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Connect2mums is an interactive magazine for women; an online community designed to help women get together and share information, and prides itself on being the leading networking and support site for 2011’s fastest growing industry - Mumpreneurs. The mumpreneurs connect blog contains our directory of Mumpreneurs as well as showcase articles on successful Mums in business. www.connect2mums.com.au
Featured Mumpreneur: Lizzie Randerson of Craft Makes me happy
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Featured Mumpreneur: Bec Gange of Pretty Well Covered
When he was born in July 2007, I began breastfeeding. I struggled in the first few weeks and nearly gave up, but I needed and wanted to continue. I had many bouts of mastitis but fought to keep feeding. I found a surprising passion for breastfeeding that I hadn’t expected to have.
Pretty Well Covered was launched in 2008 by a close friend of mine. As a mum of three breastfeeding her third child, she saw the need for a stylish and practical breastfeeding cover. I’ve been operating Pretty Well Covered since December 2010. The business continues to grow within Australia and internationally. We have friends in 15 countries around the world, and have sold our coverlets in throughout Australia and in the Philippines, Canada, the UK and New Zealand.
Our coverlets are popular because they are a fashionable alternative to wearing a blanket, wrap or nursing apron while feeding. The over-the-head coverlet has no clips, buttons or ties, making it so simple to use. With its sheer fabric it provides coverage for discreet breastfeeding which keeps you cool and comfortable. It’s easy to use, easy to store, and can also be used as a pregnancy poncho, pram cover or baby wrap. Our coverlets are available in 5 colours – purple, teal, vintage rose, coral stripe, and black/white stripe (new stock of latter 3 colours arriving in Jan 2012).
I’m passionate about breastfeeding, and passionate about giving mothers the ability to choose whether covering is right for them and their baby. I don’t believe that mothers should have to cover; but as a breastfeeding mum I chose to cover. I didn’t want my post-baby tummy and sides on display!
Wearing a coverlet doesn’t remove the boding moments that breastfeeding can bring – you can still maintain eye contact with your baby. I’m blessed to have a great husband who works hard so I can be at home with my boys. I’m very thankful that I have the best of both worlds – the ability to be a stay at home mum, and the ability to run a business I love! I’d love to hear from you with any feedback or enquiries you have!
http://www.prettywellcovered.com.au/
www.facebook.com/prettywellcovered
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Featured Mumpreneur: Melissa Haggerty of Fab Fit Pantyhose
You’re not the only one! But now there is a solution!
Melissa Haggerty is the creator of Fab Fit Pantyhose. She spent years searching for tights that would look stylish and feel comfortable all day long. Every product she tried let her down so she decided to design her own! She wanted pantyhose that were extra long in the body with a soft but firm elastic top to make sure they stay in place and don’t roll down when you walk or sit. They had to be completely opaque to look and feel sexy so she made them 100 denier. The main thing is she wanted a smooth, flattering silhouette under a fitted dress but without having to squeeze into shapewear.
Fab Fit Pantyhose are the answer. They are unlike anything else on the market because they give that smooth line we all want but without feeling like we’ve got a boa constrictor wrapped around us! Let’s face it, we don’t need to try to squash our bodies into uncomfortable “shapewear” that makes us feel unsexy and uncomfortable. We want a smooth look and to feel comfortable.
Melissa has a Marketing background but had never designed or manufactured her own product before. She had to specify her design, have a pattern created, find and brief a reliable Australian manufacturer and then ensure the final product met her high standard of design and quality. She then had to work out what to call her product and develop costeffective but attractive packaging and distribution of her Fab Fit Pantyhose.
Melissa took her idea from concept to reality in less than a year...while working full-time! She said “I had a few different product ideas and I knew I wanted to create my own business but I didn’t quite know how to get started. I met with a business coach who helped me figure out what I needed to do and then I did it. I didn’t want to give up my job because I still had to pay the bills plus I needed to prove that my idea would work.”
I’m now working on expanding the range to include footless tights and different colour options. It’s great working on my own business idea instead of just working on great ideas for my clients! My goal is to continue to grow the business and to become the number one high waisted pantyhose and tights brand in Australia. Fab Fit Pantyhose launched on Channel Ten’s The Circle and had a great response. The hosts even tried them and loved them!
You can now buy Fab Fit Pantyhose online from the website www.fabfitpantyhose.com.au They come in packs of two so you’ve always got one to wear while the other is in the wash! Melissa is offering members of Connect2Mums a special promotion price of $29.95 for two pairs - that’s $10 off the normal price. On checkout, use the promotion code 'Connect2Mums'
Website: www.fabfitpantyhose.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FabFitTights
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Summer Magazine Advertising Now open!

