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Lyss Stern Of Divalysscious Moms: “My Husband Was Against Me Starting My Own Business”

Lyss Stern is the founder of Divalysscious Moms, a company that specializes in “[bridging] bridge the gap between a glam, pre-baby lifestyle and a post-baby life where, well, let’s just say there are more midnight feedings than midnight soirées.” We talked to her about the challenges and rewards of leaving the rat race and striking out on her own.

When was the moment you decided that entrepreneurship was the way to go for you?

What I experienced, and I what I assume most entrepreneurs experience, is that I had idea that was constantly on my mind and it just naturally grew into a business. At the moment I realized, after thoroughly researching the market, that no one was occupying this space I knew there was an opportunity I needed seize quickly.

How did you get the idea for Divalyssious Moms?

I was a new mom and found myself searching for companies catering to my needs, but continually came up empty handed. I live in New York City and I was unwilling to give up my sense of style because I was a mom, and I had a hard time imagining I was alone. I read all the new mom books and not one mentioned, amongst all the other life-changing moments involved with becoming a mother, how to I could keep the lifestyle I had pre-baby. I didn’t want to trade in my high heels for a high chair.

What do you feel sets Divalysscious Moms apart from other businesses focused on new mothers?

We tell moms that devotion to their children is not a black hole that sucks your identity into the ether. I find it amazing that in the age of Michelle Obama and Angelina Jolie, it’s a novel concept that nurturing moms can also be fabulous and successful. The success of Divalysscious’s Moms is a testament to the growing market that many high-end businesses are desperate to tap into.

What would you say has been the most challenging aspect of starting your business?

The most challenging aspect for me for starting my own business was the fact that when I had the idea nine years ago, I had very little support. My husband was against me starting my own business, as was my mother and father. I had no “proper” business experience, especially in running a business, and the odds were against me. However, I knew in my heart that I had something special and I have proved everyone who doubted me wrong!

How has your family influenced your business?

One of the core messages behind Divalysscious Moms is that motherhood is about prioritizing, not sacrificing; I strongly believe you don’t know how to truly prioritize until you have kids. Raising my kids has made me intensely aware that I can’t do everything, but I found it liberating and and a chance to learn what was actually important in my life. I no longer wring my hands over missed opportunities, but instead pounce with both feet on those that I judge to be the most promising, and make sure that I also fully absorb my boys growing up.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to start their own company?

Make sure your business is something you are passionate about. Your edge will come from knowing your market and product inside and out. Passion is your edge, and it’s what will allow you to learn. Also, learn from your inevitable failures rather than being knocked down by them.

TAGS: divalysscious moms | female entrepreneurs | lyss stern

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