Mother’s Day Special Feature: Woman-Owned Small Biz, “Paperlette Designs”

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        As good mother’s we play a unique role in our children’s lives… one that may go unnoticed or taken for granted. Now, imagine the role of a mother with a child that has special needs. Every day brings unique challenges that can wear her down or build her up. Every day her strengths and weaknesses are tested. Every day she must fight and advocate for her child. Every day this mother will protect their integrity by embracing her child’s uniqueness. Every day she will find renewed hope and strength in the love she has for her child. This special mother cries, grieves, and mourns what could have been and what may come of her child. But, she must be strong enough to choose to celebrate, value and appreciate the special gift she has received… as tomorrow is not promised. 

      Our new friend and aspiring entrepreneur, Lisa Collado, is one of these very special mothers who faces her life enmeshed with her medically-fragile child with an incredible amount of strength and courage. Every day Lisa realizes the frailty and preciousness of life and shows her amazing three-year-old daughter, Camilla, unconditional love and devotion. And, she does so alone.

      Lisa has always been an ambitious individual. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she was determined to make a great life for herself and after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Lisa moved to New York City. A year later, she met Camilla’s father and they and got married. The following year, the couple was blessed with a beautiful baby girl who they named Camilla.

      Camilla was the product of an uneventful pregnancy, but was born via cesarean section as she suffered from Hypoxia (Low Heart Rate, Respiratory Distress) as a result of Merconium Aspiration. Camilla was immediately transferred to a hospital that was better equipped to handle High-Risk Newborns. She remained in the NICU for one month due to Respiratory Distress, Feeding Issues, Jaundice and Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone). A multitude of diagnostic tests were performed to rule out a possible neurological disorder before she was released from the hospital. One week later, Camilla was re-admitted with the following symptoms: Respiratory Distress, Low Heart Rate, Low Sugar, and Low Body Temperature. She was released one week later with a diagnosis of Mild Hyperthyroidism which was remediated with Synthroid. Camilla’s parents thought their daughter’s health issues were resolved. At almost two years of age, Camilla underwent Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy surgeries while suffering from “Undetected” Severe Pneumonia which resulted in a Stroke. For two months, Camilla resided in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she was intubated; given a Tracheotomy; and a Gastrostomy Tube. Prior to being released, Camilla was diagnosed with: Tracheobronchial Malacia; Chronic Lung Disease; Dysphasia; Hypotonia; Hypothyroidism; Sleep Apnea; and Global Developmental Delays. Currently, Camilla continues to require supplemental oxygen; a suction machine for her Trach; a G-Tube for feeding; and wears Eye Glasses. Camilla continues to undergo multiple surgeries and emergency hospital admittances. Unfortunately, Camilla’s father was not able to come to terms with his daughter’s special needs diagnosis, which eventually led to a Separation.

       Lisa has encountered numerous obstacles since she became a mother, but her love and appreciation for her special gift does not dwindle. She embraces her daughter with every breath of her being which makes Lisa an even more determined strong young woman. In an effort to help other special needs Latino parents, Lisa created a Facebook page for Camilla called, Unidos en Oracion por Nuestra Camilla (United In Prayer for Our Camilla), to help them find hope and strength during difficult times. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Unidos-en-Oracion-por-Nuestra-Camilla/199985920044227?fref=ts

    Here is a video clip of Camilla trying to talk: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151266814121986&set=vb.559761985&type=2&theater

       Lisa has also decided to start her own home-based small business allowing her to care for Camilla and earn extra income. Brooklyn Cupcake has already collaborated with Lisa on numerous creative projects and hope that one day she will become an integral part of our company and/or attain her own company. Brooklyn Cupcake applauds and praises Lisa for being an amazing special mother and determined Latina entrepreneur and we celebrate her this Mother’s Day and always.

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Check out more of Lisa’s work on: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaperletteDesigns

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperletteDesigns                     

 

 

NYC’S BEST KEPT SECRET! DUMBO!

