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Published: May, 2009

JAN THOMAS • MISSION VIEJO
Mother of two daughters, ages 10 and 6

Business: Loved Unconditionally

Product or service:
As a woman and a mom to two daughters, I realize the stress we have in our lives and recognize the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect – to be enough. These metal-and-leather affirmation bracelets remind us every time we glance at our wrist, that we are indeed enough, unconditionally loved and blessed.

How did you come up with the idea?
The affirmation bracelets were born from a simple idea: to create powerful, concrete support for my daughters. I wanted to share that with other women and girls. I began to manufacture bracelets and it caught on because it worked, not only for the original intended audience; but women started giving them to friends and loved ones of all ages.

What did it take to get your business launched?
It cost me about $7,000 to start. I used that for prototypes, which fortunately were not too expensive. I also used that money for my first production run of bracelets, which included materials and labor. I found and entered a national Hewlett-Packard contest, and they chose my business! So, at no cost to me, they designed my Web site and logo, and they gave me a printer. Google “business contest” and see what you find. There are also sweepstakes Web sites like sweepstakestoday.com that are out there.

Tell us about your first sale or contract.
One day I checked my email and I actually got an order!  My first question was, “How did this person even find me or my product?” I ran around the house so happy all day. Amazingly, people will find you. Then they tell their friends and post your site on their blog, etc. If you have a good product, people will spread the word for you. Secondly, I went to the Atlanta Gift show with a friend. I got in 13 retail stores just from that short bit of exposure.

What is the size of your business?
I am a one-person business. I’m in 13 retail stores. They always reorder, so that’s going well. My online sales are directly proportionate to the publicity I’m getting at the time.

What are your plans for the business?
I am so excited to be introducing a $5 bracelet shortly. As I said above, my joy as a business owner comes with spreading these affirmations and maybe bringing joy to someone’s day. Therefore, I want everyone to be able to afford a bracelet.

Are you able to work around your children’s schedules?
That’s hard. My husband recently “joked” that the kids will remember their mom as the back of my head at a computer. That was not funny and was an eye-opener for me. I have to remember why I’m an at-home mom. 

Did you have any special education or training that relates to your business?
I graduated from UC Berkeley in social science. I was always interested in people and their interactions with one another. I’ve wanted to build connections between people and support confidence in one’s own strength.

Do you have a business role model?
I like the “Life is Good” company. Also, I get great support from the Orange County chapters of SCORE and the SBA. The business counseling is free and so valuable.