San Diego MOMpreneurs

Mom-led businesses are working hard to serve the community and keep business going during this time of crisis. Included in our impressive 2020 lineup are moms who launched brands after the birth of a baby, after children left for college and at every stage of parenthood in between. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, draw inspiration from these awesome women and be sure to check out their products and services. There has never been a better time to support small businesses!

Sew Loka – Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski

Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski’s daughter was only six months old when she and husband Manny opened a sewing studio in heart of the Barrio Logan Arts District. “We feel incredibly grateful to live and work in such a vibrant and active community,” she says. Sew Loka specializes in cosplay and custom sewing projects. It’s a true family operation, where mom, dad and 7-year-old Rose exchange creative ideas. The team’s eye-catching designs earned them a spot in Facebook’s recent “Keep It Local” marketing campaign. Facebook paid for the small business to be advertised on billboards, buses and trolleys throughout the San Diego area—an experience the team describes as “incredibly surreal.”

As a small business owner, Rodriguez-Biezunski strives to build a relationship with her customers. “People seek me out for my skills, but they come back for the riveting conversation,” she says. A proud child of hardworking immigrants, Rodriguez-Biezunski was born for entrepreneurship. “My mother’s grit and work ethic are a daily reminder to me that I should never stop hustling or allow negativity to slow me down,” she says. Follow Sew Loka on Instagram @sewloka and visit at www.sewloka.com.

How has COVID-19 impacted the way you’re doing business?

In a moment’s notice, most of our appointments were cancelled. Instead of wallowing in fear, our small group of seamstresses has created over 4,500 cotton face masks for the local community. People have dropped off produce and sewing supplies in appreciation. We’re all in this together! – Claudia

Bobboi Natural Gelato – Monica Maccioni

“The founding philosophy of our business was to make something that elicits happiness in our customers,” says Monica Maccioni of Bobboi Natural Gelato. “We simply want to make people happy.” (For what it’s worth, Bobboi’s vegan pistachio gelato makes me — the writer of this article — very, very happy.)

Serving both traditional and not-so-traditional flavors, Bobboi is inspired by California, yet rooted in the timeless gelato techniques of Maccioni’s native Italy. Recipes favor local ingredients and the menu rotates seasonally. The concept was born when Maccioni and her husband Andrea became empty nesters. The couple’s two sons left for college, leaving mom and dad to chase their wildest dream.

“I attended courses at the Gelato University in Bologna and private courses with Maestro Giampaolo Valli, a gelato guru,” says Maccioni, who previously worked for two decades as a lighting designer. “I learned the time-tested techniques behind gelato, then we forged our own path.”

The couple moved from Italy to California in 2014 and opened a scoop shop in La Jolla. They have since added two locations in Little Italy. Classic flavors include pistachio, stracciatella and dark chocolate sorbet. For something a little more unusual try Matchatella—made with Japanese matcha tea and chocolate shards. Gluten and dairy-free flavors are available. Learn more at www.bobboi.com and follow on Instagram: @bobboi_naturalgelato and Facebook: @bobboigelato.

Cage and Lantern – Marissa Kovach

North County mom of four Marissa Kovach began selling handmade leather goods for children soon after the birth of her first child. “That same year,” she says, “my husband surprised me with a leather wallet and purse that he learned how to make watching videos online.” Since then, the couple has worked together to design and sell a stunning selection of quality leather goods for children, adults and the home.

Their brand, Cage and Lantern, has served as both a business and creative outlet for Kovach, who worked for years to master the carving and stamping techniques that make her products stand out. Last Fall the Kovachs were invited to create a leather mural at the Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar.

Kovach’s advice to future entrepreneurs is to set goals and have fun. “I believe we are all gifted with creativity in some form and I think if entrepreneurship is on your mind you can handle it, so just go for it!” Visit Cage and Lantern at www.cageandlantern.etsy.com and follow on Instagram @cageandlantern.

How can people support you during the quarantine?

To those who are still able to shop, please shop small whenever possible. It really brings hope to small business owners! – Marissa

Sandcastle Tales Bookstore – Alex Rhett

Alex Rhett of Del Mar dreamed of owning a business that would serve the community while celebrating her family’s love of literature. Last summer that dream came true when Rhett and her husband of 17 years opened Sandcastle Tales, a boutique children’s bookstore in the heart of their hometown. The shop is dedicated to fostering memorable experiences for parents and their kids.

In addition to a thoughtfully curated selection of books, toys and gifts, Sandcastle Tales offers crafts and author events for families to enjoy together. According to Rhett, the road to entrepreneurship wasn’t always smooth. She says she carved out work time in the late evenings and early mornings in order to launch the store while raising three children ages 11, 7 and 4.

