What kind of job can you create where you can bring your kids with you, has little start-up costs and it makes money from day one? That’s what neighbors and new friends, Meredith Hubbard and Tracy Gohl asked each other when the economic crisis put their families in need of extra income. When they found themselves together at a play date, each with two kids under six years old, discussing budget cuts in the creative curriculum at their schools, they came up with an idea.
Having similar backgrounds in event planning and teaching preschool, arts, and theatre, both moms loved the idea of an arts and crafts class. They were on the same page about a class that would allow preschool children a more unstructured environment to explore inner creativity. But the caveat was that siblings or a broad age range would be able to attend. So rather than have mom run all over town dropping one child at one location and another somewhere else, how about a class that caters to siblings. And better than that, what about a class that comes to you?
Meredith and Tracy thought about their needs as mothers and created the workshop around what they would want if they were enrolling their children. They decided to offer a 45 minute class that would come to where the mothers needed them. Calling their new venture, Easel Does It, and with the tag line, “We bring all the fun, and take all the mess”, the moms were ready to get started.
Initially offering in home classes, theirs or yours, they got the word out with flyers at local preschools, told all their mommy friends, and emailed everyone they knew around their home town of Huntington Beach, CA. Tracy says, “I love that we have been able to create our own schedules around the thing that is most important to us – our kids and families.”
Starting with preschool level classes, Meredith and Tracy brought their younger kids with them – no babysitter needed. And for afternoon classes, their older kids love being assistants and helping participants with the fun projects. As word of mouth grew their business, Meredith and Tracy wanted more. So they reached out to the local Parks and Recreation departments by submitting a proposal and were hired to offer their class 2 days a week. This was the start of a more full time commitment. From there they branched out to Parks and Recreation departments in neighboring towns. Now these two moms have their dream job 4 – 5 days a week, 2 – 3 classes a day in three towns.
Easel Does It allows the child to choose from a large selection of projects and provides “art stations” so kids can move from craft to craft. The projects range from beading to finger painting to paper collages and use all kinds of items like rocks, wooden spoons and shoe boxes. Classes can be designed for any group ranging from ages 3 – 15. Kids love the crafts and parents love the creativity they inspire. Catering to the child’s areas of interest or theme of the party, Easel Does It will customize projects for birthdays as well. The moms say, “It’s pretty cool that we have found our niche and been able to fill a need for those in our community.”
So with virtually no start up costs, Meredith and Tracy were able to build a career that fit their needs. “I was someone who quit a lot of things because people kept telling me it wouldn’t work – but this is one thing I felt passionate about and I knew it would be successful,” says Tracy. What’s next? These partners are expanding and hiring teachers – more moms who want this kind of flexibility. Summer camps are on the docket and maybe a store front. With no business plan, not even something written on a napkin, Meredith and Tracy started with one mobile art class and grew from there – easy does it….no Easel Does It!
Contact: [email protected], [email protected]
VentureMom Tip
Figure out what your needs are in your life as a mom and create a venture around those needs.
