As soon as Leslie Haywood’s two daughters are dropped off at school, she logs on to her favorite bookmarked site, Mompreneurs Online. Haywood, the inventor of a barbecuing accessory called Grill Charms, can’t wait to rejoin the ongoing conversation on the site’s dynamic message boards, where scores of regulars and newbies gather to seek business advice, exchange ideas and support each other’s entrepreneurial endeavors. Moderating the discussion and offering their expertise culled from over ten years of experience are Ellen Parlapiano and Patricia Cobe. The duo not only created this supportive community, they trademarked the term "mompreneurs,"
"The Mompreneurs gave me the confidence to pursue my passion and turn my crazy idea into a viable business," says Haywood. "And the other moms on the message boards did more than cheer me on. I found my wholesale and fulfillment center here and met my graphic designer, mentors, vendors, and customers."
Members agree that Mompreneurs Online fosters a rare cooperative spirit that sets it apart from other women’s communities on the Web. But much more than camaraderie keeps these entrepreneurial moms engaged. Parlapiano and Cobe have developed several valuable features for starting and building successful businesses. In addition to the lively message boards, their site includes a newly redesigned Mompreneurs Marketplace featuring members’ products and services, a dozen blogs written by and for moms, and a private forum -"Mompreneurs Confidential"-
The members’ enthusiasm and positive feedback spurred Parlapiano and Cobe to hold several face-to-face Mompreneurs Online mini-conferences in Chicago, New York City and next month, Phoenix, Arizona. In the works are more "live" events as well as branded contests, podcasts and proprietary publications.
Mompreneurs is the trademark of Ellen Parlapiano and Patricia Cobe, co-authors of Mompreneurs:
