mompreneur ursula hegvik smart spaces

A residential and commercial focused business, Smart Spaces is able to create unique locker systems for office/desk spaces, large display systems for companies, and still maintaining a one-on-one approach with homeowners looking for a closet or pantry make-over or starting from scratch a new construction project. Now entering her third year in business, Ursula has found a balance between successful business owner and being mom to, 2-year-old Oliver and baby #2 due this Spring. And although days don’t always go according to play, Ursula always finds great joy in her work and satisfaction when completing a project and witnessing the reaction of the client the first time they see the finished product. Those reactions are a true testament to her personal commitment and the success of Smart Spaces.

why did you decide to own your own business?

I grew up [in Detroit Lakes] in a family-owned and -operated business with entrepreneurial parents, so you might say it’s in my blood. I’ve always wanted my own business. But I also wanted to be a stay-athome mom. Running Smart Spaces allows me the flexibility to be at home most of the time and to direct my own schedule.

how do you balance work and being a mom?

I have a lot of help! My husband is really terrific. Shawn is great for business advice and he’s also a wonderful, hands-on dad. He works hard (at Border States Electric) but also manages to give us plenty of his time. My mom is very active in our lives, too- she and Oliver are very close. Plus, Shawn’s parents visit often and are very helpful during home shows, etc. It takes a village! what three words best describe Smart Spaces? Beauty. Organization. Satisfaction. what has been the most challenging part of being a mompreneur?

Growing the business and our family at the same time! I often design during naptime or after Oliver goes to bed. Sometimes life feels overwhelming, but I’m at my best when I’m challenged. I always strive to be a better mom, wife, business woman, friendand I don’t always get it right, but then I try harder. how did you choose the name of your business? what can perspective clients expect when meeting with you? what is the biggest misconception of your business? what advice would you share with other budding mompreneurs? the greatest compliment you’ve gotten?

My mom came up with that one! I wanted a name that meant more than "just closets" since custom closet systems can be applied to very unique spaces such as home offices and craft rooms. I liked how my mom's idea also conveyed a promise of what the client can expect- good, smart designs!

I’m very detail-oriented. Clients can expect to be asked questions about their space, wardrobe, lifestyle, etc. I strive to provide the very best solution not only for their physical area, but also for their wants and needs. My designs will maximize space while providing a system that is beautiful and user friendly.

Probably that closets are “just shelves and poles.” There’s SO much more to it than that! Smart Spaces’ closets are like custom-built furniture designed specifically for your home and lifestyle. away from the business, what can we find you doing?

Playing with Oliver and Shawn! We love to jog or bike to parks. I also enjoy reading, cooking and LOVE to travel.

Make lists- get things out of your head and onto paper. Set goals. Do not allow negative thinking or “yeah, buts” – instead say, “I can and I will!” Ask for advice from successful people. Be productive and happy- those are both choices! Thank you, Mom, for teaching me those things!

I’ve received a lot of really terrific feedback and that always makes me feel so great! My favorite is from a woman whose husband was hesitant about the project. After it was completed, she wrote me a note expressing how much they both liked the closet, and that her husband was now the one planning to do their kids’ closets!

what is the most unique space you have created or made over?

I recently designed a craft room that will be so totally cool and functional! This scrapbooker will have special shelves for her different papers, drawers and baskets for all her scrapbooking accoutrements, and there are other neat features as well. We also recently installed a home office that is beautiful and very user-friendly. Three people will have their own space but also be able to easily work together.

do you work with local venders?

Yes, I purchase from both local and national vendors. anything else you would like to share?

My installers are really terrific guys. They are reliable, hard-working, and up for any challenge I throw at them. I appreciate their attention to detail and their honest consideration for the client.

Smart Spaces

Phone: 701.200.8770

Website: www.SmartSpacesFargo.com

spinach, chicken & wild rice soup

The cool crisp air of the Fall season has landed upon us and it’s only in our nature to pull out those comfort must-haves to take the chill off. Who wouldn’t agree soup is one of those comfort foods that we all have a spot for. Here is not only an easy, no non-sense, delicious recipe, but it’s also a health conscious, diabetic friendly option for you to consider. Sure to be a savory taste that will not disappoint.

prep: 15 minutes cook: 7–8 hours [low] or 3–4 hours [high] serves: 6 what you need:

• 3 cups water

• 1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 1 10¾ -ounce can reduced-fat and reduced sodium condensed cream of chicken soup

• 2/3 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey [about 1 pound]

• 2 cups shredded fresh spinach how to make it: nutrition facts per serving: calories – 233 fat – 6g [2g sat.fat] sodium – 405 mg carbs – 19g fiber – 2g protien – 25g diabetic exchanges:

1. In slow cooker combine water, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, uncooked rice, thyme and pepper.

2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours. Just before serving, stir in chicken or turkey and spinach.

½ vegetable

1 starch

3 lean meat

1 fat source: deb uglem & Better Homes and Gardens Biggest Book of Diabetic Recipes [copyright 2006]

Having one brother and originally from Wheaton, MN, John Bock is a graduate of North Dakota State College of Science. The busy and hardworking husband to Shannon and dad to three darling daughters, Kaitlyn [18], Kiara [14] and Addison [3], John lives to attend his daughters’ activities and enjoys biking, hunting waterfowl, fishing and competitive duck calling.