Last month, I shared a review/giveaway with you on an Etsy store, Clayful Impressions, which offers personalized ceramic pieces that make great gifts and keepsakes. I came across over the Christmas holiday last year. The owner and creator of this wonderful store is Debbie Plewes Varas. If you missed my review last month, click here to read it now. Now, I wanted to share this mom entrepreneur's story of work and family balance with you. Enjoy!
Name: Debbie Plewes Varas
Company Name/Product/Service: Clayful Impressions / personalized ceramic pieces
Company Location: Murrieta, CA
Company Website: www.clayfulimpressions.com
Facebook URL: D prints
Age of Company: 10 years
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: Someone who figures that taking a step backward after a step forward is not a disaster, it’s a cha- cha. Robert Bault
Favorite Book: Left Behind series
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.
I have two daughters Olivia 10, and Abby 6 tuning 7 next month, Music, flee markets, the gym and now am too busy, any free time is spent with family when I can find some. Background is a BA in Art, AA in Early Childhood Ed.
I have two daughters Olivia 10, and Abby 6 tuning 7 next month, Music, flee markets, the gym and now am too busy, any free time is spent with family when I can find some. Background is a BA in Art, AA in Early Childhood Ed.
Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?
My passion is my children and as an Early Childhood Educator, I left the school I taught to bring school to my home when I had my first child. I worked out of my home to nurture other children and be able to stay home w/ my newborn. After having Abby, my second child and watching my children grow I really wanted to find another avenue to stay home with them. I was missing my passion for the arts and crafts I loved also. I found the woman who originally hand printed my girls selling her business and that’s how it began. I acquired it and changed the name. I now have the best of worlds, children and art!!
My passion is my children and as an Early Childhood Educator, I left the school I taught to bring school to my home when I had my first child. I worked out of my home to nurture other children and be able to stay home w/ my newborn. After having Abby, my second child and watching my children grow I really wanted to find another avenue to stay home with them. I was missing my passion for the arts and crafts I loved also. I found the woman who originally hand printed my girls selling her business and that’s how it began. I acquired it and changed the name. I now have the best of worlds, children and art!!
What is a typical work day like?
Checking my e-mails, etsy for sales and so forth, trying to get the kids up and running for school, sometimes volunteering at school and coming home to have an appointment w/ a family for prints, working on clients pieces after they have left, promoting, promoting, promoting my shop, working on clay pieces I can sell in the etsy store, taking appointments over phone, trying to keep the house picked up, figuring out dinner…pick up the children from school, help w/ homework and spend time w/ children and fit any more time to continue working on ceramic pieces.
Checking my e-mails, etsy for sales and so forth, trying to get the kids up and running for school, sometimes volunteering at school and coming home to have an appointment w/ a family for prints, working on clients pieces after they have left, promoting, promoting, promoting my shop, working on clay pieces I can sell in the etsy store, taking appointments over phone, trying to keep the house picked up, figuring out dinner…pick up the children from school, help w/ homework and spend time w/ children and fit any more time to continue working on ceramic pieces.
What has been a struggle while starting up your company?
FUNDS
FUNDS
What did you do in your past work life?
Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Educator
What have been some of your major successes?
Asked to be featured in this Blog! and seeing parents light up when they recieve their prints!
Asked to be featured in this Blog! and seeing parents light up when they recieve their prints!
What have been some of your major challenges?
Trying to get my Business into Local Hospitals and fitting family life and business together.
Trying to get my Business into Local Hospitals and fitting family life and business together.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
Bills...lol...my family and faith
Bills...lol...my family and faith
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
If anyone knows, let me know as soon as possible! I wish I had the secret. It is a challenge.
If anyone knows, let me know as soon as possible! I wish I had the secret. It is a challenge.
What is next for your business?
I have started online handprints, personalized family ornaments and more online recently. I have had orders over the country and now internationally. I am really into roses right now and am creating names out of flowers coming soon.
I have started online handprints, personalized family ornaments and more online recently. I have had orders over the country and now internationally. I am really into roses right now and am creating names out of flowers coming soon.
Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?
What is your motivation behind it? Do you truly believe in it? Have or find funds, research and enjoy what you do!!!
What is your motivation behind it? Do you truly believe in it? Have or find funds, research and enjoy what you do!!!
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