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Karen Lamont [founder/owner/mom] CITRUS...SILVER WITH A TWIST!
Judy Blumstock [founder/owner/mom] BUNNY EARS TV
Kimberley Fernandez [founder/doula/mom] KINDRED SPIRIT
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August 2007
Paula Morrison [business analyst-turned-realtor/wife/mom to 2]
what is your business ?
I am a Realtor with Prudential Properties Plus.
what is the story behind your business name?
Prudential is a national real estate franchise with offices all across Canada and the United States. I was attracted to this franchise by the fair and equitable way their agents behave towards each other.
how, when, and where did your business venture come to life?
After giving birth to my first child I decided that I didn’t want to return to my downtown corporate job. I wanted to be with both my girls in the early years but I also wanted a career that would allow me the flexibility to be more involved in their lives. It was my own experience with buying and selling my first few homes that attracted me to the industry.
how did you learn to do what you do?
Endless courses with the Toronto Real Estate Board, lots of experience and research, research, research!
what makes your service distinct and unique ?
I work mostly with families that are trying to make the best decisions for their children. As a mother of young children I understand the unique needs of families when searching for the right home. It’s not just about finding a dream home; families don’t just buy a home, they buy into a community. I go that little bit further and help families find out about the local schools, community facilities and if need be, I will knock on doors to find out how many of your future neighbours also have children.
Often when working with families it takes a little more time to view houses or sometimes we have to stop for a nap. To make the experience easier on your children I travel with toys, healthy treats and my car is equipped with child seats.
I am sensitive to the needs of first time buyers and “mover-uppers” that are concerned and also excited about the rapid pace of the red hot Toronto real estate market. It wasn’t that long ago that I purchased my own fixer-upper that I subsequently renovated and then sold for quite an exciting profit. I have first-hand experience of conducting a major home renovation and can provide families with invaluable insight to the realities of buying and flipping in today’s market.
who is your service for?
I am sensitive to the needs of first time buyers, young families and “mover-uppers” that are concerned and also excited about the rapid pace of the red hot Toronto real estate market. It wasn’t that long ago that I purchased my own fixer-upper that I subsequently renovated and then sold for quite an exciting profit. I have first-hand experience of conducting a major home renovation and can provide families with invaluable insight to the realities of buying and flipping in today’s market.
what inspires you to do what you do?
The thing that inspires me the most is the relationship that I build with my clients. I love the fact that I get to work with people that I like and that I get to help them make the best choices when buying a home. I also like helping young families get off to a good start by making wise investments in real estate.
what did you do before becoming a Realtor?
I was a Business Analyst for Manulife Financial.
how do you market and sell your servicess?
A mixture of networking, word-of-mouth, referrals and repeat business.
what kind of support system and support network do you have to help you integrate your life as a mom, mom in business, and woman?
IMy support system consists almost exclusively of my friends, family, colleagues.
what are the 3 words that you would use to describe yourself as a mom in business?
- ethical
- proud
- dedicated
what are the 3 (inanimate!) things that you couldn't live without as a mom in business?
- my cell phone
- internet
- my dining table!
what are the 3 greatest challenges that you face/d as a mom in business ?
- confidence
- faith in myself
- optimism
finally, what would you advise a mom who is thinking of starting her own business?
Starting your own business is not as risky as it might seem. I was always more afraid to fail than I was to try and succeed in business. If you can get past the fear of failing then you will instantly recognize that trying is the next logical step.
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realtor: Paula Morrison
telephone: 416.856.2070
email: pmorrison@torontothegood.com
website: www.paulamorrison.ca
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would you like to be our next featured mom in business? if you have a product or service that caters to moms or babies, or is kid-friendly, or family-oriented, you could be our next featured mom! each month, mom2mom toronto spotlights a different mom and business on our website and newsletter -- click here for advertising cost and for more details.
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did you know...
- that investing in building your online reputation through articles and online networking groups is one key ingredient to your success as a mompreneur?
( from © The Globe and Mail." Stay-at-home Moms Stay the Business Ccourse," by Roma Luciw. Saturday, March 3rd 2007 )
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