What is your name & how many children do you have?
Laura Hamrick married to Chad for 11 years. We have 3 boys. Jack is 8, Luke is 5 and Ty is 4.
What’s the name of your company and the inspiration behind it?
My company name is 42 Kids. I say all of the time that it’s me and my “42 kids”. I just feel like sometimes the three boys are more like 42. When it came time to name the company, someone advised me to not name it after my product OnTray in case I came up with more ideas.
What is your current business struggle?
My current struggle is that OnTray is still in Patent Pending status. I filed in May of 2006 and we are currently going back and forth with the examiner. The money spent on this process alone is almost ½ of my startup cost. Crazy legal bills and a lot of time. I would so do things differently looking back. For example, have a working prototype before you file.
What is your current business goal?
My current business goal is to gain more exposure by getting into 5 new stores this year. I already have gotten test orders for Buy Buy Baby and Babies R Us, so 3 more stores to go!
What one quality do you think is a “must-have” for a mom entrepreneur?
The one quality I think is a “must have” for a mom entrepreneur is good self esteem. I know that may sound silly, but once you put yourself out there for the world to see and judge, the world will do just that. Sometimes the feedback is amazing and just as you imagined and other times you will be amazed at how people really might not want you to succeed. You need a good head on your shoulders for the ride ahead.
What 1 thing or person has been very instrumental in your success?
My husband for sure! He is the one that told me to go for it, and continues to tell me to go for it. He and I are a bit opposite, where I’m usually the optimist and he the pessimist. So when he decides that something is good and worth a shot, I know it’s worth pursuing. So far so good!
What are your 3 favorite blogs?
www.gograhamgo.com, www.mom4life.com/blog and www.dealseekingmom.com
What is your favorite quote?
If you don’t have time to do it right the first time, when will you have time to do it again?
What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?
Do your research and reach out to some of the great sites out there, including themogulmom.com The resources are endless and you are going to need other mom entrepreneurs to help you along the way. The information others who have gone before you can offer you is priceless!
How can we connect with you?
info@ontray2go.com, @OnTray2Go (twitter) and OnTray has a Fan page on Facebook and my web site is www.ontray2go.com
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for sharing your story, Laura!! Wishing you continued success!!
Heather
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Heather,
Thank you for the awesome opportunity to share my story with your readers. I appreciate you showcasing me and other moms on your terrific blog.
Best,
Laura
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Only a mom could have come up with this great idea! I bought 2 a few months back- one for my 2 year old and one for my 2 year old neice.
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Very cool product! Best of luck!
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As a new mom entrepreneur, I realise people don’t take you seriously for a variety of reasons. They think you don’t have enough budget, it is a stupid idea, blah blah…
Self esteem is extremely important, I am so glad she mention that.
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Heather Allard Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I totally agree with you–I’m so glad she mentioned self-esteem. As mom entrepreneurs, we need to have thick skin and strong self-esteem.
Heather
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Laura
I pray for continued success for you! Wonderful interview and I am humbled that you thought of me!
You have a simply amazing product that is going to go far!
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Laura, it has been great to work with you and see your business grow. I am honored.
Heather
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What a nifty product Laura! I’m always struggling with grocery lists, pens, coupons, cell phone, etc that I have to position just right in the seat and even then I find that my items still fall through the shopping cart seat then I have to find them somewhere in the back of the cart. OnTray is the answer!
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Having met Laura in person, not only is she an incredible business woman, she’s also a hoot and a wonderful person! I use my Ontray all the time and often get asked where I got it. Its a superstar product just waiting for the fireworks to start
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New mom entrepreneurs should follow their dreams! The advice I would give is to do something you love, whether it’s writing about it, selling it, promoting it, make ‘it’ something that truly gives you satisfaction. The money will follow!
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Wow! Great invention Laura. My youngest child is now 4 years old, he doesn’t want to sit in the carts anymore, but what a great idea for moms out there with smaller children… this is really neat, great job!
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