Tell us a little about you.
Moms love flexibility. In interviewing over 300 VentureMoms, I’ve been told that the number one perk to having your own business is flexibility. I’m Holly Hurd, founder of the VentureMom platform designed to show every mom in America how they, too, can start a business and find economic freedom and that oh-so-coveted flexibility.
Q: What or who inspires you?
Women with babies and children come up with the most amazing and creative products and services that every mother can use. I’m so inspired every time I meet a woman who took a chance on a product or service that she believed in. Women who start their own businesses make the world a better place.
Q: What is your best piece of parenting advice?
“Pick your battles.” OK, so what if my daughter wants to wear the same pink dress in summer, winter, fall and spring?I’m OK with that, so long as she brushes her teeth.
Q: What’s the worst piece of parenting advice you have heard?
“Let them eat what they want.” Are you kidding? I should have been giving my kids all kinds of vegetables and fruits when they were young. Two of my children won’t even eat fruit now.
Q: What’s the most common question you are asked by parents?
“How do I find a balance between work and home life, especially as an entrepreneur?” My answer – compartmentalize. When you work from home, focus. You can’t feed the dog, fold the laundry, cook the dinner. When you are with your family, you can’t do your social media, make sales calls, or create your product. Set a schedule and stick to it.
Q: What are some of your favorite T.V. shows? Books? Foods?
TV shows with strong women who inspire me. I love the movie Hidden Figures – strong women. I love Will and Grace – makes me laugh. Oh – I LOVE This is Us – wow, what a show! Bring the tissues. Books? Always motivational books. Anything that helps me work towards goals. Foods? Cookie dough is number one. Coffee with half and half number two.
Q: If you could be someone else for a day who would it be and why?
I’d love to be Oprah Winfrey. She can rule the world and inspire all of us while she does it.
Q: What’s up next for you professionally?
VentureMom has launched the VentureMom Marketplace where women-owned businesses can showcase their products and services. It’s an Etsy-style platform where a woman can have a shop up and running in 15 minutes or less. If you have a cookie dough, a coffee cup, a tunic, a dog walking service, a tutoring business, etc. – you can have a web presence and be in business in 15 minutes.
Q: Are there any other questions you wish we asked? If so, what and how would you answer?
What do you tell women when they say they are afraid to start their own businesses? “No guts, no glory. You got this!” Look at all the VentureMoms who felt the same way and did it anyway. Soldier on with your head held high.