With the ​Cape Cod Parent Resource Fair rapidly approaching we will be sharing blog posts on our participating sponsors, vendors and nonprofits.  You will find out more about these amazing businesses and what they offer to our community. They will be sharing their services, advice, what challenges face our community as well as upcoming events they will be having.  Make sure to check out our virtual program and resource guide ahead of the event so you can plan for what you want to see!  We hope to see you at the Resource Fair!

1.) Tell us about your business/non profit and how it benefits local families?

My business was started in November of 2017. My mom was insistent that I do something constructive over the summer and since I didn’t want to go to camp or any summer programs, we agreed that I would work on my art. I would like to be an inspiration to families and other kids my age and let them know that when families members support and encourage each other, great things can come from it. You can have a closer relationship with each other and you can accomplish goals.

2. Where is it located?

My work space is at my house on Cape Cod. I have attended three vendor events (The Parenting Expo will be my 4th). My website is worldwide since it is on the internet.

3. What is your favorite part about our community?

I like the beaches and the hiking trails and I like it that my grandparents are nearby. I don’t like cities that much.

4. How else do you get involved with the community?

I attend the craft fairs and I am part of the youth group at the Cape Cod Bible Alliance Church. I also play the piano, so I have done a few recitals and played at church.

5. What are the biggest challenges facing parents in our community?

I’m not sure. You would have to ask my mom about that, but I think it might be a challenge for my parents to take care of my brother and I, all the responsibilities of taking care of the house and all the tasks that come with it.

6. What is your favorite memory or story over the years involving you and your business?

My favorite part of my business in this short time is seeing what pieces of my art work people like the most and what their favorite products are.

7. What advice would you give parents and care givers in our community?

I think it is really important to spend time together as a whole family and to be positive.

8. Do you have any specials, events, or anything else taking place this upcoming year that our parents should know?

I’m really looking forward to improving my art skills and working on mermaids and other scenes from the sea! I hope that you will follow me on facebook at @jessicasoriginalart and sign up for my blog at www.jessicalamperti.com!

I am looking forward to meeting new friends at the Parenting Expo this weekend!

The quality of my pillows is AMAZING and I kind of like the artwork! We had to buy them in batches of 6 and because of that, we have a lot of pillows and my mom said they take up a lot of space to store, so they will be a VERY good price at the Parenting Expo!

~Jessica

Festivus Giveaway

Do you want your business to be featured in our annual Festivus giveaway? Our annual Festivus Holiday giveaway is our most popular blog post and giveaway every year.  

The blog post gets over 10,000 views! Additionally this blog post is shared across other media platforms across the entire New England region.

This year for Festivus we will be selling calendars.  Each participating business will be given the opportunity to select a day or days on the calendar (priority given to businesses in order they sign up) that they wish for their prizes to be awarded. 

Businesses are asked to donate a minimum of a $25 gift to be added onto this calendar.  All local Mom owned businesses are especially encouraged to participate to showcase your talents!

The giveaway itself will run from December 1, 2015 - Jan 1, 2016.  This means we have 32 spots available on the calendar.

Email us now with questions or to SIGNUP on the giveaway! 

Available spots:

Spots Available    Type            Minimum Value of Prize
         17                 Weekdays                  $25
           3                 Fridays                      $35
           8          Saturdays/Sundays            $50
           2        Christmas/New Years Eve     $100
           2        Christmas/New Years Day     $150

32 Total Spots = 32 total chances (possibly more) to win!

Calendars will be available to be sold at or by participating businesses as well as downloaded from our website. Participants will be required to submit information if bought at a participating business in order to be registered.  They will be sent an email confirmation of their registration upon receipt of entry and fee.

Benefits to Participating Business

• Listing in a Festivus Dedicated Blog Post containing the original signup with calendar, which will be shared on social media daily (Facebook and Twitter) from November 19, 2015 until December 31, 2015. Business will have link listed in this post.  This original blog post will be republished by over 30 online news outlets including the Patriot Ledger, Wicked Locals (across the region),  Metrowest Daily News and others. 
• Our annual Festivus blog post gets over 10,000 page views alone. This is a great opportunity to reach people in our community and beyond!
• Each participating business will be sent a short interview question sheet so that the business will be featured on it’s own in a dedicated blog post leading up to and continuing throughout the giveaways which will feature all website and social media links the business chooses. (It is responsibility of business owner to return this so that it can be published in the order they are received). We encourage you to include a FESTIVE picture to go with it.
• Business with logo and website link will be featured in dedicated Facebook album.
• Winners will be announced daily on social media for drawings and the local business sponsoring that day’s giveaway will be tagged. Winners will also be contacted by the email they registered with.
• Businesses that provide a logo will have it displayed on the actual calendar for download.
• Winners will also be announced weekly in both a blog post and weekly email and local business will have link to their website provided.

