Monday Mumpreneur with Melanie Kissell
Every Monday we feature a mumpreneur who’s ready and willing to open up their lives to us. They share with us their motivation, challenges and proudest moments in business and they also tell us how they take time to nurture themselves. It’s lovely to have them here at Mums Got A Business and we hope you enjoy connecting with them too.
I'm absolutely delighted to introduce you to Melanie. We met online during a blog challenge (she is the queen of blog challenges, let me tell you) and became instant friends.
She is the kindest, most generous person and she nurtures everyone she meets. I just know you'll love reading about her and I hope you will connect with her and learn from her wisdom, as much as I have.
Name: Melanie Kissell
Website: Solomompreneur
Brief description of your site:
Solo Mompreneur shares the entrepreneurial mindset and online marketing strategies with savvy mompreneurs and moms who want to ditch the corporate world and work from home.
How many children do you have?
Four talented, beautiful, brilliant, and resourceful young women call me “Mom”. My daughters range in age from 29 to 19 and my youngest are twins. I’m a single mom and I also have two four-legged furry “children” named Kona and Maxwell. That’s “Max” in my photo.
Where do you live?
I reside in the U.S. in Southern California in a valley at the base of the Angeles National Forest. I awaken every morning to a beautiful panoramic view of the foothills and lots of palm trees.
PC or Mac?
My household is divided. I have a PC and my twins have Mac’s. Personally, I prefer using a desktop computer.
Tell us about your business
By nature and character, I’m a nurturer. So it won’t surprise anyone that I’ve been a medical professional for many years in the field of perinatal education. I nurture others through teaching. In my online business, I share my talents, skills, and expertise with mompreneurs who have great tenacity but who are exhausted, short on time, and tapped out financially.
I’m a shoestring marketing expert who loves to toss in a dash of magic and a splash of mindset! Most of the mompreneurs I meet need help with blogging, social media marketing, and developing a personal and powerful brand online.
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
My motivation was twofold. As a role model for my daughters, I wanted them to learn it’s possible to design a life that’s right for you and it’s perfectly okay to break with tradition. Working for someone else in the corporate world is a choice, but it’s not for everybody. I wanted them to witness and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit.
Secondly, I’ve always had a strong desire to be my own boss, steer my own ship, and work exclusively from home.
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
No question about it, not having nearly enough time to focus on my business has been my biggest challenge. Since I also work a few part time jobs outside the home, I have very stringent time constraints surrounding my business-building activities.
How have you overcome it?
I made the conscious decision to relax and accept the fact I cannot manufacture more minutes on the clock so I must stay within my boundaries. I’ve learned to use productivity tools that help keep me organized and on track – notebooks, timers, calendars, templates, etc.
Most of all, I’ve learned to say “No, thank you” when an invitation comes my way to get involved in something I know I can’t comfortably fit into my schedule. It’s a difficult lesson to learn but one of the most valuable lessons for mompreneurs.
What’s been your proudest business moment?
I feel blessed to have experienced so many poignant and exhilarating moments as a mompreneur. But the most memorable and hallmark moment was when a very prominent and successful business owner wrote to say, “I see you everywhere online!” I was beaming with pride when I received her note. It made me realize I had done a great job of building relationships and establishing a presence online.
What’s your favourite catchphrase or quote?
Oh, this question is almost impossible for me to answer – I’m a quote junkie! But here is one of my favourites:
“Now that it's all over, what did you really do yesterday that's worth mentioning?” ~Coleman Cox
This quote always reminds me to make the most of each day and, more importantly, to add value to the lives of others.
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
I enjoy being outdoors. So I grab a cup of my favourite coffee or tea and head for the patio with a book or magazine in hand. If I‟m not careful, though, I can sit there for hours! I also find it very relaxing to take long soaks in the bath. And I love listening to music.
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
I purchased some special skin care products and lavender bath oil. I must admit I don’t treat myself often enough so I’ve made a commitment to change that scenario. Hard-working moms deserve a little treat once in a while!
Favourite colour: Without hesitation, I love blue. However, most people tell me I look best in different shades of mauve.
Favourite flowers: I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a flower I didn’t like. But my all-time favourites are tulips and paperwhites. I seem to have an affinity for flowers that are grown from bulbs.
What one piece of advice would you like to give to new mumpreneurs?
Although you’ll need to wear lots of different “hats” as a mumpreneur, keep the hat of “flexibility” permanently affixed to your head! It looks great with any style of clothing and in any kind of weather.
