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BUSINESS
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 23, 2020
Business
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Scottsdale mom’s business helps other moms BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
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cottsdale mom of two Kelsey Guthrie knows the struggle of keeping up with the ever-growing mommy to-do list. One of the more time-consuming tasks, she said, involves hours online researching services, providers and businesses needed for one’s family. “I started to think that if I could provide local moms a way to �ind the information and referrals that they need all in one spot, it would save some time – and sanity,” Guthrie said. Thus, the MomSpot Concierge service was born. Launched Aug. 1, the MomSpot Concierge eliminates the lengthy researching process and connects busy moms with vetted, trusted Scottsdale businesses – many of which are also owned by mothers. “I started talking to some friends and moms and [asked], ‘What are you struggling with?’ Across the board, everybody said, ‘I just don’t have time to get done what I need to in a day,’” Guthrie said. The free online service provides customized referral lists for parents based on the businesses they select to hear from. Guthrie’s goal was to launch with 20 local businesses but instead launched with 31 across six categories: pre/ postnatal care and pediatric experts; maternity, newborn, and family photographers; nannies, sitters, private educators; celebration essentials and gifting; healthy living and self-care solutions; and home organization experts. “The great thing about the Concierge page is you’re not committed to anything: You’re not booking anything
Mary Guthrie, 6, and Jack Guthrie, 3, show off Mom Kelsey Guthrie’s Party Boxes, carefully curated kids boxes that include everything parents need to host themed celebrations, from plates and decorations to checklists. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)
through my service page; you’re just requesting information,” Guthrie explained. Once parents browse the hand-picked selection of locally owned companies and request custom responses from MomSpot partners, businesses have 48 hours to respond. But the best part about using MomSpot? “Discounts,” Guthrie said excitedly. “That’s the biggest thing.” About two-thirds of the businesses subscribed to the MomSpot Concierge offer a discount, whether it be $20 off pre/postnatal massages for �irst-time customers of the Nurtured Mama or $300 off the placement package of choice with All About Nannies. ‘That’s just something that the businesses have agreed to do and it’s just so
wonderful,” Guthrie said. Olivia Williams, owner of the Nanny Café, joined the MomSpot Concierge because, as a mom herself, she was attracted to the service and the “big help mothers get from the MomSpot.” “The concierge service provided by the MomSpot makes �inding any family service fast and easy,” she said. As a subscriber for less than one month, so far, Williams said her business has already received multiple referrals for nanny services. “Families are getting to know me and my agency a little better and that is big for me because I have the opportunity to be able to serve more families in the Valley,” she said. She hopes that other businesses consider taking part in MomSpot because “the concierge service puts your busi-
ness directly in the families’ home.” “A lot of these businesses have really been suffering, especially the ones in the party planning area,” Guthrie added. “It worked out that a lot of these businesses were looking for more support and ways to get in front of new audiences, so it’s kind of a win-win for everybody,” she continued. Honey Bee Mobile Spa owner and fellow mom-preneur Sarah Woon is also a MomSpot subscriber and is “de�initely looking forward to what the future holds.” “The idea and concept hasn’t been done before in Scottsdale,” Woon said. “I truly loved the idea of being able to go to one website and being able to plan a whole party in one spot. I knew I had to be a part of it.” In addition to referral lists, the MomSpot Concierge also offers curated kids Party Boxes that include everything from plates and decorations to checklists. These boxes, which are intended to make it easy for parents to host themed celebrations, are available for doorstep delivery. “On a personal level, it’s de�initely been connecting with the business owners,” Guthrie said. “The rewarding part for me is I just want to provide a service that’s going to help moms at the end of the day.” Looking ahead, Guthrie plans to expand the MomSpot Concierge service next year into other areas around the Valley. “Local small businesses are working hard to connect with new customers during this economically challenging time, and parents who are working and overseeing their kids’ schooling from home could use the help,” she said. Information: themomspotaz.com
