Birth Stories on Demand
Name: Kelli Stapleton
Business: Birth Stories on Demand
About your business:
My Business is called 'Birth Stories on Demand'. BSOD is a talk show I started out of my linen closet (my towels and sheets
provided great sound proofing) three years ago in 2009. I also maintain a website with a HUGE collection of birth stories, and have an award winning Facebook page (Thank you Babble.com). In 2010, I published my first collection of birth stories.
provided great sound proofing) three years ago in 2009. I also maintain a website with a HUGE collection of birth stories, and have an award winning Facebook page (Thank you Babble.com). In 2010, I published my first collection of birth stories.What inspired you to open your business?
My whole life I've been a fan of talk radio. I was overjoyed when I got my first ipod and discovered podcasts. Seriously, it was a life changer! Completely unrelated, when I was pregnant I loved reading birth stories on the computer. I went to the book store to buy a big collection of them and couldn't find one book (that contained actual birth stories). I searched online and didn't find any there. So I started collecting stories (this was 10 years ago!!). It was like the perfect storm when I realized I could do a podcast and read stories from my vast collection.
What has been your biggest unexpected challenge?
The technology. I had to Google EVERYTHING! I had to try to buy equipment (on a tight budget of next to nothing) and figure out how to use it. Then how to automagically get it on the internet and itunes. Then I had to learn how to build a website. Did I mention software? Most of these things are designed for a certain level of computer or sound expertise. None of which I have. I do, however, have tenacity.
How do you balance family and business?
My shows aren't strictly scheduled. Basically, I do the shows when I can. I update my website and interact on my Facebook pages daily but it's pretty easy to take a few minutes here and there. That being said, it's really easy to get sucked in. A two minute post can end up being over an hour on the computer. When I'm asked to do speaking engagements or host baby expos (best gigs EVER!), my red-hot superhero husband is more than capable of picking up my slack. His support makes all of this craziness possible. Honestly, how many husbands would be supportive when you state: "Hey honey, I want to start a talk show in the linen closet."
When you are really stressed, you are most likely to __________
Eat my feelings
A piece of advice for other Moms interested in opening a business:
I looked up the definition of Tenacious-→ Not easily dispelled or discouraged; persisting in existence or in a course of action. I would tell a mom to be tenacious...... To. The. Extreme.
Fun fact about you:
I was a molecular biologist mapping genes for a living. I suppose you could say I gave up my short-term genetics projects to work on my long term ones. Those projects are my three kids: Q, Issy, and Ainsley.