Momtrepreneur Ethel Cuerpo-Bernales of Celestina & Co.

An Interview with Ethel Cuerpo-Bernales, Mommy-in-charge/Designer of Celestina & Co.

Ethel with lovely daughter, Celeste

Ethel is always knows that she is a wife and mommy first. She is mom to a little girl named Celeste. Ethel is an interior design enthusiast. She loves colors all around 🙂

Ginger: Hi Ethel! Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for this mom blog. Can you tell us more about the popular Celestina & Co.?
Ethel: Celestina & Co., a specialty online boutique that carries accessories for little girls. We will be celebrating our 2nd year this February 2013.

Celestina & Co. Logo

Ginger: Wow, congratulations on hitting your second year! Can you tell us more about your market and how you survived two year in the business. This is quite an inspiration for the other moms who want to be momtrepreneurs.
Ethel: Well, my primary market are young moms with newborn, infants and little girls.

Lovely bows from Celestina & Co.

Cute head band in the lucky color for this year!

Ginger: How did you come up with this idea? What made you decide to start this kind of business?
Ethel: It started because I was having a difficult time looking for suitable hair accessories for my baby then. I wanted a special accessory for her to wear for her christening and photo shoot. I didn’t like what I bought because I felt it was not comfortable for her and would leave marks. I started playing with the idea when I began searching online and saw what’s available in other countries particularly the US and Europe.

Ribbon shaped like a rainbow! So cool!

Ginger: Were there any obstacles that you faced when you decided to pursue becoming a momtrepreneur? What are these?
Ethel: As with starting any business, the early months are very difficult in terms of finding that balance and managing your time. I was the one initially doing everything from making the bows, taking photos, doing the customer service and packing all the items. It was a great experience because you know everything that’s going on. It can get pretty hectic, but my family knows that they are my no. 1 priority no matter how busy it can get. Even as I slowly expanded and started getting help, I’d still sit down and make the bows if I can. It’s my therapy.

Lady bug ribbon from Celestina & Co.

Ginger: I wish I had your creativity! Ethel, what are three traits that you think a momtrepreneur should have when starting their own business?
Ethel: Passion – You’ve got to love what you’re doing. No matter how much you manage your time, there will still be some sacrifices so it has to be worth it. Knowing ones strength and focusing on that. You have to know your strengths and ask help at areas you don’t feel comfortable doing. Educate yourself and make a business plan no matter how simple it is. If you don’t have a business background, it’s even more important to educate yourself. There are a lot of free resources out there. Also, it doesn’t matter if you’re running a big or small business, putting things into writing gives you some direction and peace of mind.

Check out more ribbons, headbands and accessories from Celestina & Co.

Ginger: I have to agree with you on that one. I will be coming up with a series of blog posts to help mompreneurs create their own simple business plans. I hope that helps them. Moving on, what advice can you give to other Momtrepreneurs?
Ethel: As a momtrepreneur, we are unique in a way because our customers expect a level of customer service that they won’t expect from a big business. It can be difficult as you expand and grow but as long as you stay genuinely true to yourself, I think your customers will still feel that.

Ginger: Thank you so much, Ethel, for your valuable insights. Congratulations on your second year of business! I wish you continuous success for Celestina & Co.

Celestina & Co. Contact Information:
a. Website: www.celestinaandco.com
b. Email address: ethel@celestinaandco.com
c. Mobile Number: 998-8088/0916-7958255
d. Facebook Page www.facebook.com/celestinaandco
e. Twitter account: @celestinaandco
f. Pinterest, Instagram: celestinaandco