I recently “met” Brianna through email and this is one dynamic mom. She´s been hanging out here on At Home Mom, as well and is a fascinating woman who can´t just stop with one business, though her main one is Mad Hatter Design Company. Like many work at home moms, her decision to start a home business was fueled by her desire to stay home with her little one, but it has branched out into so much more. I hope you enjoy meeting her as much as I did.

1. What is your business?

I own several, actually, but Mad Hatter Design Company is my baby. I specialize in small business identity and branding.

2. How did you get started?

I began working from home as a Virtual Assistant nearly two years ago, in preparation for my little girl to be born. I really wanted to stay home with her but contribute to the household income as well. I was just starting out in college (though I was 24!) and had to start with a tight budget. After taking a Photoshop class, I shifted my college degree to focus on art and design, and decided to start my own firm. I don’t think I could ever go to work for someone else…I like being the boss!

3. What mistakes did you make when you were starting out? What did you learn from them?

The biggest mistake I made when starting out was being too nice. I said “yes” to anyone and everyone and ran myself ragged. I had to learn that sometimes it is okay to say no. Learning to say no is the reason I am still a business owner!

4. How long have you been working from home? (was this your first business or have you had others where you worked from home?)

I have been working from home for 2 years. My first business was the virtual assistant practice (www.virtualsolutionsadmin.com). Then I started my design business, www.madhatterdesigncompany.com. I also purchased and then sold an online magazine and podcast for mom business owners, and now have a new gourmet pretzel company in the works, Twisted and Knotty (www.twistedandknotty.com). Future projects include an art business selling some of my graphics work, and special new website for people looking to purchase a car.

5. What are your tricks for balancing work, kids and household chores?

The thing I try to keep in mind is that balance doesn’t mean that everything is in perfect harmony. To me, balance is a shifting, adapting, changing flow that helps me maintain a happy family life and a successful business. I may not get to spend as much time working when my daughter needs me, but there are days when she is more independent and I can work more. It’s all about adapting to the situation. I get work done when I can.

6. How many children do you have? How old are they?

I have one daughter. She is 19 months old and she loves to dance.

7. When do you usually work?

I usually work in my office in the early mornings. Some afternoons, I will take the laptop into the living room to facilitate lunchtimes and Elmo-watching. I generally try not to work in the evenings because I spend that time with my husband.

8. What is the best part of being a mompreneur? And the worst?

The best part of being a mompreneur is, of course, being able to stay home with my daughter. But more than that, I love the freedom that we have to do things together. I feel like I never miss an important moment. Ever.

The worst part is that I sometimes struggle with not having enough hours in the day. My daughter is number one and sometimes work just has to wait. But not very often because she’s a great kid!

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

I would really like to expand into a full-fledged media firm, offering advertising, marketing and online services.

10. What advice would you give new work at home moms?

My biggest piece of advice comes from my design and branding background - Set aside some start-up funds for a solid logo and identity package from a trusted designer (not a logo mill). Nothing turns a new client off more than an unprofessional image.

If you enjoyed this interview with Brianna Young, please take a moment to check out her design services.