Don’t beat yourself up, emotionally, if your days don’t always go as planned. Roll with the punches, stay confident, and meet your daily life challenges and business challenges one at a time.
Remember – you only have two hands, two feet, and one voice.
You can’t produce miracles – but you can pledge to make every day magical and meaningful!
Fancy featuring as one of our amazing mums? Drop me an email over on the contact page and I’ll be in touch. And remember to drop by every Monday to welcome our latest profiled mum.
Thank you kindly, Heather, for allowing me to (magically) appear on Mum’s Got A Business. 🙂
What an exciting and unforgettable moment!
You have injected so much inspiration and motivation into my life, I can’t begin to tell you what an honor it is to be featured here today. And the warmth and joy you’ve added to my life is immeasurable.
By offering a helping hand or a listening ear, we mumpreneurs can support one another to reach our goals. Anything is possible with others by our side.
Appreciate you immensely and thanks again for showcasing my interview. 🙂
Wishing all the mumpreneurs tremendous success!
Melanie
Hi Melanie and thank you for featuring her, Heather. It is lovely getting to know people a little bit better this way. I love the quote you chose.
Hey Nicky!
I’m glad you stopped by Mum’s Got A Business to catch my interview. You’ve put a smile on my face and a song in my heart.
Happy you liked the quote I shared. It’s just a few simple words that say SO much. I oftentimes remark, “All the yesterdays are cancelled checks”. But looking back on those yesterdays helps to build your tomorrows. 🙂
Thanks for the visit,
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Rainbow Farts
What a great woman to interview, Heather! Cheryl and I had the privilege of interviewing Melanie a few months ago. Thanks for letting others know about her! Melanie, I love the quote you included as your favorite.
Leanne Chesser recently posted..How to Make Your Videos Appealing
What a wonderful treat to see you here, Leanne!
I had so much fun being interviewed by you and Cheryl and appearing on WAHM-Solution. And now that Heather has featured me here on Mum’s Got A Business, I guess I’ve officially started my “interview circuit”. LOL 🙂
The quote I chose seems to be a hit. I think because it’s one that nudges (okay, pushes!) us to take a much closer look at ourselves and focus more on things that really matter. When I read it the very first time, I felt a twinge of guilt. I felt I hadn’t really done anything the day before that was truly noteworthy. So, in essence, it was a welcomed wake-up call.
Wishing you and Cheryl continued success and thank you for encouraging, supporting, and coaching moms who work from home!
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Rainbow Farts
What a beautiful combination the interviewer, Heather, and interviewee, Melanie, make.
You are both nurturers and care deeply for others with a desire to help others succeed, and that makes you both special. “I see you everywhere” is so true of Melanie and I recall asking her several months ago how she did it! Melanie provided sage advice for mompreneurs that when applied can prevent them from becoming overwhelmed with negative emotions, recognizing that there is only so much you can do.
Thanks, Heather and Melanie. Beautiful interview.
Yvonne A Jones recently posted..Local Business Marketing Machine – A Review
Yvonne, you’re a treasure!
To this day, I’m grateful to God for having met you during our participation in my very first 30-day blogging challenge.
That’s where I met Heather, too! Let’s face it … I’m showered in blessings through those who have touched my life in so many enriching ways. 🙂
Your business has been taking off like a lightning bolt lately! I’m exceedingly proud of you for staying laser-focused, keeping your eyes on the prize, and leaving no stones unturned in the productivity department!
Your success is inevitable.
Hugs,
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Rainbow Farts
Hi Heather,
Thanks for featuring Melanie. I have always wanted to know more about here because I also think she is fantastic. Every post she writes is an awesome one so I was curious about her as a person!
Melanie, I am always amazed about how moms do it. I don’t have children but I have 4 nieces who I often see and babysit. The youngest ones are twin girls who are 2 years old and they are a handful. I wonder how moms can blog when they have so many other commitments. I struggle to keep my blogging commitments so my hat off to all moms!
Melanie – you mentioned you are a shoestring marketing expert. Share a bit more about what services you offer 🙂
P.S. I love the quote. It got me thinking !
Diana Simon recently posted..Clicky Analytics
Twin nieces! That’s great, Diana. I bet they keep you on your toes.
And with all the babysitting you’re doing, you’re going to have tons of experience under your belt if you decide to enter the crazy and wonderful world of mommyhood. 🙂
Glad you liked the quote I shared. It really got ME thinking, too. It also helped me start setting some new priorities and daily goals.