SUMMER 2012
We are now taking bookings for our 2012 SUMMER issue. This magazine will be sent to our database of 19 000+ mums around Australia and New Zealand.
They also receive ongoing hits at the issuu.com site with our summer edition having now been viewed more than 17 000 times.
*Become a member of the Australian Mumpreneurs Network and receive a 20% discount on all magazine advertising
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pricing
- $79 - Product Feature - Babies, Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Mums, Dads
- $149 Quarter page ad - 75mm (wide) x 105mm
- $299 Half page ad - 145mm (wide) x 105mm
- $499 Full page ad - 150mm x 210mm
- $899 Double page 300mm x 210mm
- $75 Artwork - if you require us to design your ad
Book online now and then send through your artwork/product shot as a high res jpef or PDF file to: connect2mums@gmail.com
This magazine will launch on Monday 5 January 2012.
Friday Feature Mumpreneur: Gail Vandermerwe
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Friday Feature Mumpreneurs: Samantha & Louise Leah
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2011 Bio-Oil AusMumpreneur Awards winners

Bio-Oil Ausmumpreneur of the Year
Anita Lincolne-Lomax, Babes in Arms
www.babesinarms.com.au

PBC Expo Rising Star AusMumpreneur
Lisa O'Keefe & Stacey Clayton, Koolaman Designs
www.koolamandesigns.com.au

Toddlers to Teens Emerging Mumpreneur of the Year
Rhian Allen, Lose Baby Weight
www.losebabyweight.com.au

Super Sprout Best Service Business
Kim McGann, Blush Brides
www.blushbrides.com.au

Koolaman Designs Product Innovation
Brooke Nicol, Breast Mate by Oogy Baby
www.breastmate.com.au

Best Eco-Friendly Business
Catherine Langman & Michelle Fowler, Cushie Tushies
www.cushietushies.com.au

Best Design Business
Lety Kemp, Fancy Little Me!
www.fancylittleme.com.au

People's Choice: Best product award
Rebecca Mugridge, The Pram Diet Book
http://authorrebeccamugridge.blogspot.com

Servcorp People's Choice: Customer Service award
Rhian Allen, Lose Baby Weight
www.losebabyweight.com.au

People's Choice: Best Blog Award
Katrina Springer The Organised Housewife
www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au
People's Choice: Best Service Business

Gayle Williams I will Invitations
www.iwillinvitations.com.au

Karen Gunton, build a little biz &
www.buildalittlebiz.com

People's Choice: Best Boutique
Karen Gardner, For Eva Lilah
www.forevalilah.com.au

People's Choice: Handmade Mumpreneur
Kate Marshall, The kids room by Kate
www.thekidsroombykate.com.au

People's Choice: Favourite Children's Fashion label
Heidi Kearns, Me2Designs
http://www.madeit.com.au/me2designs Share
Finalist in the 2011 Bio-Oil AusMumpreneur Awards

