Powerful words can make a difference before kids head to middle school
Dear daughter,
1. Someone else doesn’t need to think you’re beautiful to make it true.
Please know that you are beautiful. And not in the least because of how your eyes and nose fit on your face or the size of your waist. You are beautiful because of who you are. Those who care about you will not only see your beauty, but they will love you for loving yourself and knowing all of your own great strengths.
Do not put the power of your truth in the hands of another to decide. Hold onto it and boldly believe in yourself. You already possess it. Whether they see it or not, it’s yours.
2. Feeling good about yourself is not a bad thing.
To know one’s own strengths is a great skill. It is necessary for success in life, love, friendships, intimacy, careers, and even physical and mental health. Do not be afraid to trust in your strengths. You can know where your greatness lies and balance it with the awareness of where your faults and struggles hold you back.
We are not meant to ignore our bright light, nor are we meant to pretend as though we lack imperfections. You may be tempted to step heel to toe to make others feel more comfortable or accepting, but we all fall off that tightrope. Your feet belong on solid ground because you are incredible and flawed. Accept both.
3. You can blame me for anything.
There will be times when you find yourself in a situation that you know is trouble. You will be faced with drinking, drugs, and other “just do it” situations that are harmful to you or that you just don’t want to participate in. And yet, what should you say? Dear daughter, say that your mom has the superhero power of knowing all and you will be indentured to a life of chores and Friday night board games with your parents forever.
I trust you to make good choices, but when you need an excuse, when you need someone to blame, I can be whatever you want me to be to get you out of a bad situation.
Fear of missing out can lead to bad choices, loneliness, jealousy, and hurt feelings. When you are feeling that way, remember that pictures exaggerate the truth. A simple night of three friends sitting around staring at their own phones can look like the sleepover of the century with one selfie posted on Instagram. Filters are there for a reason, they make the image of the truth look better than it really is. Likely you didn’t miss out on anything. And even if you did, your turn will come.
5. Build up your friends; it doesn’t take away from how awesome you are.
An unfortunate lie that girls are told in our society is that we must compete with one another to be the best. Healthy competition in sports and activities is a good thing when everyone knows the rules and is on the same playing field. Unhealthy competition is unspoken or hidden; it is not acknowledged and there are no rules. It leads to covert bullying also known as relational aggression.
Magazines and movies want us to think that only one girl can be the beautiful one at a party, only one dress can be the prettiest, and only one girl can get the guy. Do not be held back by needing to be prettier/smarter/cuter/trendier/sportier than your friends. Don’t be friends with girls who are stuck needing to be better than you. Be yourself and then give your friends props for being awesome, too.
6. You are in charge of your body.
Okay, this is a serious one—the most important one on this list. I want you to close your eyes and think really hard about this now for a moment because you only have one body. And your body is precious to me. I hope your body is precious to you. I hope that you treat your body as the strong, capable, incredible form that it is.
Every part of you is beautiful and perfect, designed for anything and everything you want it to do. Listen to your body, be the driver of your vessel, treat it with respect, and others will, too.
7. I will always be here. You are always my girl.
Life is hard. And like I said, we are all just trying to figure it out. As you learn and grow and change, I will always be here. I hope you will feel the warmth of my arms around you no matter where you are, like a ribbon tethering you always to the place from where you first came. I love you more than the air I breathe. I love watching you unfold and figure out who you are and claim your path.
You already have everything inside of you that you will ever need, and I am the luckiest mom in the world to have you as my daughter. I am always on your side, I’ve got your back and am holding a spotlight over you as you learn to fly, forever your cheerleader. Thanks for being you.
Krissy Dieruf is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children, loves to sing and dance around the house and has a soft spot for rebels and crazy hair.
Does your little influencer want a worldwide stage? Join the club! With YouTube beating out TV for kids’ attention these days, and with its young stars mostly being regular kids who stumbled into stardom, it’s no surprise that kids everywhere want to be YouTubers more than any other job.“YouTube has become a learning tool,” said Trevi O’Neill, who along with her kids, Jake and Gianna, and her husband, Matt, started The Adventure Buddies channel on YouTube to document the family’s travels. “It’s how our kids taught themselves how to skateboard, surf, play soccer and guitar. It’s just the up-and-coming way to learn. Kids see it as an opportunity to see other kids in action.” So how do you launch your child into the “You-niverse” the right way? Keep reading because here’s our step-by-step guide to the very best YouTube equipment for beginners.