DUMBO is the Brooklyn neighborhood that sits beneath two of Brooklyn’s most famous bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. Beyond simply defining the neighborhood’s location, these bridges define the essence of DUMBO, both past and present. DUMBO is considered by some, the golden child of the NYC renaissance. Twenty years ago, DUMBO was a worn-out industrial zone home to artists and squatters. Today, DUMBO has an appealing mixture of elements: historical district, cultural destinations, waterfront, spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, NY Harbor, and fabulous Brooklyn Bridge Park. You still see old warehouses and cobble stone streets, but designers, techies and stock brokers have moved in and opened up boutiques, furniture stores, galleries, food trucks, and high-priced apartment buildings. In DUMBO, you can find art galleries, shows, and festivals. It is home to the famous pizzeria, Grimaldi’s, as well as Jacques Torres Chocolate Shop, St. Ann’s Warehouse (which hosts edgy theatrical performances), and, of course, Brooklyn Cupcake!

How to get to DUMBO:

Via Subway

A/C train to High Street, exit onto Cadman Plaza West. Walk left, toward the overhead highway; the street changes name to Old Fulton Street. Walk down the hill and bear left as you approach the East River. Continue on Fulton to DUMBO’s Front Street to get a sense of the neighborhood.

2/3 train to Clark Street, take the Henry Street exit. Walk left on Henry Street. Go left on Cadman Plaza West/Old Fulton Street and walk downhill to the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park, located at the bottom of the hill, at the waterfront.

F train to York Street, walk one block down Jay Street toward Manhattan, turning left at Front Street. Take Front Street until Old Fulton Street, turn right. The Turn left on Front Street. Proceed straight until Old Fulton Street. Turn right. The entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park is located at the bottom of the hill, at the waterfront.

Via Bus

The B25 bus stops at Fulton Ferry landing. This bus runs from Bedford-Stuyvesant to Fort Greene to Downtown Brooklyn to Fulton Ferry, and back. Visitors to DUMBO who are unable to walk more than a few blocks might save a bit of walking by taking the bus to and from a stop within blocks of the 2 or 3 subway stop at Clark Street and back.

This bus (B25) operates only in Brooklyn (Schedule: http://new.mta.info/)

To avoid frustrating route changes, always check subway and bus schedules on Hopstop or the New York City MTA Trip Planner website. Also, the aforementioned subways above are at least a quarter of a mile from the beginning of Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Via Walking/Biking

You can enjoy fabulous views of the Statue of Liberty, New York harbor, the East River, and other NYC bridges. How long does it take to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge? If you are a fast walker, Allow 25-30 minutes. If you want to take a romantic walk with your honey, allow 45 minutes. If you a tourist or photographer, allow 60 minutes. Please also note that there’s going to be construction on the Brooklyn Bridge until 2014. Therefore, be sure to get timely information from the source: The NYC Department of Transportation at:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/brooklyn-bridge.shtml#promenade.

You can also get notices via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter (#NYCDOTbkbridge) by emailing: brooklynbridgeoutreach@gmail.com.

How to Walk from the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Path to DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge Park:

It’s a five minute walk to DUMBO from the first exit off the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway:

Take the first exit when walking off the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway.

Take the path off the pedestrian walkway that bears to the left and slightly downhill as you face Brooklyn. d Roll” at Pier 84 (West 43rd Street) or Battery Park (just west of Pier A): http://brooklyn.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=brooklyn&cdn=citiestowns&tm=38&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=12&bt=8&bts=8&zu=http%3A//www.bikeandroll.com/

The CitiBike Share Program has also been installed in DUMBO!

http://dumbonyc.com/2013/04/23/citibike-bike-share-program-installed-in-dumbo/

Via Ferry Boat (Seasonal)

A water taxi operates between Manhattan and DUMBO — but only seasonally, starting in the late spring.

Saturday and Sunday: The ferry runs between Pier 6, Fulton Ferry Landing and South Street Seaport.

