MOMPRENEUR MONDAY: LISETH OF CHIC MOMMY USA

I have to admit that I was very excited when I got the chance to interview Liseth of Chic Mommy USA. Not only doesn’t she have one of the best accents, she also is the owner of a cute Etsy boutique that sells some of the cutest hand sewn laptop bags and baby slings that I have ever seen. I started my journey in baby wearing not too long ago, and I have been in love with it ever since.

I cornered Liseth and got the chance to ask her a few questions about her life and her business as a mompreneur.

PPD.com: Thank you for allowing me the chance to interview you. When I first saw your Etsy store I was blown away at how beautiful your creations were. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Liseth: I always laugh at myself because I am the truest example of the infamous “Jack of all Trades”. I studied law in Costa Rica but never felt like practicing, instead I decided to work for many years in the Alternative Health Industry, which I learned to love! Now, I am a mother of 3 children under the age of 5. Being a mom, and trying to find some time for myself was a little hard at the beginning of my journey. Soon enough through little projects that I decided to make for my children, I picked up on my long forgotten crafting abilities and the “monster” came to live. Sewing, crocheting, fabric painting… you name it! I collect fabrics and notions… you never know when you get into “the project” and then I will have what I need.

PPD.com: Where did the idea of Chic Mommy USA come about?

Liseth: I used to have a Maternity Store in Costa Rica, and we had introduced handmade items that I would purchase through local crafters. Once my store closed, due to the crazy financial economies that we live in, I started to sew more often as a therapeutic way of not loosing my mind! Soon enough, the things starting to pile up at home, the projects kept on appearing, patterns were stacking up and that is when I decided to open my Etsy Shop. I need to put out there what I have been creating for months with so much love. My kids are usually my inspiration, and lately I have been paying a little more attention to current technology and fashion trends.

PPD.com: From looking at your products, I am amazed at how detailed they are. How long have you been sewing? What was the first thing that you ever sewed?

Liseth: You are going to laugh. It has only been three years since I started sewing. I am a crazy self learner, and I have learned to sew with online tutorials. My first sewing project was a Baby Sling for my Dear Daughter No. 2. Since then I have not stopped offering them to every mom I see struggling with babies on bare arms.

PPD.com: One of the items that caught my eye were your baby slings. Why did you begin sewing these?

Liseth: A good holistic mom, friend of mine, gave me my first Ring Sling. When I went to visit my family in Costa Rica, it came to his finals days. Wear and tear can take a toll on this useful product. So, I almost went nuts, but my dear mother, a crafter herself, pulled it apart, and recreated the pattern. We made our first sling and from this point on many many fun baby sling sales.

PPD.com: I know that a lot of moms say that when they first started their own business, they had to choose whether to do it full time or part time. What was your approach when you first started Chic Mommy USA?

Liseth: Well, it started as a hobby to stay sane, then it developed into a part time job, and now, it takes a lot of my time. I am always on the internet looking for new products, new patterns and new ways to satisfy an unmet need.

PPD.com: You have three beautiful children. They are absolutely gorgeous. How have they inspired you in your life and in your business?

Liseth: Thanks so much for the comments about my kiddos! My daughter is a Princess by genetic make up. She’s been wanting to wear tutus, princess dresses, tiaras, crowns and ballerina sleepers since she knew that the color pink existed. My son gets a little jealous because I don’t make enough boy outfits for him so he asks for all kinds of gadgets and toys. They have even learned to enjoy my long dreading trips to the fabric store, and lately they have been even helping me choose different fabrics for our projects. They are my light and the energy behind all I do, including Chic Mommy.

PPD.com: What is one thing that you have done to successfully market your business?

Liseth: Joining Twitter! I am usually at home with the kids or limited to a small group of friends and family. Marketing a business in such a small manner was not working. Once I joined twitter, I have met an amazing group of people. We all share similar ideals, fun businesses and I have found an incredible support system for my personal and business life.

PPD.com: What does a typical day in your life look like?

Liseth: Well, first thing is thanking God for “Another Beautiful Day”. Turn my computer on, make some coffee, and feed my kids all of the fun healthy foods we have carefully chosen for the week. While they eat and I sip my coffee, I check on my previous day’s statistics, orders, and start by saying hi to all my twitter friends. From then on, everything flows in a very interesting way. I just deal with things as they come. Kids, work, family, errands, they all mix into a very fun and live filled experience.

PPD.com: What new products can we expect to come to Chic Mommy USA this fall?

Liseth: I want to work on some warmer baby sling options as well as baby blankets. I will also continue to market my laptop sleeves and my newest addition, covers for the Amazon “Kindle”. I will probably pick on my crochet projects. I really enjoy making fun hats for the cooler days as well as little soft toys.

I just wanted to say thank you once again to Liseth of Chic Mommy USA for allowing me to interview her. She was such a joy to talk to.