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Mom-To-Be Depot
Featured Mompreneur
Shell Luba, ConnectingMoms and Million Mom Picture Page
Shell Luba, ConnectingMoms & Million Mom Picture Page
a. What is your name?
Shell Luba
b. What is your age?
35 years young
c. What is the name of your company? URL of web site?
ConnectingMoms, Redefining the Way Moms Connect
Million Mom Picture Page, the First Virtual March for Moms
d. When was your company founded?
May 2006
e. How was your company funded?
Through hard work and dedication! Initially we started the company with our own money. We knew we had a great concept and so many people believed in our company’s potential. The most we spent out of pocket was on the design of the site. Besides that, we took on partners in exchange for a share of the company’s future. This year we received our first round of funding, which was used primarily on our backend technology. We are currently in the process of pursuing our next round of funding.
f. What does your company do?
ConnectingMoms.com is a premier social-networking community designed specifically for moms of all ages and stages of motherhood to connect; a community open 24/7 where the voices of embracing, amiable, and encouraging women carry you throughout the day. ConnectingMoms allows mothers to interact with other women who understand the trials, tribulations and joys of being a mom. Through groups and discussions, our users are able to seek and gain valuable, first-hand advice. Members can set up unique, personal profiles describing their individual interests allowing them to build and establish bonds with other mothers.
We provide a means for moms to shop and save in the comfort of their homes, receive free products and services through our product review section, post blog entries, share videos & photos, and read about extraordinary moms in our interview section.
It's a place to find out what works for "them", a place to discover what works for you.
So whether you're seeking advice, looking to share your knowledge, or lend a helping hand, ConnectingMoms is the web's premier location for mothers to meet and greet, post and boast, and most importantly - make a difference.
ConnectingMoms has also formed strategic alliances with top producers and Paradigm talent agency that allows us to create, develop and produce original content driven shows for our site. Our moms will be selected to participate in our shows, thus bringing Hollywood to their homes.
g. How/Why did you come up with this idea?
The concept of ConnectingMoms started a few months after giving birth to my daughter in July of 2003. When my brother asked me how I was handling my new role as a mother, I confided in him that while motherhood was rewarding, I also felt very isolated. The only refuge I had was the short-lived hospital group designed to give assistance to new mothers. When that ended, my feelings of isolation returned. I hoped to find a similar online group for mothers to garner support.
Disappointed in the lack of such websites, my brother and I decided to pursue creating our own warm and welcoming environment where expecting, new, & savvy moms come to connect. I envisioned an online world, a safe-haven, where mothers could bond with one another, seek advice from the 'been there, done that' savvy mom, and share with others the journey through motherhood.
Having first hand knowledge that mothers have limited time in the day for themselves, let alone time for face-to-face social gatherings; I sought to provide a comfortable environment that gave mothers the opportunity to seek new friendships online, win free products for themselves and their children, have fun blogging and sharing their lives with each other.
h. Where is your product/service sold?
ConnectingMoms website can be found at: http://www.connectingmoms.com
Our charitable Million Mom Picture Page can be found at: http://millionmompicturepage.com
i. What is the best piece of advice someone gave you about starting your own business?
Remember, there are no guarantees in life, take a chance and follow your dreams. It’s easy to find excuses not to do something you’re afraid of. Keep your priorities straight and always make family first!
j. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned or advice you would like to give others that might want to start their own business?
Believe in yourself and your product. If you have a passion for starting your business, don’t stop until you fulfill your dreams. Some key tips in starting a business: develop a unique idea, do your research, develop a business plan (both short-term and long-term), finance your business or form strategic partnerships, promote your business through media campaigns and finally, have fun and enjoy yourself.
k. Does your company support any causes? If so, what are they?
There are so many wonderful charitable organizations to support; that’s why ConnectingMoms proudly created The Million Mom Picture Page (MMPP), an unprecedented philanthropic initiative to allow moms to have a virtual place to support their favorite cause(s) from the comforts of their home. Our mission for the Million Mom Picture Page is to create a powerful movement, connecting moms from all over the United States and Canada, for the purpose of raising money (at least $5 Million US dollars) for leading charitable organizations dedicated to supporting moms/women/families globally, in hopes of making a difference.
We are honored to have partnered with major celebrities, companies, and organizations such as Amazon.com, Leeza Gibbons - “Leeza’s Place” organization, Maryum Ali, Petra Nemcova’s - “Happy Hearts Fund”, and the Network for Good (N.F.G), the Internet's leading charitable resource, bringing together donors, volunteers and charities online to accomplish good.
The Million Mom Picture Page has chosen some of the most recognized, non-political, charitable organizations that are truly dedicated to helping moms/women/families with issues and challenges. Some of the non-profit organizations include, The National Breast Cancer Foundation, March of Dimes, Make-A-wish Foundation, MADD and Autism Speaks.
Support your favorite charities and join the movement sweeping the world: http://www.millionmompicturepage.com
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