MariLee Parrish is a wife, mom, author, blogger, speaker, and freelance musician whose desire is to chase after the will of God. She has authored multiple books and her most recent title being “50 Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Your Husband.”
MariLee is the CEO of Mommy Bag Marketing, Inc. and the founder of the blog, Christian Moms Business Resource. Read on to see how she got started.
Tell us a little bit about Mommy Bag Marketing and how you got started.
Mommy Bag Marketing started through the Christian Moms Business Resource. In the summer of 2009, we started doing some PR work for Christian moms, and they began sending me samples to include in our “Mommy Bags” that I was taking to MOPS groups and events in Northern Colorado. The Mommy Bags started to catch on, and groups would write from other states asking for bags for their events. And that’s how it all began! We now have over 15 coordinators in various states distributing “Mommy Resource Bags” in their own areas.
What did you do before launching your own business?
Hmm … the better question would be “what haven’t I done before launching my business?” LOL! To name a few: worship leader, creative arts director, before-and-after school director, insurance agent, musician, songwriter, voice and piano teacher, Children’s Ministry Director, book sales, retail, direct sales, office manager, and quite a few more—many of them all at the same time! :-) My degree is in Music with a concentration in Business.
How many hours do you work a week and how much is spent in your home office?
Well, it used to be 80+ hours a week when I first started in the business. If someone tells you starting your own business is easy, they have no idea what they’re talking about! Now that we’ve grown, I have a full leadership staff that I delegate a lot of my work to. I’m down to working a normal 40 hours a week (and sometimes even less!) at my home office. Now that we’re off to a great start, I can schedule more time in my schedule to play and spend time with my family.
How did you fund your business?
It really didn’t take much to fund this at the beginning. What we made I put right back into the business. As we grew and needed some working capital, I used a business credit card for some larger expenses.
How would you rate your success from 0–10?
Honestly, I believe we are heading in the direction of a strong 10! The reason I say that is because my personal vision has been to help moms earn a steady income so they can stay home with their kids. I’ve gotten e-mails and letters from moms saying that our company has kept their children out of daycare and given them the ability to be at home with their families. That is success in my opinion!
How do you manage all of your personal and business activities?
I have an assistant now who is a tremendous help. She handles e-mails, phone calls, and website updates. She’s a true God-send. I also depend on my Outlook Calendar to keep everything straight! A little reminder pops up when I’m supposed to be riding my stationary bike, tweeting something important, picking up my son from pre-school or attending a meeting.
What has been your biggest business struggle as a mom entrepreneur?
Balancing family time and office time. It was very difficult in the beginning. I was literally working around the clock when we were just starting out. My husband was on board from the start, helping with my son when he got home from work and spending extra time with him on the weekends so I could finish a project. I had mom-guilt over this for a long time, but then I realized how much closer my husband and son had become because of it and it was truly a blessing to all of us!
What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?
Find something you’re passionate about, pray for wisdom, and give it you’re all. Make sure your husband and family approve of your goals and get their support and input as you get started. Set office hours with your family in mind– and keep them. Don’t spend a lot of money on start-ups. Begin small and see if it’s going to work before you invest a ton of money. If you’re starting a business from scratch, do your homework and make sure to find a knowledgeable small business attorney! Then make sure to network with other great women entrepreneurs like Holly, here at The Work at Home Woman, Shara at Mommy Perks, and Dawn at Market Mommy!
Are you currently hiring Mommy Bag Marketing Coordinators?
Yes! We need MBMI Coordinators in metro areas that have sales experience. You can read more and submit your application here: Mommy Bag Marketing.
Thanks, MariLee for sharing your story!
Angela @ always B designs
Woohoo! So glad to be part of the leadership team that is keeping you away from those 80 hour work weeks! :) You rock and I’m so glad to be a part of this mission with you.
Sarah Cook
Thanks for such an honest interview! There are LONG hours at the beginning and I think sometimes we get disillusioned by books like “The Four Hour Work Week” thinking maybe we are doing something wrong when we are spending so much time building our dream! Keep up the great work MariLee!
Sarah Cook, http://RaisingCEOKids.com
Shara
80 hours a week? I hear that. Yikes – tiring, isn’t it?
I’m glad you are down to 40 or less now!
Thanks for mentioning Mommy Perks and the other gals, also. I agree – having a support system in place is critical.
Keep up the great work, sister.