HIGH FIVE to all the incredible mom entrepreneurs who applied for our first semi-annual grant. We are so pleased to announce the finalists for your vote!
How they were selected
For our Summer 2018 grant, hundreds of applications came in from mama business owners in 37 states in the U.S. and countries around the globe: Canada, England, France, Jamaica, Korea, Nigeria, and Spain. See the beautiful WHY behind their businesses with the #HIGHFIVEGrant hashtag.
A Judging Panel of experienced entrepreneurs chose eight finalists for their originality, clarity, market potential, and future vision. From June 11 - 20, YOU can vote to select the grant winner! See more detail about each finalist below.
Listed in alphabetical order by business name, here are more details about each promising mom-founded business:
Ketler Dog Treats
Founder Kellie Thayne looks to serve pet owners who are adventurous, traveling, and on-the-go. "When stopping at gas stations to fuel up and get snacks, we noticed there are never any good options for the dogs," says Kellie, who is a mother of two. "Grocery stores usually only have large or expensive bags of treats. We want to be able to grab our dog a small healthy affordable treat while traveling or just out for a drive with the family." See more at www.ketlerdogtreats.com.
Leesie and Pip
Mama of one, Ellyse Harris creates whimsical heirloom dolls that are handmade from quality materials produced in the United States. For every doll purchased a book is donated to a child in need. "The biggest thing I have learned is to be patient with myself," says Ellyse. "It isn't easy creating this little doll business while balancing being a mom. Time is definitely my biggest constraint and I haven't been able to grow as fast as I'd like because I haven't been in a position to invest in manufacturing. But I look at my business and I feel proud, I have worked so hard to create a product and brand that I love and others love too! I know that if I keep at it, I'll be able to scale the business while still keeping time set aside to be a great mom." See her dolls at www.leesieandpip.com.
Love Powered Co.
Based in Canada, mamas Lindy Sood & Anna Lozano are all about the power of love. The mission at Love Powered Co™ is to power the next generation of mindful leaders (our littles!). To fuel them with positive self-talk, confidence, self-love and self-worth. To empower them, so that they may take the torch, lead with love, and light the way for others. These mamas have created simple, meaningful, beautiful tools to remind our future leaders of the POWERS that exists within them. Their first product, Love Powered Littles, is a gorgeous box set of affirmation cards for kids. They also offer affirmation prints, digital versions, downloadables, and will launch Love Powered Teens in just a couple of months. Feel the love at lovepoweredco.com.
Mommi
Mommi, led by mama of three, Erin Schurtz, creates supplements that improve the experience and quality of nutrition for women in all stages of motherhood, whether they are trying to conceive, pregnant, breastfeeding, or recovering postpartum. "I am definitely most proud of getting Mommi on Vitamin Shoppe and Sprouts shelves several months after having the idea for Mommi," says Erin. "I feel extremely proud of the product we have on the market today, the Chocolate and Vanilla Mommi prenatal protein shakes." Meet this mom behind Mommi at mommi.com.
My Kindness Calendar
My Kindness Calendar, built by mama of two Maran Stern-Kubista, is a new tool to actively engage kids and support parents in practicing kindness. They make premium-quality reusable kindness calendars that help to instill kindness, compassion and gratitude in children, making it easy and fun for people young and old to strengthen their "giving" muscles by practicing daily acts of kindness. Their signature product, My Kindness Advent Calendar, helps kids countdown to Christmas during the month of December, but instead of getting the usual chocolate or toy as in a traditional advent calendar, each day is an opportunity to give an act of kindness. Spread the kindness at mykindnesscalendar.com.
PilloPlush
Creator and mama of two, Alison Carlile is on a mission to share her blankets that double as a beautiful (washable) decorative pillows. She pitched her product at the American Dreams program through the Home Shopping Network to the VP of HSN and Randi Zuckerberg. "It was a success," says Alison. "I have been working with HSN to prepare my business and product for its debut and a grant would be incredibly helpful as I work toward that goal!" See her designs at pilloplush.com.
The Creator's Law Firm and Revolutionary Creative
With a son (and daughter on the way!), mama and attorney Ticora E. Davis helps online entrepreneurs protect their smarts in these internet streets by producing culturally relevant legal content that empowers creatives to take some serious action. She's affectionately called "legal bae" as she helps business owners, large and small, secure their trademarks and copyrights to protect their brands and build generational wealth. "I am moved to tears by the trust that I've been able to gain in such a short time," says Ticora. "I have a wonderful community called "Revolutionary Creative with Ticora Davis" that encourages online business owners to make rebellious moves in their business. We can show up in the world, be unapologetically ourselves and make an amazing difference in the lives of people we touch." She more at www.creatorslawfirm.com.
The Soul Gems Club
Alexis Belliston, mama of one (and one in the oven!), has a soft spot for people who love sending and receiving thoughtful mail, love learning about nourishing the soul & mind and appreciate fine art. Her business, the Soul Glems Club, is a postcard subscription featuring original art and meaningful quotes to encourage meaningful, handwritten connection and soul-deepening thoughts. "I started the club as a way of sharing my passion of art and design while also encouraging people to connect to others through thoughtful handwritten notes," says Alexis. "I have had many customers share similar experiences where their mailed postcards have helped others feel loved & remembered (more than a text or online message can do)." Experience her art at www.thesoulgems.club.
Now that you've met the finalists, go vote on your favorite business! Voting is open between June 11 until June 20 at 5 p.m. MT.
More about this grant
HIGH FIVE Grant for Moms™ is a semi-annual $5,000 business grant empowering mom entrepreneurs to make massive impact. Hosted by The Mama Ladder® and sponsored by Belly Bandit, and coaches Katie Richardson and Lady T, this grant provides economic empowerment for promising mom entrepreneurs to build their business. See more at highfivegrant.com.
