Q&A: Cayman’s Momtrepreneur Superwomen

Aimee Randolph

3 Girls and a Kiln
www.3girlsandakiln.com

What is your business?

I’m 1/3 of a modern ceramics company called 3 Girls and a Kiln; specialising in custom ceramic pieces for home and special occasions.

How did you come up with the idea to start 3GK?

The girls and I saw a gap in the market here in Cayman for fun, nontraditional, yet functional ceramic-ware.

What challenges do you face “juggling” being a parent and entrepreneur?

The biggest struggle I face is knowing when there is “too much” on my plate. I have a perfectionist mentality – wanting to be the best entrepreneur while also being the best mom. I now know that sometimes I just need to dial it back a bit and do the best I can.

What words of advice do you have for other mothers/parents starting their own business?

Do it! Being your own “boss lady” is incredibly freeing and gratifying. I get to spend more time with my child and also pursue a passion. Plus, I am setting an example for my child to take risks and be present.

What is one thing that you have learned about yourself through the experience of starting your own business?

That I am in control of my own happiness; one ceramic piece at a time.

What aspects of being an entrepreneur have made you a better parent?

Two things for sure: 1) taking criticism and 2) negotiating.

Kellie Campos

Rock Gorgeous Hair
www.rockgorgeoushair.com

What is your business?

My husband and I own two beauty and retail salons called Rock Gorgeous Hair. We have one in Orlando, Florida, and the other in Grand Cayman. I am also a hair stylist and hair extension specialist.

What motivated you to start Rock Gorgeous?

It really is in my blood. My parents had their own business, as do my sister and brother.

What challenges do you face “juggling” being a parent and a business owner?

I want to be the absolute best at both; the best mum and the best boss. Turning the business-brain off at home has been my biggest challenge. I have now trained myself to put my cell phone down during story time (now that they read to me) or actually bathing them and putting them to sleep myself (instead of relying on our babysitter/nanny).

What words of advice do you have for other ‘momtreprenuers’?

I would say save a lot more money than you think you will need to start up and wait until your little one is at least one or two years of age so you can enjoy those young years. You can never get them back.

What is one thing that you have learned about yourself through the experience of starting your own business?

You’ve got to go with your gut about big decisions. Employees can be the very best thing for your team or the very worst. Employ your staff smartly and slowly.

Britta Bush

Saucha – Conscious Living
www.sauchaliving.com

What is your business, product or invention?

My business is Saucha – Conscious Living. In short, we brew Kombucha and sell it at a variety of retail partner locations, provide a locally sourced vegan meal delivery service, offer special event menus and catering, as well as offer Yoga Retreats.

What motivated you to start your business?

It is truly a matter of making a career out of my passion, loosely based on the concept “if you love what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life”. I love sharing my knowledge, tips, and food offerings with other people.

What challenges do you face “juggling” being a parent and business owner?

As any working mother would probably tell you, the major challenge is finding time for yourself. I often intend to make time for myself, but that quickly falls to the bottom of the list and is taken over by the needs of the baby, the business and domestic duties. It’s harder as a business owner, because it’s another switch that you can never turn off.

What words of advice do you have for other mothers/parents who are toying with the idea of starting their own business?

Have a support system in place, create a plan, and don’t be too hard on yourself.

What is one thing that you have learned about yourself through the experience of starting your own business?

I’m a hopeless perfectionist; I have learned to let some things go, but have also learned to hold on tight to those things that really matter to me.

Lindsay Thompson

Fuse-In Designs
www.fuse-indesigns.com

What is your business, product or invention?

I have invented an innovative interior décor concept called Fuse-In Designs, which offers custom-made decorative magnetic covers for electrical panels.

How did you come up with the idea?

The concept for Fuse-In Designs stemmed from my frustration in seeing exposed electrical panels occupying valuable livable space on the walls of homes and condos here in Cayman.

What challenges do you face “juggling” being a parent and entrepreneur?

Time and how little of it there is.

What  tips and suggestions/words of advice do you have for other mothers/parents who are toying with the idea of starting their own business?

If it is a real dream and passion for you – don’t let it fall by the wayside. Do something each day to bring you one small step closer to your goal.

What is one thing that you have learned about yourself through the experience of starting your own business?

I’ve learned never to underestimate myself; I am resilient and resourceful beyond belief.

What aspects of being an entrepreneur have made you a better parent?

I have developed a much greater sense of patience throughout the journey of bringing an idea of mine to fruition.