My name is Lisa Lange and I am the owner of Reading About Me. I am a single mother of four beautiful children, and reside in the Phoenix area. I spent the first 17 years of my adulthood as an Accountant, before venturing out to start my own business in 2007.

1. What businesses do you and/or your family run?

My family and I own and operate Reading About Me. We manufacture personalized children’s books, music CDs and various other personalized children’s products.


2. What made you decide to work from home?

As a single parent of four beautiful children, I struggled between being part of the "professional world" while maintaining the ever-so-important relationships with my children at home. Owning my own business, while working from home, enables me to make EVERY soccer game, EVERY baseball game, EVERY field trip and EVERY cry when a child is home sick.


3. What kind of support have you gotten from your community?

My community has been very supportive of my business and my products. I belong to several networking groups including small business groups and “Mommy-owned” business groups. I have participated in several shows and have enjoyed customers’ responses to my products.



4. What sort of things does being self-employed allow you to do, for example, being involved in your child's life, school projects...etc?

Being self-employed allows me to work the hours I need and want to get the job done without sacrificing a field trip or awards assembly. In other words, if I want to spend the day at my child’s school – I will. After dinner, homework, baths, etc. I still manage to find the time and energy to get accomplished what needs to be done!



5. How do you feel your children see you as an entrepreneur?  What things are they learning by watching you work?

My children are all very proud of the accomplishments that I have shown. Although I was in the accounting field for 17 years, I did not finish my degree until 2006 – as a single parent with four children in elementary school. I found the time between work and children to successfully complete every course that I needed. I graduated with Honors, with an almost-perfect GPA of 3.98, and proudly accepted my degree with my four children watching. There was no better feeling! By watching me they have all realized that it doesn’t matter what life throws you…with the will and determination you CAN do anything that you set your mind to.


 
6. How is being a self-employed parent difficult? What sort of things (if any) would make your job easier?

Although the benefits greatly outweigh the difficulties, there are some struggles with being a self-employed parent. The biggest of these struggles is conveying to the children that even though Mommy works from home, she still needs to work! I enjoy spending time with my children so much, that I sometimes “forget” to do the things I need to do! In other words, when it becomes a choice between a good game of Yahtzee and paying the bills…well I am sure you can figure out which one prevails!



7. What would you most like for consumers to know about you and the businesses that you run?

I would like consumers to know that when they make a purchase from my organization they are actually affecting so many people in so many ways. Not only do my children and I reap the benefits of income, but we realize that our products make a difference in children’s lives. Every book and CD that my organization manufactures is done so with love, in hopes that every child who receives one of our products truly enjoys it. All of our products are educational and inspirational and it is important to our organization that we maintain the lowest prices possible so that all children may have the opportunity to receive our gifts.



8. What are you most proud of as a parent?

I am most proud of what my children are becoming. Through the years I have done my best to teach them right from wrong and good from bad. When I see my children in different situations it amazes me when I see that they are making their choices based not only on what I have taught them, but they use their minds and hearts as well. I am proud that they choose to walk the right path, and that even when they make mistakes, I am always there to catch them and walk beside them.



9. Do you have any advice for other parents who are running their own businesses or want to?

My advice for other parents is to never give up. If you truly want to have it all, and truly want to be there for your children as well, you will find a way. Relax and take care of yourself…do not lose sight of what brought you to your dream. If you can dream it, you can achieve it!



10. What was your favorite childhood toy?

My favorite childhood toys were books. In fact, one Christmas I wanted the “Little House on the Prairie” book set, and I got it. I still have it on my bookshelf today! Not to date myself…but it is marked 1982.