Motivational Monday: Interview with Eden Winick
Welcome to another edition of Motivational Monday! Today we are joined by Eden Winick, owner of Chocolate Eden. She has a tasty business that she runs while caring for her two sons and I have to say that I would LOVE a business like this! With yummy sounding names like Cinnamon Cinnsation and Mochademia Madness for her chocolate products, you know Eden is one creative Mompreneur!
1. What is your business?
I have a Chocolate business that I run out of my home. I make creative chocolate bark (in 11 flavours), as well as other melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodies.
2. How did you get started?
I use to make chocolate almond bark with my mother-in-law as presents for Christmas / Hanukkah for teachers, doctors, etc. My older son, who was very into baking about two years ago, and I decided that almond bark was too ordinary and sat down to write a list of potential variations. Then I went to work experimenting and my family were my guinea pigs. I narrowed down the flavours to eleven (ongoing), with a ‘flavour of the season’ that I could keep creating, including a peppermint candy cane flavour for Christmas. After that, I kept trying new chocolate ideas and decided to create a business around the concept of fun and unique chocolate creations you can enjoy any day.
3. What mistakes did you make when you were starting out? What did you learn from them?
I do not have a business or marketing background, so I’m sure I’ve made many mistakes so far. For example, I haven’t made a long range plan and future goals. So I take one step at a time, often feeling my way in the ‘dark’ and hoping for a successful outcome. I have definitely learned a thing or two along the way so far. However, I could definitely benefit from some sound business and marketing strategy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help wherever you can get it!
4. How long have you been working from home? (was this your first business or have you had others where you worked from home?)
This business is now one year old and I am starting into my second year. I also work from home as a market research recruiter putting together focus groups from a network of people I have acquired over the past two years. It is not my business, however, because I am contracted out, I make my own hours and can work my schedule around my kids.
5. What are your tricks for balancing work, kids and household chores?
It’s overwhelming at first because all three do compete for your time while you are at home. It’s hard to know when to stop one thing, or switch over to another, or just multitask. 1. Multitask – chores are on your break and kids (when they are home) are alternated with work. 2. Get the whole family involved in chores. I also splurge on a cleaning service twice a month. 3. Accept your time limitations. You can’t physically do everything everyday. 4. Don’t forget you time. This took me the longest to figure out.
6. How many children do you have? How old are they?
I have two boys, aged five and eight years old. The five-year-old is still in p/t kindergarten.
7. When do you usually work?
Anytime of the day is open, depending on my younger son’s school schedule. I can start between 8-10am and I try to end by 11pm or earlier. Hours vary greatly everyday and sometimes it is literally minutes off and on. It is definitely not the lifestyle for someone who needs a rigid work schedule.
8. What is the best part of being a mompreneur? And the worst?
Best:
• work from home, which means: flexibility with my work schedule. If I didn’t have this, I would not be able to work.
• save on travel time: this is a major plus when time is so limited
• no daycare costs: I can still be home and available for my kids
• no special wardrobe necessary: saves money and shopping time
• pride: you have a business that YOU created
• role model: for your children that you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to, esp. in the midst of hard work and potential failures, and they see first hand the sweet success you earned
• breakout of the ‘stay-at-home mom’ role that can be very isolating, and meet other adults
• creative outlet: endless possibilities
• boost your confidence
• never time to be bored
Worst:
• little spare time for yourself: have to make a special effort to ‘pencil’ in time for you – without the guilt!
• venture into the ‘unknown’ can be nerve-racking and a bit scary
• added responsibility
• may be limited in resources
9. What are your plans for the future of your business?
For now, it is a part-time venture that is limited by space, money, marketing and time. As it grows, my time commitment will grow too, but I always want to make sure I have time for my kids. I don’t want to miss these growing years where, before you know it, they don’t have time for you! I am now trying to focus more on Corporate business and who knows…one day I could have a store (or multiple!) of my own.
10. What advice would you give new work at home moms?
It is not easy, so don’t get discouraged. It is almost like having another child: increased demand of your time and effort, but well worth it when you proudly reflect on this extension of yourself. Nurture your business and it’s future possibilities are endless.
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