Email us now with questions or to SIGNUP on the giveaway!

Name of Business: Kensington’s at Mashpee Commons & MakeItPersonalNow.com
Name of Owner:  Daniel J. Collins

1.)    How long have you lived on Cape Cod?
Lived in Mashpee Since 1973 summers.  Year round since 2005

2.)    When and why did you start your business?
Kensington’s at Mashpee Commons has been in business for 19 consecutive years. May 2014 Daniel became the primary partner. MakeItPersonalNow.com started 7/14 manufacturing welcome mats, signs, and unique quality items for anniversary, wedding related gifts that are personalized to order.

3.)    What do you LOVE most about your job?
The people, the quality products and making a positive difference in everyone’s life (if possible) 

4.)    How does your business help/impact local families?
Through many charitable contributions, special events and community involvement 

5.)    In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing Cape Cod Families?
Gaining urban diversity experience in a primarily summer resort community environment 

6.)    If you had to pick your favorite local spot on Cape Cod (not a business), where would you pick and why?   
Boating on Nantucket Sound.   In my opinion it offers the true essence of Cape Cod living being on the water 

7.)    Please offer a tip for our Mom Audience: 
Take time for yourself and shop its good for you! ☺

8.)    Any other information you would like us to share? (Upcoming events? Awards? Anything you think our community would find useful, Etc)

7/29 Cape Cod Mom event at Kensington’s  6 -8pm

8/1 Vera Bradley’s daughter will be at Kensington’s in support of Breast Cancer Awareness 5-7pm

8/14 Cape Cod Needy Fundraiser at Kensington’s 5-7pm

11/5 Night of Hope Luminaria Event with the American Cancer Society 4-9pm at Kensington’s and Mashpee Commons featuring Shop and Dine for a Cause

Name of Business: The Friendship Garden Nursery School, Inc.
Name of Owner(s): Robin Hewitt Jones, Owner   & Katherine Kuusela, Director

1) How long have you lived on Cape Cod?
I was born and raised on Cape Cod.

2) When and why did you start your business?
In 1995 the owners of The Little Red Schoolhouse were retiring. I had worked for them for 9 years. They tried to sell the business and in June closed it. I went out into the field and did not like my prospects. I was telling my Dad this and he said “buy it”. It took just a month and the deal was made and Friendship Garden opened in September of 1995.

3) What do you LOVE most about your job?
 I love being on the floor with the children. I wish I could do it all day long.

4) How does your business help/impact local families?
We hope good child care options help to keep young families on the Cape.

5) In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing Cape Cod Families?
 Well-paying jobs, young families leaving and substance abuse.

6) .)  If you had to pick your favorite local spot on Cape Cod (not a business), where would you pick and why?
 I would pick the Shining Sea Bikeway. The landscape is beautiful and varied from beach, to estuary and bog, to down town.  Woods Hole is such a fun destination for all ages.

7) Please offer a tip for our Mom Audience:
Mom tip. Practice good communication skills, it will have a positive impact on every area of life!

8) Any other information you would like us to share?
We have public play days, the first Monday each month from 9:30-10:30 AM. Members of the community may come let their child play while they view our school. There is a limit of one day per customer. Please call to schedule a date or to request more information. 508-540-6394.

Business: Emerald Eye Photography
Owner: Cathie Harrington

1.)    How long have you lived on Cape Cod?

 I moved to the Cape in 1982, when I was four years old, and went to Hyannis East and Barnstable High School. During college, I moved off-Cape and then out of state for a few years.  Some people say I'm not a "true Cape Codder" since I wasn't born here, but I like to think of myself as one! Like most kids that grow up on the Cape, I was eager to get over the bridge and see the big cities, but once I did, I realized how much I missed living on Cape Cod, and my wife and I moved back in 2008 - we don't plan on leaving again!

2.)    When and why did you start your business?

