tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665420253001091155.post1778423430307558991..comments2023-10-19T06:17:12.273-07:00Comments on Motherly Advice: Characteristics of a mompreneurSandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04412970572781806135noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665420253001091155.post-33831282330397343972007-10-17T11:45:00.000-07:002007-10-17T11:45:00.000-07:00As a mom, seamstress and entrepreneur myself I hav...As a mom, seamstress and entrepreneur myself I have to agree. I'd also like to add that if you approach a designer or seamstress to create a prototype, be sure and ask them to sign a non-disclosure agreement so your idea won't be shared with others or stolen and brought to market by someone else. Any legitimate company should be willing to sign such an agreement.<BR/><BR/>I have worked as a consultant, pattern maker and have created prototypes for women with ideas they wanted to take to market but did not know how to sew and knew nothing about fabric or where to get it. Be prepared to pay a consultant or prototype maker for their time and materials. A promise to give them money when your company makes it big is just plain insulting and unprofessional.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665420253001091155.post-89691178449839680312007-09-15T18:32:00.000-07:002007-09-15T18:32:00.000-07:00I agree with Sandra and also would encourage Rebec...I agree with Sandra and also would encourage Rebecca find other mompreneurs and ask questions. Many of them have real-life experience that you don't find in any business-class or business-books. Not all of them will share, but many would. Moms helping other moms and generally they have more compassion for eachother than any other business people. <BR/>I share with other mompreneurs where to source fabrics or find supplier, other mompreneurs share info with me as well.Just don't be afraid - ask.MommiesReporthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09548536298936143314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665420253001091155.post-51521286217212340812007-09-14T13:17:00.000-07:002007-09-14T13:17:00.000-07:00Ideas are hard to get off the drawing board and on...Ideas are hard to get off the drawing board and onto the market. <BR/><BR/>I have found a great resource in www.fashion-incubator.com (sorry, not sure how to hyper-link in a comment). Kathleen Fasanella, the site creator, is a great supporter of sewn product/design entrepreneurs, and I can wholeheartedly recommend her book. (No, I get no kickback from her, I just think she has taught me so much, I want to share!).Irenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16140210788786711110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665420253001091155.post-27578908905407049422007-09-12T12:28:00.000-07:002007-09-12T12:28:00.000-07:00I can utterly, completely identify with this mom.I...I can utterly, completely identify with this mom.<BR/><BR/>I have a sketchbook full of bedding ideas. I am not a designer, nor a sewer, but my ideas are nothing like I've ever seen on the market. I'm not even sure if they are doable. It doesn't matter. Whenever I see a pattern or colour combination I like, I pull out my sketchbook and write it down. My daughter has contributed her ideas too.<BR/><BR/>But I know I'm not quite ready to take that next step -- I think your heart will tell you if you're ready. I'm just launching a copywriting business, and want to see where this will take me. I'm starting with something I know (writing and marketing), and if it works for me, I may venture into a manufacturing business.<BR/><BR/>I recommend reading everything you can get your hands on (the libraries aren't bad, especially the reference sections where the more recent - and expensive - books are kept). <BR/><BR/>I would also approach the faculty at design schools (e.g. University College of the Fraser Valley), and contact industry associations. <BR/><BR/>Ask your friends if they know people working in related industries. For example, one of my friend's friends is a designer for a local clothing chain. I could talk to her (when I take that next step) because she is in textiles, but not competing in home furnishings.<BR/><BR/>You'll find the more people you talk to, the more it will lead you in the direction you want to head. Someone always seems to know someone and you'll find the right people eventually.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com