Contestant's Case to Win

Chicky Bella Boutique was launched on February 1, 2007 and truly was a result of an unexpected opportunity meets lifelong dream! Fresh from launching our first venture – an extremely fun website called babysbestonline.com – it seemed a natural step to take our baby business into a brick and mortar location. While searching for a retail store that might be interested in partnering with our breastpump products, I stumbled upon a fabulous little boutique that was, unfortunately, preparing to close its doors. A few minutes after entering the place, I bought it! Yes, very impromptu and probably a little insane! Six months later, with a new name, new location and a whole lot of new product, we were open for business.

In June 2008 we launched www.chickybella.com. Both in our boutique and on our website we carry some of the best products available for moms today! We carefully select our products based both on quality and price so that customers feel comfortable shopping our shelves. At Chicky Bella, our purpose is our customers, and they are also our reward!

One of the most exciting opportunities we have with our brick and mortar boutique is the chance to work with so much amazing local Arizona talent – and then watching them emerge onto the national retail scene! A lot of fabulous products for both mom and child have been created right in our own backyard – and Chicky Bella is proud to carry many of these products in our store.

Why should Chicky Bella and I be considered for a Leading Mom in Business award? Considering the extreme economic conditions we are facing in Arizona, keeping a retail boutique open, operating and flush with product has been a gut-wrenching task. It has required enormous amounts of time, patience and sacrifice – not only in the business but within our family. Our three boys have spent many of their nights and weekends either camped out at the store or waiting patiently for one or both of their parents to come home and spend time with them. They are amazing little troopers – pitching in when they can, and so often offering sweet words of encouragement when they find me struggling to keep my chin up. Given that they are only 9, 7 and 3, I find myself completely amazed at their comprehension of such a crazy world!

It is my children who strengthen me. It is because of them that we keep moving forward, preparing our own particular silver lining. And with the support of our amazing customers we will survive this economy and come through stronger than ever!