 When I went to Bridgewater State College, I took a few photography classes - but it was back in the film age...We had to develop our photos in a dark room, which was interesting, but also a lot of work! About seven years ago, I picked up a DSLR and haven't turned back. I started with a pretty basic camera and the kit lens, and have upgraded every year or so since. Emerald Eye Photography officially launched about three years ago, and it's fun to look back and see how much I've grown since then.

3.)    What do you LOVE most about your job?

 Normally, I'm kind of a quiet person; I really like people, but I prefer to keep to myself often. Through photography, I feel like I have to lead with the side of me that connects to others - I think my quieter ways allow me to capture some of the small moments that others may miss. I love meeting all of my clients and their families and seeing what is unique about their stories. I really love being able to capture a fleeting moment in a way that will stay with them forever.

4.)    How does your business help/impact local families?

 Emerald Eye Photography has been attempting to help local families by preserving their favorite memories for them - I often run mini-sessions for folks that may not want to commit to a package deal at first. Last winter, I participated in the Diaper Derby at the Cape Cod Mall and raffled off a free family session. More recently, I was a preferred vendor during Family Week in Provincetown and I helped to capture moments for many LGBT families on vacation.  If you follow my Facebook page, you'll see the most recent photos. I care a lot about Cape Cod families, and really want to help in any way I can - if you have any suggestions, let me know!

5.)    In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing Cape Cod Families?

 The Cape has changed a lot since I got here 33 years ago - in both good and bad ways! I could probably list many serious challenges, but I'll keep it light, and stick with the lack of a Target as a pretty big challenge!

6.)    If you had to pick your favorite local spot on Cape Cod (not a business), where would you pick and why?

 It is almost impossible for me to pick one favorite spot on the Cape. I've worked as a home care therapist recently, and because of that, I've gotten to see more of the Cape than I ever had before! I can't say I have one spot - it's more of a place that gives you the feeling of going on forever - the edge of any beach - right before you hit the water, the top of the Provincetown monument - where you can see down the Cape and off-Cape, on the ferry over to the Islands - when all you see is ocean. I think I just like the feeling of freeness that the Cape allows.

7.)    Please offer a tip for our Mom Audience:

 Since I'm not a Mom myself, this is a tough one for me, but having nieces and nephews, I would say to enjoy every moment that you can with your kids. I've seen my little, tiny, newborn nephew turn into a thirteen year old overnight! I remember the funny little things he did as a baby, and the cute little details of his nursery, but I'm sure my sister would've loved to have had them captured to share with him now. There's a quote going around that this generation growing up will be the most photographed, but will not have any prints to show for it - so many people take photos every day on their phones, but never print and frame them. Even if you don't have professional photos taken, make sure you capture some memories of your own. I remember my family sitting around my parent's house not too long ago, going through shoeboxes of photos, realizing it's something that kids today may never do!

8.)    Any other information you would like us to share? 

 I'm going to be sending out information about fall mini-sessions soon, so if you would like to sign up for emails, please contact me at cathie@emeraldeyephoto.com. Also, I'm REALLY looking forward to launching a new session and I need some volunteers - If anyone out there on the Cape or South Shore is pregnant with a due date between September and November, I would love to talk to you! I'm going to be offering "Fresh 48" sessions starting this fall, and I'm looking for some Moms that would allow me to come in and capture their brand-new little one! I'll be giving away a portfolio-buidling session, and then offering discounts on a few others if anyone is interested! The Fresh 48 session occurs within the first two days of your babies life - in the hospital! It doesn't involve posing and having to look perfect, but has more a documentary feel. I would come by when your family is ready, and capture the little details of your newborn, some great photos of the family snuggling in close, and all of the magic of those first few days of life. I'd also love to be there when your littlest one meets a sibling if it occurs. If you're interested, please email me and let me know. I'm so excited to be offering this and can't wait to have some images to showcase!

Name of Business: Walhoney Cleaning Company 
Name of Owner(s): Joshua Walbert and Lindsey Mahoney

1.)    How long have you lived on Cape Cod? I have lived here since 2002, i moved here from Texas, where i am originally from. Lindsey has been here since 1991. All of our children are Native of Cape Cod.

2.)    When and why did you start your business? The business started almost 7 years ago. I was working for another cleaning company and i realized a couple of things.

1. I could provide a better service and
2. I could do it for much less. So we decided it was time, after 6 years, to start Walhoney Cleaning Company. 
   

3.)    What do you LOVE most about your job? I love earning the trust of my clients. Its amazing how many times we get calls for 1 thing, and end up taking care of all the cleaning needs for their homes. And then, they refer us to their friends. Thats when you know you have done a great job.  