FINALISTS 2011
Bio-Oil AUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS
Bio-Oil AusMumpreneur of the year (+5yrs in business)
Catherine Cervasio Aromababy
Anita Lincolne-Lomax Babes In Arms
Michelle Bowden Michelle Bowden Enterprises
Narelle Plapp Food for Health
Sharon Thurin Slim Secrets
PBC Expo AusMumpreneur Rising Star of the year (2-5 yrs in business)
Yvette Adams Creative Collective
Dr Deborah Latouf Entropy
Lisa O'Keefe and Stacey Clayton koolaman designs
Michelle Wright Mishfit
Nicky Johnston Nicky’s Art
Toddlers to Teens Emerging Mumpreneur of the year (under 2 yrs in business)
Tina Mihalitsis Georgie Girl
Rhian Allen Lose Baby Weight
Bianca Shugg Peekaboo Magazine
Nadine Newell Plus Maternity
Kim Berkers Toddler Tucker
koolaman designs Product innovation
Alina Sack ErgoPouch
Kim Vespa Vespa & the Ladybird
Michele Blanshard Baby Head Rest
Rachel Hodson Bucklepodz
Brooke Nicol Oogy baby
Gianna Muollo The Belly Bed
Shae Tye Sleepy Wings
Mel Seears On the gro
Lisa Heggie Treadley Helmets
Joanne Turner Toosh Coosh
Eco-Friendly Business
Laura Trotta Sustainababy
Karen Keynes Green Ur Life
Donna MacMullin Itty Bitty Greenie
Nicole Golland Lopees
Jacinta Thompson Baby Gecko
Julie Cottle Natural Transition
Catherine Langman & Michelle Fowler Cushie Tushies
Super Sprout Service Business of the Year
Nickie Race Jones LCF Fun Languages
Helen Butler Clutter Rescue
Jenny Dugard Body Beyond Baby
Kim McGann Blush Brides Australia
Chantelle & Danielle Ellez the Tassie wedding planner
Vanessa Portors & Amy Ruediger Mamma’s market
Design Business of the Year
Leticia Kemp Fancy Little Me
Sheralyn Woollard Heart2art
Amber Hopwood Sprowt
Rebecca Reed Motif
Gayle Williams I will invitations
With thanks to our generous partners:

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2011 Mumpreneurs Conference Speakers
Our Fabulous 2011 AusMumpreneurs Conference Guest Speakers (from left to right)
Julia Bickerstaff – Business Bakery
www.sourcebottle.com.au/
Download the Full Conference Program Here