Fridays: The ferry runs between Pier 6, Fulton Ferry Landing and South Street Seaport and Governors Island. On Fridays, you can take your bike for free.

Get schedules and fares at http://nyharborway.com/

Via Car

DUMBO is located near the Gowanus Expressway, and of course, near the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.

How to Drive Over the Brooklyn Bridge from Ground Zero and Local Streets in Manhattan

Head toward Vesey Street on 12th Avenue and the West Side Highway.

Go 0.5 mile: Turn right onto Chambers Street.
Turn right onto Centre Street.

Go 1.2 mile: Turn left and take ramp onto Brooklyn Bridge toward Kennedy Airport/La Guardia Airport.

Go 0.5 mile: Continue on Adams Street, Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard.

Go 0.3 mile: Turn right onto Joralemon Street.

Arrive at Joralemon Street

The trip takes 2.9 miles.

How to Drive Over the Brooklyn Bridge from Midtown and Other Areas in Manhattan North of the Brooklyn Bridge

Take the FDR Drive South (that’s the Franklin D Roosevelt Drive, also known as the East River Drive) in the direction of Battery Park.

Take exit #2, with signs marked as “Brooklyn Bridge /Manhattan Civic Center”, on a right side ramp. When you see the sign, it’s a good idea to shift into the far right lane as the exit to the Brooklyn Bridge becomes congested. At rush hour there’s a long back up of cars exiting onto the Brooklyn Bridge.

Follow the signs onto Brooklyn Bridge and beware of merging traffic.

The ramp will lead you onto the Bridge.

Go 0.5 mile: Continue on Adams Street arriving in Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights.

How to Drive Over the Brooklyn Bridge from the South Street Ferry and Other Areas in Manhattan South of the Brooklyn Bridge

Take the FDR Drive South (that’s the Franklin D Roosevelt Drive) in the direction of Battery Park, and loop around the tip of Manhattan.

Take exit #2/Brooklyn Br/Manhattan Civic Center toward Brooklyn Bridge. Cross the Bridge.

Go 0.5 mile: Continue on Adams Street, Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard.

Go 0.3 mile: Turn right onto Joralemon Street.

Arrive at Joralemon Street

The trip is 2.5 miles.

How to Get to DUMBO (not Brooklyn Heights or Downtown Brooklyn) When Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge

Non-drivers can easily miss this turn off, which is the first exit off the Brooklyn Bridge, on the right hand side. It’s often busy, because this is also the exit for drivers wishing to get on the Belt Parkway. So, here are the directions to DUMBO, once you’re driving across the Brooklyn Bridge:

Exit off the Brooklyn Bridge onto a right hand ramp. Take the right fork of this ramp, onto Cadman Plaza West toward I-278, which is also the Bklyn-Queens Expressway via the Belt Parkway.

Stay in the right hand lane as you loop around and head downhill; the Brooklyn Bridge looms into sight. Do not go left onto the highway access ramp.

On the right, you will see 1 Front Street, the new home of pizzeria Patsy Grimaldi’s.

To go to the heart of DUMBO, make a sharp right onto Front St.

For detailed directions, check your destination’s website.

DUMBO ACTIVITIES and UPCOMING EVENTS

Jane’s Carousel is a completely restored historic Carousel with 48 exquisitely carved horses, and 2 superb chariots. Jane’s Carousel is now open in Brooklyn Bridge Park, in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn, where it is magically set on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The Carousel is housed in a spectacular Pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel. Jane’s Carousel will delight children, as well as visitors from around the world, for many generations to come. For more info: http://janescarousel.com/

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy runs a robust schedule of weekend family programs that feature such topics as recycling, boats, storytelling, masks and solar power. Their hands-on educational programs about the natural environment are geared to kids of all ages, from kindergarten through high school, and are used by public schools and summer camps. Tots will enjoy two great playgrounds with the world class views in Brooklyn Bridge Park. They can roll down grassy hills and hop along the walkways that go around in this park. Depending on when you visit, you might find: kayaking, sports and chess lessons in summer; Easter egg hunt for children in spring; sledding and snowman building in winter.

