Do It All Mamas (& Papas): Meet the mom behind Monkey-Toes shoes for kids

Photo credit: Syd Cymbala Photography/justbphotos.com

In today's Do It All Mamas (& Papas) feature the spotlight is on Jenny Ford, the mom behind the kids shoe line Monkey-Toes (really love these shoes btw!) and mommy of two with another on the way.

Examiner: Tell me something unique/interesting about yourself.

Jenny: I went to school at the University of Colorado Denver campus and graduated with a B.S. in Finance.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am NOT a numbers person and that I am creative, so marketing would have been the easier/better route for me to take. I chose finance to challenge myself and almost failed (it was the final set of credits I needed to graduate).  Thankfully I began showing the professor that was teaching my International Finance class, which was seriously foreign to me, that I was trying to show some effort and actually try to learn (ya, it was totally for show to graduate, I had no idea what I was doing).  He ended up passing me with a D- and probably had a hard time even giving me that.  But hey, I graduated. 

Examiner: What is your business all about? 

Jenny: Monkey-Toes (www.monkey-toes.com) is a playful line of hand painted footwear for babies and toddlers.  We’ve created designs that are children’s beloved characters (like Ladybugs, Bees, Frogs, Pigs, Monkeys, Cows and many more – just check out our website) onto the canvas of tennis shoes and mary janes.  Kids LOVE them!  We’ve even added additional fun with curly laces, which not only look adorable but actually help kids gain independence by allowing them to put their own shoes on (no need to tie them).  

Examiner: What is your favorite product that you make or sell and why do you like or recommend it?

Jenny: Oh to choose a favorite…I would have to say the very first design I created is still my favorite, though it varies from day to day – the Little Ladies ladybug shoes.  Both the tennis shoes and mary janes are the perfect finish to any little girly outfit and who doesn’t love a pair of bright red shoes.  And for the Halloween season you can even get them with Glow in the Dark eyes.  So much fun!

Examiner: Why did you start your business?

Jenny:  I always knew I would have my own business. I just never fit into the mold of the 8-5er employee needing supervision. I am a very self-motivated person who loves the freedom to create when I want to create.  The business that I chose, or rather chose me, just kinda fell into place about 10 years ago and we’ve been going strong ever since to build a brand and great product base that our customers love.

Examiner: What secret do you have to share with other parents about "having it all" with your family and business?

Jenny: Persistence!  Business is not overnight and anyone who tells you this is a complete liar.  To truly be successful it takes many hard working hours.  I worked just researching supplies for about 2 years before I sold my first pair of shoes.  It seems slow going, but looking back it has really flown by.  Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have overnight success – it doesn’t happen to anyone.  I will admit it is difficult to get a business off the ground, it takes many hours.  So you have to find the balance between finding time with family by setting boundaries with work.  I worked a lot after the kids would go to sleep (I was actually a single mom for about 3 years, talk about busy!) and work into the wee hours of the morning.  I wasn’t sleeping a ton, but I was going to bed knowing that I was able to get good work done, so at least it was off my mind.  And I think the excitement of the business kept the adrenaline flowing.  

Examiner: What is the number one piece of advice you have for other parents?

Jenny: Oh gosh, I am constantly trying to improve myself on this one so for me to offer advice is wrong.  I do believe in including the kids as much as I can with the business.  Even if it just means helping me to label postcards or unwrap things.  It is not only something they can do, but also they get to see firsthand how hard you work. It’s never too early to instill a good work ethic by showing them a great example of it. 

Examiner: What is your (and your kids) favorite family activity?

Jenny: I love taking them to the movies!  I have been taking them since, well, they were infants.  It might seem weird but I feel like it is one of the only places that I can clear my mind and focus solely on what is in front of me.  I have a horrible time shutting my mind off and feeling like I don’t have anything to do or create, but for some reason movies do it.  And frankly, I don’t do it enough!