4.)    How does your business help/impact local families? Well, The #walhoneycrew has a great option for their clients. We call it Balanced Billing. We dont say "no" to anyone. We work WITH each client and find out what they can afford and, after some discussion, work out a cleaning plan for their homes. That way everyone gets a great cleaning, but at reasonable pricing. 

5.)    In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing Cape Cod Families? I would say affordable housing. Housing that you don't have to have both parents working a total of 80-100 hours a week, missing out on their children's growth. Plus, affordable child care.

6.)    If you had to pick your favorite local spot on Cape Cod (not a business), where would you pick and why? Well Lindsey loves the Falmouth Harbor. For many reasons, but the main one is it just seems to represent everything the cape has to offer. 

7.)    Please offer a tip for our Mom Audience: yes.. STOP TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING!!! 

8.)    Any other information you would like us to share? Actually yes. Lindsey is extremely invloved with the Girly Girl PARTS Foundation. They have a major event, every year, with the proceeds going to Dana Farber Cancer Institute for Ovarian Cancer screenings and tools.  That fundraiser is happening September 20th at Craigville Beach, in Centerville, beginning at 9am! 
For more information you can go to www.girlygirlparts.org 

Name of Business: Cook's Organics 
Name of Owner(s): Cookie Hebert 

1.) How long have you lived on Cape Cod?
16 years. I moved here in 1998 on a whim and decided to stay.

2.) When and why did you start your business?
I started my business in January 2014 out of a need for my own product. I have always had      trouble sleeping and also have always gotten pretty severe leg cramps. I had shared Sweet Dreams Foot Cream with a few friends and it just organically took off. There was enough demand for it that I created a small business for myself.

3.) What do you LOVE most about your job?
I love hearing how much my product helps people. It makes every bump in the road worth it knowing that something I made makes people sleep better at night, literally.

4.) How does your business help/impact local families?
My business is offering an organic holistic alternative for people (kids included) that are suffering from poor sleep, muscle cramping, constipation, and other chronic pains.

5.)  In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing Cape Cod Families?
The rising cost of living on the Cape is a huge challenge for a lot of families, especially housing.

6.) If you had to pick your favorite local spot on Cape Cod (not a business), where would you pick and why?
What a hard question. There are so many great local spots, I always take friends from out   of town out to the point via the breakwater in Provincetown. It’s fun to show them on a  map where they’ve walked especially for the kids.

7.) Please offer a tip for our Mom Audience:
I have had a lot of great feedback from expecting mothers about Sweet Dreams Foot Cream. Back pain, swelling, restless sleep, breast pain and many other symptoms from pregnancy have been alleviated with SDFC. It is also good for getting the kids to sleep faster and for longer throughout the night so that you, in turn can get more sleep.

8.) Any other information you would like us to share? (up coming events? Awards? Anything you think our community would find useful, Etc)
I will be doing demo’s at Whole Foods Market in Hyannis Saturday August 8th from 1-3pm and again August 18th from 4-6pm if anyone would like to find out more about magnesium and check out Sweet Dreams Foot Cream. 

Name of Business: Golden Speech Therapy 
Name of Owner(s): Suzanne Golden 
 
1.)    How long have you lived on Cape Cod? I have lived in Plymouth for 6 years

2.)    When and why did you start your business?  I've always wanted to go in to business for myself and finally took the plunge in August of 2013!

3.)    What do you LOVE most about your job? I love being able to service the children and families of my community and help to make a difference in their communication skills.  I also love being able to connect with my client's parents on a weekly basis to talk about progress and goals.  This is something that is often lacking when therapy is provided in the schools! 

4.)    How does your business help/impact local families? We offer speech/language evaluation and treatment to the pediatric population.

5.)    In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing Cape Cod Families? In the area of communication needs I feel like a huge challenge for families is a lack of knowledge and support.  When children are faced with communication disorders, families often don't know where to turn.  They may be referred to Early Intervention of to the public schools but they aren't always happy with the services they are receiving and aren't aware that they have other options.   I try my best to get the word out to families that they can choose to access their health insurance or pay privately to receive speech therapy through outside agencies, such as Golden Speech Therapy. 

6.)    If you had to pick your favorite local spot on Cape Cod (not a business), where would you pick and why? In my community I love Plymouth Long Beach.  Me and my family spend every possible summer weekend out there enjoying the sun, sand and community!

