Monday Mumpreneur with Lis Kelemete from Cutified Spa Parties
On Mondays we feature a mumpreneur just like you and me 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.
This week’s mumpreneur is inspiring the next generation by showing them just what a positive impact and valuable contribution biz mums can make.
Read her story . . .
Your Name: Lis Kelemete
Tell me about your children:
Along with my husband, my children are my support system and my greatest accomplishment.
Alliyah (8) She's an old soul, emphatic and full of so much knowledge and has more understanding than we realise. She's creative/artistic like her daddy with an incredible sense of justice. She loves to dance and has been doing ballet/jazz since she was 2.5 and does actually 'dance like nobody's watching'! Accessory queen just like here mama! lol.
Xavier (6) is my firecracker, spontaneous, full of attitude and very quick witted! He has an amazing mechanical aptitude and sense of direction. A VERY affectionate and friendly boy! Speaks his mind, is very strong willed and has a special way of making every situation hilarious...quite the comedian!
Keanu (4) is a snuggler! He is intense and can be extreme but he loves with his whole heart. He is passionate about the things that are important to him (especially his colouring books! lol) He's head strong, independent, very defiant & determined. Has the FUNNIEST personality and is showing a lot of interest in music through break-dance and song!
Where do you live: Townsville, Qld, Australia.
PC or Mac: Mac
Tell us about your business:
CUTIFIED pamper/spa parties is a mobile party service that comes to the comfort of your home! Catered to girls aged 5-15 yrs of age within Townsville QLD. It's a refreshing new concept for Townsville and my business is all-about-the-customer ethos whilst advocating health, beauty and confidence.
CUTIFIED pamper/spa parties was inspired by my daughter Alliyah, when for her birthday she requested to go to a salon a year ago (what princess doesn't want to be pampered like their mothers?) along with 6 of her girlfriends. Upon ringing over a dozen salons, I was unable to secure a booking that would take children of that age and particularly in a group of that size. So, I figured if I can't get what I need....just build it! And build it I did, along with my very talented artist of a husband!
Spa Parties are on the trend and are unique, interactive and all about having fun with your friends! We come equipped with all our spa décor and equipment, magazines, mood flame and photo props to set the scene of absolute glamour! Our party guests are treated to manicures, pedicures, facials and meditation sessions tailored especially for children in an age appropriate environment. So many girls today want to feed their inner diva and now, here's their outlet!
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
Working full time and being a mum is tough, sometimes unbearably hard, but my supportive husband & I made this decision and I know how incredibly lucky I am to have this choice. I currently work in mining and construction as a Recruitment Coordinator and have been for the last 6 years and crazily operate Cutified as well with the assistance of my wonderful colleague Judy.
Prior to recruitment I worked 7 years managing in fashion retail and whilst I adore my children, I have always been driven towards the world of entrepreneurship. It took a lot of careful thought to get to this point but in my heart I knew that for me to be the best mum I could ever be, I have to get real and be the best "me" I can be for my husband and children.
I want my children (especially my daughter) to understand that women can make a positive impact in the work force, that our contribution is valuable and that they will carry these values and appreciation into their adulthood. I hope that my husband and I exemplify to our children; compromise, making choices and always doing our best.
What's you biggest challenge in business?
Working two jobs, my biggest issue will always be time management. No matter how organised you are, you won't get to super-simple if your life includes children, but I know my desire to succeed will always outweigh time restraints.
How have you overcome it?
It's so easy to fall into a negative train of thought when life isn't going the regimented way I expect it to. So, I recently started a Gratitude Journal to keep myself in a thankful and positive state of mind. Regular practice of gratitude can have an phenomenal impact on the mind and I find that since adopting this practice and "attitude of gratitude" it enables me to push through the barriers and find that light at the end of the tunnel. Success is a state of mind.
What's been your proudest business moment?
Cutified Spa Parties has only been operating for 2 months and locals have really embraced this unique party concept with bookings until mid next year! Customer satisfaction is imperative in any business and I pride myself on strong communication and customer excellence so it's always an absolute pleasure to hear and read the wonderful feedback we get after a party.
What's your catchphrase or favourite quote?
You get in life what you have the courage to ask for - Oprah Winfrey
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
I'm a self-confessed busy-bee (lol) so it's always been difficult for me to turn my thoughts down. I'm practically incapable of swtiching off and I have had wakeful nights for as long as I can remember. I have quickly learnt that self employment and good sleep is NOT a mutually exclusive choice so my gung-ho, hack-all-night attitude of startup culture has taken it's toll so I wind down with relaxation music and find this really quietens the mind and minimises any worry. Soft music helps me deviate from the typical demands of the day so I stop thinking like a poor sleeper and let my mind rest peacefully.
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
Accessories - I love costume jewellery and managing an accessory store back in my retail days was testament to my bling-obsession!
Favourite Colour?
Red - they say this personality colour identifies the extroverted and optimistic - funny because this is me in a nutshell!
Favourite Flowers?
Peony - these beauties are what made up my wedding bouquet. Symbolises romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and happy marriage.
What is one piece of advice you would like to give a new mumpreneur?
To all those risk-adverse-procrastinating mothers!.....TAKE A RISK! Life is inherently risky and the odds are better than you think! There will always be challenges and obstacles but getting over them makes success all the more sweeter. Here's to big wins to all budding Mumpreneurs!!
Find out more about Lis and her business on her sites and connect with her on social media:
Website:- cutifiedspaparties.vpweb.com.au
Instagram:- cutified_spa_parties
Facebook:- www.facebook.com/Cutified Spa Parties
Think your mumpreneur story will inspire our community? Drop me an email over on the contact page – and I’ll be in touch. Or let me know in a comment below.