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2011 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Mercure Sydney
26 & 27 August 2011
2 Day Mumpreneurs Conference
A Weekend of Business Workshops, Networking, Guest Speakers, Friendship & Fun!
Specifically designed to help Mums in business reach their full potential. The Mumpreneurs Conference includes 2 days of workshops with leading business experts in the areas of Marketing, Branding, Business Planning, Finance, Search Engine Optimisation, Setting Goals, Work life Balance and much more to get you the skills you need to move your business to the next level in 2011.
The Mumpreneurs Conference also includes inspirational Mumpreneurs sharing their success stories, the Mumpreneurs Showcase Mini Expo an exclusive Friday night speed networking function and the glamourous AusMumpreneur Awards recognising Australia’s leading Mumpreneurs.
If you do anything for your business this year you must attend this fantastic event!
2011 Conference Program
Friday 26 August 2011
8.30am Registration
9.00am Welcome Connect2mums editors Peace Mitchell & Katy Garner
9.15am “Get Wired for Business Success” - Susan Pearse Mind Gardener
This session will provide you with an insight into the mindsets that will help you create a business that achieves success and significance and stands the test of time. It will also explore the common traps that mumpreneurs fall into that limit their business and personal potential. You will leave this session with an understanding of how to build a great business brain!
10.30am Morning Tea
11.00am “Pricing For Profitability” - Julia Bickerstaff - Business Bakery
Julia Bickerstaff’s expertise is the art and science of designing profitable small businesses. She is the founder of The Business Bakery and Butterfly Coaching, the author of How to Bake a Business, the finance expert on Channel 7’s Kochies Business Builders and the writer of Smartcompany’s profitable growth column. Julia will teach us pricing for profit.
12.15pm LUNCH
1.15pm AMN Experts Breakout Sessions - Choose the Conference thats right for you!
Room 1
“5 keys to building a successful business” Simone Outteridge Outteredge Coaching
Simone will teach you how to get more time, make more money & have the business you dreamed of.
2.30PM “How to use your brand message to attract customers, market your biz, and sell your products” Karen Gunton Bulid A Little Biz
In this workshop Karen, the author of the workbook ‘build a brand’, will show you how to create a strong brand message and ensure that message is consistent across all aspects of your biz: your ‘right’ customers, marketing strategies, sales methods, products & prices.
Room 2
“The world is your coffice” - Alycia Edgar Bookzkeeper
Implement systems in your business to operate from anywhere!
2.30PM “The Missing Pieces of the Mumpreneur Puzzle” Helen Butler
This Workshop looks at the three missing pieces of the Mumpreneur puzzle and how using organising skills can make the puzzle whole, create balance and bring clarity, giving you the successful business and happy family you deserve. If you want to know how to move from chaos to clarity this is the Workshop for you!
3.45pm Afternoon Tea
4.15pm
Room 1
“Be Your Own PR Agent”. - Johanna Baker-Dowdell Strawberry Communications
“Nobody knows your business or is more passionate about it than you. This enthusiasm can be harnessed to create publicity for your business. This session shows you how to create a strategy and gives suggestions on how you can generate your own PR.”
Room 2
“How NOT to get your social marketing effort horribly wrong” Nick Bowditch The Bowditch Group
With great honesty, candidness and humour, Nick will show you the pitfalls, mistakes and plain old ‘stuff ups’ that small and medium sized business owners have made in the social space, and how you can learn from those mistakes to become a social marketing success story.
5.30pm Finish
Friday Night 7.30pm
C2m Networking Drinks and Mumpreneurs Mini expo
Saturday 27 August 2011
9.00am Welcome
9.15am AMN Experts Breakout Sessions - Choose the Conference thats right for you!
Room 1
Manufacturing Monique Filer B.Box
Monique will share the experiences and lessons learned in creating the award winning b.box range, including sourcing a factory, negotiating terms, pitfalls and tips, project management, understanding “manufacturing speak”, protecting your IP and international testing
Room 2
“Secrets to Standing out - Building Your Platform” Peace Michell Connect2mums
Peace will share tips, advice and strategies in this interactive session on how to make you and your business stand out from the crowd by creating a successful personal platform.
10.30am Morning Tea
11.00am Paula Kuhnemann’e-Commerce Harmony’, finding the elusive balance between family and work.
4 strategies to create harmony within...your self, your family, your career, your business.
Having worked with dynamic, driven and successful WAHM’s for over 15 years, Paula Kuhnemann of ‘Smart Woman’ has found that they each have a common No. 1 concern. Not ‘how can I make more money, but how can I spend more quality time with my loved ones AND build/run a successful business?’
Draw on the experience of Paula Kuhnemann, who has worked as a WAHM party planner, from behind a corporate desk and now works from behind her laptop as a small business mentor with ‘Smart Woman’, to discover the 4 main strategies she has successfully used and taught that will start you on the fulfillingjourney of harmony within.....your self, your family, your career, your business.
12.15pm Lunch
1.00pm "How To Get The Media To Notice You" - Rebecca Derrington SourceBottle
