MOM BIZ SPOTLIGHT: MELISSA SULLIVAN

Posted by Tisha Tolar on June 1, 2009

Melissa’s Websites:

Melissa Sullivan Stampin’ Up!

Melissa Sullivan Usborne Books

Melissa Sullivan Gold Canyon Candles

Melissa Sullivan, who lives with her husband Sean and their two young children, first became an entrepreneur in August of 2004 before she even became a mom. As a life-long crafter, she was usually involved with creative projects to fulfill her hobbyist enthusiasms. It wasn’t until 2006, when her first child was born that Melissa took a more serious look at what her hobby could do for her family financially and structurally. As a first-time mom, Melissa had little desire to leave her daughter and return to a career in teaching but she did eventually go back on a part time basis. It was when she had her second child that she decided returning to anything but her children full time just wouldn’t do. All along, she had an inkling that her scrapbooking talents and her affiliation with the Stampin’ Up company was the dream she wanted to make a reality. After her second child was born, she did just that.

Melissa says “I continued my Stampin’ Up! business alongside my full time teaching job with the hopes that I would be able to stay home after the birth of our son. This year, I have been able to live that dream and my Stampin’ Up! business has made great contributions to our family security.”

Melissa discovered Stampin’ Up! When she was invited by her sister-in-law to attend a party. The last thing she ever imagined is that she would be successful hosting her own parties.

“You can ask anyone, I NEVER wanted to be in direct sales. I love having parties and buying great products, but NEVER wanted to sell anything. Five years ago, my sister-in-law, Kim, invited me to a Stampin’ Up! party that her sister was having. I love doing crafts so of course I went. We had a blast and made some great projects. I bought my one stamp set and told the demonstrator that I had everything else I needed at home since I had stamped in the past. Well, I was that guest that asked all the right questions, helped her clean up, and had that “sign me up” glow. I figured if nothing else, I could get the supplies I wanted because they have a great product line. After several months of “working the husband” and learning more about Stampin’ Up!, I finally talked Sean into letting me sign up. Fast forward 5 years, and here I am now with a successful business doing what I love!

Finding a dream fulfilled is one thing – finding balance between work and home when you work at home is another story.

“Balance, really? Yes, I do find it. That’s one of the best things about being my own boss. I decide when I’m going to work and when I’m going to be off. And if something comes up and we want to do it as a family, I have that flexibility. My husband, Sean, is also a great support. He’ll take the kids for a few hours so I can have some uninterrupted work time.”

Melissa works from an extra room in the family home but spends a lot of time socializing and sponsoring classes for scrapbooking in her community.

“I LOVE working from home. I love being around to see my kids all day, take them to activities during the day, and do all of the “mom” things I enjoy. Unfortunately come August, I’ll be returning to my full-time teaching job. Since the economic downturn, my hubby was laid off. We need to make sure we have health insurance.”

While the economy may have put a hitch in her intention of working for herself full time, Melissa knows that she will continuing doing what she loves and earning supplemental income even if on a part time basis. Her advice for other moms thinking about making the entrepreneurial jump:

“It’s all about you! You have to make the decision based on what’s best for you and your family. I ask my potential recruits why they want the business. It’s the “why” that helps them map out their plans for their business and reaching their goals. Having an independent business has been one of the best decisions I have made. Not only do we reap the monetary benefits, but I have met so many wonderful people that have contributed to my success!”

Congratulations to Melissa Sullivan, our first Empowered Mom feature! Be sure to visit Melissa’s websites and check out what she has to offer. Don’t be afraid to contact Melissa about your interest in what she does and if you want to learn more about how she does it, email me tisha (at) trifectallc (dot) com.