MUIB Member Spotlight:
Each month our MUIB members vote for a fellow member to be featured in the MUIB Member Spotlight. The member chosen is someone who offers support and friendship to the women of our organization, and who also has a business deserving “kudos”.
The MUIB Member Spotlight is featured on the main page of Moms United in Business, http://www.momsunited.biz/, and is also featured on a separate page of the site dedicated to honoring the chosen member. The MUIB Member Spotlight is also featured in our newsletter, our message board, and is promoted through various other online groups and organizations.
Our September winner of the MUIB Member Spotlight is Angie Vinez! Congratulations Angie!
Thank you so much for all that you do to contribute to the success of MUIB, and for your concern, help and support of our MUIB members.
Read our interview with Angie to learn more about her and her business:
Angie Vinez, September 2007 MUIB Member Spotlight Winner
Name of business/website: I actually run several businesses: Angela Vinez Studio & Gallery, Angela Vinez Designs, and The Picture Perfect Boutique. You can find them all at http://www.angelavinez.com/
Why did you start your business/website? I have always had a passion for photography. My dad did weddings on the side, and I was lucky enough to be his "assistant" starting at a very young age. When he passed away, my passion to capture special moments grew even larger. I took a job at a large, well-known photography chain shortly after my second child was born. The hours were long, the pay was terrible, and I wasn't allowed to capture the true essence of my subjects. I was forced to take the "standard" poses that they wanted, and that was it. After much prayer, and many long talks with my husband, we decided I would leave that chain and venture out on my own. I love working with people, and being able to capture their tender moments on film makes me smile to the core. The boutique was born from my love of photographs. I wanted to give people different ways to carry those precious moments close to their hearts. And the design company, well, that came from my love of sitting at the computer and letting my creative juices flow.
What makes your business/website unique? I am always trying to come up with something new. I try to let my personality shine through each page. I want to keep them fun, and make people smile every time they visit.
How did you choose the focus for your business/website? Choosing a focus wasn't hard. I offer specific products and services, and I try to find a fun, creative way to display them.
What obstacles have you faced and how have you overcome them?
My biggest obstacle has definitely been the competition. Here in Ohio, there's a photography studio on every other corner. I've had to overcome that by being different - offering things that other studios may not think of. The majority of my clients prefer the in-home studio sessions where I literally bring my studio to their house, set up in the room of their choice, and take their photographs. Not a whole lot of studios offer that, and it's one thing that I love doing. The clients love that they don't have to go anywhere, and the kids always feel more comfortable at home instead of in some stuffy studio. I've also implemented a referral program for my clients, so word of mouth through those referrals has kept my business alive. The competition is also vast in both the boutique world and the design part. So many wonderful boutique owners and designers out there! Right now, everything is simply by word of mouth. I truly do have the world's best clients!
What do you feel are the benefits of being a WAHM? I **love** being a WAHM. I get to set my own hours, and work whenever I can. When I have a photography shoot, my husband is home to stay with the kids, so I don't have to feel like I'm abandoning them. I also won't do more than 4 photo sessions in a week, simply because my family is my priority. Clients understand this, and it has worked out perfectly. The boutique and the designs I can work on late at night, and no one ever has to know that I was up until 3 am finishing their website.
Do you have any specials that you are running right now? Because of our upcoming move this month, I've had to stop doing photography shoots, so no specials there. But, I am running a special in the boutique. Any order ships for only $5! No limit on purchases, and no coupon code to enter. The special runs through the end of December.
How do you "get the word out" to get visitors to your site/to purchase products? I love networking, and I love talking, so you can find me all over the internet, trying to get my name out there. Also, having a referral program truly works wonders.
What advice would you offer to other WAHMs? Keep your God and your family as your priority, and He will bless your business.
Favorite motto or quote you live by: " To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush"
How do you take time to nurture yourself? I always make sure to take time out for the Lord. I get up each morning before the kids do and spend some time in prayer and reading my Bible. It refreshes me and helps me prepare to face the day... and whatever lies ahead!
How do you balance the many roles you play in life? Some days it feels like a circus, but I do what I can, when I can. That's all that I can do. I set certain times to work on certain things, and I have been blessed with a husband who understands and steps in to help as needed.
Tell us any other info you would like others to know about you and your family: I'm a mom to 4 beautiful children, married to a wonderful, godly man, I'm active in my church, and I'm always there for a friend. If there is ever anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask! (Unless you want money, then you've come to the wrong place.) :) And if there's anything else you'd like to know, just ask.
Why do you feel you should be in the MUIB Spotlight? (Do NOT be modest, I know it is difficult to "sell" yourself, but tell us what makes you special and unique!): I am so honored to be the MUIB member in the spotlight this month. I love helping people out any way that I can, and offer a word of encouragement or advice as needed. Aside from my family and my relationship with Christ, my businesses are my passion. I pour my heart and soul in to every service I offer or product I provide. I love what I do, and will always give 110%.
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In Friendship,~Jenn Rogers, Founder MUIB
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