SourceBottle founder Rebecca Derrington has a simple vision: for every journalist using the service to be INUNDATED with quality sources; and for every SourceBottle subscriber to get FAMOUS using it! Rebecca will show you how to uncover and hook media opportunities, as well as share her tips for getting your business front and centre!
2.15pm “Getting Social in Small Business” Lara Solomon
This hands on workshop run by Lara Solomon aka Chief Rabbit at Social Rabbit will get your business rocking with social media.
- social media strategy – which one should you choose and why with tips and hints on what to use. If you are already using social media you can use this to find out how to improve what you have in place.
- content – the importance of having quality content, how to have good content and resources to use to help with this.
- Time saving tips for social media
- Any questions – bring them along!
3.30 pm Afternoon Tea
4.00pm Mumpreneur Panel - Bring your questions and get advice from our panel of “Women Who Have Made It!”
5.00pm Finish
Saturday 7.30pm
2011 Bio-Oil AusMumpreneur Awards Gala Dinner
Who will be this year’s AusMumpreneur? The Bio-Oil AusMumpreneur Awards recognise the best and brightest in the Mumpreneur industry, and celebrates business mums achieving success in business, product development, innovation and amazing service in business. Ticket Includes 2 Course Meal, Pre Dinner Canapés and 3 hour Drinks Package
Download full program here
CONFERENCE FULL PACKAGE: Mumpreneurs Conference & AusMumpreneur Awards
You receive: - Friday night networking event and Mini Expo
-2 day Mumpreneurs National Conference
workshops, guest speakers, business building ideas, networking, motivation, inspiration, prize giveaways
-morning tea (Friday & Saturday)
-lunch (Friday & Saturday)
-afternoon tea (Friday & Saturday)
- AusMumpreneur Awards 2011 Dinner Ticket
2 Course Meal, Canapés and 3 hour Drinks Package
PACKAGE PRICE pp $495.00 (inc gst)
FRIDAY PACKAGE Friday Night Networking, Friday Conference Session & Mumpreneurs Mini Expo
Friday Package Includes You receive:
- Friday night networking event and Mini Mumpreneurs Expo
- Friday Mumpreneurs National Conference
workshops, guest speakers, business building ideas, networking, motivation, inspiration, prize giveaways
-morning tea (Friday)
-lunch (Friday)
-afternoon tea (Friday)
FRIDAY PACKAGE PRICE $198.00 (inc gst)
SATURDAY PACKAGE: Saturday Conference & AusMumpreneur Awards Package
Saturday Conference & Awards Dinner Package
You receive:
- Saturday Mumpreneurs National Conference Ticket
workshops, guest speakers, business building ideas, networking, motivation, inspiration, prize giveaways
-morning tea (Saturday)
-lunch (Saturday)
-afternoon tea (Saturday)
- AusMumpreneur Awards 2011 Dinner Ticket
2 Course Meal, Canapés and 3 hour Drinks Package
SATURDAY PACKAGE PRICE pp $295.00 (inc gst)
AUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS GALA DINNER
the AusMumpreneur awards recognise the best and brightest in the Mumpreneur industry, Professional and Innovative Business Mums achieving success in business, product development, innovation and amazing service in both online and bricks and mortar businesses.
Ticket Includes 2 Course Meal, Pre Dinner Canapés and 3 hour Drinks Package
AWARDS DINNER PRICE pp $120.00 (inc gst)
FRIDAY NIGHT NETWORKING & MUMS IN BUSINESS PRODUCT SHOWCASE MINI EXPO
Business Displays, Bubbles, Canapés and Networking.
Friday Night PRICE pp $55.00 (inc gst)
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Friday Feature Mumpreneur
Like MOST women, I have a small (some would say not so small) handbag addiction, however I have found that stylish, luxuriously soft leather handbags very hard to find at an affordable price.
As women we still like to look stylish but as mothers, our families needs (& usually wants) are put before our own & we cannot justify spending $300-$500 on a handbag! So, I decided to bring luxuriously soft leather handbags to us, which everyday women can afford! And as such, created WillowBlu!
We are a family owned & operated business offering today’s hottest celebrity inspired 100% fully imported leather handbags – without the designer price tag!
The ‘WillowBlu’ label is a combination of our children’s names, Wil & Jada-Blu!
At WillowBlu we do not sell to the middleman (ie: retail stores). We sell directly to our customers via our online store & parties at a lower price! Our prices range from $30-$180, which would retail in stores for approx $300-$500. Our bags are exclusive to WillowBlu & our consultants while offering you the same superior quality, customer service & craftsmanship, without the retail price tag!
All our handbags have meticulous attention to detail & are crafted from top quality Australian & Italian leather. Each bag is fully lined with leather trim, comes in its own protective dustcover & our own brand of WillowBlu!
Our range includes: tote bags, hobo bags, shoulder bags, messenger/satchel bags, nappy bags, clutches and purses.
The collection has something for every taste and budget and we want women to know they don’t have to lose money to GAIN style!
You can purchase directly from our online store or host a viewing of our collection, in your home or workplace, where you may even qualify for a FREE handbag of your choice!
Our viewings do not include games, demonstrations, or long speeches, just gorgeous products for you & your guests to browse, try on, touch & SMELL as you please.
We are always looking for more stylish women to become consultants & help us spread the word about WillowBlu all while earning a great income around their lifestyle.
You will be the envy of women everywhere with your WillowBlu handbag & we look forward to seeing women from all over wearing theirs’ REAL SOON...
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Mumpreneurs Conference VIP guest Hon Karen Struthers MP