About shoestring marketing strategies …
You’ll be seeing some offerings from me in the future as far as formal consulting services. I’m currently working on a joint venture project to create a marketing “assessment” for small biz owners. I feel it’s a logical place to begin the journey of helping entrepreneurs ramp up their marketing efforts or get started if they’re in a fog and don’t know how or where to expend their time and energy.
But in a shoestring marketing nutshell …
I feel very strongly that Free marketing platforms work better than paid platforms. There’s at least 100 free platforms to choose from. And I’ll tell you a little secret — I’m a gal who doesn’t believe in paying retail for anything. That should give you a good clue into my mindset. 🙂
I suggest work-at-home moms and other solopreneurs decide what they enjoy the most — using their voice, being in front of a camera, or writing. Of course, some people like a combination of two of those or all three. Once I know where people want to focus, then the exciting shoestring marketing journey commences!
Please take some time to get acquainted with Heather, Diana. Once you do, you’ll want to keep her in your circle of friends forever. 🙂
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Rainbow Farts
It is the month of getting to know more about your favorite bloggers and here’s another of my favorites. I would totally agree on the queen of blog challenges thing, the TLC club is an awesome proof of that. It is such lovely to have a wonderful insight into your life and business. I love the way you are managing everything and still find time to give such wonderful comments on our blog!
You are awesome Melanie!
Hajra recently posted..Reasons I am Breaking Up With Your Blog!
Truth is, Hajra …
YOU are the one who’s awesome!
Having to live in that wretched apartment with people complaining about your music and “noisy” flip flops. And to be forced to pay extra just because you left one bag behind during your move was abominable. Don’t know how you did it. You must have some really good survival skills and a whole lot of resilience!
Thanks for your kind words and I hope you’ll take some time to get to know Heather. She’s a keeper! 🙂
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Rainbow Farts
Wonderful interview Heather. Melanie Kissell is one of my most favorite entrepreneurs and I am proud to say that I know her and we are collaborating on a project together. Melanie has a wonderful way to express her thoughts, her knowledge that make it interesting and unforgettable! I appreciate your awesome questions, it really showcased Melanie as the wonderful woman, mom and entrepreneur that she is.
Lynn Brown recently posted..Target Market With These 2 Twitter Tools
Lynn! So sweet of you to stop by Mum’s Got A Business.
I know you’re super busy getting your son ready to go off to college. Thank you for being here — it means a lot. 🙂
I’m really ecstatic about the project we’re collaborating on. And I just know it’s going to propel small business owners toward success in the most concrete and amazing ways.
Yes – Heather asks her guest mumpreneurs the greatest questions that really help peel away the layers and give her readers a chance to see the “person” behind the business. I was absolutely thrilled when she invited me to be interviewed and I hope and pray I’ll have the joy of meeting her some day. 🙂
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Rainbow Farts
Heather, so great to meet you and thank you so much for hosting this interview with Melanie!
Melanie, you truly have become a role model, not only to your daughters but to newbie bloggers like me! =) I love your lesson about knowing when to say “no” and your advice about keeping our “flexibility hat” permanently on! And what a powerful way to end your interview with: “You can’t produce miracles – but you can pledge to make every day magical and meaningful!” I’ll remember your quote for sure as it reminds me that it’s okay to be human! =)
Loved getting to know you better, Melanie! =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..Want to Know Your Future
Aw, shucks, Sam … you’re making me *blush*. 🙂
I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and I’m having tons of fun getting to know you. You’re doing a great job with your blog and you’re certainly making your way around blogland! I see your comments on lots and lots of blogs I visit.
I’m especially happy you landed here and thanks for stopping by to read my interview. You’re going to have a blast getting better acquainted with Heather and I’ve got a treat for you. Will you promise me you’ll take a little stroll over to Heather’s other blog? It’s designed for self-growth and personal development for women. Just click: http://heatherbestel.com I’d like you to go there because that’s where I first met Heather so maybe you can get a sense of why I chose to befriend her … forever. 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Rainbow Farts
Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words, Melanie! =) It’s so nice to get feedback because sometimes I wonder whether I’m just walking around the blogosphere blindly. =P
I absolutely love Heather’s website on personal development! Thank you so much for sending it to me!! =) I vibe with so many of her latest posts and I can’t wait to learn more. =)
You’re the best, Melanie! =) Talk soon!
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..“Hurry- They Haven’t Found Me Yet”
Hi Sam,
I understand, completely, how you feel. I sometimes feel as if I’m traveling around blogland in the blind, too. And some bloggers don’t have a “subscribe to comments” option. So once you post a comment, it’s hard to know if the blog owner or any of the readers replied to your remarks.