Top 10 Brunch Spots in DUMBO

http://brooklyn.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=brooklyn&cdn=citiestowns&tm=191&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_p554.23.342.ip_&tt=3&bt=1&bts=84&zu=http%3A//goo.gl/1kxz9

Top Sweet Spots in DUMBO

Brooklyn Cupcake
61 Pearl Street – The Shops at Front Street
VOTED “NEW YORK CITY’S BEST CUPCAKE BY “NEW YORK DAILY NEWS”
Brooklyn Cupcake offers over 20 gourmet flavors inspired by our Puerto Rican & Italian roots: Venetian Rainbow Cookie, Tiramisu, Flan, Coquito, Guava Con Queso, Dulce De Leche, Tres Leches. And, our staple flavors: Brooklyn Red Velvet, Chocolate Raspberry, Strawberry Cheesecake, Oreo, Nutella, and seasonal flavors like: Bananas Foster, Key Lime, Morir Sonando (Orange Creamsicle).

The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is located in a landmark fireboat house on the Fulton Ferry Pier. Every classic, artisan-style, ice cream treat is made at the highest level syrups, sundaes, banana splits, milk shakes and more.

Smorgasburg DUMBO – Sunday, 11am-6pm, Rain or Shine
Smorgaburg happens every Sunday in Brooklyn Bridge Park on the DUMBO waterfront at the historic Tobacco Warehouse, featuring packaged and prepared foods, purveyors from New York City and across the region, and other food-related vendors (kitchen utensils, housewares, etc.), for a total of 75-80 vendors http://www.brooklynflea.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Vendor-List-Sunday-April-21.pdf

BUST Magazine, Spring Craftacular & Food Fair – Saturday, May 4
11am-6pm, Archway and Pearl Street Triangle
Anticipated attendance: 2,500

http://www.bust.com/craftacular/craftacular-home.html

Five-Boro Bike Tour – Sunday, May 5
All day, rest station in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Anticipated attendance: 30,000

http://dumbonyc.com/2011/04/29/five-boro-bike-fest-sat-april-30/

BKLYN Designs – Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12
New York’s Annual Exhibition of designers of contemporary furnishing, lighting, and accessories made or designed in Brooklyn, all handpicked by a jury of editors from leading design and shelter magazines.
All day, St. Ann’s Warehouse and Jay Street
Anticipated attendance: 5,000
Email: dumbo@dumbonyc.org, if you’d like to get involved

NYRR: Brooklyn Half Marathon Pick-Up – Wednesday, May 15 – Friday, May 17
All day, Tobacco Warehouse
Anticipated attendance: 25,000

http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2013/brooklyn-half-marathon

Transportation Alternatives Bike to Work Party – Friday, May 17
6-10PM, Archway and Pearl Street Triangle
Anticipated attendance: 3,500
Check out the latest commuter bikes, apparel, accessories, pop-up shops and enjoy music, local food and beverage. Participate in live screen printing, a photo booth and the first-ever nighttime Reflective Fashion Show.

http://my.transalt.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=4800

Flea Food in the Archway: June – October, Thursdays/Fridays, Hours TBD.
Serving lunch and dinner under the historic Archway which runs under the Manhattan Bridge between Anchorage Place and Adams Street
Email: dumbo@dumbonyc.org, if you’d like to get involved

DUMBO Arts Fest – Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29
All day, neighborhood-wide
Anticipated attendance: 100,000

http://dumboartsfestival.com/

Small Business of the Year Neighborhood Achievement Award

Last year, Brooklyn Cupcake won the “Brooklyn Small Business of the Year” Neighborhood Achievement Award.

This year, be sure to apply and/or nominate individuals, businesses and groups who also share SBS’ commitment to building neighborhoods, creating jobs, and opening opportunities for New Yorkers.