Friday Feature Mumpreneur
My name is Kirsten Gray, I am a mum to 2 beautiful daughters (eldest is 6 years, bub is 9 months) and a Naturopath specialising in fertility and paediatric health.
With the birth of my second daughter I came across a kit with recipe book & instructions that enables you to puree your own home made fruit and veg... I LOVED the idea and the practicality of the kit so emailed the company. The owner emailed me back as she has recently taken over the business and knowing my background in health told me she was looking for a distributor for the Australian market (she is in New Zealand).
I was immediately interested as it fit both my professional and my personal ethos of organics and home made food for bubs.
So long story short I became the exclusive Distributor for the Mumi & Bubi Solids Starter Kit!
With a 9 month old at home I use the kit personally every day so know that it works. It’s also BPA free (environmentally safe plastic) which I love.
I am currently working on a new website and concept so will keep you posted when it’s ready to launch!
I love the fact that I can work from home and set my own hours around sleep times and school runs... It enables me to be here for my kids and also keep my professional career going. It is very busy at times but it’s all worth it!
To find out more about the Mumi & Bubi range visit www.mumiandbubi.com.au/
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Mumpreneurs Conference Presenter: Catherine Oehlman

Catherine Oehlman is a teacher, writer, blogger, emerging mumpreneur and most importantly mother to two great kids. Catherine majored in music in her Bachelor of Education (Primary) but found her focus drawn to literacy when teaching in the early childhood, upper primary and library classrooms of Australia and the UK. In 2006 Cath left the career she adored and took on her most challenging role to date – as a mother. While adjusting to life
as a mum herself, she dabbled in writing articles for other mothers before starting her own blog late in 2008.
By mid 2009 Catherine was receiving recognition for her blog at http://squigglemum.com. She made the Top 100 Australian Women bloggers list and followed this up by winning the Connect2Mums Top Parenting Site Award. At the Connect2Mums conference and awards night she then took out the honours as Top AusMumpreneur 2009.
Catherine is a prolific writer online. She is a staff blogger for Parenting Australia and has written over fifty articles for the site. She regularly guest posts on a number of popular Australian parenting blogs and enjoys encouraging other mothers in their parenting journey. As a literacy specialist Cath also contributes articles on children’s reading, writing and communication skills to the online publication Literacy Lava. At Connect2Mums she writes the Connect2Bloggers column, sharing her knowledge of blogging, wordpress, online etiquette and tips for navigating the blogosphere. As a result of her blogging, Catherine is often asked to comment on current issues for parenting and lifestyle magazines, and has also been interviewed for national radio.
Cath leads a busy life offline as well. She is passionate about equipping Christian women in their role as mothers, and coordinates a MOPS (Mothers Of Pre Schoolers) Group in Brisbane. She regularly writes for MOPS Australia and maintains the MOPS Australia
site and forum. In addition to speaking at other MOPS groups, Cath has run electives on writing and blogging at the last two Queensland conferences. In 2010 she has been asked to lead the Worship Team and also present an elective about online issues at the MOPS Australasian Conference. Catherine’s words of encouragement are regularly featured in Footprints Magazine for Christian Women.
When it comes to writing though, picture books remain Cath’s first love. On weekends she continues to work on picture book manuscripts which you will one day find on the shelves at bookstores and libraries. That is, unless Cath lands a gig as a Playschool presenter...
Squigglemum.com is an inspirational parenting blog combining a mother’s heart and teacher’s mind with a writer’s hand. Catherine Oehlman draws on her expertise as a primary school teacher while raising her own two young children, and shares ideas for other parents as she goes. She has particular interests in literacy, outdoor education and faith based parenting.
She is also in high demand as a reviewer of products for Australian parents and children. In 2010 Catherine will be releasing an ebook at http://squigglemum.com/ as well as more free resources. Catherine writes paid articles and posts both on and offline for a range of sites
and publications.
The Online You
We are all spending more and more time online particularly in social media spaces. We tweet, we blog, we update facebook pages and participate in virtual discussions. For business reasons, personal reasons, or both, many of us live online almost as much as we live offline. And whether we realise it or not, every update, tweet and comment contributes to our online persona.
So who are you online?
In this workshop Catherine Oehlman (AusMumpreneur 2009, http://squigglemum.com) will walk you through a health check for The Online You. Drawing from her experience as a blogger and success in the social media space, Cath will help you to identify who you are online, where you are spending your online time and what you are communicating to your readers. She will also help you to recognise which online spaces will work best for you. In addition to your health check Catherine will share some tips on building a strong and consistent profile, and also some must-know etiquette for navigating the various social media spaces. If you spend time in the online world, you won’t want to miss Cath’s workshop on The Online You.

