Suzanne Remington of The Boys Store

Suzanne Remington is a fun MomPreneur and owner of The Boy’s Store.  Suzanne had some GREAT bargains on her site this past year and I was very pleased with the long sleeve shirts (1 polo, 1 t-shirt), khaki cargo pants and gloves that I purchased for my son.  The best part? My entire purchase was right around $25…and the shipping wasn’t bad either! Check out www.theboysstore.com for quality clothing for boys, at a price you really can afford! 

Read on to find out more about Suzanne, her business and her family life. Oh, and I recently found out that Suzanne speaks 7 languages!! What else can we learn from this awesome work-from-home mom?

How did you come up with the idea for The Boys Store?  TBS was the child of necessity – First and foremost I need to say I am not a shopper – I just cannot fathom enjoying spending all day going from store to store just for fun.

shirts, khaki's and gloves I purchased

As my son matured from a toddler into a child, I discovered that it was exactly what I was doing week after week just to find him some suitable items to wear.  The final straw came when we decided he should learn how to swim.  He almost never made it to any swimming lessons as it took me over three weeks to find him one (yes 1) pair of swim trunks that fit.   As I started my research into boys clothing stores, I was fortunate to find a boy’s clothing store for sale which included a fledgling website.  Knowing someone else had spent the time and energy into a boy’s clothing-only store gave me confidence.  I now knew I was on the right track.  I snapped up the business, website, inventory and started a new adventure called The Boy’s Store.

 Where did you seek advice when first starting out?  I was very fortunate to start my first business at the age of twelve (with the help of my father).  Back then I already felt that I would want to own a business later in life.  I also knew (and was told – my dad was a great mentor) that I needed to learn from others, experience working for and with others to comprehend and envision the “whole picture”.  I met some outstanding business people, intellectuals, every day Joes as I slowly made my way from place to place and job to job.  I am grateful that they were willing to teach and enlighten me.  I was and still am blessed by their wisdom and generosity.  Businesses as life is a never-ending learning experience, read, inquire, consult with others and learn something new every day.  Have Faith and you will succeed.

Gloves Close-Up

 Any great resources to share with other moms interested in starting their own business?Some of the most amazing information can be found in the most unusual places.  Start with your bank’s website – I was amazed at how much information on small business I could glean from WF, BofA…  Find a SCORE chapter in your area – some are just extraordinary people.  Consult the SBA’s website, use your local library (and librarian) so many how to books are available.  Most of all don’t be afraid to reach out to other prominent business figures (such as SCORE members) and ask as many questions as you can.  Talk to people, anyone and everyone – we all have opinions and you will be amazed at how many “Aha” moments come from what started as just a casual conversation with a “stranger.”

 How do you balance family life and work?  As much as possible I try to put family first.  This became much easier once my children were in school; it provides me with 6 hours of uninterrupted work every week day.  I volunteer at my children’s school to be in touch with their learning, to meet and know their friends and teachers (it bonds us).  As a family, we create family time for outings, games, meals (without interruptions or distractions, yes I mean no TV, telephone, game systems, etc.).   To make room for family time, I find myself working late at night and at times early in the morning (when everyone else is sleeping).  

 Being your own boss is hard work, long hours, self discipline, commitment, dedication and love all at the same time.  I was once told by a very dear Polish friend that “works is love made visible” this saying and the words of A. Chekhov “Any idiot can face a crisis, it’s this day-to-day living that wears you out” are posted in large print at my desk to remind me how fortunate I am to be doing a job I LOVE.

Visit The Boys Store at www.theboysstore.com