How many children do you have and what are their ages?
2 children: Caitlin, age 3 and Michael, age 6 months.

What is a funny or rewarding experience you've had as a mama?
I don't think I can share some of the funnier stories, although I know fellow Mommas would totally understand, LOL. They usually involve "gross" subjects - things a 3 year old finds fascinating, mysterious and hilarious.

But something I do love to talk about: I am so proud of my children. My daughter is growing up to be quite the little lady and her personality always surprises me. She always has something to say. My son is so special and even though he is only 6 months old, he has his own little personality too. We call him The Dude because he is so laid back.

What did you think you'd be when you grew up?
A Vet or a Doctor. I have a degree in Biology but haven't used it much, LOL.

Who did your classmates think you were in high school?
A bookworm.

Would they be surprised by who you are now?
I think those that really knew me wouldn't be surprised. Although I can't remember the last time I actually read a real book lately! With two kids that's nearly impossible.

Are you married? How did you meet your husband?
I've been married for 12 years. I met my husband in college at Oklahoma State University.

Who were you before BabyBrella... any interesting jobs or schooling?
I worked for DIRECTV in LA as an Administrative Assistant. I taught 10th grade Biology in OK for a short period. I am now the Administrative Officer for the Gastineau Humane Society (part time right now); I really like my job and feel like I make a difference in the lives of many animals.

How did you get started cloth diapering and sewing your own diapers?
I planned on cloth diapering even before my daughter was born in March of 2000. I started sewing my own diapers while pregnant with her and found the Sew Your Own Diaper list at Yahoo to be very helpful. In the Fall of 2000, I opened BabyBrella and my website officially opened in Jan. 2001. This last Fall (right before the birth of my son) I became a licensed CuddleWahm. I have really enjoyed being part of a group and working with the other WAHMS.

What inspired you to create your business? Did you run into any obstacles in starting it?
I think everyone dreams of owning their own business. It's just finding something that you love doing and creating your business out of that, that can sometimes be difficult. The only obstacle I have had is time. There never seems to be enough of it!

How did you come up with the name BabyBrella?
I was trying to design a car seat cover and think of a name for it. I thought of it as an umbrella for a baby. The car seat cover kind of fell by the wayside, LOL but I am still working on it. Its gonna be so cute, thats all I will say about it.

What did your family say when you told them you were going to be an entrepreneur?
My husband thought it was great. He told me to hurry up and make a million $ so he could retire, LOL.

If you could do any kind of work you wanted, other than the business you now have, what would you be doing?
I think I would be a Vet or maybe an accountant. Or if I could be a full time student and get paid -- I would love to do that, LOL.

What are your dreams for the future?
For my kids to grow up happy and healthy. For my husband and I to grow old together happy and healthy. To someday live closer to my family. We are in Alaska and they are in Oklahoma.

If you have time for hobbies, or outside interests, what are they?
Ice Hockey - I play twice a week right now on a coed team. And everything arts & crafts related; if there is a craft, I have probably tried it!

Who, living or dead, real or fictional, would you like to have lunch with, and what would you discuss?
My Great Grandma (deceased), Grandma and my mother (both living). I am so proud of the women in my family. I would love to get to know them better and ask them questions about their lives.

What is your favorite movie?
I have to pick two: Aliens & The Princess Bride

Where would you most like to travel to?
I'm not much of a traveler, LOL. I really like just staying home. But if I could go ANYWHERE then I think it would be fun to go back in history and see how the early American settlers lived.

What's your favorite product from another WAHM?
Wow, it's been so long time since I bought anything from another WAHM. Anymore, if I can make it myself I don't buy it. I do have some wonderful WAHM diapers that I bought when I first started out three years ago. Sweetpickles, Elkebellas and some others.

What's something that no one would ever guess about you?
I am athletic and good at sports. Most people don't know that, I wear glasses so I guess that throws them off, LOL.

Anything else you think would be fun for others to know about you?
I am from Oklahoma originally but live in Alaska now.

http://www.babybrella.com
Products: CuddleBuns™ Diapers with Aplix or Snaps, Wraps, All-In-Ones, Doublers, Wipes, Bummis Covers & Tote Bags, Little Forest Natural Baby Care, FuzziBunz Diapers, Stay Dry Mattress Pads, and Nursing Pads.