A Business is Born

Gradually, my shift from a stay-at-home mom to a work-at-home-mom is transpiring. Since I have some free time, my husband and I have decided to handle a business at home. Honestly, with all the business opportunities surfacing left and right, it takes research and planning to select which product/s you feel will be patronized by the market.

Two years ago, we engaged in the food cart business. After one month of operation, our business folded. Sad, right? I felt numb actually. As they say in one of the seminars I attended, I just have to consider it as a tuition fee for my entrepreneurship course. The money we invested could have been used for my son's tuition fee for a year and half. Just a hindsight. 

Finally, we chose to enter into the ice cream vending operation of a known corporation. You may say, another franchise? But why?  

My family loves ice cream especially my kids. I guess everybody likes ice cream.  Who can resist ice cream?

To start the process, I checked (literally) the requirements. 

1.      Must have an interest to manage own business - Check!  

2.      Must have the patience, dedication and entrepreneurial abilities - Check!  

3.      Have a garage space for minimum 10 vending bikes and freezing equipment - Check!

4.      Resident of area & property owner - Half check!

5.      Must have P100K minimum working capital - Check! 

After completing and submitting the documentation required by the corporation, Wellborn Marketing was born.

As a new proprietor, I have a great deal to learn and also to unlearn for this business to thrive.  

And so....... ice cream anyone?

  

Changes in me

Being a stay at home mom had hovered in my thoughts for so many years.  However, I could not just give up my job instantly then.  I have two kids who are growing up so fast.  Prices of goods are escalating.  People are losing their employment.  But alas!  My husband, realizing that I was no longer as efficient as before at work, gave his sweet “Yes” (as if I proposed to him) to the idea.

Now that I stay at home, I have noticed changes in me.  Besides that my monthly paycheck have stopped, I, too, have stopped purchasing things that are unneccessary.  Who needs another pair of shoes when you have lots stored in your cabinet that you haven’t worn for months, even years?  Who needs another beauty cream when there are still jars and bottles of facial wash, toners and day/night cream in your dresser?  Who needs another cellphone when you have one that is still functioning quite well?  Sometimes, temptation does creep in.  And that's why I stay away from malls. 

Further,  my crafty and practical sides (the ones I did not know I possess) emerged.  Instead of going to the alteration store  for my daughter’s uniforms (hand me downs since they’ll change them next year anyway),  I altered them myself.  I even sewed the tags on my son’s uniforms. 

Instead of using often different cleaning and deodorizing  products available in the supermarkets, I go natural.  Yes!  I researched in the internet and found things I have at home that I can utilize for these tasks.  Lemon, white vinegar, baking soda, etc. are stocked up in my pantry.  But I retain the regular clorox for our laundry.  The household help might complain if she has to mix ingredients first to remove stains and dirt on our clothes. (I guess I’ll try to research on that, too.  Umm.)

Finally the change that I thank God everyday.  I spend quality time with my family.  Now, I can say to my kids that mommy can accompany you to your field trips.  I can say, mommy can attend the parent teacher conference on a weekday.  I can say, mommy will teach you if you have any problems with your studies.  I can say, mommy will listen if you need to talk.  I can also say, yes, hubby, I will massage your head and back because I know you are exhausted.

Being a stay at home mom has changed me little by little.  And I am happy.