go a little crazy.

In my case, I've got 3 personalities, make that 4: Wife, mom, owner of Comfy Cozy, owner of Glowfx designs. That means that after I've decided to put wife and mom on the shelf for a day (or a few hours), I have to decide which business I'll focus on. Get's a little crazy sometimes, but it all works itself out. I'm not wearing a white jacket in a padded room yet!!

Today, however, is NOT going to be a productive one. My husband took the day off so we can celebrate the first day of summer with our boys. This is one of the positive aspects of working at home. Family comes first, even if in the back of my mind that "to-do" list looms like a black cloud. It's a struggle sometimes to just relax and enjoy life. Today I'm going to try not to think of all that I'm not getting done and enjoy this wonderful family I've been blessed with.

How do you manage everything? What is your answer for getting it all done? Are we all running "eight days a week"? I'll let you know how if I come up with a new song to sing:)

Comfy Cozy on Etsy

Welcome to SuperWAHMz 2.0

Welcome to SuperWAHMZ.com 2.0. Our newly relaunched blog. We have decided that rather than transfer almost 5 years worth of posts from our previous host, we would simply start over.

We KNOW that success doesn’t come easy. We’ve each struggled to make a difference in our own lives, the lives of our families and those around us. Along the road, we’ve discovered that success isn’t a monetary value. It’s the feeling of self-satisifaction that comes from making something out of nothing.

This site isn’t about get rich quick schemes. You won’t make a million bucks by following the advice of the SuperWAHMZ. But, you may find something interesting that will help YOU to redefine success in your own mom-owned business, or your life.

Just who do these SuperWAHMz think they are? We are work at home mothers. We each own and operate successful businesses. Each has found the American dream behind the doors of their own homes. Our group includes artists, manufacturers, and executives.

Our current board of successful WAHMs includes:

Peggy Schafer Vincent, Owner
Comfy Cozy, Inc. ~ Glowfx Designs
“I feel privileged to be among a group of women that run successful businesses without sacrificing their dedication to their families. Plus, being a superwahm, means I can walk out of my office and into the yard to play with my kids or de-stress by pulling weeds in my garden!”


Lynn Korff, Owner
Korff Ceramic Originals
“People don’t realize running your own business at home causes a lot of stress. On top of business issues, there are family issues, school issues *and* a house to try and keep clean. My superwahmz buddies understand all of this and don’t care if my house is clean or if I am showered or even if I am still in my jammies. They give me support no matter what and I love them for that.”

*Lynn is the founder of both SuperWAHMZ and http://mompack.com/.


Diane Long, Owner
D’s Stitcheree
“I love being a superWAHM. Family has always been my priority. To be able to be a “hands on mom” and successful business woman is more than I could have ever hoped for. I am blessed to have such wonderful girlfriends who know and understand exactly my day in day out joys and dilemmas.”

Kandas Nesbitt-Rodarte, CEO
Wood Designs, Inc.
“Working at home can be lonely. I have been doing it for over six years. The only people hanging out by the watercooler are my daughter and the cat. Finding a network of friends that understand my frustrations and share my triumphs was the greatest gift. I urge any woman who works at home to befriend other WAHMs. Those friendships will be your lifesaver when you are drowning and your launching pad when you are ready to fly.”

Hedy Laverdiere, Owner
Rocket Launchers
“Being a Superwahm has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life, allowing me to stay home during the most important years of my children’s (and my own!) lives, as well as developing friendships I hold dear. There is a kinship between Superwahmz that is like no other – a fellowship my “physical” family and friends couldn’t fill – my Superwahmz truly understand the joys, the sorrows, the trials, and the triumphs of being a Wahm.”

London Edwards, owner
Goodness Grace
“There’s a sisterhood among us women business owners that is so powerful it makes you feel as though you can accomplish anything. There’s nothing that brings joy to me more than sharing my knowledge with other women. If I have found something to be successful, I want everyone to be successful. These women I have surrounded myself with share this philosophy and there are few women that I’ve met who don’t. These women make me who I am today and they each have a hand in the success of my company. I’m proud to be a part of this sisterhood! Men have it all backwards, as usual. LOL!”

Noelle Leonard, Owner
Cabin Fever Primitives
“One of the biggest reasons I chose to start my own home-based business was to have the privilege to always be there for my children. When you are a one-woman-show, the demands of a successful business can be quite overwhelming at times. Learning to juggle every day mom stuff along with a 40+ hour a work week is a constant struggle. Living where you work is not easy. Keeping a balance is the key. Being a part of SuperWahmz has been a blessing. Being able to network with other moms with busy personal lives and successful home based businesses has been a blessing in my life. I’m proud to call these women my friends.”

Kathie Wooley, Owner
Dezignspot Web Design


Previous board members:

Alicia Infanti, Owner
Alicia’s Joy

Kathy Alexander

Melanie Stair, Owner
Sew Personalized Gifts

Sherri Yukel, Owner
Simply-Stuff.com, LLC

Rita Turkowsk, Founder
Kinderbibbles