Spotlight on Mom: Lisa Cee of MissionUnboxable

"What kid doesn't love mystery and Top Secret missions? Spy kits and top secret missions mailed to a child's front door every month! Secret missions include spy gear, disguise kits, fingerprint analysis, decoders, get-away cars, target practice, bird watching (yes, bird watching), bouncy balls and much, much more!"

I don't know how mothers with more than 2 children do it.  I am finding myself being spread thin with just two girls, especially during these crazy toddler years. One mom that I am in awe of is Lisa Cee, who has an 8, 6, 4 and 18 month old children.  When she is not raising her children, she is creating fun top secret mission spy kits as part of her business MissionUnboxabable, which she started back on June 21st of this year.  While she has only been in business a short time, she has received rave reviews from customers and other bloggers.

I don't know about you, but I love browsing Etsy to find unique and fun products and gifts ideas.  Recently, when looking for party supplies and gifts for Savannah's 3rd birthday in July, I stumbled across Lisa's website and instantly fell in love with her spy kits made especially for children.  After reaching out to her, not only did she take time out of her busy work and personal schedule, to complete my Spotlight on Mom interview questions, but she also sent along a couple top secret missions, in a black spy kit briefcase.  When I opened the package, I felt like a little kid, and got excited.  What a fun idea I thought, and oh how I wished I was a child again, so that I could go on these fun top secret missions Lisa created, with the help of her son.  But, thankfully, I have two little girls, who are princesses, but also undercover agents, who love to go on top secret missions. 

I couldn't wait to share the briefcase full of goodies with the girls.  And, once Savannah saw the black briefcase, she, too, got excited -- just like her mom!  Stay tuned on Friday, when I will share more about the MissionUnboxable monthly subscription service that you can order for child/grandchild.  Lisa offers a variety of subscription options including 3 months, 6 months, a full year, as well as the missions without the briefcase.  And, if you have second child, you can add $7.00 extra each month, to receive an additional package of materials for the sibling.  I will have to sign up for this extra, as Arabella got into the missions and wanted her own envelopes and supplies.

If you can't wait until Friday, and want to place an order for the your own MissionUnboxable kit to share with your child(ren), then make sure you use coupon code "SPOTLIGHT10" at checkout to receive 10 percent off their total order, with a minimum purchase of $25.  Act fast, though, as this coupon code is only valid through the end of September.  Personally, I can't wait to order their Christmas Mission for the girls.

But, in the meantime, please enjoy my Spotlight on Mom interview with Lisa Cee, owner of MissionUnboxable. And, make sure you head back here on Friday to hear more about the missions Savannah and Arabella went on, thanks to the briefcase and top secret missions Lisa sent our way. :-)

 
Name: Lisa Cee
Company Name/Product/Service: Mission Unboxable
Company Location: Geneva, IL
Company Website: www.etsy.com/shop/MissionUnboxable
Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/pages/Mission-Unboxable/571314772911132
Age of Company: June 21, 2013
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: The more I know, the more I realize I don't know.
Favorite Book: The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.  

I have four amazing  kids, ages 8, 6, 4, and 20 months.  I enjoy spending time and going places with them -- I'm not someone who can stay in one place for very long, I'm always on the go.  I love art, photography, reading, researching and learning something new every day. I wish I could sew, cook and travel.

Briefly explain your business. How did it come about? 

Mission Unboxable is a monthly subscription service that sends Top Secret Missions to children every month.  The company evolved over several years. I work outside of the home and on weekends I would create projects for all my kids to enjoy.  Someone asked me how I did it and the seed for a business was planted.  I asked my 8 year old son what he thought and we came up with sending Top Secret Missions to kids every month that started with our weekend projects.  My son and kids create and test the missions and then I put it together and add my 2 cents as a mom.  It's fun and educational and always practical! I've learned through this process that the simple things in life are really what kids love, even if they tell you it's the DS/computer/TV.

What is a typical work day like? 

My son and I brainstorm all the time.  Kids have fantastic ideas and endless creativity.  We are constantly trying new things and tweaking our business.  There definitely is no routine yet, we are just having fun building the company.

What has been a struggle while starting up your company?  

Time.  Things take time and you have to be patient.  Thinking things through, trying new things and tweaking our company to make it competitive with the other companies that have million dollar backing is a challenge but kids are fearless so we charge ahead with all the energy we have!

What did you do in your past work life?  

You name it, I did it.

What have been some of your major successes? 

Getting our name out there.  It started with one awesome blogger taking a leap of faith and testing out our product and we've been on a roll every since.

What are some of your major challenges?

Getting sales.  Everyone loves the idea of the company and we've gotten a lot of recognition but slow in sales.  We're hoping to become one of the coolest "must have" toys for the holidays. We hope every blogger puts Mission Unboxable on their gift gifting lists!

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?  

My kids, hands down.  My idea in starting the company was to teach my kids to put themselves out there and not be afraid to try things even if they fail.  I want to show my kids by example that working hard and challenging themselves can be rewarding in and of itself.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family? 

If there's a secret, send it to me because I haven't learned it yet!

What is next for your business? 

Michael is always creating new ideas and I want to make as many of them happen as I can.  He's working on a Christmas mission and he is begging to start a website to add games and to create an app. There honestly is no limit to children's dreams or imagination which makes this company so much fun.

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?  

In order to be successful, you have to take the first step.  It is not easy and there are days I wonder what I'm doing but it's important to believe in your dreams and go after what you want.  No one will drop it in your lap.