The Mogul Mom Features…Elizabeth Smith of Libbie Wicket

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What is your name & how many children do you have?

I am Elizabeth Smith and I have three children. Slaton, age five; Shipley, age three; and Eliza, also age three. The most common question surrounding Shipley and Eliza’s similar age, of course, is “are they twins?” Surprisingly, they are not twins, although very close in age. Eliza was adopted when Shipley was eight months old, giving them a span of two and a half months difference in age. If you are interested in reading the full story surrounding my family’s amazing growth, please click here.

What’s the name of your company and the inspiration behind it?

“Libbie Wicket” began with my desire to capture fleeting moments for growing families. My family’s precious memories mean everything to me, and in turn, I cherish the opportunity to provide my clients with high quality images and keepsakes of their family for them to enjoy in the present and reflect on as time moves on.

What was your start-up cost (rough estimate) and when did your company become profitable?

I began with desire and a great camera – I had no idea the cost of running a REAL, LASTING, and LEGAL business would fill my time more than my portraiture sessions! Photographing children and families is my passion, but so is propelling my business into a success. Quickly, I realized getting incorporated, insurance, updating equipment, upgrading software and computers, designing a space to meet with my clients, hiring an employee, finding a good bookkeeper, adjusting for taxes, and lastly, however never least, marketing to my target audience were a few hurdles I never put a thought towards prior to starting my business. Fortunately, I succeeded in accomplishing these things and more, but I jumped in way to fast. I finally saw a very small profit at the end of my second year. Year four was really the first year Libbie Wicket allowed me to officially “pay bills”!

What is your current business struggle?

I am a very dedicated and a hard working person, and I do not do anything halfway. I am passionately dedicated to God, my family, and my business. My struggle is keeping my priorities in check. God and my family will always come before my business; however, this requires long hours and hard during the day, and also after our children are asleep. I want my clients to always feel special and know how much I appreciate them. I am willing to work the extra long hours to ensure my client are beyond pleased with their experience.

What is your current business goal?

My current goal is for you to find me smiling (and standing) at the end of my busy holiday season, which concludes in November. I am always overbooked from August to November to ensure any of my clients wanting Christmas cards have beautiful images to choose from as well as the most elegant and stylish cards to send to loved ones. I am contemplating allowing only a certain number of sessions on my books to allow for me to give more attention to my clients who graciously booked earlier in the year knowing how busy I can get. Simply put, fall is spectacular and insanely exhausting at the same time. I am always spent by December, although very ready to enjoy a joyous Christmas with my family knowing my hard work is done for a few weeks.

What is your favorite business book or website? Why?

Currently, my favorite website is Her SEO. I am determined to drive my website up in Google’s rankings. Holly’s book on SEO has given me many tools on reaching this goal.

Who is your business idol? Why?

Sarah Blakely of Spanx, created an awesome product and brought it to market. She did not let anybody squash her dream, but faced her business hardships with determination and business sense. Along the way, she changed many women’s lives with her contouring products, and Spanx has become a multi-million dollar company.

What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?

DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Find out what it really takes to run a business before you jump in. I found myself unprepared, but because I am driven and determined, (and I have an ultra-supportive husband) I muscled through and now have a very successful business. For anyone beginning a business, it is much easier to research all of the “behind the scenes” items before you start as opposed to after your business is officially running.

How Can We Connect With You?

Website: http://www.libbiewicket.com

Email: elizabeth@libbiewicket.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LibbieWicket.