I am so excited to introduce you to Nicole Kline, owner of Strawberry Monday, a brand name clothing resale store, and the Innovative Mama, a small business team for mompreneurs. A native Midwesterner, Nicole has lived in Mesa now for over 19 years. Nicole recently took the time to share her story with me and I am thrilled to share it with you!

What life did you live before you had children?

My life before children was pretty fun! I am a singer/songwriter by trade and used to play all over the Valley in my band and then went on to record a solo album that was sold in local stores and played on the radio for a short time. But…then I got married and pregnant and had to work a real job! LOL . Anyway, I am finally recording a new album—11 years later.

What kind of work did you do?

 “During the “musical” time of my life I also sold eyeglasses for about seven years.” 

What led to you launching Strawberry Monday?

“One day I took a bunch of clothing to a local resale shop and without looking at it they offered me $20 for the whole bag and were actually quite unprofessional. I don’t know why but I got really agitated and the next day opened my company. I guess I thought I could do a better job and with a smile J

First, it was called Chic & Thrifty Kid and I ran it on EBay but then grew tired of it and launched a new website. I think I made three sales the first year. Also, I had a launch party and invited everyone I knew and not one person came! I sat all by myself for 4 hours waiting for someone to come. It was so sad. So, then I decided to launch a networking organization just for moms because I needed some new friends and some business! LOL . I called it Mama’s Makin’ Money and right away had about 80 members. There have been so many changes in that organization but 3 years later we are called The Innovative Mama and are more serious than ever. Also, I met my goal to meet some like-minded friends and I must say that they are fabulous!

Back to my store. I have been through 6 different web companies and thousands of hours online (carpal-tunnel no doubt) and then finally realized that EBay is where the money and customers are. I also have realized that good business recognition has a lot to do with a fabulous name and logo, hence Strawberry Monday. As soon as I changed the name (no one could remember or spell Chic & Thrifty Kid) business started pouring in.

So, I am back right where I started and growing and learning each day and will hopefully be opening a brick and mortar location someday soon.

I know you have received awards and have been recognized, tell me more about that.

"In September 2008 I won “Best Of The Valley” by Phoenix Magazine which I thought they were kidding. They invited me to the party and I pulled along a friend and they gave me a copy of their magazine and there I was! It was really cool and I feel so honored. Thank you Phoenix Magazine!” Strawberry Monday was featured on AZ Midday several times during 2008 and just this past February I received an award from the Elite Guild for top children’s apparel."

Do you have any advice for moms launching a business?

“I have a lot of advice for this but I guess the main things are:

1. Find something you love and that your family can deal with as well. Try to make them an everyday part of your business life and remember that the business is not your life but something that is supposed to add to it.

2. Create a system that can be run by anyone so that the system can run the business. Without a good plan and operating system your business can not succeed and you will be left frustrated.

3. Time Management—make a strict schedule and stick to it.

4. Help others too! It will come back around when you least expect it.”

What would be one tip you would give to other moms for maintaining balance?

“I am still trying to figure that out—anyone have tips for me?”

Nicole recently returned to school to complete her degree in Small Business Management and while she may not have any tips to offer for maintaining balance, she is certainly doing something right as she successfully juggles motherhood, being an entrepreneur, recording artist and a student!

On a personal note- Strawberry Monday is one of my 17 year old daughters favorite places to shop, she loves the quality of the clothes and the brands she finds!