The Mommy Market

A look at inspiring Mompreneurs and their homegrown businesses 

  

Moms start businesses for a variety of reasons. Some want the flexibility of spending more time with their kids. Others uncover a need -- often inspired by motherhood -- that no one else is filling. Whatever the incentive, the growth of women-owned businesses has soared in recent years. In fact, women entrepreneurs are expected to create up to 5.5 million new jobs nationwide by 2018, according to the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute. Here, a look at nine successful mompreneurs and their homegrown inspirations.  

  

Joan Lunden

Company: KinderKord, Armonk, N.Y.
Business: Wristband with a retractable cord
Launched: 2008 Former television personality Joan Lunden and her second husband, Jeff Konigsberg, invented KinderKord to keep their four young children  two sets of twins  within arms reach. Lunden also has three adult daughters from a previous marriage. Kindercord sports wristband-like cuffs that kids wear, and a retractable cord that keeps them connected to a parent.
It took the company 14 months and several hundred thousand dollars to bring the invention to Babies 'R Us, which ultimately launched the product.
Tip:  Be aware that vendors often prefer a line of products to sell rather than a single invention.

 

Teresa Delfín
Company: Mountain Mama, Ontario, Calif.
Business: Maternity outdoor apparel
Founded: 2009 When Teresa Delfín became pregnant, she didn't slow down. "I was still climbing, kayaking, riding my bike and mountain biking." But when it got cold, she couldn't find any long underwear for pregnant women. "So I started designing."
Mountain Mama's line of maternity outdoor clothing launched in 2010, followed by a line of outdoor-themed onesies. The company also sponsors events, such as the Mountain Mama Road Bike Challenge.
Tip: Build community and partnerships with other women entrepreneurs, and find a mentor.