Kim Zook-Strange, Twinkle Little Charms
a. What is your name?
Kim Zook-Strange, co-founder
b. What is your age?
33 years old (as of July 2007)
c. What is the name of your company? URL of web site?
d. When was your company founded?
Launched in June of 2007 with business partner,Samantha McHarg
e. What does your company do?
Twinkle Little Charms specializes in beautifully engraved sterling silver jewelry celebrating all of life's moments. Our line of elegant pieces are popular among mothers and grandmothers who wish to proudly display their children and grandchildren on one of our classy charm bracelets or necklaces. We sell our products through our website only and we came up with the idea after Samantha received a similar necklace ( a stamped charm with her two boys names on it) and realized that women across the world love to wear their children's names close to their hearts! We researched the market for "Push Gifts", for new mom's, and discovered that our simple, yet classy charm necklace can be worn by mothers around the world. Whether in a t-shirt and jeans or a business suit on Wall Street, all mothers universally share a deep love for their children and want to proudly display their loved ones to the world!
h. Where is your product/service sold?
i. What is the best piece of advice someone gave you about starting your own business?
The best piece of advice I received about starting a business was in my "old life" as a successful sales rep for a global Financial Services firm and the client (who owned their own business) said, "it's the hardest work you will ever do but you will love it because it's yours". I also learned from my MBA cohorts, at St.Mary's College, the type of commitment starting a business is. I have been surrounded by entrepreneurs all of my life and was prepared for a bumpy ride with obstacles and setbacks. Especially in the beginning when launching seemed impossible, I kept reminding myself that our business model had value, niche and is strong. Any small hiccups are just that, small hiccups and to succeed I know I must keep that perspective and forge ahead!
j. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned or advice you would like to give others that might want to start their own business?
The most valuable lesson I have learned through my entire career and life (I've been working since I was 14 and haven't stopped yet (except for 3 weeks when I moved to Denver to leave a high-stress six-figure job to be a full time mom and realized I love working!) is that every working mother needs to do what makes her feel fully alive. For me, it's having it all: work, children, marriage, and time for myself. For other mothers it will be a different recipe but the universal truth is that all mothers need to remember to carve out time for something they love outside of their children; whether its starting a business, volunteering or training for a marathon. For me, I just happen to love to work!
k. Does your company support any causes? If so, what are they?
In our holiday campaign we will be offering a product which some of the proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes.
