Spotlight of Mommy Monday Post -- Rebeka of The Giving Madam

This week, I would like to introduce you to Rebeka of The Giving Madam.  I stumbled across her work by winning a blog contest, where she was the featured artist.  Rebeka offers printable templates and decor for birthday parties, baby showers and more.  I can't wait until Savannah's birthday in July, to use the Christmas invitations she made.  I will be doing a Christmas in July theme for her birthday, and Rebeka will be finishing up the personalization of the cards over the summer, once a date is set.  On Friday, I will be sharing a review on the handful of handmade invitations, cupcake toppers and other templates I selected from the blog giveaway I had won for Rebeka's shop, and will be providing links for readers to download invitations, templates and more for FREE -- thanks to Rebeka.  In the meantime, sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy my interview with Rebeka.  

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Name:  Rebeca K.
Company Name/Product/Service: The Giving Madam - A place for printable decor and mommy inspiration
Company Location: Stationed in Guam!
Company Website:  http://thegivingmadam.blogspot.com/
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Giving-Madam
Twitter Handle: @ http://twitter.com/#!/TheGivingMadam
Age of Company:  Less than a year.
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: “ I didn’t fail. I just found 10,000 ways that wont work.” -Thomas Edison
Favorite Book: Marley and Me by John Grogan


Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have?  What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.:
I am a military wife to one awesome man, and a stay-at-home mom to three amazing girls, all under the age of four! Someday, when my children are all grown up,  I’d love to join the Peace Corps and travel the world!

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about?
I create printable cupcake toppers, invitations, banners and more. I wanted specific party decor for my daughters’ birthday parties, but could not find what I was looking for. Finally, a huge light bulb turned bright and I realized that I could create it myself. Wish I’d thought of it sooner!

What is a typical work day like?
Since I stay home, my typical work day consist of diaper changing, 30 minutes to do my designs, cook breakfast, then clean the floor, make lunch - clean the floor again, prepare dinner - serve dinner - clean the floor again. If you’re wondering why I have to clean the floor so much, it is because my daughters have this idea that the floor is hungry too, so there is always a mess waiting for me. Somewhere in between eating hours I try to find time to do my chores. Really though, I feel as if there aren’t enough hours in the day for me.

What has been a struggle while starting up your company?: There hasn’t really been much of a struggle in starting up my company since everything is handled at my finger tips and computer. However, I’d have to say that I sometimes struggle to find time to create more unique designs.

What did you do in your past work life?: I used to work in a bank as a customer service representative.

What have been some of your major successes?: This may sound so cliche, but being a mom is a huge success! It has challenged me in so many ways ….emotionally, physically and mentally.

What have been some of your major challenges?: Figuring out what I want to major in college. I still think I should major in every degree. I really need help in this area.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?: My daughters keep me going because I know they need me.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?: Hhmm, a secret? Avoid saying I will put things off later because the time spent thinking could have put me half way to finishing whatever task I was daydreaming about.

What is next for your business?: More blog involvement. I want more interaction with those who use my printables...maybe a section which allows them to write reviews of my designs. I could use the feedback.

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?: Don’t be discouraged! There are times I feel like I should quit, then there are those days where I am lifted again because I remember my personal purpose. Everyone started out small, I am sure Martha Stewart did too!

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Thanks, Rebeka for the taking the time to share your personal story with us. Please feel free to leave any comments for Rebeka below.  Don't forget to visit her website and check back here on Friday, when I will be reviewing her printables and sharing FREE printables for my readers.


Have a great week!

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