Here’s the link: http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/html/neighborhood/naa_program_2012.html

BROOKLYN CUPCAKE on Empireguides.com

Brooklyn Cupcake was named, “New York’s Best Cupcake”

by the “New York Daily News”

and is the highest ranking cupcake in the borough,according to “Zagat!

Woo Hoo!

Read the article for more info: http://empireguides.com/2013/03/brooklyn-cupcake/

Neighborhood x Neighborhood Initiative

Neighborhood x Neighborhood is a new initiative designed to support a vast range of restaurants, retailers, hotels, performing arts and culture venues across the five boroughs. By promoting different neighborhoods and businesses each month they hope to encourage the influx of visitors and tourists to explore the allure of NYC that extends past the well-trodden tourist spots in Manhattan. Hence, redefining the “New York” experience for visitors and locals alike; and disbursing visitor spending among local businesses.

Brooklyn Cupcake is honored to be one of the featured Williamsburg businesses featured this month.

To learn more about this initiative and featured businesses, check out this article:

http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article/89958/neighborhood-x-neighborhood-campaign-inviting-travelers-to-explore-new-york-citys-five-boroughs

 

Heartwalk in DUMBO

Using boardwalk boards salvaged during Sandy’s aftermath,

Heartwalk begins as two ribbons of planks that fluidly lift from the ground to form a heart shaped enclosure.

This project represents the love that binds people together during trying times.

Ideal for DUMBO, one of NYC’s most romantic neighborhoods!

Lovers from far and wide, seek out the Heartwalk and Brooklyn Cupcake- directly across the street!

http://www.dumbo.is/blog_posts/heartwalk-spreads-the-love-at-the-pearl-street-triangle

 

The Heights Players for Hurricane Sandy Victims

The Heights Players is Brooklyn’s oldest self-sustaining community theatre which is also a not-for-profit, all volunteer, membership organization.

On Thursday, March 14^th, The Heights Players and the cast and crew of their current production, “Our Town”, will present a special benefit performance to help victims of Super Storm Sandy.

The Heights Players has partnered with The Secret Sandy Claus Project and Coney Island Sports Foundation and ALL proceeds from this evening will go to these two organizations. Please consider attending very generous charity event.

For more info: http://www.heightsplayers.org/now_benefit.html

Because Secret Sandy Claus delivered gifts to her children during the holidays, ”Our” Cynthia decided to pay it forward by helping Sandy Claus organize a Spring Event where the displaced children of Rockaway, Queens, NY, will receive Easter and Passover Baskets next month.

To learn how you can help, check out this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/457667890965156/

THANK YOU!

BROOKLYN CUPCAKE: Only a few hours left!!! Purchase Your Voucher NOW!

We’re Celebrating Brooklyn Cupake’s Fans!

We appreciate everyone that has made us such a great success! Our customers are the reason we are the Best of New York!

Pay just $15 for One Dozen of New York’s Best Cupcakes!

Enjoy Latino favorites like Dulce de Leche with caramel drizzled on top, Flan stuffed cupcakes, Guava filled treats with our signature cream cheese frosting, Coconut, and our wonderfully soaked Tres Leche delight! Try Italian favorites like Tiramisu,and our incredibly popular Rainbow Cookie! And some all time favorites that include Oreo, Red Velvet, Chocolate Raspberry and even Peanut Butter & Jelly.

If you have never treated yourself to the best, take advantage now and find out what all the talk is about.

Come discover your favorite Brooklyn Cupcake!

Here’s the link for the promo: http://brooklyncupcake.zuupy.com/deal/2940013/#.US9nolf9dmM

We are allowing our supportive fans to use multiple vouchers in one visit!

HOWEVER, YOU MUST PLACE YOUR ORDER

ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE!!!

We can not be left without inventory for our three shops.

Also, DON’T FORGET to advise which shop you will be picking up from.

Now, you can start planning those big parties!