I don’t know about you …
But I simply don’t have the time or opportunity to keep returning to blogs to “check” for responses.
SO excited to hear you took the initiative to visit Heather’s “other” blog and her posts resonate with you.
Hooray!
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Rainbow Farts
Wow! Thank you so much for understanding, Melanie! Actually, that’s been a predicament for me lately too — Glad to hear that I’m not the only one that feels like I don’t have enough time to check back for comments on blogs that don’t allow subscription to replies! *Phew!*
I think I’m going to officially decide that I won’t check back anymore. WOW! That was refreshing. I feel like I have tons of time now! =)
You’re the best, Melanie!! =) Hugs! Hope you have a great week!
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..“Hurry- They Haven’t Found Me Yet”
Love it! I felt like I was curled up in a chair in the same room with ya’ll. Just listening to two girlfriends chat. This was a great interview! Melanie is an inspiration to so many. Her hard work pays big dividends in her online success. Much love to you both!! xoxo
Martha Giffen recently posted..How To Touch A Life One Tweet At A Time
Kisses and hugs back at ya, Martha — we love you, too. 🙂
Heather is a lot like you – she’s a “doer” and a “giver”. I think it’s a really savvy idea to do these Monday Mumpreneur interviews on Mum’s Got A Business. And, of course, I was honored when I received my invitation to show up here.
More than anything else, I think featuring other mumpreneurs demonstrates Heather’s level of confidence and the importance she places on mutual respect and camaradarie. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to “meet and greet” and find other work-at-home moms to add to our sphere.
Thank you so much for being here and for your beautiful words,
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Rainbow Farts
Hi Melanie,
Lovely interview here with Heather. Your spirit as a giver of inspiration shines through so brightly. I just love that!
I will look forward to visiting your blog and learning more about what services you have to offer. It is so wonderful to be able to work from home and it looks like you have some great support information for work at home moms and solo entrepreneurs. I’d like to get to know you better.
Columbia Jones recently posted..Procrastination Killer! – Complete Small Easy Steps Immediately
Delighted to find you here, Columbia!
Your name is not unfamiliar to me. I’ve seen you here and there in cyberspace so I know you’re doing a fabulous job when it comes to online visibility and creating a rock solid presence online. Kudos and two thumbs up!
As far as working from home …
My ultimate goal is to work exclusively from home. Right now I’m still maintaining three part time jobs offline. Whew! It’s a crazy schedule but we single mums do whatever we can to keep the lights on at home and bread on the table. Lucky for me, I love my profession and I have never grown tired of the miracle of birth.
Thank you for your kind words and come by anytime and knock on the door of Solo Mompreneur. My readers rock! We get into some pretty interesting and fun conversations in the comment box. 🙂
Best of success to you,
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Grab A Pen And Write This Down
Hi Sam,
Here’s what I’d like to suggest you do the next time you land on a great blog post, leave your comment, and there’s no way to “subscribe” to the comments …
Contact the owner of the blog and make a request to add this feature.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how appreciative the blog owner is! I’ve made requests like this in the past and shared my reasons for doing so, and not one blogger has ever been rude or told me to mind my own business. Just the opposite! 🙂
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Grab A Pen And Write This Down
Ooh, thanks for reminding me of this, Melanie! I’ve tried to approach some people about this, even in the TLC group, but I think some people are just not that interested. =P
I think I’ll make it a habit from now on though! At least one shot in letting the other blogger know how much I want to continue conversations. =)
Thanks for your advice, Melanie! =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..“Hurry- They Haven’t Found Me Yet”
Great interview! My favorite part was your last quote, Melanie: “You can’t produce miracles – but you can pledge to make every day magical and meaningful!”
It’s easy to lose sight of what we’re doing and why when we get so darn busy with the day to day juggling. Thanks for the reminder to roll with the punches and focus on what matters in the big picture.
Michelle Shaeffer recently posted..Why I’m Giving Up 2 Mochas a Month
Now that you’ve arrived, Michelle, I feel my interview has gone full circle. So happy you stopped by! No buttering up here, just the truth — you’re an extraordinary friend and an incredibly talented fellow mompreneur.
Thanks for pointing out what I noted at the end of my interview. No other words than those could possibly fit the bill when it comes to describing my deepest and most genuine feelings about being a mom and a mompreneur. 🙂
Either “Roll with the punches” or “Flexibility” really should be my middle name! LOL
Hugs,
Melanie
Melanie Kissell @SoloMompreneur recently posted..Grab A Pen And Write This Down