Here's the deal: Kids under 13 are technically not supposed to have their own YouTube channels since YouTube collects data on its users (and that goes against the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act). That said, anyone who's ever given their phone to a toddler knows that Youtube is teeming with kids. That's because children can have a YouTube channel as long as their parents approve the account and agree to the fact that data is being collected.
Creating a YouTube channel requires a Google account, so you'll need to set that up first. Once you do, you can easily create your channel by going to YouTube and clicking "add a channel." If you already have an existing channel and want to give your littles their own, sign in to your Youtube account, click on "settings," then "Add a channel." From there, you just need to name your channel and upload your videos.
Maybe you already have an idea for a YouTube channel, or maybe your kids just want to get their faces out there. In any case, some fun themes for family YouTube formats include:
Cooking - Got a little chef? Consider letting her show off her skills in the kitchen like these adorable sisters do in the Bow Girls YouTube channel.
Product reviews - If your kids are talkative enough, let them give their viewers a mouthful by reviewing various toys and products as these kids do.
Travel Vlogs - Got wanderlust? Want to be like The Adventure Buddies, who travel the world in the name of documenting it? A travel Vlog is a perfect way to include the whole family in on the fun.
Tutorials - Is your kid an expert at something? Have them offer tutorials for other kids.
Animation/Claymation - Do you have a creative kid that would prefer to stay behind the scenes? Let them learn a little about the animation process by starting a YouTube channel for their creations (This works perfectly if you don't want your kids' actual faces to be out there for all to see.). There are plenty of kiddified apps and programs that teach basic animation using LEGO, drawings or clay, including Flip-A-Clip, which uses simple drawings to create animated clips, and Stop Motion Studio, which lets you animate real-life drawings, clay figures, LEGO or anything else you don't mind moving frame-by-frame to create a movie.
Make Sure Your Kids Know What They Can and Can't Say
Before giving your kids the spotlight, make sure they understand what's OK to post—especially when it comes to privacy. That means getting permission if they include anyone else in their videos and making sure nothing they post is potentially offensive. Kids should also make sure not to wear clothes that tell others where they live or go to school (like school uniforms), and they should keep their last names offline at all times. It's also a good idea to have you and your kids sign a media agreement, like this one from Common Sense Media, so they know what's expected of them.
Decide How "Public" You Want To Be
Do you want anyone to be able to watch your family videos, or are you more comfortable with only people you know seeing your kids' antics? Decide how much privacy you want before you upload videos. Setting your videos to "public" means anyone can tune in while setting them to "private" requires an invitation. Videos set to "unlisted" are a good middle ground as they don't appear in searches or on your main channel's page, and they can only be viewed by those with the link.
Tip: We recommend turning off comments for your child's videos because let's face it, people can be mean. Encourage your budding filmmakers to seek feedback from friends and family rather than strangers.
The Best YouTube Equipment for Beginners
YouTube Equipment for Beginners: A Good Camera (but a Phone Works Fine Too)
For your child to compete with the Baby Sharks and Ryans of the web (or even just to make videos that you'll want to post on your social media pages), you'll need a good digital camera. The good news? Your phone is good enough—most YouTube videos are shot on phones without professional help. If you do want to go a step further, try one of the ones below.
Best splurge:Tech Radar calls the Sony ZV-1 the "ultimate compact for YouTubers," ($748 on Amazon).
Best action cam: If you're looking for a camera you can prop on the edge of your surfboard, sled or bike, the GoPro ($399 on Amazon) is your best bet.
Best compact camera: The DJI Pocket 2 ($349 on Amazon) is an adorable little camera that will fit in your pocket but still has powerful image-capturing and stabilizing capabilities.
Overall Winner: Your smartphone. We're all for keeping it simple.
It's true, your phone has a microphone. But that's meant for talking on the phone, not making videos. If you want to capture crisp sound and block out background noise like wind, traffic, crowds or your smaller kids screaming in the other room, an external mic will help. Here are some good choices:
If you're going to be shooting in one place and you need your hands, consider a clip-on mic so you and your kids can keep your hands free. This also gets the microphone close to their face without being obtrusive in the shot. Try the Rode Lavalier GO, available at Best Buy for $80.