BROOKLYN STRONG!

 Show your Brooklyn Pride!

Thanks to a generous donation by Joseph Paolillo and A & S Pork Store in Brooklyn, the Secret Sandy Claus Project now has 1,000 wristbands to sell that say, “BROOKLYN STRONG – UNITE AND REBUILD”. Secret Sandy Claus will be selling these bracelets for $5 each (+$1, IF it need’s to be shipped) to raise money for the Secret Sandy Claus Project/America’s Disaster Relief‘s continuing collaborative efforts. If they sell all of these wristbands, they will receive $5,000 to keep the Sleigh Rides going! And, if you are from Staten Island, Rockaway, Long Island or NJ, buy one too… or recruit local stores in those areas to raise money so Secret Sandy can purchase wristbands for those affected areas. Remember, we are all in this together.

Adult Size wristbands come in Blue, Hot Pink and Black. Kid Size wristbands come in Purple for Girls and Blue for the Boys. If interested in purchasing or donating to this effort, please email Michael Sciaraffo at: msciaraffo@gmail.com; with your name, phone number, email and shipping address, and be specific as to qty, color, and size you would like. A Paypal account will be setup soon.

Thank you for supporting the “Secret Sandy Claus Project” and Brooklyn! Learn more about the Secret Sandy Claus Project and his Sleigh Rides by clicking on the links below:

http://www.causes.com/actions/1725859-robin-hood-foundation-please-fund-the-secret-sandy-claus-project-americas-disaster-relief

https://www.facebook.com/events/457667890965156/

Small Business of the Month: Author, Jacqueline Brockert

The most successful women entrepreneurs join multiple, diverse networks to learn from their industry contacts and gain credibility. Brooklyn Cupcake thrives to help small women-owned businesses by helping them move into a place where they have the vision and the confidence to catapult to a whole new level.

This month’s featured Small Woman-Owned Business is:

Name:  Jacqueline Brockert

Title: Author

Years in Business: 6 Months

Employees: 2

Tell us about your business. What product or service do you provide and who is your target audience?

I am a new author that has published two romance novels and is presently working on a third. My target audience is females interested in romance ages 26-40.

It takes a certain mind-set and bravado for anyone to start their own business and succeed, but it’s even more difficult for women in business. Please tell us what being a business owner means to you personally. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

I was only 48 when my pinkie finger began to tremble sending me a message that something was wrong with me physically. I was burning the candle at both end being in Real Estate and Restaurant Management. That small pinkie that I could not control would end up being a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. My son was still in college and I knew I needed to make radical changes. I began to see that the window that I thought I had to accomplish things could diminish. I knew that I had talent as a writer and I knew that my son was about to graduate college and could help me self publish my book. I gave up real estate and decided I would do everything to have my life the way that I had always envisioned it. I could control my life and I would do it by concentrating on creating a new career I could do with Parkinson’s.

Are you a mompreneur?

Most of my children’s life I was a single parent. I worked two jobs most of the time to support my children. I now am a grandmother and am blessed to have both children beginning their lives.

Do you work your business part-time? If so, was it due to choice, conflicting family and household roles, or in order to have more flexibility in your schedule to be able to attend to family responsibilities?

Right now I work full time as a restaurant manager at a very demanding setting. My time for my business is every second that I am not at my full time job. We have set an office up at home and my son and I spend many hours working on promoting, editing, and networking for my books. Although it may seem very demanding, I feel it seems effortless, because writing has always been my true passion.

I need to keep good medical benefits which is why I keep my full time job. This career is new and I hope it will be one that I can support myself and other employees. The schedule that I do work has often been a strain on what I really want to do with the business.

There are observable differences in men and women entrepreneurs’ motivations, goals, preparation, organization, and strategic orientation. How do you perceive the various aspects of the experience of business? What skills do you believe women need in order to run a successful small business?

