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October 2007
Alli Grosberg [founder/owner/mom] with her 3-year-old-son
what is Alli's Originals?
Alli's Originals are custom-designed hand-stamped jewelry.
what is the story behind your business name?
Funny, my business name was created by my oldest brother. At the time I was working with so many mediums that the name was a perfect fit! My logo was created by a friend.
how, when, and where did Alli's Originals come to life?
My business first began when I made a picture frame for my mother-in-law. I glued dried flowers to a frame and suddenly people were wanting me to make one for them to buy. I realized that this was the beginning of a business for me. I tried my hand at many crafts before I discovered my talent for jewelry design.
how did you learn to do what you do?
I am self-taught. I was always able to look at the construction of a piece of jewelry and figure out how to make it myself. Eventually I wanted to advance my skills and I always loved working with silver. About a year ago I began taking courses in silver smithing and lost wax casting. This was the beginning of my “Hand cut collection” of jewelry.
what makes your product distinct and unique ?
My pendants and charms are all hand stamped and customized. There are no two pieces alike. I also recently introduced a collection of hand-cut pendants and charms and hand-casted charms. These pieces are sold exclusively through Alli’s Originals. I work with each customer personally to help them create a piece that is truly special and unique. The personal one-on-one service is something I take great pride in.
who is your service for?
My products are great for new and seasoned moms, dads, grandparents, proud aunts, friends, teachers or even your family pet! Personalized jewelry is a perfect gift for almost anyone!
what inspires you to do what you do?
My family (my husband and son) inspire me daily. I love them to pieces! I am also very inspired by the wonderful sentiments behind the jewelry that my clients have me create. People love to celebrate, show off or remember special people in their lives. I love to hear the wonderful stories that people tell me about why they are having me make this particular piece of jewelry.
what did you do before Alli's Originals?
I worked for years in restaurants as a server and bartender. But I always pursued art in some form or another.
how do you market and sell your servicess?
I have over 30 retailers worldwide who are selling this collection. I do a lot of online marketing and advertising. I have also been lucky to have a few magazine and newspaper features written about my designs.
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?
I am so lucky to have a wonderful sister-in-law who helps me with my 3-yr-old son during the week and who helps me with my business. My friends are always there to help when I ask. All of my friends and family are incredibly encouraging and supportive. I feel lucky everyday.
what kind of services or products would you like to have at your fingertips to help you integrate your life as a mom, mom in business, and woman?
A full-time nanny, a better workspace in my basement and a PR firm.
what or who helped you launch your business?
My website really helped launch my business. It also gave me confidence in what I was doing. It was encouraging when I began to get sales from people all around the world. I also must give much credit to my friend Candace who has not only been an encouraging friend but a great help with ideas and resources. She is a fantastic business woman and has inspired me along the way. Thanks Candace!
what are the 3 words that you would use to describe yourself as a mom in business?
- determined
- ambitious
- inspired
what are the 3 (inanimate!) things that you couldn't live without as a mom in business?
- my 10 cups of tea a day
- the internet
- my cuddle time with my son!
what are the 3 greatest challenges that you face/d as a mom in business ?
- Balancing my home life with my business.
- Spending enough quality time with my son and still having time to fill orders. My business is home-based which means I am ALWAYS at work. I have a hard time closing up shop for the day.
- I also am finding it increasingly difficult to find time to cook, clean and shop.
finally, what would you advise a mom who is thinking of starting her own business?
Go for it! There is nothing more rewarding than being a stay-at-home Mom and still keep a full time job. However, find something you really LOVE to do. This way is doesn’t always feel like work!
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founder/owner: Alli Grosberg
telephone: 905.597.1538
email: info@allisoriginals.com
website: www.allisoriginals.com
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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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