Interview with: Polka Dot Bumblebee

Who is Polka Dot Bumblebee? Where are you located?
Polka Dot Bumblebee is 'the' destination for the most adorable and affordable custom photo cards & personalized stationery. With over 500 designs from fresh&funky to cute&classic - we are sure to have something to suit every style and occasion!

I'm Veronica, the Owner & Designer behind Polka Dot Bumblebee. I work from my home studio in a suburb in Pennsylvania.


How did you come up with your business name?
Imagine a little bumblebee who isn't afraid to do his own thing... instead of stripes he wears his polka dots proudly and doesn't sting - but instead gives kisses (notice the heart shaped trail that he leaves?) and spreads a little love everywhere that he goes! A little cheesy, yeah - but we love him and we know that you will too!


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I started a baby gift business 7 years ago which focused on expectant parents. I loved being part of welcoming a new baby into the world so much. Long before I became a mommy, I knew that I wanted to create a successful home business that would allow me to be home with my baby, contribute to my family financially and flex my creative muscles.

I set to work on creating my own ultimate dream job, designing custom photo cards and personalized stationery.

When I welcomed my beautiful baby girl to the world, I was confident that I had built the foundation for a business that would fulfill my two ultimate goals. Never missing a moment or a milestone with my daughter and pursuing my passion - being an entrepreneur.

Thousands of designs and happy customers later, I am excited with every new order to work with my clients to create a keepsake "work of heart". My business changes every single day and I'm eagerly looking forward to what is on the horizon.


How did you get started?
Specifically with the custom photo cards I took some time right before my baby arrived to create some designs and build the plan for my business. After enjoying new mommyhood for about 6 months - I opened up my virtual doors and started taking orders! I've loved every moment of it!

My business naturally expanded to include photo holiday cards and birthday invite. Since then it's grown to custom candy bar wrappers, personalized stationery, ecards, mommy calling cards, play date cards and more!


What motivates you to keep your business going?
Working with all of my wonderful clients and creating something from scratch that is a treasured keepsake. Also, my daughter and providing an example to her of somebody who went after a dream. If you ask my toddler daughter today what she wants to be when she grows up - she quickly answers "Dora". I look forward to the day when she proudly proclaims, "An entrepreneur just like my mommy!"


Do you have a particular product that's unique and that you are promoting on your site?
All of my custom photo cards are personalized and the patterns, colors & fonts are interchangeable so every single order is unique! I also offer candy bar templates, ecards that include a photo and are personalized and I'm working on a line of personalized stationery that will be done soon! See my blog for a sneak peek! http://polkadotbumblebee.blogspot.com/



How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
My business has boomed with simple word of mouth and referrals. I have a refer-a-friend program where my customers can earn free photo cards. I also sponsor a holiday photo contest, other year round contests and giveaways and special offers! I recently gave away 500 free birth announcements to 10 families with babies born on leap day which got me a lot of exposure! I have yet to pay for advertising and mostly trade or cross promote with other WAHMs.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
I only work when my baby bee is sleeping during naptimes and at night. I don't want to miss a second with my little one - so it's not even a question. I don't mind putting in the late nights (I'm a night owl) so that I can enjoy the day with her playing, dancing, singing and making wonderful memories. I like to start every morning knowing that everything is tidied up and finished from the day before.

What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Go for it! Find something that you love and figure out a way to make money from it. Start small and invest in yourself.

Nurture your passion or hobbies or talent the way that you would in your own child.

As a mother, we tell our children that they can be anything that they want to be and do anything that they want to do. I think it's time that we start taking some of our own advice.


Buzz on over and visit Polka Dot Bumblebee at their online boutique at: www.polkadotbumblebee.com

Or see her recent work and sneak peeks at her blog at: www.polkadotbumblebee.blogspot.com/
Current promotions/specials at Polka Dot Bumblebee:
Use the promo code WAHM for 5 free cards on orders over 50 and 10 free cards on orders over 100.

I look forward to creating a buzz with your custom photo cards!

P.S. Although I AM a WAHM, I hesitate to even call myself that because it never feels like "work".