This week’s Spotlight Mom is actually 3 moms, who have come up with a fun book to help you break your child’s binkie habit. I can’t wait to get my hands on their book, Perry Passyflyer, as we are working on getting Savannah to hand over her binkie, now that she is two years old. I never knew it would be so hard to break her of this habit. And, with a 10 month old in the house, who uses a binkie on occasion, Savannah sees this and wants one to. I can’t wait until the day that our house is binkie free!
Do you have a binkie lover who you are trying to break the habit with? Then, why not consider picking up Perry Passyflyer today for them?
Here is more information about how this fun book came about and this week’s Spotlight Moms:
“Elizabeth Arnold, and Danielle Stanely grew up together in Hunterdon County, NJ. Now as mothers, they understand the plight of parents when that certain age hits and it is time to take away a child's prized possession. Giving up the "binky", "paci", or "dummy" can be a struggle for even the most patient of nurturers. They have found a way to make this experience a joyful and adventurous journey.
Katie, a mother of three daughters, approached the writing of Perry Passyflyer with both humor and heart. "I was sure one of my daughters would walk down the aisle with their binker, " she commented with a smile. Elizabeth and Danielle are both mothers of a young son and are familiar with the pacifier battle. Elizabeth states, "my son used five (binkers) to sleep. I didn't know how we would say goodbye." Thus the idea for Perry Passyflyer took flight.
With a rhyming pattern and easy to read format, this wondrous children's book weaves fun and whimsy as pacifiers, with the help of a trusted friend, make their way to distant lands and newborns.”
The three moms are currently collaborating on a second children's book designed to address the perplexing world of potty training. But, they have been kind enough to take time out of their busy schedules to share this story with you. Please enjoy my Spotlight on Mom interview with the ladies behind Perry Passyflyer.
Names: Katie Eshleman, Elizabeth Arnold and Danielle Stanley
Company Name/Product/Service: Perry Passyflyer
Company Location: Hunterdon County, NJ
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Perry-Passyflyer/392287724150980
Age of Company: Less than a year
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
Katie: The body achieves what the mind believes!
Favorite Book:
Katie: Hmmm...I love any books about music therapy!
Elizabeth: The World According to Garp by John Irving
Danielle: Half Broke Horses and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.
Katie:
I am a board certified music therapist specializing in pediatrics and have recorded two children's CD to enhance early childhood language development. I aspire to find innovative and creative ways to help parents and children with the transitions that mark the early childhood years. I live in NJ with my husband Jason and three young music-loving daughters. Jason and I have been married for ten years and our daughters are 8,6, and 5. When I am not singing and writing children's books, I enjoy endurance athletics including marathon running and long course triathlon.
Elizabeth:
I am an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at Kean University. I am married to a wonderfully supportive husband and a mother to a fun-loving three-year old son named Graeme. I love to read, hike, and swim.
Danielle:
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently working in a public school system in Warren County with children ranging in ages from Pre-K through 12th grade. I am married to an incredibly encouraging husband and we have one loving and curious son.
Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?
Elizabeth:
The idea for the book came about during the time that I was attempting to taper my son’s binkie habit. He was sleeping with up to five at a time.
Danielle:
The brilliant idea came to my best friend, Elizabeth, one night when she was pondering creative ideas to help her son overcome his love of binkies!
What is a typical work day like?
Katie:
I am very fortunate as my work day is a wonderful combination of being a stay at home mom and a private practice music therapist. As one of my positions is providing early childhood music in a local preschool, I have been able to bring my daughters when they were not quite school age. It is in the "quiet moments" that I enjoy writing and rhyming as I think about books for young children that will facilitate the transitions of early childhood.
Elizabeth:
I am an early riser (5:00-5:30). I generally get my best work done in the mornings, whether it is preparing for a lecture, running errands, or planning a day full of activities with my son. I am organized in that my mornings run pretty smoothly. I pack meals ahead and have everything I may need for the day waiting by the door. On days when Graeme has school, I drop him off and head to the gym for a work out. After that it’s time in the office and classroom before heading to pick Graeme up and head home for play time and dinner making (usually one in the same). Graeme likes to help cook. When my husband comes home it’s usually a family game of hide and seek or wrestling before dinner, then bath time, and story reading.
