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Published: May, 2009

ERIKA KOORNDYK • TRABUCO CANYON
Mother of an 8-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter

Business: Woodwork Solutions

Product or service:
We offer custom cabinetry design and installation and high-end finish carpentry. We also offer painting and custom design services.

What did it take to get your business launched?
When my husband and I decided to take a leap of faith and start our own company from scratch, we put $5,000 worth of necessary tools on our credit card to replace the tools his previous company provided. We had about $2,000 saved and put it all to the start up costs (business license, logo design, marketing pieces and two-month reserves to advertise). We managed to receive our first call within two days and kept going from there.

What is the size of your business?
Between $300K to $360K per year.

What are your plans for the business?
Due to the economy the last two years, our industry took a major hit. Last year we thought the market was going to get the best of us. I decided to take another leap of faith and took our business to the Internet. Most small companies cannot afford to do this due to the costs. I figured I’d do it myself, signed up for a Web class, and here I am. My husband is now booked out three weeks and has been for the last three months.
 
Are you able to work around your children’s schedules?
Yes, it is important to me to be involved in my children’s daily lives and activities, so I make it happen.

Did you have a career before you became a mother?
Before I became a mother, I worked in the electronics industry. Once I had my son, I wanted more flexibility, so I became a Realtor. However, after I had my second child, I realized that I was still missing out on so much with my son and didn’t want to make that mistake again.