If you're going to be moving around a lot or if there's a lot of action in your video, a shotgun mic is your best bet. This attaches to your camera (or camera rig) and moves with you as you follow your subject around. If you want something small that can fit on your smartphone, try the Rode VideoMic Me Compact Mini ShotGun Mic, which is available on Amazon for $46. If you want a rig that'll hold your phone and microphone, try the iRig (available on Amazon for $130).
If your subject is too far away for a connected mic (or you don't want to deal with cords), PC Magazine recommends the Rode Wireless Go II, which is available at Best Buy for $300.
If you're going to be recording voiceovers post-production, studio mics work best. CNET recommends the Yeti Studio Microphone, which is available on Amazon for $100.
Note: If you're using your smartphone as your camera, you may need an adaptor (like this) to be able to plug in an external microphone.
YouTube Equipment for Beginners: A Tripod or Portable Camera Rig
People are only so good at holding still—so when it comes to getting a good, even shot, it's best to use a tripod or a camera rig, both of which can keep your shots relatively jitter-free.
Best tripods for smartphones - PC Magazine recommends the DJI OM 4 ($129 on Amazon), a tripod and image stabilizer that has a magnetic mount so you can attach your phone quickly and easily.
Best tripod for selfie shots - If you want something you can wrap around various surfaces (say, a tree branch or railing, for instance), this Cloudsfoto tripod ($17 on Amazon) has flexible legs that can bend around various surfaces or fixtures. It also comes with a remote button if you want to start filming from afar.
Best tripod for (non-mobile phone) cameras - The JOBY GorillaPod Magnetic tripod ($20 on Amazon) has thick, bendable rubber legs for mounting larger cameras on various surfaces. It also has magnetic legs; you can pop it onto anything metal to capture cool angles and perspectives.
Best all-in-one camera rig - The Rode Vlogger Edition Filmmaking Kit ($149 on Amazon) is more than just a portable tripod—it also contains a mini shotgun mic, as well as a small light, all of which improve your smartphone's filmmaking capabilities. It's not the best quality mic or lighting, but it's good enough that it'll make your kids feel like bona fide YouTubers in no time. The tripod can be set onto a table for studio shots or handheld for on-the-go use.
Proper lighting is key to making your videos go from grainy home movies to proper film quality without much effort on your part. The good news? Natural light works great! Shooting outside or indoors by a window will usually be all it takes to give your videos a crisp, clear picture.
If you're shooting at night or indoors without much natural light, external lighting is a must. The UBeesize 10" Selfie Ring Light ($36) is an easy choice and comes with a built-in holder for your phone, so all you need to do is put the phone in, turn on the light and go. If your kids are doing product reviews, performances of some kind or cooking shows (anything where they'll be in one area for the whole shot), three-point lighting systems like the Kshioe Photography Softbox Lighting Kit ($86) use three lights to fill in shadows and make your subjects look great, even in dimmer environments.
For more details on how to set up a three-point lighting system, this video from Think Media makes it easy to understand.
Since most TVs and computers are horizontal, not vertical, shooting in the landscape orientation ensures that your picture will fill the screen when viewed on YouTube. That said, some people think vertical videos appear more "authentic" since it suggests that the videos were shot on a phone (by an amateur), so if that's the look you're going for, own it!
Use Fun Video Effects to Wow Your Audience (and Your Kids!)
Here are some fun apps that'll make adding video effects easy.
Reverse Vid (or Reverse Movie FX on Android) - This makes everything you film go in reverse. Use it right, and you can make your kids look like they just summoned an object to jump into their hands or like your magical gymnast can dive backward out of a swimming pool.
Action Movie FX - Watch out for that meteor! Get out of the avalanche's way! Alien invasions! This app generates effects that your kids will love; just put your kids in the right spot and film, and the app does the rest.
FX Guru - Want to make the next Jurassic Park? This video effects app offers a stomping T-Rex that can make an appearance wherever you want. There are also other fun video effects, including a swarm of cockroaches, a whirling tornado and a "Zoo escape."
Superhero Power FX - Your family can become a superhero team with this simple special effects app that lets you take on various powers. Shoot laser beams from your hands! Disappear into a ball of fire! Throw giant ice crystals, Elsa-style. It's all possible. At least, it looks like it is. Once done, be sure to use this Movie Poster Maker to promote your up-and-coming blockbuster.
