An interview with young entrepreneur Stephanie Rayton of Mommy Mops.
Describe your business.
Mommy Mops is the cleaning company you don’t have to clean for! We know how busy life can be and how hard “adult-ing” actually is! We have judgement-free consultations and no shame services. Don’t worry about the dishes in the sink–we’ve got your back!
What brought you to the region?
I was raising my three daughters in Barrie and feeling like we were always rushed, looking for parking, and late. I craved a slower pace of life and wanted more access to outdoor adventure without the lineups. Living expenses were intense and I always felt like I was just trying to keep my head above water.
The opportunity presented itself to take the leap and we did it! I left my career, friends and lifestyle and packed it up–I am so thankful that we did. We have fallen in love with BoQ. We love road trips but coming home feels great! People take the time to chat and connect here; we are a part of a community and that is exactly what I wanted us to have.
What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business?
The people and their values. I think this is a great area full of creativity and connection. There are a ton of opportunities to collaborate and get involved. We are typically in the homes of our clients and referrals are so important in our business. In a short amount of time I feel that I have been able to build a network of supportive people who are happy to connect us with new contacts and help our business to grow.
What was the hardest thing about starting a business?
P-R-O-C-R-A-S-T-I-N-A-T-I-O-N. Holding myself accountable took discipline. I tried to find daily habits that filled my schedule and a circle of people who inspire me. Setting deadlines and communicating them to others helped me prioritize the things I needed to get done. If I don’t have a deadline nothing ever happens!
I have tried to build a team full of people who have skills in areas I feel complement my own. We are only as strong as our team, and we are only as good as our last clean.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area?
Network, network, network! Get out and meet people. Be really comfortable talking about what you are doing and what help you need. You might be surprised what kind of contacts you can make. Use social media to connect with events in the area and get involved. We have a great community and it blew my mind how welcoming it has been here.
What surprised you about starting a business in a smaller community?
How much support there is! There are a lot of people here creating their own opportunities which brings workshops, meetups, pop up markets, and networking groups. The sense of “Coop-etition” here is strong. Entrepreneurs are collaborating for the benefit of all. Its a great time to start a business in BoQ!
Describe your perfect day off.
All days start with coffee…. but on days off I like to drink my coffee hot and in a sitting position. After a slow start I would stack my day with a hike, shopping, and a lunch date with my Mom.
What’s your secret to surviving winter?
Embrace it…. I believe there is a saying that goes something like this…”There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”. Get the gear needed to enjoy the cold and play outside.
My other tip would be enjoy your home; our homes have a direct affect on our mental state. When you feel that your space is clean, organized and peaceful you won’t mind being indoors. If it doesn’t feel like that you know who to call. 🙂
If you had to have one word tattooed on you, what would it be?
Freedom.
Check back with us as we discover more BoQ Young Entrepreneurs.
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