{Guest Post written by Taseea Lainas-Cruz}


Have you ever created something for your friends or family and thought to yourself “Maybe others would enjoy this as well,” or, “Maybe I can turn my passion into starting a home-based business”? These are the thoughts I had a year ago right before I started my own business, Ivy Kids LLC.

Prior to starting Ivy Kids LLC, I was an early-education teacher, and before that, a chemical engineer, but being a good mother was always my primary concern. After my second child was born, I had intended to go back to my teaching position, but that option turned out to be unavailable. Although money was tight, losing my job turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 

Staying at home to enjoy my children was the best thing that could have happened to me. It gave me the opportunity to watch them grow and learn each day—something I was unable to do after the birth of my first child and for which I had felt sad and a little guilty. Now I get to be there for every important moment. Raising children is one of the most difficult things you can do, but also the most rewarding.

I noticed that when the activities were based around a favorite book and characters, my children were more invested. I worked hard to create activities that would encourage problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

 

I started making kits for family members and friends that were also staying at home with their kids. I received so much positive feedback about the creative, entertaining, and educational value of the activities that I thought I might try starting a home-based business and sharing my kits with others. I started building the Ivy Kids Kits in my home and funded all the start-up costs with our savings. This has been a big financial risk, but I have so many people encouraging me and believing in the product, that it’s worth the risk. I have now recruited other teachers (turned stay-at-home moms as well) for their expertise in developing the contents of each kit.

 

Starting a business as a full-time mom is definitely a balancing act. Setting up an efficient routine and managing time effectively are essential elements. Sometimes some daily tasks are postponed, like cleaning and laundry, but I just accept that. I am also extremely lucky because I have a very supportive family. Without my husband and parents’ help, I do not think I would have been able to handle everything.

 

I feel that starting a business is like trying to complete a very complex puzzle with many pieces. There are so many details to think about, and every day there is a new problem to solve. I encountered issues that I never initially thought about when I first had the idea of creating monthly educational activity kits. For example, I had to find out how to start an LLC, how to trademark my logo, how to package and ship my product, how to collect sales tax. There are just so many steps involved from the initial product idea to an actual business launch. It has taken me a full year to launch this business, but I do feel as though I have learned a lot.

 

One suggestion that I can make to other moms who may be looking to start a home-based business is  to take the risk. It’s better to try and fail than always to wonder “what if?” (A cliché, I know, but still true.)

 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People will be more supportive and helpful than you think. Often times, a day in our lives is so packed that there’s barely enough time to eat, let alone start a business, but you just need to go at it little by little. I often stay up into the early hours because it’s the only time I can find without a diaper to change or a mouth to feed, but sometimes that’s what it takes.

 

Starting a home-based business can definitely be challenging. However, all the long hours and hard work are worth it if you are pursuing something you feel passionate about. I want to show my children that with hard work and commitment, you can do anything you set your mind to. 

 

 

Taseea Lainas Cruz, is a stay-at-home mom of two amazing children and the owner/CEO of Ivy Kids LLC. She earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College and obtained her Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University. Taseea was a classroom teacher for 6 years in New York City. Taseea researches and develops the games, projects, and activities for each Ivy Kit in her small home office in Brooklyn, New York.Ivy Kids LLC offers monthly activity kits for kids through their website and you can connect with them on Facebook , Pinterest, Twitter.

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