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Published: May, 2009

JAMIE DADANT • ANAHEIM
Mother of 4-year-old twin boys

Business: Circle of Sentiments

Product or service:
Circle of Sentiments specializes in personalized hand-stamped jewelry. Perfect for any proud mama, our "mommy jewelry" is custom made with children's names, initials or favorite phrases.

How did you come up with the idea?
I always wanted to have my own business. The inspiration for taking action came after I quit my corporate job to be a stay-at-home mom. I started my first business, an online baby boutique. One of the many items sold on my site was a line of hand-stamped jewelry that I made. Due to the demand and popularity of the hand-stamped necklaces, I decided to switch my focus to just jewelry.  And thus, Circle of Sentiments was developed.

What did it take to get your business launched?
I started out very small, so everything I needed financially was self-funded. Initially, I got my business license and resale license. As things started to grow, I added business insurance and also copyrighted my company name.

Tell us about your first sale or contract.
My first real order from someone I didn’t know was very exciting. I remember it giving me a sense of validation ­– someone actually wanted what I had to offer!

What is the size of your business?
Right now, it’s just me. In 2008, my net sales were about $35K.

What are your plans for the business?
My boys are still young, so I’m fine with where I’m at for now. As soon as they get into elementary school and I have more time, I would love to grow my company. Eventually, I would like to put more focus on the retail side. I currently have about 30 retailers that sell my jewelry, and I would love for this number to continue to grow.

Are you able to work around your children’s schedules?
Yes, which is why I love having a home-based business! Being a mom is always going to come first. My boys are my priority. I always try to work around their schedule. I get most of my work done when they are at pre-school or napping (I don’t know what I’m going to do when they drop their nap!). When things get really busy, though, I figure out creative ways to juggle both. I also have a very supportive husband, who helps out with the kids if I need more time to get my work done.

Do your children help you with your business?
My boys are very interested in what I do and love to “help” me. If I’m stamping jewelry out in the garage, I will give them some scrap metal and a hammer for them to make their own jewelry.

Did you have a career before you became a mother?
Yes, I worked in marketing for the Disneyland Resort.

Did you have any special education or training that relates to your business?
I have a marketing background, but pretty much everything that I’ve learned in relation to running my own company has been self-taught.

Do you have a business role model?
My role models are all the other “momtreprenuers” who I’ve met from being in this business. It’s amazing to connect with other women who are living the same dream as I am.