As I’ve already said, I LOVE this product! What a smart and beautiful way to keep track of the information that could be so valuable to you!

Let’s get to know Karen a little better!

Can you tell a little about yourself?

I am a 43 years old RN, BScN, photographer and mother of three. My
nursing background includes mental health, community healthcare,
school-based healthcare, and healthcare management. I live in a small
community in Ontario, Canada, with my husband, three children and a
multitude of pets. My family enjoys many outdoor activities, including
boating on beautiful Georgian Bay. I play soccer, occasionally get to the
gym, and always make time for coffee with friends.

How did you get the idea for your product?

As a health professional who has worked in a variety of setting, I
learned early on that children whose parents are informed, organized and
comfortable advocating for them receive the best healthcare. Is this fair?
No. Is it true? You bet! As parents we aren’t taught these skills and they
don’t come naturally to most people. Throughout the years, my children have
had a variety of health and developmental issues, some serious and some not.
Because I have the advantage of ’speaking the same language’ as our
practitioners we have identified problems early, my concerns have been taken
seriously and have been appropriately acted on. My goal in developing Your
Child’s Health & Wellness Record, and the companion Document Organizer, was
to share this ‘insider information’ so that all parents, regardless of
background, can also do this. Every child is entitled to achieve his or her
ultimate potential in health and wellness. As parents it is our job to see
that this happens.

Tell me how you got to the point where you were selling your product.

My idea for Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record, and the companion
Document Organizer, festered for a number of years. Like most parents, I
had important health related information on scrap paper all over my house.
I spend time looking at tools available and when I couldn’t find one I liked
I started developing mine. No publisher was interested, so I decided to go
it alone. I became a ’stalker’ in bookstores researching what publications
were easy to handle, sat nicely on the shelf and stood out to customers. I
spoke with many other health professionals and parents, many whose children
have complex health issues. Pooling all of this information, I started to
write and contacted a designer, printer, web designer etc. As of October
2006 I have had boxes of books all over my house. I have received an
incredible amount of support. Health professionals love the book because it
ensures parents come to them with the informaiton they need to make accurate
decisions. Parents love it because it gives them the confidence to manage
their child’s health and wellness.

How is your business going?

I have been overwhelmed with the support and interest I have received.
Health organizations have shared my book with their clients. Many parent
support groups have placed information about it in their newsletters. I am
proud to say that it has been given the Exceptional Parent Award of
Excellence. I am starting to do presentations for various
pregnancy/baby/toddler/children related shows and conferences. Here I
discuss the importance of parents managing their child’s health and
wellness; communicating with health professionals so your concerns are taken
seriously; advocating collaborativley for your child; the importance of
monitoring developmental milestones and seeking early intervention; and what
information is important to record and why.

I have finally learned, and accepted, that my life will look different
at each stage of my life. I am constantly adapting and adjusting elements
to fit my needs, my family’s needs, and our finances of course. When our
children were young I opted to work from home. Our life was very stressful
and I needed flexibility, the ability to work at home and total control over
my work commitments. Once they were older and I was able to commit to a
project, I started research for my book. I am a firm believer that you need
to be quiet inside yourself in order to hear what you need. This is not
easy with a young family, but it is possible.

What future plans do you have for your business?

It is my hope that Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record becomes an
essential item for all expectant and new parents. As parents, we treasure
so many of their milestones … first smile, first tooth, friends,
kindergarden etc. We are less likely to document their health and wellness
milestones. I will continue to provide education, support and tools for
parents to be able to do this with confidence.

What advice would you have for someone that is interested in starting
their own business?

The sky is the limit. For each and every invention, service and great
product our there, there was an individual that had a good idea. The only
difference between you and them is that they followed through with it. It
takes time, persistence, risk, courage, and often money, but chances are
good that if you think it is valuable, there will be others that agree with
you. I have been very fortunate to have a husband and children who think
that I am capable of anything. This lets me believe that also. Surround
yourself with people that believe in you, support you in your ideas, and can
be honest with their thoughts. Then go for it!

You can check out Your Child’s Health and Wellness Record here. It’s on sale until the end of Spring Fling, too!