Biz Mommy of the Week: Leah Higgenbotham

This week’s Biz Mommy of the Week is Leah Higginbotham of Hugamonkey.com.  Leah is a mom and businesswoman who enthusiastically embraces the variety in her life:  “I could go on a mountain bike ride in the morning and to the theatre with my handsome hubby at night, with a splash of wresting on the bed with my two boys in the afternoon, and Barbies with my daughter before bed.”  Not only is HugaMonkey listed as a Favorite Place on Google, but Leah was recognized as a Top 100 Mom Entrepreneur by Momprenaireblog.com, who said that “She’s definitely a Mama CEO to watch for – lots of fun with tons of wisdom!” 

When did you first start your business?

I had been sewing slings for myself and friends and family for about 5 years.  One day a complete stranger showed up at my door and paid me well to make her a sling.  That’s when the light bulb went on for my husband, and we officially started HugaMonkey in 2007.

Describe a little bit about what you do; what do you hope people will get from your message?

Mine is a very simple business with a very simple product. A plain, no fuss, no frills baby sling for every day use. I guess the biggest thing I’m trying to do is make life a little easier for moms. I don’t think you have to have the latest/fanciest/priciest baby items. Babies are not accessories! I think we’ve lost our root instincts somewhere between bouncers with iPod ports and imported silk diaper bags. Relax and enjoy this strange and thrilling parenthood journey. That’s my message.

Why did you choose this particular business?

HugaMonkey is a good fit for me because I really, really love babies! I love talking to new parents and parents who have just had their 8th. Creating a family is an absolutely amazing process, and I’m honored to be a teeny tiny part of that.

What are some of the challenges you faced when you started your business?

The same challenges I’m still facing! With #4 on the way, potty training, homeschooling, gardening, raising chickens, and running a business, it’s hard to get everything done. Sometimes you just have to tell yourself that you are not going to get everything done and let some things slide.

How did you know that you had chosen the right path?

In 3 years, the company has grown a lot, I still enjoy doing it, and I get great emails from lots of satisfied customers. What more could I ask for?

What does a day in your work at home life look like?

Wake up, cuddle with kids on the bed, cook breakfast, feed chickens, do chores, karate on the bed, school time, make lunch, hike or bike or walk or do something fun and outside, nap, karate on the bed, cook dinner, clean up house, scripture study, prayers, read books, final tickles, kisses goodnight, HugaMonkey work, hubby time, sleep.

What does working for yourself and living your passion ultimately mean to you?

It’s become more and more apparent that you cannot rely on any outside source for your security.  Retirement funds and government programs go bust left and right. Owning my own business, along with a lot of other things, helps me become more self-reliant.  It’s more work, yes, but the freedom it allows is unparalleled.

What advice do you have for other women and moms looking to make the transition to working from home?

You CAN NOT do it alone or you will explode!  My husband is the real genius-behind-the-scenes.  We have a business partner that has expertise where we have none. We all bring something to the table so none of us gets too stressed out (mostly).  Growing a business is just like growing a kid – you have to be diligent every day, constantly analyze progress and build up weak spots, and keep going through the rough spots (there will be many).  And have gratitude.  Always, always, always be grateful for the stage of life you are in.

NOTE: Leah has generously offered the Biz Mommy community an exclusive discount of 10% off a HugaMonkey Baby Sling!  Just enter the code bizmommy at checkout.

Thanks Leah!

Interested in Being Featured or Nominating Someone for Biz Mommy of the Week?

You don’t have to be a mommy; the Biz Mommy community is about support for ALL women…in every walk of life. You simply need to be on the path of living your passion and excited about sharing your gifts with those that can benefit from what you have to offer. If you’d like to be featured or want to nominate someone, drop a line to info@bizmommy.com with a few important details about the person and a link to their blog. Also note if there’s any special offer or discount you’re currently running or would like to extend to Biz Mommy readers. Once I’ve sorted out the schedule, I will email you with the date that you will be featured. Please note in your email if there’s a particular date you have in mind that you want to coincide with a product launch or particular event; I will do my best to accommodate you!

Tisha Berg is a wife, mom, blogger and freelance copywriter, among many other things. This blog is a personal journal of her journey as she balances family, work and school life. To keep in touch with Tisha, Follow Biz Mommy on Twitter, "Like" Biz Mommy on Facebook and/or get notified of new posts by subscribing.

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Tags: biz mommy, mom support, working at home moms