1. How did Real Food for Real Kids begin?
While searching for the ideal child care centre for our son Max, we discovered a shocking consistency. Every centre we visited served the same type of food: processed, frozen, and canned convenience foods. Very little of it was fresh – and almost nothing was cooked from scratch.

Dissatisfied, I made and sent snacks and lunches with Max every day. The caregivers at the centre spoke so highly of his food that the director began talking with me about ways to increase the healthiness of snacks. Because it was clear that the catering program these kids needed didn't exist, we wondered what it would take to create something totally different. We thought that little bodies would be better built with meals made from fresh, all natural, and locally grown food. We called our model Real Food for Real Kids.

So then we did the only sensible thing: we took out a second mortgage on the house, quit our other jobs, hired some amazing people, and went through a full-scale rethink of child care food service.The first child care centre served by Real Food for Real Kids was the very same centre that Max enjoyed through much of his first five years – the amazing YMCA Family Development Centre in Toronto, Ontario.

2. What is the biggest challenge in being a mom entrepreneur?
The biggest challenge is finding a good work-life balance — especially in this case where RFRK is an extension of our lifestyle, values, and philosophy; our life mission, and passion.

3. What are some of your greatest successes?
Some of our greatest successes have been: creating delicious food for over 5,000 children, being able to support a staff of 39 people, and enabling communities to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. We have also been successful in reconnecting to nature and supporting our community of farmers (and therefore our local economies).

4. How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
There is not really a difference between the two; they are intertwined.

5. What tips can you offer to other busy mom entrepreneurs?
Always remember to take time for yourself, to reflect, and find relaxation. Never give up, and remember to think outside the box; there is always a solution to everything. Passion, determination, and a creative mind are the key to success.

6. Why do you think women are good entrepreneurs?
Women have an amazing ability to multi-task and are inherently well-organized. We pay attention to details, tend to be careful spenders, and can be great visionaries.