CHARLOTTE, NC - A growing number of stay-at-home moms are starting their own businesses.  Charlotte area Moms are rebooting their careers while still running a carpool.  But what works between those carpool hours and what can grow and be profitable at the same time as their kids grow.

Three Charlotte area Moms tell how they rebooted their careers while being stay at home Moms.

Jen Plym was a pioneer of sorts four years ago when she founded CharlotteSmartyPants.com  It's a blog driven website that today connects 15,000 Charlotte area moms.  Plym calls it a "gal-pal" referral resource for all things related to the world of moms and parenting.  Who has tried the latest car seat?  What about the latest family friendly car?  Who loves their pediatrician and why?  What are some fun things to do with toddlers, tweens or teens this weekend?  Plym's own marketing and advertising background comes in handy in her business.   She is selective in advertising partners.  All products and services are researched before they can go up the website.  Plym calls the process getting "smarty approved."  

Another stay-at-home-mom who wanted to have a creative business is Rachel Rodriguez.  This mom of three found her path through custom mittens and matching scarves.  The mittens are made from felted recycled sweaters.  She then adds a liner and knits custom cuffs and matching scarves.  She has a line of sports team or school themed sets.  The sets can also be all about fashion with fun colors, sparkle and one of a kind theme.  Rodriguez sells her mittens and scarves at Bella Casa and Three French Hens boutiques on Providence Road.

Another stay-at-home mom who created her own business is Sharon Kostmayer, a mom of six, three boys and three girls.  Kostmayer says she could not find affordable classic girl wear for her girls so she decided to make them.  Her business is called Kossie Originals and she offers unique fabrics and classic girl fashions.  The most expensive item is an A-line dress which costs about $25.00.  Kostmayer says she hopes to keep up with her business even when she has grand kids.  She has a website and just opened a "facebook store."

All three moms say it's not always easy to juggle carpool and homework duties while running a business.  They also know the path to "success" may take longer.  But to grow a business while being a daily part of their children's lives makes it all worth it for these moms.  

Story Links and Information:

charlottesmartypants.com

kossieoriginals.com or Kossie Originals store on facebook  

gamedayknitwear@gmail.com or call Rachel directly at 704-576-0907