Mom Entrepreneur: Kelly Crawford
Business: Generation Cedar
Website: www.generationcedar.com
Generation Cedar sells resources for the family–ebooks, our Scripture Songs CD, our homemade skin products and most recently, we added a membership site for moms who want to learn how to earn money from blogging!
What inspired you to start your business?
Honestly, being in dire financial straits! I wanted to help my husband with our finances after a big business loss, and so I just began doing what I loved and trying to discover how to make money from it at the same time.
How long have you been in business?
This is our third year, though it all began with the homemade skin products four years ago.
What did you do in your past work life?
I was a high school English teacher before coming home to be a full-time wife and homeschooling mom.
Describe your ideal workday.
Sipping coffee in my PJs until all the kiddos get up, spending lots of morning time snuggling and talking about the day. Usually some heavy reading time before we “get in gear” with chores before the rest of school.
I work in between–in snippets, if you will. The bulk of my writing/marketing is done after lunch while my small children are napping and the older ones are finishing up their school work.
What have been some of your major successes?
It has been great to have some on-line stores and companies pick up some of our products to sell. One homeschooling company (Heart of Dakota) uses our Scripture Songs CD as part of their curriculum. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine also carries several of our resources.
What have been some of your major challenges?
Probably balancing my time writing with all my other obligations. If I’m in the middle of a really great post but my children need me, I must discipline myself to stop what I’m doing to meet those first, more important needs.
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
Going outside for fresh air–taking a break from everything technical, maybe a walk with my children, to get a new perspective.
Do you have a motivational quote?
I love quotes, but my “life verse” is taken from Scripture…”Faithful is He who called you who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Keeping the right perspective, and a lot of team work! My children know we are a family-team, so everyone plays a part.
If there was one piece of advice you could give to your children about running a successful business, what would it be?
Never give up, never give in! Keep the vision alive, always looking for opportunities when others may only see defeat. And…keep it a family affair.
Do you have a favorite business tool and/or resource?
The Internet, hands down.
What is next for your business?
Having just finished our membership site for helping moms earn money blogging, I’m waiting for the next “aha” moment…that’s when I know it will good.
I can see another ebook related to homeschooling–maybe a curriculum-type series in the near future.
What is your two cents sales pitch?
(Depends on which product I’m pitching!)
“Generation Cedar–Helping your family grow roots that will last!”
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Great interview!
Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
I am enjoying reading through the various interviews! It is motivating!