Mamas rock: Lisa Will
Filed Under Mamas Rock, Stuff | October 17, 2007
This month’s entrepreneurial mama is Lisa Will, co-founder of locally-based Stonz. Known for their cozy booties which keep little one’s toes toasty warm while out and about, Stonz was born in 2004. Outdoor-oriented Will and her business partner Tracey Von Dehn bonded on a trip to Whistler over their mutual inability to find warm footwear that stayed on their kids’ feet while in the stroller, front carrier, backpack, bike trailer and ski trailer. Von Dehn had made some fleece booties to combat the problem, Will loved them, and the two stood in the village square for hours planning their company – it would specialize in creative innovate quality kid’s gear that was both functional and stylish. As well, it would combine Von Dehn’s creativity with Will’s business and entrepreneurial background.
The original fleece booties have evolved. Now they combine a water-resistant nylon exterior with a fleece interior, toggles to keep them snug, a slip-resistant, soft, water-proof sole and funky designs. Recommended for indoor and outdoor use, they can be worn outdoors on soft surfaces such as grass, but aren’t great for long walks on concrete or other hard surfaces. And we love that they’re made locally.
Both Will and Von Dehn work from home offices, and, since Von Dehn is located in Kamloops, they work hard at communicating effectively with each other. While both Will’s children, a four-year-old and a two-year-old, are enrolled in full-time daycare, Will often keeps them home for a day and makes up the work time in the evenings, catering to her natural night-owl tendencies. Their full time care also gives her flexibility to travel and attend trade shows.
Just this year Will permanently gave up her job as an Energy Trader to focus full-time on Stonz. While Will misses the banter and intellectual discussion of the trading floor, she loves the flexibility of working from home, being her own boss and having more time with her children. One thing she definitely doesn’t miss is office politics. She enjoys the control she has over her own business and says, “If something’s not working, you just fix it. There aren’t committees to deal with.”
Find out more about Stonz on their website.
Entrepreneurial tip: 4 P’s: Plan, solid Processes, hire (and reward) great People and Persevere.
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