Please welcome Karla Trotman, owner of BellyButtonBoutique, which she started during the most uncomfortable nine months of her life. She offers some button-sized gems in this interview.
What was your life like when it hit you that you were or were about to become a pregnant entrepreneur?
I started my business at the end of my pregnancy, when you are feeling like the baby is going to fall out of you and that the pregnancy will never end. So it kept my mind off of those physical issues, but because my company is about making pregnancy more comfortable, it provided me with great inspiration.
What was the one thing you wish you had known before you got pregnant?
That it wasn’t going to feel good. You don’t realize that the baby is going to be squished up against your innards like that. Its quite crowded.
Was there a really challenging part of your story, where you considered closing or changing your business? How did it turn out for you?
I’m blessed in the fact that I am a 3rd generation entrepreneur. My father’s company is still thriving. I remember my mom telling my father in the beginning, “we are going to push through the 3 to 5 year mark, where most businesses fail. If it doesn’t work out, then fine. But we are going to stay the distance”. There were times in the very beginning where there was NO money coming in, I had stocks of product and felt that I had done everything that I could to make it work. Additionally, I had two small children and was a bit frazzled. It was then that I realized that I had to put my big girl panties on and push through. Whenever you think that you have hit a wall, that is when you realize that you need outside help and/or advice. So I became humble and asked my father for advice.
What was your maternity leave period like?
During my leave, I launched my online store. That was exciting. You see, when you are working towards something that is your dream, its not work. I juggled it well because I had a supportive family. Plus, I was up nursing and taking care of a baby at all hours of the night, so it all worked out.
If you had the chance to trade your situation for the “corporate paycheck, kids in daycare” option, would you? And why or why not?
My kids always went to daycare and I still collect a check, per se. Because my store is online, I am able to do marketing and special projects for my father’s corporation. I really miss the interaction with my peers because my current situation is very isolating. But this is what I was born to do. And when mommy is happy, everyone is happy.
Do you have a funny story about being a pregnant entrepreneur?
Unfortunately, I do not have any funny stories about being a pregnant entrepreneur. My husband did think I was nuts signing papers in the hospital and fielding calls from my attorney. And there were all of those nights nursing my son while typing with one hand on my computer…
What advice would you give to the independent young women who follow you?
Don’t be afraid to strike out on your own. Lots of people thought that my idea was dumb. But based on my research and a spiritual directive telling me to move forward, I knew that it would work. So I proved everyone wrong. All roads to success aren’t paved. Sometimes you have to get off of the beaten path and create your own trail through the woods in order to reach the goal. And try to start you business before getting pregnant and having a family. Sooooo much easier 🙂
Karla Trotman, Owner
BellyButtonBoutique.com
http://about.me/karlatrotman