Use Editing Software & Apps to Splice Together Clips
Depending on your tech-savviness, there are a ton of options that'll help you get you a "like"-worthy finished product. We love the simplicity of the iMovie mobile app, which can be operated completely on your iPhone, but if you want to go a little deeper and you feel comfortable working with editing software, try Adobe Premiere Rush, which is a simplified, social media-centric version of Adobe's award-winning video editing software. For something that requires no design skills, including templates for you to use to make your videos insta-worthy, Animoto is a fun program you can install on your mobile device. GoPro also comes with easy-to-use editing software that helps you make pro-quality flicks.
Some things to keep in mind while editing:
Short clips are better.
Background music helps pull together the final product (watch the tutorials on the app to learn how to do this; it takes some practice but is easy once you get the hang of it).
Use text or captions when you can (since 92% of people view videos with the sound off when viewing on their mobile devices, according to a report from Verizon Media.
Most importantly, have fun! Making a movie—and sharing it with friends—is a fun activity the whole fam can enjoy together. And, save all the mess-ups for the blooper reel—because, let's face it, that's always everyone's favorite part.
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Tiny Talkers just won a Totally Awesome Award for Most Lively Language Class in Portland. We recently spoke to them about their experience as a business owner, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!
Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Lively Language Class” – what do your customers value most about your business? Tiny Talkers: My joy, enthusiasm and commitment to the families that I work with. Families also tell me that they appreciate the diversity of the topics that I teach. One parent said “It’s not just practical stuff like ‘eat’ and ‘more.’ It is fun things like animals and weather and transportation which really got my child interested in language and eager to learn how to communicate either with his hands or vocally.”
RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know? TT: I infuse a lot of music into my toddler and preschool classes and encourage parents of younger babies who take my workshop to do the same. Musical activities stimulate the brain while offering rich language opportunities and encourage physical coordination. Combining music while learning to sign with your child is a winning combination and when done in a group setting offers an enriching experience that builds community in a holistic way. In other words…it’s a lot of fun!
RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation? TT: My business was born about 9 years ago around the time my second child was born. My motivation has always been to pay it forward. Using sign language with both of my children was the biggest gift I ever gave myself in my parenting journey. By teaching it to others, I feel like I’m bringing more happiness to the world. Happy kids = happy parents/caregivers.
RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above. TT: Water with lemon in it. I’m a fancy girl like that.
RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you? TT: My students give me gifts daily. I’m touched every time a parent or a caregiver takes time out of their day to send me an email with a story about how sign language helped them that day along with countless photos and videos of their kiddos signing. It’s incredibly rewarding every time someone reaches out to me. When one of my students “graduated” from my class, they gave me a framed photo of him signing “thank you” to me. That meant the world to me.
RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner? TT: There is never enough time in the day to get everything on my to-do list done. Some days I wish I could channel my inner Star Wars nerd and create a clone army of myself to get it all done.
RT: How do you keep your stress levels down? DD: Summer time fills my cup. We are a big camping family so being able to completely get away and unplug helps to keep my stress in check and memories of summer time fun has an amazing way of carrying through the rest of the year. During the school year I like getting outside for long walks and hiking (weeding does not fall into the anti-stress level category!) or doing something artistic. Anything right brained makes me happy and recharges me.
RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner? TT: While I’m not out there in spandex and a cape, I feel like making my students feel like they are achieving stronger bonds with their kids is my super power. I tend to think outside the box, so I can always bring new ideas to the table to make signing not only effective but fun.
RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)? TT: Dolly Parton said something fantastic once that is always in my mind when I’m having a tough time: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? TT: “Sleep when the baby sleeps” said the most unproductive parent ever.
RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers? TT: $5 off your next workshop or class through February 1, 2017.
Kyra’s Bake Shop just won a Totally Awesome Award for being the “Sweetest Cake Shop” in Portland. We recently spoke to the owner, Kyra Bussanich, about her experience as a business owner, the best advice she has ever received and more. Hear what she had to say below!
Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Sweetest Cake Shop in Portland” – what do your customers value most about your business? Kyra Bussanich: We strive to offer flavorful treats that are absolutely delicious—and happen to be gluten-free! We really like to balance the exotic with the familiar, so there is something to appeal to EVERYONE (and for those who have food allergies, we have plenty of options!)
RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know? KB: EVERYTHING is made from scratch, from our soups and salad dressing to our ice cream, breads and jams.
RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation? KB:I was super sick when I was in my teens and early 20s. I was eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, but none of the meds made a lick of difference in how I felt. I got fed up with always feeling terrible (I spent MONTHS curled up on the couch, too sick to do anything). When the doctors wanted to take out the most diseased portions of my intestines, I finally put my foot down and started exploring a gluten-free lifestyle, if only to reduce the inflammation enough that I WOULD respond to the meds. Within a year, I was completely off all my medications, which meant no more chemotox infusions, no more blood panels to make sure my brain and liver functions were still normal…and best of all, no more pain! I started getting my life back, and that’s when I realized that there wasn’t anything out there that was both gluten-free and a treat. I eventually grew tired of always having to sit apart at holidays and birthday celebrations because I couldn’t have that slice of Thanksgiving pie, or birthday cake. Feeling excluded is no fun, so I set out to change that, for me, and for anyone else out there who has dietary restrictions. My primary goal, though, wasn’t to create a line of gluten-free recipes; it was to create absolutely delicious pastries and savories that ANYONE would be happy to eat, and they would just happen to be gluten-free (or GF, DF; etc).
RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above. KB: Coffee with cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, and heavy whipping cream.
RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you? KB: Dropped off a flat of fresh Bing Cherries for me to play with! (I made paleo pop tarts!)
RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner? KB: When people forget that mom and pop shops have to do things a little differently than the huge box chains. We don\’t get the same price breaks on ingredients, and we often are pouring our heart and soul into the business, just trying to find a way where we can both nourish our guests and take good care of them, but also be able to take care of our staff.
RT: How do you keep your stress levels down? KB: I love to dance!
RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner? KB: I have a phenomenal memory and can recognize and remember our guests a year after I first meet them!
RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)? KB: Remember your WHY. The thing that made you want to start your business is the same thing that will keep you going when you\’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed. You just have to remember.
RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? KB: Be quick to fire. I don’t ever like to just write people off. Many times, there is a reason for why they act the way they do, and a little caring and sympathy can go a long way to solving challenges.
RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers? KB: Let me talk to my team and see what we can do!
First Steps Network (Atlanta) just won a Totally Awesome Award for Most Helpful Childcare Agency in Atlanta. We recently spoke to them about their experience as a business owner, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!
Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Helpful Childcare Agency” – what do your customers value most about your business? First Steps Network: ‘It’s ease of use, safety, flexibility and reliability.
RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know? FSN: First Steps was founded by – and is still solely owned and operated – by a local mom. She gets it!
RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation? FSN: Necessity. I was simply a young professional with a passion for children looking to sit and when I couldn’t I would refer families to friends. Then, the economy tanked and people were underemployed or unemployed and many stay-at-home moms headed back to work too.
RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above. FSN: 1. Two bouncing baby boys (2 and 3.5 years old) 2. Client communications if need be 3. Coffee (if I can get it made, and remember where I put it)
RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you? FSN: When I became a mom myself I was gifted a Moms on Call in-home consult. Life changing! Laura and Jennifer are brilliant!
RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner? FSN: When clients forget this business is operated by a human.
RT: How do you keep your stress levels down? FSN: Me time. Might be time with friends, shopping, reading or exercising.
RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner? FSN: I truly believe I have a gift in connecting people to each other.
RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)? FSN: As a parent, give yourself more grace. As a business owner, no matter how successful you are, never forget how you started.
RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? FSN: Be sure to create a business plan. No way! Don’t let antiquated business ideas delay starting up!
RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers? FSN: Please contact me.
Smart with Art just won the Totally Awesome Award for Amazing Art Classes in Seattle. Amy Friedman, owner of Smart with Art, took the time to speak with us about her totally awesome business.
Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Amazing Art Class in Seattle” – what do your customers value most about your business? Amy Friedman: The variety and and quality of art education that Smart with Art provides.
RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know? AF: We are a mobile art education program that offers daytime programs and after school programs on site at schools and community centers.
RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation? AF: After teaching art for almost 20 years, I was often asked to teach after school programs. I also provided professional development programs through Crayola and had opportunities to visit schools and saw the overwhelming need for art education.
RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above. AF: COFFEE and the Today Show!
RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you? AF: Praise and thanks from a parent is always our greatest gift.
RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner? AF: Not enough time in the day, wishing I could do more or duplicate myself.
RT: How do you keep your stress levels down? AF: I play tennis 2x a week and make this a priority!
RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner? AF: I would have to say thoughtfulness, I try to think of others before thinking of myself. Hoping to make our company the best it can be.
RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)? AF: It is okay to second guess someone’s judgement, and always trust your gut!
RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? AF: Believe everything you hear…
Le Petit Jardin French Immersion for Children just won a Totally Awesome Award for Most Awesome Lively Language Class in San Francisco. We recently spoke to them about their experience as a business owner, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!
Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Awesome Lively Language Class” – what do your customers value most about your business? Le Petit Jardin: Our fun, creative and enthusiastic team of teachers, I think.
RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know? LPJ: That any child can learn French, our school is not just for families that have a previous connection with French or France.
RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation? LPJ: I studied to become a French teacher in college and thought I would teach Jr. High or High school students. Then when I became a mother myself, I realized through teaching my young boys that a second language was much easier absorbed by the child’s brain. I was fascinated and wanted to shift my emphasis to toddlers. I started as a small in-home French Immersion Daycare and my days filled up quickly. I added afternoon classes, mommy & me French classes, ballet in French and local library story times just to feed everyone’s excitement for this French Immersion experience!
RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above. LPJ: I have tea at home with my French hubby, then coffee with “the girls” (all my fellow teachers here at LPJ) when I get to work.
RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you? LPJ: Telling others nice things about me and my school and drawing in more great families! All my customers have always been so lovely. I’m lucky!
RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner? LPJ: How much time I spend in front of a computer screen and my email inbox. I want to be with the children all the time!
RT: How do you keep your stress levels down? LPJ: I laugh with my colleagues, go camping with my family (I have three boys), and try to go to yoga when I can. Not NEARLY enough!
RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner? LPJ: I think I have a knack for doing it “with a smile” whatever the task might be, easy or hard, pleasant or not, I just try to smile through it!
RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)? LPJ: You can’t do it all – be kind and realistic with yourself and do your best. Delegating is hard for me, but each time I do I am always so relieved!
RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? LPJ: Every man for himself! I don’t like this mentality. I feel things always work better when we look out for each other.
Baby Merlin Company’s Magic Sleepsuit just won a Totally Awesome Award for “Most Snuggly Sleeping Saviour.” We recently spoke to the company about their experience as business owners, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!
Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted your Magic Sleepsuit “Most Snuggly Sleeping Saviour” – what do your customers value most about your business? Baby Merlin Company: The answer to this question remains the most rewarding part of this business for me – parents love the Magic Sleepsuit because it helps their baby sleep better (so they can sleep too!). Parents value the help the Magic Sleepsuit provides, and tell other parents about it. This organic word of mouth marketing has been the main source of our growth which we are very proud of. We also pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service. We are always here for our customers and want to make sure they are happy with their Magic Sleepsuit purchase. Our goal has been to create a community of support for parents so it is more than just the Magic Sleepsuit – it is parents helping other parents!
RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know? BMC: I’d like people to know that here at Baby Merlin Company, what we do is very personal to us. My staff are all moms that understand our customers and truly want to make their lives easier with their new little ones. We are all extremely passionate about the Magic Sleepsuit and about treating our customers like family.
RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation? BMC: I was a tired mom trying to get my first baby to sleep better. I noticed he slept very well in smaller, more contained environments like the car seat or stroller, but would wake after a short period of time in the crib. As a pediatric physical therapist, I understood why that cozy, contained feeling helped him sleep, so I created the first Magic Sleepsuit and it worked like “magic.” I had no intention of creating a product or business at that point, I was just trying to help my baby boy sleep better. I then had my first daughter and pulled out the Magic Sleepsuit and it worked like a charm again. I made some prototypes and shared them with friends and it worked time and time again. That’s when my husband and I did a lot of research and learned there was nothing like the Magic Sleepsuit out on the market. I was motivated as a mom to share this product with other parents since I knew the difference it made for me. So after many years of product and business development (and two more kids), the Magic Sleepsuit was launched. My motivation was at the beginning and remains to share the Magic Sleepsuit with other parents to provide them with a safe swaddle transition product in hopes that it will help their baby sleep better and make everyone happier!
RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above. BMC: Coffee and water. And the coffee starts out warm, but usually ends up iced by the time I get to it some mornings!
RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you? BMC: I had a mom stop me in the grocery store and ask if I was the creator of the Magic Sleepsuit, and when I said yes she gave me the biggest hug and said “Thank you!” The “thank you” calls and emails and I get from customers are my favorite part of this business!
RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner? BMC: My biggest pet peeve as a business owner is one of my biggest pet peeves in life, and that is when people are not kind. We need more kindness in this world.
RT: How do you keep your stress levels down? BMC: This is always tricky as a business owner and mom, but the best thing to keep stress down is probably the hardest thing which is carving out time for myself. Whether it be going for a walk, going to the gym, or reading a good book (my daily devotional book helps me a lot), I always feel better when I take a little time for myself. My husband, Bob, is such a support and a huge part of helping me run our business and family, which helps my stress level tremendously.
RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner? BMC: I really wish I had a superhero power – that would sure come in hand most days! My secret superhero power is probably multi-tasking. Like many business owners, I wear many hats on any given day – running my business, running our household, driving my four kids around to their activities, going to games and meets, volunteering at school, etc., etc. It can be a bit hectic and crazy, but I wouldn’t change a thing!
RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)? BMC: The best piece of advice I ever received is a bit cliche but so true – enjoy every minute because sometimes the days drag on, but the years fly by. And, boy, is it true! My kids are growing way too fast and I’m trying to savor every minute!
RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? BMC: We have many investors and businesses interested in working with us on a regular basis, and we often hear advice that we should be doing this, that, and the other thing to grow our business even more. We’ve believed in growing conservatively from the beginning, and have never been willing to compromise our mission of sharing the Magic Sleepsuit with other parents to provide them with a safe swaddle transition option for their babies. It has always been about the babies first, not our bottom line. I’ve learned that when you do something you truly believe in and you treat people well, it pays off in the long run.
RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers? BMC: RedTri15 – This discount code will give Red Tricycle readers 15% off their order. Happy Shopping!
Dream Friends Entertainment just won a Totally Awesome Award for Most Delightful Birthday Entertainers in Atlanta. We recently spoke to them about their experience as a business owner, the best advice they’ve ever received and more. Hear what they have to say below!
Red Tricycle: Your community recently voted you “Most Delightful Birthday Entertainers” – what do your customers value most about your business? Dream Friends Entertainment: Quick response and quality, affordable talent.
RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know? DFE: In addition to entertainment we also offer photography and video services.’
RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation? DFE: I was inspired by all of the talented actors I was working with in Atlanta.
RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above. DFE: Tea.
RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you? DFE: They send additional tips for performers who really wowed them.
RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner? DFE: Last minute cancellations. The actors take the events very seriously and block off their time for them. It’s hard to fill the spot for them last minute.
RT: How do you keep your stress levels down? DFE: Kayaking and hiking along the Chattahoochee River
RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner? DFE: I was an entertainer at events for 12 years, so I really know what works and what doesn’t.
RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? DFE: Book the event and then find the talent. I never did, I know better! I never want to cancel on a client.
RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers? DFE: $15 off.
Illumination Learning Studio engages and enlightens young minds through their interactive learning, music, and arts programs. Owner, Molli Piper recently took the time to speak with us and tell us what makes them totally awesome!
Red Tricycle: Congrats! Your community recently voted you the Most Awesome Afterschool Program in Seattle. What do your customers value most about your business? Molli Piper: The opportunity for their children to learn each day through the amazing cultural arts classes we offer.
RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know? MP: We are a family owned and operated business.
RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation? MP: We had talked about starting a family business for many years. One day our son called and explained how he waited in line outside of a school at 4:30 in the morning to get our granddaughter into an after school program. He explained that there was such a big need out here for quality after school programming.
RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above. MP: Coffee, kids smiles, and hugs!
RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you? MP: When we first opened our business I wore many hats, one of which was cleaning lady. I was cleaning one Saturday morning and a family from our program stopped by to help me clean! They said they wanted to give back to us for making such a wonderful difference in their community.
RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner? MP: Wanting to be able to provide programming to all of our neighboring areas who want it (West Seattle, Magnolia, Queen Anne). We currently have 4 locations and lots of determination to reach as many families as we can. It won’t be a pet peeve for long.
RT: How you keep your stress levels down? MP: Breathing, breathing and more breathing…
RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner? MP: I am a Social Butterfly! I love people and will say hello to everyone!
RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)? MP: You have to be able to laugh at yourself!
RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? MP: You’re the child’s teacher, not the other way around.
RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers? MP: We would like to offer readers who have children interested in music to come for a complementary music evaluation.
