Spot-light on: Tickled Pink® Foundation

Meet a mom who wants to help business women succeed!

Meet the Mom Behind Tickled Pink® Foundation

Who is Tickled Pink® Foundation and what's so unique about your business? Where are you located?
Tickled Pink® Foundation of Loveland, Colorado is a new and extraordinary foundation that was specifically designed and formed to help business women first to succeed, then to have an opportunity to share their success through their support of other women in business. When the Tickled Pink Foundation helps women in business, they match women business owners who have a need with those who have a service to give. Both businesses prosper and are able to take that next leap in their business growth.

I’ve combined a lifelong passion for helping others and my love of everything pink to provide my knowledge to other women. I deeply believe that business ownership allows women the live their dreams. All too often, women don’t have the resources for professional marketing materials, coaching, educational events, or to obtain the vital support necessary to grow their businesses. Tickled Pink® Foundation can provide the support women need to succeed.


How did you come up with your business name?
As part of my product line, I have a “Thank You” candy bar that has a layer of brown chocolate and a layer of pink chocolate, I described it as tickled with pink. When forming my foundation, Tickled Pink seemed like the perfect fit.


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I started my first product line 14 months ago when I traveled to audition for Oprah’s Big Give at Harpo Studios. After my audition, I knew the reasons I had created the chocolate bar was to give a portion of the proceeds to women in business. Since then, I have created over 42 additional products and am now ready to launch nationwide! Furthermore, I invited women business owners to participate by producing products for the Tickled Pink line. I believe this foundation will fill a void that is not currently being met for women nationwide who are already in business.


How did you get started?
After supporting women in business with my own personal financing, I thought there had to be a better way. So, I started the 501c3 foundation that would allow other business to help in my mission by donating or purchasing from the Pink product line.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
I like to think of myself as a self-motivator. My enthusiasm is a big part of what keeps me going; especially when it comes to developing new products. As one of seventeen children and marrying my childhood sweetheart at age 17, I learned about life at a young age and I strive to make the most out of every opportunity I am presented. I sold my much-loved red convertible to provide the initial funding for this Foundation. I know that with a dream, support and a lot of hard work, great success is possible.


Do you have a particular product that's a best seller on your site?
That is a tough question for me, as I have several different products. The clothing line is a big hit, because I offer it from infant sizes up to adult sizes. When you have a wide variety of sizes, your customer base grows tremendously.

My Pink-A-LICIOUS® candy bar is another big hit. I have not found another candy bar like it, made up entirely of pink chocolate. Everyone is looking for that new product to catch their eye! Like the NEW “Tickled Pink” Chocolate Tool-Box!


How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
Networking is where I focus most of my adverting, second to that would be through the internet. Advertising is not only about making a sale, but it’s also about making connections; I realize how many other women in business are out there looking for the same support.

Another method of advertising that I have found to be extremely successful is trade shows. Having recently traveled to New York City for a trade show, I can say that the contacts that I made have taken my business and products to the next level of success.

I am pretty involved in Gift Bags for Hollywood too; I just love what I do!


How do you juggle family and work at home?
I am fortunate that my children are grown; and my passion came to me later in life. When my four children were growing up I was a very busy full-time mom. It was at the same time that my youngest was graduating from high school that my drive to start my own business really kicked in and I have been on cloud nine since.

Although my children are grown, I do have to make my marriage a priority. I am blessed to have a wonderful and understanding husband who wants to see me succeed. There have been many late nights when he has been by my side helping me prepare orders or helping me come up with new ideas. It’s just another way we can be together!


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Go for your passion, you will know what it is when it hits you... trust me!

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, take advice from someone who has been there and done that, it will save you a lot of time and money.

Trade Mark your ideas; this is very important as it will help to take your products to the next level. Finally I would encourage you to attend a women’s conference in business, and step out of the box and grow with powerful women in business:


Anything else you'd like to add about Tickled Pink Foundation or about being a WAHM in general?
I am grateful for what I have accomplished and never take for granted anything in life. I am a giver and always will be.

Starting a foundation and getting your feet off the ground requires asking for help. Tickled Pink® Foundation is seeking donations, grants and National Corporations to do a licensing agreement for the Tickled Pink® Group products. Women in business will greatly benefit from your support. And now, with your help, we have this opportunity to assist women in business in succeeding, and living their dreams.

Won’t you join me?


Visit Tickled Pink® Foundation at: http://www.tickledpinkfoundation.org



(Note: All images and interview responses courtesy of Tickled Pink® Foundation. Please respect their work and do not copy and/or alter their images and words. Thank you! )