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Friday Feature Mumpreneur
A gift for a busy mother lead to an internet business venture for Karyn Cray of Whangaparaoa, Auckland.
A friend was using modern cloth nappies on her son and when Karyn commented enthusiastically about them, was given one as a gift when her second baby Isaac arrived in October 2005. "I admit I was reluctant to try them, as I was totally brainwashed by the myths of wet, smelly cloth, nappy rash and endless soaking", she says. "I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were to use, wash and quick to dry - Isaac rarely got any nappy rash. I was then totally hooked". Cloth nappies (reusable diapers) are an effective choice to reduce your baby's environmental footprint.
The former personal assistant and office administration worker wanted to stay at home with her two young children, so she created "Mother's Instinct", a reputable online business specialising in modern cloth nappies. This lead her to become the New Zealand distributor of the popular brand itti bitti. Mother's Instinct was sold to new owners earlier in 2010 so Karyn could focus her attention on the growth of itti bitti nappies here in New Zealand.
The itti bitti nappy company started in 2005, as a tiny hobby business with Sue sewing all of the nappies herself while her children were sleeping. The phenomenal popularity and success of her designs has led to the company now growing to become a multinational business with the slim nappies being sold in over 25 countries, including New Zealand, Australia, France, UK, Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Malaysia and Portugal.
Karyn Cray from ittibitti.co.nz, puts the incredible success of bitti d’lish down to the stunning rainbow of colours, the ultra slim ‘disposable like’ fit and luxurious fabrics. “Mum’s just LOVE these nappies, they are very different to nappies our parents used. With bright, fun colours and the nappies being so easy to use, it’s no wonder they are so popular.”
itti bitti’s company philosophy is simple, “the future of our environment is paramount so we want as many people as possible to use cloth nappies, so we are creating products that not only look good, but work well and are easy to use” says company Director Sue McLachlan. “We want to change the way you think about cloth nappies!”
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