Danielle:
I am very scheduled during the academic year to ensure everyone’s day runs smoothly. I enjoy my early morning workouts to my favorite kick boxing or zumba DVD before everyone wakes up. I head off to work to provide social skills groups to 2nd through 4th graders, IEPs/case management to high school students, and social assessments for children as part of determining eligibility to potential child study team students. My afternoons are spent with my son visiting local animal farms, walking, going to a playground, and preparing dinner with my son for our family. Our family time is the most important part of our day and we cherish each moment as we know our son is growing faster than we would like!
What has been a struggle while starting up your company?
Katie:
As a beginning company, our greatest struggle at this point seems to encompass the intricate world of marketing. We are so proud of Perry Passyflyer - but now the challenge is to "tell the world." That is why we are so thankful for moms like you who help inspire and facilitate success for new mom entrepreneurs!
Elizabeth:
It is hard to find a good balance between work and family life. Some days it’s clockwork and others total chaos.
Danielle:
It is hard to find a good balance between work and family life. Some days it’s clockwork and others total chaos.
What did you do in your past work life?
Katie:
I have a master's degree in music therapy and have been a music therapist in private practice for the last 5 years.
Elizabeth:
I have been a nurse for 12 years. I have worked as a staff nurse, administrative supervisor, and now a nursing professor. Writing transition books for children is a new endeavor that will hopefully continue to blossom into a full-time career.
Danielle:
I have been a social worker for seven years working in various community organizations from reading programs, homeless shelters, and state agencies. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2009, working in a specialized school for children with social/emotional issues ranging in ages of 5 to 18. I provided individual and group counseling for three years. Currently, I am working as a school social worker in Warren County.
What have been some of your major successes?
Katie:
Besides the publication of Perry Passyflyer, I am very proud of the two children's CDs that I have written and produced to enhance early childhood language development. (www.singoutonline.com) I have had the experience of watching both language develop in a typical manner as well as watch one of my own children struggle to speak and be understood. Using music to help children feel successful in their acquisition of language makes me very proud. One of the greatest emails I ever received said "we never thought my daughter would sing until she heard your CD" I am a very lucky woman to do what I love each and every day!
Elizabeth:
I have been blessed with many successes in my life, my son, my marriage, my nursing career, and now the collaborative efforts that made my wish of one day becoming a writer into a reality.
Danielle:
I consider the major successes of my life to be seen through my family. I cherish each relationship and continue to be thankful for them every day.
What have been some of your major challenges?
Katie:
I am often challenged my desire to be an "expert" and when I feel less than that it is a hit to my self esteem. So, I have tried to reframe the negativity of that "challenge" into a positive goal to learn more and more each day about my craft.
Elizabeth:
It is difficult to prioritize when everything seems of equal importance.
Danielle:
To remember to take a break from the daily treadmill of life!
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
Katie:
I am continually motivated by two major factors: my family and the children with special needs that I work with as a music therapist. The optimism and continual faith that these kiddos demonstrate keeps me motivated beyond words!
Elizabeth:
My ‘to do’ list motivates me. I love to cross things off. It motivates me to get things done.
Danielle:
The support I find when I ask for help from my friends and family.
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Katie:
I am very fortunate to have a dear friend who has challenged me to "envision" the life I want to lead. She has helped me to discover, envision, and prioritize in a manner that helps me balance business and family while working toward my dream of being a mom entrepreneur. I have to admit, I have not struck the perfect "balance" but we are all works in progress!
Elizabeth:
I know when to put work away. Family time is family time.
Danielle:
I always prioritize my family to come first. Whether or not the dishes are done and lunches are prepared for the next day or the laundry is over flowing – I know when to stop and take a time out to be with my family.
What is next for your business?
Katie:
Liddy, Danielle, and I are currently collaborating on a book to tackle the perplexing world of potty training!
Elizabeth and Danielle:
To continue to develop our writing.
Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?
Katie:
I tend to be a "just do it" type of woman! However, I would encourage all mom entrepreneurs to seek out a friend or mentor to discuss the "nuts and bolts" of a solo business venture. A "second set of eyes" can provide perhaps that extra bit of confidence to get started as well as help a new business mom to foresee and plan for the challenges that may be ahead!! Above all, believe in yourself and the power of your gifts!
Elizabeth:
You will never know unless you try!
Danielle:
Remember to have some laughs along the way!
it's a great idea to come up with a book to help wean a child off their binkie!!!
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