Today`s inspirational mom is Stephanie Hanselman, owner of Birthday Scenes. Her business is a fun one, providing everything you need to set up a fun birthday party for your children . . . without the hassle. Her site features several very unique ideas, including a cupcake party and Spa Day package for the ladies in your household. She`s earning from something that most moms dread!

1. What is your business?

Birthday Scenes is an online complete party supply company. We have 8 tween themed parties, and our goal is to take the worry and stress out of planning a great party. Each party package is delivered to a customer’s home with all of the supplies needed to host a party – the decorations, the tableware and the activities.

2. How did you get started?

After hosting a birthday party for my daughter, I began to realize the great amount of time and energy that was needed to pull a party together. After a year of planning, I finally brought the idea to life.

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

Starting a business takes a lot of time and energy. There were so many facets of the business that I didn’t understand – like sales tax and filing annual reports. I’ve learned that it’s ok to ask for help.

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’ve been working from home for a year now. I love the fact that I have complete access to my business, but I’m also completely accessible to my family if they need me. It’s the best of both worlds.

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

Sometimes the balance is a challenge. Any working mom knows that there’s always something to do. Again, I look to the support system of family, friends and even hired help to make things a little more manageable.

Above all though, family is the most important thing in my life and if it’s necessary, I can always come back to the office. My time with my children cannot be replaced.

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

I have 2 children – a 12 year old son and a 10 year old daughter.

7. When do you usually work?

I work the normal work day hours, but then I have the ability to work again after the kids go to bed – if needed.

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

Being a mompreneur has allowed me the opportunity to demonstrate to my children that you can achieve your dreams with hard work and determination.

Unfortunately, it’s also very time consuming, so sometime it’s hard to balance between being a mom and being a business owner. Setting limits can be a challenge.

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

With the growth of the business, I hope to obtain global presence. As sales continue to grow and more people come in contact with the offering, Birthday Scenes will become a brand recognized by people all around the world.

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

Patience is key. You may not be a super success over night, but with hard work and determination, you’re dreams can come true.

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