Building a business under most circumstances is hard. We’ve all heard the not-so-encouraging statistics like, 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs fail within the first 18 months. But that didn’t deter me.
A little over eighteen months ago, I started my business, WeMontage, the world’s only website that lets you turn your photos into large collages on removable wallpaper. So, yay, I got past the eighteen months thing, but I’m hardly out of the woods.
This past spring, the business ran out of cash and my investors decided to not re-invest to keep it going. Additionally, this past summer, the young lady who was watching our now 21 month old twins, Thaddeus and Zoe, decided to go back to school. In order to cut household expenses, I had to step in and stay at home with the twins every day, AND continue to work on WeMontage to get it going in a positive direction again.
As you can imagine, this has been a challenging past few months.
Embracing The Change
Initially, I wasn’t excited about the idea of not being 100% focused on WeMontage and I viewed myself as a failure for not crushing my business venture right out of the box. Thankfully, I came to my senses-on my own, I might add-and realized that staying home with the kids everyday is a wonderful opportunity to bond with them during this very precious time. After all, the twins will only be 21 months old once, right?
Being with the kids everyday lets me enjoy amazing, spontaneous moments like this one, when I was about to give them a bath and put them in the same crib for a bit, then walked in on this.
I smile every time I watch this video and there are dozens more moments like this that I would miss, if I weren’t around more often. And that would be a shame.
Getting Support
My wife and I live in Appleton, WI, hundreds of miles away from our family in New York and New Jersey, so getting support to help with the kids is not easy when we want to go out for date night, or need to run errands. But the biggest challenge since the business ran out of cash has been financial.
I’ve had to cut expenses and staying home with the kids helps a ton. But paying myself a regularly scheduled salary is no longer the norm, and I’d like to take a moment and thank my wife for stepping up big time, picking up my financial slack these past few months.
There was a time years ago, when my wife was in school and I had a “normal” job where I was taking on the lion’s share of the financial responsibilities for the family. But this is what a successful marriage is all about, right? Give and take. Being there for each other no matter what.
I don’t mean to get on my soap box. I’m just thankful I have an amazingly supportive wife.
Overcoming Challenges With The Business
While things have been at times brutal with WeMontage, there is reason to be optimistic. I have a feature coming on a national daytime TV show, as well as a segment on DIY Networks. Both of these should prove very helpful and will take a bit of the financial pressure off, which always makes things better at home.
How do I know being on these TV shows will help? Because when WeMontage was featured on the TODAY Show last spring, it made a huge difference. Here’s a clip from that segment with Mario Armstrong:
Conclusion
Yeah, things have been challenging these past few months as I transitioned to a full-time stay-at-home-dad, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I cherish the time I spend with my kids and this experience has brought my wife and me closer.
There’s also been the important benefit of really understanding exactly what kind of character I have. After all, you don’t know the measure of a man (or woman) until he/she has really been through the fire.
Finally, the one thing I’ve learned for sure as it relates to building a business is this:
Thanks for listening to me rant, and be well!
Oh, and please share any stories you have about growing your business as a stay at home parent, in the comments.
Angela Burt-Murray says
Great post. Thanks for giving voice to us struggling entrepreneurs and parents. Chasing a dream can be challenging but so worth it in the end (at least that’s what I’m told!). And the memories with the kids when they are small are priceless. Take it from a mom with two teen terrors! Wishing you continued success!
James Oliver, Jr. (@jamesoliverjr) says
Thanks, Angela, for stopping by and commenting.
Todd says
As a former stay at home ‘trep dad I can not emphasize enough the importance of having a spouse that supports you and your endeavors. It is a make or break relationship and I ultimately found myself on the short side, which ended both the marriage and the business. However, I do not however regret for one moment being able to spend so much time at home with my kids at the time. Everything else can be replaced-the time, money, even the marriage, but that time with the kids can not!
James Oliver, Jr. (@jamesoliverjr) says
Totally agree, Todd. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
I understand the frustrations of being a small business owner, as I have my own business, as does my husband. Certainly mine is not on the same scale as yours, but I put a lot of sweat equity into it, and when people ask me why I don’t go out and just get a real job (I have a social media consulting business and I am a brand ambassador on my blog), I have to bite my tongue. The amount of work I have put into it at this point is tremendous…there is no way I’d just walk away from it.
I think you have a great product…I know, because I have 3 in my house, and have made 2 more as gifts. I plan to make more. I wish you only success!
And you are right, the kids will only be little once, and it is a gift to be able to see each stage as it unfolds. Right now my kids are all teenagers and I wouldn’t miss their sports for the world!
James Oliver, Jr. (@jamesoliverjr) says
That’s awesome, Michelle. Thanks for all your support. And keep hustling. You do a great job.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
Keep getting your hustle on – hard work never hurt ‘nobody and you will be better for it.
James Oliver, Jr. (@jamesoliverjr) says
Amen! Thanks for the comment, Diatta.
We have a HUGE TV segment tomorrow for WeMontage. I don’t want to jinx it because it could get bumped (live tv). If you follow me over at ‘treplife Dad, you’ll hear more about it tomorrow when it happens.
Cheers!
Toiia L. Rukuni@Mother of the World says
Starting your own business is a lost art in America. I am a true believer in being your our own boss, flexibility, and being able to spend time with your family while at the same time having adequate income to sustain your life. Thank you for sharing this article.
James Oliver, Jr. (@jamesoliverjr) says
What you said! Totally agree.
Thanks for commenting, Toiia.
Nicole W. says
Thanks for pulling back that the curtains to your private life and sharing. My husband and I are in the exact situation, and I am glad to to step up, because like you said that’s what a successful marriage is all about.
James Oliver, Jr. (@jamesoliverjr) says
Absolutely. Thanks for reading and commenting ,Nicole. Please stop by the blog and subscribe. i’ve got lots more to share. I think you and your husband will like it.
Here’s a TV segment I did last week talking about the blog, entrepreneurship, family, and cooking on live TV!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAbmxf1_ix8
Tiff Hill says
I have had my own business for almost 5 years and if someone would have told my how hard it would be I probably wouldn’t have started. It’s also very rewarding. I have had so many ups and downs. But, my business has taught me more than any job or degree I’ve had. It has taught me life and business lessons. Good luck with your endeavors! 🙂
James Oliver, Jr. (@jamesoliverjr) says
Thanks, Tiff, for commenting.
I totally feel you on that. Please stop by the blog when you have a moment. I’d love to stay connected.
Danielle Stewart says
Congratulations to you and your wife for showing your kiddos how to kick tradition in the ass! I love that! Being a parent of little ones is tough. Being a stay at home parent, even tougher. Being in business for yourself, takes on a whole new level of stress. Wishing you and your family much success on your journey!
James Oliver says
Thanks, Danielle!
Jennifer Corter says
Awesome, great post! As a stay-at-home mom trying to launch a business, these are some wonderful tips to keep in mind! Thank you for sharing them!
James Oliver says
You bet, Jennifer. Connect with me over at treplifedad.com. I wrote an article today about finding inspiration you might find interesting.
Cheers.