My beloved maternal grandmother’s name was Josephine, so I found myself immediately drawn to Josephine Geraci after hearing from her a few months ago. As a germaphobe, I am also impressed by her product, gLovies. When I had my first child, Hope, I practically made visitors don Haz-Mat suits! Hee. I love Josephine’s realness when she speaks of the stuggle to find that balance between work & play, business & family. I consider myself a kindred spirit with Josephine-she credits her mother with her success and I feel exactly the same way about mine. Enjoy!
Q: What is your name & how many children do you have?
A: My name is Josephine Geraci and I have three children ages 6, 4 & 2.
Q: What is the name of your company and when did you start it?
A: The name of my company is My Mom Knows Best, Inc. and I started it in 2006.
Q: What was the inspiration behind your company?
A: When I was potty training my eldest son the thought of his sweet little hands gripping a public toilet seat made me want to cringe. I researched the concept of a disposable mitten that could help keep kids hands clean from germs lurking in public places. I then bounced the idea off of several friends who were also potty training their children and they loved the idea and said they would buy a product that would help reduce the stress of enterng a public restroom with children. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I really made a concept turn into a product. gLovies was then born.
Q: How long did it take you to earn a profit from your business?
A: I’m hoping to see a profit in 2009. I’ve made a huge investment in inventory and legal fees pertaining to copyrights, trademarks and patents.
Q: What obstacles (if any) did you face along the way & how did you overcome them?
A: I discovered that my factory in China was trying to sell my product! I contacted my Sourcing Agent who contacted the factory who then fired the Marketing person responsible for this horendous act.
Q: Did you ever feel like quitting? What kept you going?
A: When I realized that my product had been stolen, I really needed my husband to peel me off of the ground. I had too much invested in even thinking about quitting. I visualize my success and have the inner drive to follow it through.
Q: What quality/qualities (i.e., tenacity, discipline, time management) do you think are necessary for a mom entrepreneur?
A: Wow, being a mom entrepreneur is a really, really tough job. I think the hardest part of the job is to manage that constant tugging at your heart, that nagging voice inside saying, I should be spending time with my kids–they’re only young once. However, through trial and error, the best thing to do is figure out a schedule that provides you the opportunity to Work really hard and smart when you are working and to Play really hard when you are with your kids. My children really miss me even though I am working from home in my office so I make a date with each child every week for Mommy and Me time and I have date night with my husband Daddy & Me time—it’s very important to them and it’s just as important to me!
Q: What one thing (book, website, coach, tool, blog, service, etc) was VERY INSTRUMENTAL in your success?
A: My Mom is the reason for all of my success in everything I’ve ever accomplished in my life. My Mom would tell me over and over, you can do whatever you put my mind too! She’s a very special person and I’ve named my company after her!
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: 1. To love and to be loved is the greatest gift of all. 2. If you don’t shoot, you can’t score.
Q: What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?
A: Don’t be afraid to hire the most talented people you can afford.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Great story, but this is a product that screams “FIRST TIME MOM.” Silly. Some mommies are in for some serious rude awakenings down the road.
Twitter: heathall
January 12, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Anna,
I thought it was a great story, too. Josephine’s product may seem inspired by a “first time mom”, but for some, it’ll be a lifesaver. I’ve visited many a public restroom with my 3 children where I was wishing for gLOVIES! And a bleach shower!
Most new moms *are* a bit protective at first-we’ve all done that. But we learn later…that’s the beauty of motherhood.
Thanks for your comment!!
Heather
The Mogul Mom
I’ve scheduled “dates” with each of my kids, too, and we all treasure them. I look back on those times fondly, even if it means I had to wear bowling shoes from time to time!
Good luck with gLovies – those bathrooms are totally gross, I hear ya.
“Neat” product. I can identify with Jospehine on so many levels too. As always, love these interviews!
Great interview! Starting your own business is a lot like having a baby… and running a business out of my home feels like having a third child competing for my attention and energy. I love reading about other moms who are living the ups and downs while navigating potty training and temper tantrums.
(btw the link to gLovies has an extra s in it — took me to a different site.)
I can identify with that pull between work and family. It sounds like Josephine has things really under control!
As for the comment that this is a First Time Mother product, I don’t agree. I am the furthest from a germophobe you can get, but once you have navigated a public restroom with two children who need help to “go” plus a toddler who is running around in the meantime touching everything in sight, you too will start to think gLovies are a great idea!!
Especially when you get to the sink and there is no soap…
I think these will do well.
This is a great product thought of by a great mom who is very passionate about her children and their well being. I happen to know Josephine and must tell you that she is seriously committed to her family and she is not kidding about the above mentioned Mommy & Me and Daddy & Me committment. This characteristic is truly and extension of her parents and siblings, and their level of committment to each other. I have personally witnessed her dedication and am honored to know her. I know this product will do very well and I wish Josephine the very best in all she does.