This week we are featuring another mom inventor. Ros Guerrero invented Ficklets, adorable little charms that adorn eyeglasses. Besides being an inventor and business owner, Ros is the mom of a special needs daughter. Since starting marketmommies.com I have met a number of moms of special needs children who have become business owners. I so admire them and the love they have for their children. So read on about Ros and Ficklets and how her daughter inspired her invention.
Marketmommies: Tell us about your business.
Marketmommies: Tell us about your business.
Ros: My business is Ficklets, LLC. Ficklets is a product I created - a patented removable charm hugger that adorn the frames of eyeglasses. They give eyeglass frames a fresh and fashionable look and more importantly, it's a fun and creative way to help kids feel more comfortable in their glasses.
Marketmommies: How did you end up starting your own business?
Ros: For the past 11 years since learning about my daughter's mental disability, I've been on a quest to build a business that would provide financial security for her long after I'm gone. I've owned and co-owned other ventures over the years, but Ficklets by far has been the most fascinating, fulfilling and most fun.
Ficklets is the most dear to my heart because the concept was directly inspired by my daughter, Gem, who's worn glasses since she was six years old. Ficklets was a way to to jazz up her tired, old glasses and make it more fun and interesting for her.
Marketmommies: What are the pros and cons of being a mom with her own business?
Ros: For me, I think there are more pros than cons being a mom and business owner. The pros for me would be - having a creative outlet, work flexibility, being your own boss, having my daughter involved in our business and working with my husband (I know, this may be strange). The cons for me would be - less time with other family members and not as involved with my daughter's school activities.
Marketmommies: Hindsight being 20/20, what would have done differently?
Ros: There are three things I would've done differently:
~Developed a business plan.
~Created a marketing plan.
~Embrace and actively engage in social media early on.
Marketmommies: How do you balace your business life with mommy life?
Ros: Like most moms, balancing both business and family life is an ever elusive endeavor and a perpetual struggle. I make an effort to focus more on the "bigger picture" and work on juggling both roles the best way I can. My husband has been highly instrumental in helping to create a healthy environment in which I can be a mom and be able to work the business by contributing in both areas when needed. I also make a conscious effort to turn the business off for quality time with the family and for self-preservation.
Marketmommies: What advice would you give to a mom thinking about starting her own business?
Ros: ACTION! Take the first step to make your dreams become a reality. The first step is always the most difficult. I would also encourage other moms to get active in social media and reach out to other mom entrepreneurs. They're always willing to help, give support and share their knowledge.
Marketmommies: What did you do before owning your own business?
Ros: Before becoming a stay at home mom, I worked as a brand manager for a European wholesale company, was a residential and commercial investor, and co-owned a window treatment design and nail salon business.
Marketmommies: Tell us about your family!
Ros: I've been married for 16 and half years to Roy and our only child is Gem, 14 years old with special needs.
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