Safety is one of top priority of all parents for their children, and with the help of Kim Estes, she is making it a little bit easier. She offers parenting workshops and professional trainings around the United States, as well as tele-seminars. Her workshops are geared to help adults learn the best tips, tools and techniques to help you talk to your child about safety, without using scare tactics.
I had the opportunity to interview Kim for my Spotlight on Mommy feature and am pleased to share it with you today. And, just for Inspired by Savannah readers, Kim has kindly offered to provide FREE 30-min phone consultations with her, where she can answer any of child safety questions. To take advantage of this special offer, please email her today and let her know you found out about her and her services through her Spotlight on Mommy post.
In addition, one lucky reader will also win a Child Safety Book, thanks to Kim. To enter, first visit Kim's website, and then please leave a comment below letting me know what you learned about Kim and Savvy Parents Safe Kids. It is that easy!!! Good luck, and enjoy my interview with Kim.
Name: Kim Estes
Company Name/Product/Service: Savvy Parents Safe Kids
Company Location: Redmond, WA
Company Website: www.savvyparentssafekids.com
Twitter Handle: @savvyandsafe
Age of Company: I have been a safety educator for 5 years and just recently launched Savvy Parents Safe Kids
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: "Too much of anything is bad for you"... my grandmother
Favorite Book: Anything by David Sedaris
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.
I have been a parent educator for over 12 years and love what I do. I am a mom to two fantastic girls (8 and 13) and have been married to the same awesome guy for over 20 years. I love to snowshoe, take long walks and when I have spare time, I love to work on my family genealogy.
I have been a parent educator for over 12 years and love what I do. I am a mom to two fantastic girls (8 and 13) and have been married to the same awesome guy for over 20 years. I love to snowshoe, take long walks and when I have spare time, I love to work on my family genealogy.
Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?
I am a child safety expert and I work with both parent and professionals in helping them learn how to keep kids safe from sexual abuse, abduction and other crimes. I have mobile workshops and often speak to parent groups and do professional trainings. I began my journey into child safety when a predatory incident happened at my daughters school. When I realized there were other parents like myself, who could use some safety coaching, my safety career was born.
I am a child safety expert and I work with both parent and professionals in helping them learn how to keep kids safe from sexual abuse, abduction and other crimes. I have mobile workshops and often speak to parent groups and do professional trainings. I began my journey into child safety when a predatory incident happened at my daughters school. When I realized there were other parents like myself, who could use some safety coaching, my safety career was born.
What is a typical work day like?
After I get the kids off to school, I usually spend my time divided between the computer, the phone, moms group workshops and meeting with other community members. By 2PM my dog is nudging me for her walk... which is a great reminder to Step Away From The Computer! Then, I get time with the kids in the afternoon before I usually head out the door to teach parent workshops in the evening.
After I get the kids off to school, I usually spend my time divided between the computer, the phone, moms group workshops and meeting with other community members. By 2PM my dog is nudging me for her walk... which is a great reminder to Step Away From The Computer! Then, I get time with the kids in the afternoon before I usually head out the door to teach parent workshops in the evening.
What has been a struggle while starting up your company?
Keeping time that is carved out for just my family and free of interruptions for work. Starting a business requires a lot of intensive networking and that can really take a lot of time.
Keeping time that is carved out for just my family and free of interruptions for work. Starting a business requires a lot of intensive networking and that can really take a lot of time.
What did you do in your past work life?
I was in accounting! That background has made the financial end of my business easier!
I was in accounting! That background has made the financial end of my business easier!
What have been some of your major successes?
I have loved being able to partner with national companies and organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as well as Habitat for Humanity, National PTA, Starbucks and our local police departments.
I have loved being able to partner with national companies and organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as well as Habitat for Humanity, National PTA, Starbucks and our local police departments.
What have been some of your major challenges?
Due to the nature of my business, people are often afraid of the topic of sexual abuse prevention (even though that is only a part of what I teach) so it often requires a lot of time getting to know people so they can see my approach to safety is both effective AND friendly.
Due to the nature of my business, people are often afraid of the topic of sexual abuse prevention (even though that is only a part of what I teach) so it often requires a lot of time getting to know people so they can see my approach to safety is both effective AND friendly.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
All I have to do is read the newspaper... to understand that the work I am doing is important to keeping kids safe.
All I have to do is read the newspaper... to understand that the work I am doing is important to keeping kids safe.
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
I only check e-mail once after 5:30PM and I have dedicated time that is just for my family.
I only check e-mail once after 5:30PM and I have dedicated time that is just for my family.
What is next for your business?
More national speaking engagements and I will be launching a blog talk radio show in April 2011 that will tackle tough parenting topics.
More national speaking engagements and I will be launching a blog talk radio show in April 2011 that will tackle tough parenting topics.
Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?
Only do something you absolutely LOVE and expect that it will take about 24 months to really get your business rolling! Network, network, network!!
Only do something you absolutely LOVE and expect that it will take about 24 months to really get your business rolling! Network, network, network!!
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