“My advice to other moms looking to become business owners is to take it one step at time, using whatever little windows of opportunity you have,” she says. Visit Sandcastle Tales at www.sandcastletales.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram @SandcastleTales.

How can people support you during your bookstore closure?

We have great children’s books, crafts, toys and kits for children learning at home, so please call, email or place an online order for pick-up or local delivery. Also, consider purchasing e-gift cards to donate to families in need. – Alex

Kathryn the Grape – Kathryn Cloward

Kathryn Cloward Kathryn the Grape Kathryn Cloward, known to young fans as Kathryn the Grape, is a passionate storyteller who encourages kids to practice mindfulness through original books and music. “I desire to help people feel good about themselves and others,” Cloward says. “I know from personal experience, that’s an inside job. We ripple love from the inside out.”

As an author and songwriter, Cloward works to share meaningful life lessons in a voice that captivates children with its authenticity. In 2019 she released her seven-book Kathryn the Grape Affirmation Series along with a 10-book Kathryn the Grape Let’s Read Together Series for younger kids. Both sets of books won Mom’s Choice Awards for Family Friendly Media Products. Her new album, “I Feel Good About Myself,” is available this month and features 11 original songs designed to promote selfacceptance in youngsters. To learn more and get information about Kathryn the Grape’s album release show, visit www.kathrynthegrape.com.

How has COVID-19 impacted the way you’re doing business?

I am sharing mindful media videos on my YouTube channel to help entertain kids. Please subscribe at https://youtube.com/ kathrynthegrape and follow me on social media. I’ve also added “Free Resources” to my site—printable coloring pages, word searches and more for children to enjoy at home. – Kathryn

b.bot – Lynn Ell Tilker

Lynn Ell Tilker’s award-winning app started as a hobby. The Del Mar mom wanted to develop a better approach to potty training that would reduce parental stress and get kids out of diapers sooner. The b.bot app caters to youngsters ages 2–5. Guided by a friendly robot, users enjoy fun activities and engaging music as they work to develop ageappropriate developmental skills—beginning with potty training.

The game uses thoughtfully designed rewards and repetition to help kids recognize and act on the body’s cues. “b.bot will be there every step of the way, encouraging kids with positive reinforcement, graphic rewards, and a special song,” says Tilker. The b.bot app won the 2019 Baby Maternity Magazine Top Choice of the Year Award and the app’s lovable robot character is now being developed for a TV show.

Tilker is a single mom to 11-year-old Harper, who was adopted before birth. “We have a very small family, but we have created our own version of family with some very good friends,” says Tilker. While she admits that there were some setbacks on the road to business success, Tilker insists that missteps are important. “Failures are good, it keeps us always improving and redirecting to the right path,” she says. “Have trust in the reason it happens and never let it defeat you.” To learn more, visit www.bbotworld.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram @bbotworld. Sara Heckman

How has COVID-19 impacted the way you’re doing business?

I am lucky to already have my product available in a digital platform. I would like to offer my support to families who need potty training coaching. I am available to provide suggestions, creative ideas or just be a sounding board. – Lynn

Apricot Yarn & Supply – Sara Heckman

Fiber enthusiasts adore Apricot Yarn & Supply for its carefully selected yarns from around the world. The shop offers top quality supplies for knitting, crochet and weaving. It’s the perfect place for yarn lovers to discover something different or expand their skills with a hands-on class. Owner Sara Heckman runs the shop with help from her husband Nate and their three daughters (17, 14 and 10) who are all excellent knitters.

Years ago, Heckman was inspired by a lovely visit to a yarn and antiques shop in New Jersey. “I thought it was a wonderful combination, the shop owner was kind and amazing,” she says. “It made me realize that owning a yarn shop was something I would love to do.” And she’s doing it well! Apricot Yarn & Supply has been recognized as a Gold Specialty Store by The Peninsula Beacon two years in a row. “Being a mom and running your own business is a big job,” says the Point Loma native. “I could not do it without help from my husband and my employees. You have to have good people around to support you.”

Shop online at www.apricotyarn.com or register for a class at their Liberty Station shop once the quarantine is lifted. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @apricotyarn.

How has the pandemic impacted the way you’re doing business?

Our online shop (www.apricotyarn.com) is updated to include most of our offerings. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and follow us on IG or FB for project inspiration.

– Sara Anne Malinoski is a contributing writer and mother of two boys. As a child of small business owners, she loves to shop local.