A fourth generation Arizona native (who knew there was such a thing), Christi Johnstone turned her jewlery-making hobby into a business, Sentimental Silver. Christi creates custom silver jewelery for moms, including photo frame jewelery, birthstone pendants and more.

What did you do before you were a mom?

I worked as a local coordinator for an au pair program. It was a very interesting job that let me work with a lot of great families in the Valley, as well as with individuals from all over the world. I left my position back in 2007, a few years after establishing Sentimental Silver and getting it off the ground.

Tell me about your family.

Our daughter, Bella, is 6 years old. We are hoping to be able to add to our family through adoption in the coming year.

How did Sentimental Silver come about?

I have always had a variety of creative hobbies, and jewelry making was one of those. I started making personalized silver jewelry for myself, mainly because I couldn't find the type of "mommy" jewelry that I wanted to wear. It wasn't long before my friends started requesting pieces, and then their friends were requesting pieces, and it snowballed from there. I found that I was making a product that people wanted, but were not finding, and that, to me, seemed like the perfect business opportunity. 

How do you balance work and family?

I think that is the challenge for every mom. So often when you are working, you feel guilty for not spending time with your family. And when you are spending time with the family, the "to do" list of work is running through your head. 

It has certainly become a bit easier for me as my daughter has entered grade school, but with summer approaching I'm once again faced with the challenge so many moms face: How do I care for my child and work at the same time? I have found a few aspiring babysitters, who aren't old enough to babysit on their own, but are more than happy to come keep my daughter busy and amused while I work from home. It's been a great solution — the girls earn experience and money, my daughter loves having an older playmate and I get my work done. I also have a few close friends I rotate playdates with. One day I take the kids, the next day they do, and we each are able to get some work done. 

I have had to lower my standards — the house is not always spotless, the meals aren't always homemade and a few too many birthday cards have been sent out late. I have learned I have to say "no" to some extra commitments that I know will be more than I can handle.  I'm also very fortunate that my husband is great at stepping up to help out, especially during my busiest times, such as Mother's Day and Christmas. Some days life feels really crazy, but I try to take it day by day, and remember that I'm doing the best I can. 

What is your biggest challenge as a mompreneur?

I think the biggest challenge that I face on a daily basis is wearing so many hats. While I love being an artist and creating jewelry, each day, I have to also act as an accountant, marketing director, shipping and receiving clerk, webmaster and sales rep — and do all of it while also being Mommy. I think multitasking is a challenge that every parent faces, and throwing a business in to the mix just gives you a few more balls to juggle.

Do you have any advice for aspiring mompreneurs?

I think it is important to do your research, and to have a business plan. If you want your business to be taken seriously, I think that you have to take it seriously and treat it seriously. Writing a detailed business plan early on really helped me to clarify what my goals were, and what it would take to make them work. Know your product or service, and know your market, and figure out how you can best fit your product or service into that market. I try to be creative and innovative, but I also try to remain flexible and really listen to my customers and understand what it is they want. I believe that offering excellent customer service is essential to growing your business.  Never underestimate the power of happy customers!

I also think that it's important to network and make connections with other moms who are running their own businesses. My friends that are momprenuers are a tremendous support system, both personally and professionally.  They understand the challenges you face, and can offer wonderful advice and feedback.