Famous Mompreneurs and the Lessons They Teach

Moms are dominating the side hustle scene. The rise of the gig economy, freelancing, and all things side hustle have given moms a way to make a good living without sacrificing family time. Many mompreneurs are starting businesses from their kitchen table. Some stay there, while others grow into six-figure businesses that take on private office space and employees.

In honor of Mother’s Day, here’s a closer look at some famous mompreneurs and what we can learn from their experience.

Debbie Sterling: GoldieBlox

As an engineering student, Debbie Sterling was surprised to see just how few of her classmates were girls. After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering, Sterling developed the GoldieBlox — a toy designed to spark young girls’ imaginations and interest in engineering.

Launched in 2012, the GoldieBox offered a collection of videos, apps, games, books, toys, and more that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) foundations. Her goal is to prove that engineering isn’t just for boys, and that girls can be successful at building and creating, too.

Julie Agner-Clark: Baby Einstein

It might be a household name now, but before Baby Einstein became part of the Disney family of brands, it was the result of a $15,000 investment from Julie Agner-Clark. The former English teacher had a passion for literature and the arts and wanted to share this love with her new child once she switched from teaching to become a full-time mom.

At that time, there was little or nothing that focused on the arts for babies. So like any determined mompreneur, Agner-Clark decided to fill the gap. Her first 100 videos sold out in a mere two days. After growing the company to an impressive $25 million, she sold it to Disney in 2001, which continues to keep Agner-Clark’s creations alive.

Teresa Greenway: Sourdough Side Hustle

As a mother of 10, Teresa Greenway is no stranger to spending long hours in the kitchen. Cooking and baking are passions of hers, which makes it easier to feed a small army every day. She found a way to make a good side income with her passion, thanks to her perfect method of baking fresh sourdough bread.

Greenway developed a course that teaches others everything they need to know about sourdough starters and baking sourdough bread. The course is available on Udemy, one of the leading online learning platforms. She now makes around $4,000-$5,000 per month through her course and through marketing it to her fans in a cooking group she created on Facebook.

Lynnette Abbott: Craft My Occasion

When Florida mom Lynette Abbott started creating party decorations, she didn’t realize it would eventually replace her office job with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. She raised more than $20,000 to fuel her venture, Craft My Occasion, which offers party supplies specifically designed for children of color. 

Focused on creating memories and instilling self-confidence in her children, Abbott used her love of party planning to create a niche for an underserved market.  Now parents can feel pride and children of color can feel empowered with these party supplies celebrating diversity.

Which of these moms has inspired you to start your own journey? Find the Office Evolution location nearest you and embark on your next mompreneurial adventure in a well-appointed office space!