It all began when I was 8 month pregnant with my second child, I joined an outdoor hiking program for my toddler who was 2 yr old at the time. I wanted to spend as much quality time with him as possible before the new baby was born. Since the class was also open to siblings, I thought it would be good to join something where I can attend with both kids at the same time. Plus, I wanted to meet other moms with multiple kids, and learn how they juggle and keep their sanity.
When we showed up for the class, I immediately saw a boy from my son’s gym class. I said hello to his mother, and we chit chatted while waiting for the hike to start. She also has an infant daughter, and she told me that her part-time work keeps her sane. I told her that we should get together sometime for a play date, and we said our good byes at the end of the class.
Well, it turns out this particular mom, works “part-time” as the Co-Founder and CEO of a very well known and large on-line photo cards company. Realizing that a play date is unlikely in the near future, I decided to venture out and meet more moms in the class. I met another very friendly mom, who has 2 same as kids as mine, and seemed eager enough to get together for a play date.
I came home that night, told my husband about this new potential friend. Much to my surprise, my husband recognized her name right away. It turns out this woman was my husband’s classmate from college. She also turns out to be a founder and CEO of even a bigger start-up company that sells party favors. She has celebrity customers and her products have been featured in InStyle, Real Simple, Good Morning America, just to name the few.
I was down right depressed. I had joined a toddler hiking class for the over-achieving moms!! Forget play dates. These moms went from changing diapers, to getting orders from Tori Spellings on their iPhones. Where did they find the time, energy and creativity to start and run successful business “on the side”?? I barely had the time to take a shower!!
They say in Silicon Valley, if you don’t have a start-up on your resume, you are a nobody. I decided I have got to start a start-up of my own. Dang it, I've got to be somebody.