7.)    Please offer a tip for our Mom Audience: My advice to the mother's out there is to trust your gut!  The saying "Mother knows best" is true!  If you think your child is behind in the area of communication, don't wait for your pediatrician or another professional to mention it.  Trust your instinct and take your child for a screening! 

8.)    Any other information you would like us to share?
We are in full swing of our summer program and are taking names for therapy in September! If you have a child who receives therapy elsewhere (school, EI) or you are concerned about your child's communication - call us for more information! 

By: Gary M. DellaPosta, CPA

More than 52 percent of businesses today are home-based. Every day, people are striking out and achieving economic and creative independence by turning their skills into dollars. Garages, basements and attics are being transformed into the corporate headquarters of the newest entrepreneurs - home-based businesspeople. And, with technological advances in smartphones, tablets, and iPads as well as a rising demand for "service-oriented" businesses, the opportunities seem to be endless.

Is a Home-Based Business Right for You?
Choosing a home business is like choosing a spouse or partner: Think carefully before starting the business. Instead of plunging right in, take time to learn as much about the market for any product or service as you can. Before you invest any time, effort, and money take a few moments to answer the following questions: 
 
- Can you describe in detail the business you plan on establishing?
- What will be your product or service? 
- Is there a demand for your product or service?
- Can you identify the target market for your product or service?
- Do u have the talent and expertise needed to compete successfully?

Before you dive head first into a home-based business, it's essential that you know why you are doing it and how you will do it. To succeed, your business must be based on something greater than a desire to be your own boss: an honest assessment of your own personality, and understanding of what's involved, and a
lot of hard work. You have to be willing to plan ahead, and then make improvements and adjustments along the road. While there are no "best" or "right" reasons for starting a home-based business, it is vital to have a very clear idea of what you are getting into and why. Ask yourself these questions: 

- Are you a self-starter? 
- Can you stick to business if you're working at home? 
- Do you have the necessary self-discipline to maintain schedules? 
- Can you deal with the isolation of working from home? 

Working under the same roof that your family lives under may not prove to be as easy as it seems. It is important that you work in a professional environment; if at all possible, you should set up a separate office in your home. You must consider whether your home has the space for a business, and whether you can successfully run the business from your home.

 Compliance with Laws and Regulations
A home-based business is subject to many of the same laws and regulations affecting other businesses and you will be responsible for complying with them. There are some general areas to watch out for, but be sure to consult an attorney and your state department of labor to find out which laws and regulations will affect your business.

Zoning
Be aware of your city's zoning regulations. If your business operates in violation of them, you could be fined or closed down.

 Restrictions on Certain Goods
Certain products may not be produced in the home. Most states outlaw home production of fireworks, drugs, poisons, sanitary or medical products, and toys. Some states also prohibit home-based businesses from making food, drink, or clothing.

 Registration and Accounting Requirements
You may need the following: 

- Work certificate or a license from the state (your business's name may also need to be registered with the state)
-  Sales tax number
- Separate business telephone
- Separate business bank account 

 If your business has employees, you are responsible for withholding income, social security, and Medicare taxes, as well as complying with minimum wage and employee health and safety laws.

 Planning Techniques
Money fuels all businesses. With a little planning, you'll find that you can avoid most financial difficulties. When drawing up a financial plan, don't worry about using estimates. The process of thinking through these questions helps develop your business skills and leads to solid financial planning.

 Estimating Start-Up Costs
To estimate your start-up costs, include all initial expenses such as fees, licenses, permits, telephone deposit, tools, office equipment and promotional expenses.

 Business experts say you should not expect a profit for the first eight to 10 months, so be sure to give yourself enough of a cushion if you need it.

Projecting Operating Expenses
Include salaries, utilities, office supplies, loan payments, taxes, legal services and insurance premiums, and don't forget to include your normal living expenses. Your business must not only meet its own needs, but make sure it meets yours as well.

 Projecting Income
It is essential that you know how to estimate your sales on a daily and monthly basis. From the sales estimates, you can develop projected income statements, break-even points and cash-flow statements. Use your marketing research to estimate initial sales volume.

 Determining Cash Flow
Working capital--not profits--pays your bills. Even though your assets may look great on the balance sheet, if your cash is tied up in receivables or equipment, your business is technically insolvent. In other words, you're
broke.

Make a list of all anticipated expenses and projected income for each week and month. If you see a cash-flow crisis developing, cut back on everything but the necessities.