Tanya Petruk,
Founder of BlueBlankie.com

1. How did Blue Blankie begin?

Blue Blankie began because I had been thinking, for a couple of years, about the kind of business that I could start. After the birth of our second child, I read a magazine article about another mom who had started an online business selling cribs. This gave me the idea to use both my Internet and my retail experience to open an online baby store. I loved shopping for beautiful baby things and realized that I'd have flexible hours and I could work from home. It seemed a good fit.

2. What is the biggest challenge in being a mom entrepreneur?

My biggest challenge is separating the business work from my family life. Having the children around me while I'm trying to work makes me feel that neither job is being done well.

3. How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance? 

I'm not sure that I do maintain a healthy work/life balance. I'm aware of this though, and I'm working on it.

4. What are some of your greatest successes?

I was thrilled when I was invited to appear on Breakfast Television in Toronto this past April to show products from Blue Blankie and to talk about baby shower gifting. I'd never been on television before and for years had dreamed of getting that opportunity.

5. What tips can you offer to other busy mom entrepreneurs?

I would advise other mompreneurs to try not to do everything themselves if it is not their area of expertise. Go ahead and hire a web designer, an accountant, or a public relations expert. Also, write a business plan to help you see if your business idea has a real chance of making money or not. You can get free assistance from your local Business Development office.

6. Why do you think women are good entrepreneurs?