Shannon Vistisen is one Motivated Mama. With a children’s clothing line, running an online community for That Motivated Mama, Experiential Designer, mother and wife, she’s constantly looking for that magical extra hour within the day. Until then, coffee and ambition fuel her daily! Read our interview with the lovely Shannon below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Other women, creativity and information. With 2 businesses, Shannon has her hands full. A children’s clothing line and a platform for motivated mamas to seek out community, resources, networking and tips and tricks tailored to them.
Tell us about your business.
The children’s clothing line, Littlest Sidekick, is a small clothing line geared towards your littlest adventurer. Screen printed by hand, love and quality goes into each piece of clothing. That Motivated Mama is a platform with a strong community base. This community is continually growing. We wanted to create a space to be a source of information, a place to laugh and network, and to read other inspirational stories from other Motivated Mamas!
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
The Littlest Sidekick is running a 15% of your purchase utilizing the code: blossom15.
That Motivated Mama is always looking for inspiring stories of mamas that want more! They own a business, run a blog, write children’s books, run a quarterly magazine. We want to share your stories!
Where is your business based?
Both are online! I wholesale the clothing line in some stores, but it’s mainly all online. That Motivated Mama is an online platform. I’m hoping one day to integrate coffee date meet-ups, Mama retreats, etc, to help other Motivated Mamas in their journey!
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
RESEARCH. RESEARCH. RESEARCH. Lots of reading. I had to teach myself software, screen printing, website design, videos, etc. I read everything I could get my hands on – and asked questions. Usually people are more than willing to help, you just have to ask.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
All social media!!! I’ve done a few print ads for the clothing line but everyone is on social media and the web so that’s where the fastest recognition comes from.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Finding time. With working full-time, running 2 businesses and spending as much time with my little man while he’s awake leaves little time for me to get my own stuff done, but I make it work.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Following a schedule and routine. I leave for work early, so I get to pick my little guy up from daycare. When we get home, it’s all about him. All computers and phones go away. Since I get very little time with him due to working and commuting, I take my time with him seriously. After he goes to bed, then that’s when I get to work on my stuff. Everything is prioritized to importance. Usually it’s my sleep that lacks and I’m trying to be better with that.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
From everywhere! From music to podcasts to books to Facebook forums and communities.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Being genuine. It’s the best part. Learning about every mama, or personally putting that special touch within each packaged shirt going to its new home. And because of social media, I get to see them! It’s the best part of the job!
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Step outside of your comfort zone. It’s never going to be perfect the first time, but you will get better, you will evolve and you will grow into it. Nothing good happens until you step outside of your comfort zone.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
First off, congratulations. Simply starting your own thing is the first step. Follow your dream. If you have the drive to follow it through, you should have no problem hitting your goals.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I utilize a range of softwares from Photoshop, Illustrator, to AfterEffects. I also use apps including WordSwag and Panols!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @thatmotivatedmama and @littlest_sidekick
Twitter @tmotivatedmama
Facebook @thatmotivatedmama and @littlestsidekick
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/littlestsidekickadventures
Website www.thatmotivatedmama.com and www.littlestsidekick.com
Email shannonvistisen@outlook.com and littlestsidekick@outlook.com
Hashtags #thatmotivatedmamatopknot #littlestsidekick
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
Reading “She Means Business” by Carrie Green. I also just finished “Girl On The Train”…crazy ending!!!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Building it. Growing relationships. With this, I get to learn what other mamas are doing too, which is a bonus!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
OH, so much!!! LOL. My goals exceed my time limits. LOL. I will be attending the Yellow Conference in LA this year! I’m super stoked to network with so many amazing creative ladies. I hope to illustrate my first children’s book and self publish that. Then I hope to grow and learn the online platform/community of That Motivated Mamas! I have big plans for this community!