The Mom Behind All Moms Go To Heaven!
Who is All Moms Go to Heaven? Where are you located?
Jean Johnson, of Chesterfield , MO , is the founder of All Moms Go To Heaven.
How did you come up with your business name?
Becoming a mother for the first time was a traumatic experience for me! Being pregnant and worrying that I was doing something wrong that would hurt my baby, wondering if I would have the financial resources to raise a child – and yes! All the worrying about the delivery! So when I gave birth to my son, my own Mom was at the hospital waiting for the big moment. When I saw her I said “Mom…I am going to heaven for that”, and her response was “All Moms Go To Heaven!”…and she had a big smile on her face.
Over the years that became a funny thing we would say to each other when we saw a mom with a stroller full of crying kids or hear of mom’s challenges. The phrase All Moms Go To Heaven just stuck.
Then a few years ago, a friend of mine was really distraught about something that had happened with one of her kids, and she asked me “Didn’t you tell me that all moms go to heaven?”
So I decided right then that I wanted to create an entity that is all about honoring moms and motherhood.
When and why did you decide to start your own business?
All Moms Go To Heaven was launched in 2006.
For years I had the concept of All Moms Go To Heaven in my mind, and one day I made a decision to go for it. Also, being a mom is my most important job, so by having my own business I have been able to create a schedule that allows me to honor my top priority – my kids.
How did you get started?
I actually had the idea for this business for several years, but the timing was not right. So once I made the decision to go for it – things came together very easily. I took a few courses offered through the SBA, and other business development centers in my area. Then I started researching other business’s that had similar aspects to my concept to help with creating a plan of action. Basically I made a gigantic to-do list and started working through it!
What motivates you to keep your business going?
It sure is not always glamour, ours being an entrepreneur – especially at 2 AM when you have so much to do, there’s not even enough time to sleep. But I totally LOVE what I am doing now, and plan for the future. There is not a week that goes by that I do not have some great comment or email from someone who is actually thanking me for starting a business that is all about appreciating moms. Moms do need more appreciation! I’m not exactly sure what the future holds, but I hope to do my part (as my business grows) to help raise the bar for motherhood.
Do you have a particular product that's unique, a best seller, or that you are promoting on your site?
Everything on my site is exclusive to my brand – so they are all somewhat unique. Plus, there really is not a gift brand for Moms & Grandmothers – so that is unique itself.
Everyone always asks “What the most popular”…and across the board the percentages are about equal. The All Grandmothers Go To Heaven gifts were just recently launched, and they have been extremely popular. Also, the Christmas ornament is a big seller – I have had people get 10 at a time, for ornament exchanges, etc.
Also, I have many more products in the development phase – including greeting cards, jewelry and much more.
Coming up in just another 2 weeks our “This Mom Deserves SPA Heaven” gift totes will be available. I have some awesome spa products made just for my business that is packaged in a really cute tote, with some hand towels that are embroidered with my logo – the M with the halo.
About my logo- While it was created for my business – I really feel that somewhere down the road it will be recognized as the symbol that people will see and think - “That’s Means Thank Your Mom” – I want it to be associated with honoring Motherhood, not just my brand.
How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
I have only done just a bit of advertising – because I have found it to be ineffective to date. People see “All Moms Go To Heaven” and wonder – What is it? I have found that getting my product out in front of people to be the most effective – so I have had a kiosk at the mall during the peak Mom shopping holidays. And then word of mouth is the BEST advertising!
How do you juggle family and work at home?
I am lucky that my kids are older, so they are much less in need of constant attention. But I still need to be a mom, and I still have a business. So my kids are actually quite involved in my business, and I feel lucky that I am teaching them something that they can use that will help them to build business/work confidence. Plus, they give great advice because they always tell me the truth!
What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Do It! I always think that if you follow your heart you can never go wrong. You need to make a plan and make decisions…but sometimes over-thinking things can lead to fears. Somehow when you follow your heart and have faith, everything works out!
Visit All Moms Go To Heaven at: www.AllMomsGoToHeaven.com
Current promotions at All Moms Go To Heaven:
No specials or promotions, but I do have the “This Mom Deserves SPA Heaven” gift totes coming out mid March.
Anything else you'd like to add about All Moms Go to Heaven or about being a WAHM in general?
I think you should all give yourself a pat on the back! It’s no small task being a mom, and I have to say that being a WAHM (changing a diaper at 11:01, creating a marketing email at 11:05, cooking up some Mac & cheese and adding to your to-do list at 11:16) is a much more difficult job than just going to an office (where you get to go out for lunch, spend time with other adults, and have a team of people to help get the job done!).
0 comments:
Post a Comment