Cynthia Powell of Chicks and Cubs

Name: Cynthia Powell

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a former Chemical Engineer turned WAHM. I am a mother of 3 boys. I have been in business since 1999.

What is your business name and web address:
Chicks & Cubs http://www.chicksandcubs.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I wanted to be home with my children but I also wanted something for myself. I love the interaction with others in business and the other moms that are my customers.

Tell us a little about your business:
I began my business for the Patty-Cakes products. My husband’s family has the bronzed hand and footprints from when they were babies. I fell in love with this product from the moment I saw it - long before marriage or kids. When my first son was born we had his Patty-Cakes done and it was then that I reallized it was a business I could do from home. All of my other products I have added because I have used and loved them.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
Being a WAHM is hard work. You don’t “make it” without a lot of work. But the advantage is that you can be there for your kids and you can flex work and family to meet both needs.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
The top two are customer referrals and I have a Patty-Cakes sample in a local hospital which also hands out my cards. I get lots of calls saying “… the baby should be born any time now, how do we get this done?”

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Putting out ads, mailing out flyers, putting out cards never turn the customers like customer referals and personal contact with potential customers.