Whoever said: ‘Moms Mean Business’, probably met Robin McCoy-Ramirez. Robin is the founder of Inspired by Savannah, LLC and the Sootheze product line. Running a business can be hard enough, but imagine the drive it takes to run your own business and keep up with an online blog that has over a thousand followers – while at the same time juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time mom. We are lucky enough to be able to feature Robin McCoy-Ramirez and her fantastic story as the first of many, in a series called: ‘Mom-trepreneurs’.

Q: Tell our readers about your business, your passion, and what it is that you do? What’s your story? And what sets you apart from other businesses in your particular market?

“My company, Inspired by Savannah, came about out of necessity.  I came up with the Sootheze blanket idea when I was 5 months pregnant with our first daughter.  I noticed there was not a product on the market like my idea, and I knew that other mother’s would benefit from my invention. So, began my journey as a mom entrepreneur.  I have always thought of myself as a creative person, and found the wheels in my head turning with ideas of baby products that would help sooth a fussy baby and make parents, especially moms live easier.  What sets me apart from other businesses, is that no one else is offering this product.  In addition, I have been blessed with my daughter, as I battled stage 2 nasopharyneal carcinoma 2 years ago, and was told I would never be able to have children. I defied the odds then, and am doing it now with starting a new company and creating products that will make parents lives easier. I also started a blog site, where I am featuring other mom entrepreneurs, as I find inspiration in their stories and business successes.  I am trying to show other mothers out there that are on the fence about starting a business, that they can do it, and share stories of success with them.”

Q: What inspired you take the steps to becoming your own boss? Is this your first/only business?

“Prior to starting my new company, Inspired by Savannah, I was self-employed as a freelance contractor, in which I spent most of days helping other entrepreneurs and small businesses.Before that, I was a health educator, and spent 10+ years in the public health/non-profit sectors.  I was inspired to start my new company while I was pregnant with our first daughter, Savannah (hence the company name).  During my pregnancy, I came up with the Sootheze product idea.  If it wasn’t for the pregnancy and the desire to be able to show my daughter down the road that women can be successful in business, I don’t think I would be were I am at today.”

Q: How much planning was involved prior to the start-up of your business? Can you offer some  insight into that process?

“I came up with the idea and began working on the SoothEaze blanket during the 5th month of my pregnancy, and it has been a daily journey ever since.  I first began with the business plan, looking at financing and seeking out grant opportunities to help fund my venture.  I was lucky enough to receive a $15,000 grant from the Huggies MomInspired program, which has helped me emensly with the start-up costs of the business.  I stumbled upon this grant opportunity through hours of online research.  I was looking for creative ways to raise capital, as I didn’t want to spend our whole life savings on this new business, while we were waiting for the arrival of our first child. ”

“I would highly suggest that other entrepreneurs/start ups look into grant opportunities to help with funding.  You would be surprised at how many opportunities are out there, if you just take some time to look for them.”

Q: How many employees do you have and what went into hiring on more to your team?

“Right now, it is just myself and my husband who run the company.  He helps with the IT portion of the company, as this is his background, as well as helps me out with misc. company tasks.  We have used contractors to help with logo design, and plan to reach out to stay-at-home moms to act as brand ambassadors once the product is ready to launch this summer.”

Q: What has been the most challenging part of your entrepreneurial adventure?

“The biggest challenge has been finding manufacturers to create the different components of my product.  I originally wanted to keep production in the USA, but due to costs, found it necessary to outsource overseas.  Working with overseas vendors has been challenging with the language gap, as well as trying to find someone who would be able to manufacture a small quantity to start. Most vendors only accepted minimum orders of 1000+.”

Q: What motivates you? What keeps you going each day?

“My daughter motivates me every day.  She inspires me to be a better person and not give up on my dream and business.  I am journaling my story, and when she gets older, will share it with her.  I want her to see that she inspired my company and vision, and if she wants to start a company, that she can be successful too.  The support of my husband, family and close friends is also key in my success.  They keep me positive when I have a tough day, and offer moral support whenever needed.  It is always good to have a strong support network.  I found this to be true while going through my cancer treatment, and it hold true today, with starting and running my business.”

Q: How do you promote your business? Advertise? Endorse? Contests? Social networking?

“I have a blog, where I share my personal entrepreneur story, as well as a website:  www.SoothEaze.com.  I also use social media, like Facebook and Twitter to connect with my target audience and keep up-to-date on new baby products out there.  I also continue to look for outlets that want to share my entrepreneur story with others, and I have been featured in online publications and blogs, where I have offered tips, stories, etc. to help out other entrepreneurs.  And, like I said earlier, I continue to seek out grant opportunities for funding support.”

Q: Has the Internet or social media helped/hurt your business?

“So far, I have only benefited from the Internet and social media sites.  With 2 months I was able to draw a 1000+ following of supporters, as have 700+ hits a day on my personal blog site.  Without these channels, I wouldn’t be able to reach this wide target base.”

Q: What advice do you have to those reading www.bossstart.com that you feel is valuable?

“If you have an idea and are not sure if you can be successful, I would say –give it a shot.  You don’t have anything to lose — only, so much to gain.  I didn’t think I would be able to start a business while raising a newborn, but I have made it work, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead on this journey.”

To learn more and to contact Robin McCoy-Ramirez please visit:

Websites: www.Sootheaze.comand blog: http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/

Facebook: robin.mccoy.ramirez

Twitter: @rmccoy1234

Linkedin: rmccoy1234

Email: rmccoy1234@gmail.com or Robin@Sootheze.com