In just 30 days, Amie Mount created a business to fit her lifestyle and family. Wishing Wells Reflections, based in Aberdeen, South Dakota was up and running in a month, and with the basics, and necessary licensing she was able to begin working immediately. Amie shares her experience and tips on how to launch a business in 30 days with The Business Woman Media…
I was the traditional stay at home mom who didn’t work out of the home because I didn’t want to miss out on time with my children. Long story short after being a stay at home mom for many years, it dawned on me that I wanted to create a way for me to not only be with my children but also teach them the importance of work ethic by being an example myself. Thus launch a business in 30 days is a great idea to start with my own business.
One day after I had moved from Oregon to South Dakota out of nowhere I decided I wanted to try face painting, initially I wanted to paint my kids for Halloween. Little did I know I would get the idea to take something that not only made my kids happy, but use it to form a full-time business.
I literally went to the store picked up the paints and brushes I could find (safe for skin) and started painting my heart out, my children happily donating their faces. This quickly turned into not only face painting, but balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, and cup o grams.
Each service was made with the goal of incorporating my children into the business so that we Wishing Wells Reflections, based in Aberdeen, South Dakota work “together”. After only one year we progressed faster than the average face painting business would. We chased the jobs and didn’t wait for them to fall on our lap.
After much practice at home we started seeking out workshops, and conventions where we could learn more and increase our skills. Everything I would learn I would begin training my children as well. Two years later we doubled our first years income. Talk about amazing, I still can’t believe it.
My children ages 14, 11, 8, and 6 all have something they can do for “our business” everyone is included and everyone gets breaks. The awesome thing about the business we created for our lifestyle is that we set our hours, if one of the kids has a sporting event or school function, it is no problem we schedule around it. We can take family vacations, speaking of family vacations one of the best things about our business is that we get to see so many things and places. It’s almost like when we are working we are vacationing. We have gone to so many festivals in so many different towns, the kids love it.
Some family and friends initially thought this business would be a fly by night thing, and that it would get old, or simply not be successful. Proving them wrong has been an amazing feeling. Now people ask me how we did it.
The neatest thing is being able to be a parent, spend time with your kids, and enjoy teaching them work ethic and business ownership all while bringing joy into others lives. We see endless smiles all day long by painting faces, making balloon creatures, sparkly tattoos, and fun cup o grams.
With every business comes some struggles of course, for me I would say that coming up with creative marketing strategies has been one of the most difficult aspects of our business, you really have to be a go getter, and a thinker.
There are so many important aspects of running any business such as creating a brand, marketing, and making yourself top of mind. We are always doing everything we can to be remembered so that we are who people think of when looking for entertainment.
Something I would say to others is that if you wake up in the morning and are not happy about your career, or fill like by pursuing your career you are neglecting some other part of your life — don’t settle. Take your life into your own hands, become creative, and figure out how you can create the life and career that makes you happy. Waking up happy to work, is the best feeling ever. Sharing that with my family and children… well, there are no words to explain that feeling.
Tips to launch a business in 30 days
- Contact your small business association … they are very helpful.
- Get your license or sales tax license registered at start up.
- Secure and register your business name and consider what type of business you want to have such as sole proprieter etc.
- Focus really hard on your business brand. This is the golden ticket! Ask yourself how you can make yourself top of mind. Make your business who people want to call when they need services such as yours.
- Take time choosing a fantastic unforgettable and catchy business name and logo.
- For businesses that start up fast, I highly suggest using social media to your benefit for advertising. With targeted ads to your specific target audience you will likely spread the word of you new business fairly fast. Utilize the more trendy methods of advertising and don’t waste money on outdated methods such as newspaper or radio ads.
- Love what you do! If you love it, it will show, and when others see your enthusiasm it will become contagious!
