Heather L. of Mom4Life -  Internet Based Mom

A passion for helping others has helped Heather Ledeboer grow from a one woman show into a major influence in the lives of mothers. Though her site, Moms4Life currently employs three full time employees, a few part time employees and indirectly supports over 250 other mom-run businesses, it started from humble beginnings. Heather Ledeboer recalls its inauspicious October 2003 launch as “an investment of $100 and an Ebay listing.”

Echoing the motivations and desires of many young moms, Heather began her home business journey just two months after the birth of her son, Hunter. 

“I began discovering some great new products that were not in the big box stores and sharing them with friends. This gave me the idea to help other moms find out about them too by offering them online,” explains Heather, “We now offer more than 800 products on our website and our unique and useful products for moms and their children are 100% mom invented which I think makes it very special to shop with us.

We have been blessed to donate thousands of dollars to pregnancy centers in the past few years because of our growth and the support of the moms who shop with us. God was gracious and took that small beginning and allowed it to grow to something that was truly able to make an impact in the lives of hundreds of women whose products are now sold on our site as well as the crisis pregnancy centers we have come along side to help support.”

Though she now has plenty of help to maintain and run the business, “At that time I did everything that needed to be done -placed orders for new products, fulfilled orders, answered the phone and emails, looked for new products...” 

While she started the business on her own, she’s never felt alone in her business. Between her husband and the women she’s cultivated business relationships with, she has found an unbeatable support group. “My husband has been my biggest support and encouragement. Without his involvement I am sure I wouldn’t have come this far.

The women whose products are sold on my site are also a wonderful support system. We often email or talk on the phone sharing ideas and advice and the beautiful thing is that we all benefit from each others success.”

Her advice to others trying to balance motherhood and business is to define your ultimate goals for your business personally, emotionally and financially. You’ll want to use these goals determine how much time it will take, how much you are willing to give and when during your week you will actively work to reach your goals.

“I have found it helpful, yet challenging, to designate “work time” and “family time” so that I can apply full focus during those times. Balancing your family and work will likely be your biggest challenge. I work directly with more than 250 moms in business and this is by far one of the most commonly shared struggles.”

Heather believes in giving back to the community, through charitable donations (10% of proceeds from her business go to to Open Arms Pregnancy Care Center) and through sharing her knowledge. She has plenty of thoughts to share and does so through the many articles she writes and has made available along with the 100% mom invented products available on her website.

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