Describe your business:
Whoa Mama! Mom-to-Mom Sales are events where Mamas can sell their gently-used children’s items to Mamas who are looking to purchase the same. These shows are a great way to stretch a buck and to make the most of your budgets for clothing, toys and other child-related items. Tonka trucks to tutus, books to booster seats and so much more! Shop early for the best selection! Shop later for the best deals! 200 Mommy Loot Bags for our first Mama-guests and lots of Door Prizes to be won!
Whoa Mama! Shop ‘Til You Drop shows are shopping extravaganzas featuring local Mamas in business. These events are a great platform for these Mommy-preneurs to showcase their talents and unique products to a market that they might not reach otherwise. Each of our first 200 guests receive a fill-your-own Loot Bag where they get to essentially go “tick-or-treating” for the coupons and samples from our fantastic vendors. Dozens of Door Prizes are available to be won from numerous local businesses. Over 50 unique vendors!
Where does your inspiration for this business come from?
My father has been an entrepreneur for nearly my entire life, so when my sister, Amanda and I were faced the terrifying decision of starting our own business, we knew that Dad would have our backs. Our whole family is extremely supportive and they all attend every event…we are now known as the Whoa Mama! family.
I was never interested in being in business for myself, but after the birth of our second child, the option of working from home was very intriguing. I desperately desired for this business to succeed so that I could be the primary caregiver for my two boys; Kylar , 6 and Mykah, 2. My corporate background has been a huge advantage for me, so I am grateful for every position I held prior to this business venture. Everything has prepared me for this exact moment.
What has been your greatest achievement thus far?
Whoa Mama! was nominated for the Mompreneur Award of Excellence and in early 2013, we were a Top 10 Mompreneur business in Canada! What an honour!
What’s your advice for someone who is just starting out?
We should be the ones to be asking for advice…Whoa Mama! is still a toddler in the business world. LOL
My best advice would be to dream big! Don’t settle for mediocrity and do one thing every day that you have never done before to better your business. Remember that failure is only failure if you don’t learn from it and success is defined differently, by every single person.
Upcoming Events from Whoa Mama!
Whoa Mama! Shop ‘Til You Drop
Sunday, March 24th
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Marconi Club of London
120 Clarke Road, London
Whoa Mama! Mom-to-Mom Sale
Saturday, March 30th
8:00am – 10:00am – Early Bird Sale ($2/person)
10:00am – 12:00pm – Regular FREE Admission
Marconi Club of London
120 Clarke Road, London
I have had the pleasure of working with Nicolle at one of the Shop Til You Drop events, and I have attended other events just for the purely fun atmosphere (and great shopping!) that these events entail. Nicolle also runs a networking group on Facebook for moms, and organizes "fun days" for getting the little ones together to play at local indoor playgrounds. It's a nice time for the moms to hang out, and the little ones get to know each other and play and have some fun.
You can find Nicolle and Whoa Mama on their website, Facebook and twitter.
Thanks so much, Nicolle, for sharing a little part of your world!