Monday Mumpreneur with Kathleen O’Mara
Every Monday we feature a mumpreneur who’s ready and willing to open up their lives and their business to us.
They share with us their motivation, their challenges and their proudest moments in business and they also tell us how they take time to nurture themselves.
If you’re looking for inspiration, then our featured business mums show you what’s possible. Our message is “If we can do it ~ then so can you!”
This week's business mum shows us how we can find alternative ways of finding work in the present economy. A skill us women have traditionally been good at. Come and welcome her..
Your name: Kathleen O'Mara
Your website: http://kathleenomara.com
Brief description:
kathleenomara.com is a writer's site, so it's constantly being updated with information about reading & writing.
Tell me about your children: Joshua (30), Elijah (20), Samantha (19), Zakariah (16)
Where do you live? Los Angeles, California
PC or Mac? PC
Tell us about your business
I've been writing stories as long as I can remember. Through the years, I've written thousands of articles, short stories & poems which have appeared online and in-print. My focus now is helping others become better writers.
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
It's my spirit. I started my first business, babysitting at age 8. By 12, I had added walking dogs to the range of services offered.
I married young & had Joshua right away. The marriage didn't work out. So, I juggled a job and being a single mom. Frankly, I didn't like how it all went. So when I met my husband & we talked about having kids, we understood that we would do what it takes to put the kids first, do what was best for them.
There are pluses and minuses. A big plus is the flexibility. A minus is I have to remember to take care of me. I'm exceedingly busy.
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
My biggest challenge is the economy. Worldwide there is a restriction in the flow of money which has impacted nearly all businesses. In my industry there's been a reduction in the number of magazines & newspapers, so finding venues has been a challenge.
How have you overcome it?
I look for alternative ways of reaching businesses and publication editors. My skills are needed. It's important for businesses to include independent content written exclusively for their individual business. Copy & paste is stealing and unimaginative. I think most people understand that.
Readers want creative content. The days of stagnant content posted on a website are over. There is a need for a continuing creative flow of communication between businesses and clients/customers. That need coupled with a finite number of hours in the day ensures my position in the marketplace.
What’s been your proudest business moment?
Most recently, my happiest moment was the release of my book Inspiration: Write Every Day. The focus of the book is to motivate writers and people who want to write to write every day. I looked for this format for a couple of years, until my mentor said: "Just write it!" So I did.
What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?
Mahatma Gandhi: Be the change you want to see in the world.
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
A regular relaxing moment is drinking a cup of tea & reading a good book.
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
I had Chocolate Soufflé for dessert last night.
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite flowers: Lavender
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
Be organized, persistent and take naps when you can.
Fancy featuring as one of our amazing mumpreneurs? Drop me an email over on the contact page - and I’ll be in touch. Or let me know in a comment below. And remember to drop by every Monday to welcome our latest profiled mum.
