Gretchen Menzies, Bedford resident, two children, ages 6 and 3. FORMER LIFE: Social worker. TODAY: Founder of family website www.EssentialMom.com.
AHA! MOMENT: When I lost my babysitter and tried to work with my baby at the computer, I knew it was time to go-- I was stressed all the time.
MAKING IT HAPPEN: I started to scheme how I could work from home and make my own hours. I came up with www.EssentialMom.com.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Balancing family and work, plus having to keep expanding my skills. I had never done marketing, budgets, or business plans before.
BEST PERK: I love being a part of the
community.
ADVICE FOR OTHER MOMS: Set aside "play time," and don't let anything interfere with it. If you are spending a day with the kids, don't check your e-mail and don't answer the phone!