As a mother, I have been multi-tasking for years and I think that is a very useful tool in this business. We often wear different hats as mothers and business women. When I began writing my first book years ago it was after my household slept. I never missed a baseball game or a birthday party and kept my dreams for the late night hours. It is sacrifice and the ability to always see the bigger picture that makes women strong in the business world.

Most women-owned businesses do not meet the traditional business standards. Women do not have access to the same capital necessary to grow a business. They do not have the same access to contracting and procurement opportunities that may help them to build their business. Women do not have the same access to resources. What barriers and obstacles have you confronted as a women entrepreneur?

The first question by men after they hear I wrote a book is “Oh is it a children’s book? Now I have great admiration for women that write children books but the men that ask often act like you are not capable of the big novels. I think that I have found that the walls put up by men in general make it harder for a women to succeed.

Are you certified as a Women-Owned Business (WOB)? If so, how have you benefited by this? If not, why not?

Not at this time

Do you have a professional mentor or coach? If so, how has he/she helped you?

My son is a professional in both communications and marketing and he has helped me navigate through the process. He has a strong belief in me which in turn helps me excel in the industry so far. He also is proficient in marketing and social media, which I was not at the time we started the business.

Advancements in technology have helped ease the movement of more women in business into leadership. What has been the most effective marketing and/or social media initiative or program you have used to promote your business?

Social media is vital to reaching my readers. Imagine my surprise when my son said I was going to being in a YouTube video! We have gained so much by using twitter and sites such as hoot suite to promote the books.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? If yes, please describe (and include links if available).

These are some of the social media tools I have found useful:

HootSuite – This is a Twitter service that helps you schedule your Tweeting campaigns. http://hootsuite.com/

A Book Tweeting Service: Follow @RomeoPiansayJr on Twitter.

What business goal do you plan to accomplish over the next year? Are you choosing to remain a small business?

I plan to have the third and forth book published this year. We are looking into various ways to expand the business and hope to be more involved in the printing process and e-book formatting by establishing our own website to distribute on.

Do you desire to have a large enterprise either by revenue, number of employees or market share?

I hope to have the revenue to make this my only career. I also plan to expand the business and along with that more employees.

What one thing have you learned as a woman small business owner that has served you well over the years?

As a writer, I was lucky enough to interview a professional writer in high school. I sat before her in her home studio and pressed the button on my tape recorder to record her answer my questions as to what was her secret tools of success. She told me to write every day and to make sure I wrote about what I knew. Now, that advice has hit home. To be a writer you can never take a break from it. If you are not writing you must be thinking about writing.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Never to give up. If you hit a brick wall find a way to tear it down.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

The publishing of my two books.

Do you have any new upcoming projects or reached a milestone?

I have two new books that I am working on now. My first book was a longer novel and the second was made into a shorter book for the busier woman. I have always written romance novels and feel I need to branch out in new directions. The third book will not be a romance, but I have creatively included it as part of the “Karma Corn” series.

Are you involved in your community? If so, please tell us about it.

I have been involved as a sports mother in a small community. Throughout the years I have been active in the school with the children. Recently, I have been in studies with the Michael J. Fox Foundation. I would like to also be a motivational speaker for Parkinson’s groups.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I have spent most of my life working for other people from sales to management. I have sold messenger service door to door in New York City and ran a small restaurant in Crested Butte, Colorado. I have hung wallpaper in Dallas Texas and have been a real estate agent in Iowa. Throughout my careers, I had a feeling in the back of my mind that I would become a writer when my children were through school. I am living the dream and feel the most fulfilled I have ever felt in my life. I walk into my office and if my smiling son is not waiting to greet me, my keyboard is. My life is full of endless possibilities and I intend to enjoy each one of them.

What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you (feel free to include the links to your social networks and websites)?

E-mail: JackieBrockert@yahoo.com

Telephone: 319-457-0085

Website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqECh_xgdNk

Blog: http://sylv-jenkins.com/guest-blog/where-is-the-karma-corn-craze-headed/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karma-Corn/354981448097