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Published: May, 2009

JOANNA WARBIANY
LAGUNA NIGUEL
(pictured with Tara Hoke, her sister and business partner)
Mother of a 20-month-old son, with another baby on the way

Business: Krispy Dips Inc.

Product or service
Gourmet, hand-crafted chocolate-dipped rice crispy treats, cakes and custom favors.

How did you come up with the idea?
Growing up, my mom would make homemade chocolate-dipped rice crispy treats for holidays, decorate them with colorful sprinkles and package them with ribbons to pass out to family and friends.  While trying to think up a business idea that I could start from home, that memory came back to me.

What did it take to get your business launched?
I borrowed $10,000 from my grandfather for the Web site, insurance, legal fees and miscellaneous start-up costs.

Tell us about your first sale or contract.
Our first major client was the LA Dodgers. We created a custom Dodger-themed variety box that were given to their premium ticket holders.

What is the size of your business?
The business is primarily myself and my sister/partner, Tara Hoke. We officially launched the Web site in October and have a loyal following in Orange County. Recently we’ve had an increase in sales from team moms who are ordering custom Dips for soccer, baseball, water polo and various teams.

What are your plans for the business?
My goal is to grow the business as much as possible, while still being a hands-on mom and wife. We are also going to be expanding our custom product line to include children’s birthday cakes and sports-themed favors, which have become a large part of our business just in the last couple of months.

Are you able to work around your children’s schedules?
Yes. Fortunately, my parents are happy to watch my son. My goal is to never work past 4 p.m., so I can cook a meal and we can sit down together as a family for dinner at night.  That’s extremely important to me.

Do your children help you with your business?
My son is our official taste-tester.

Did you have a career before you became a mother?
I worked as an account executive for two high-profile public relations firms after graduating from college.

Did you have any special education or training that relates to your business?
My degree experience in the public relations field really helped in launching the business.

Do you have a business role model?
I have to say that Paula Dean and her story really inspired me to start my own business. Knowing that she had very little money and created an extremely successful business, with the help of her family and children, helped me believe that I could do the same.