North State Mamapreneurs

Each year, North State Parent celebrates entrepreneurial women of the North State who have integrated their own business or side hustle into the challenging and rewarding job of motherhood. These women, and many more like them, are our “Mamapreneurs.” They are showing by example what it means to weave together the twin threads of family life and business life. They make this challenging balancing act look easy, and they tell us that the hard work is continually inspiring.

With everything they do, they’re modeling responsibility, integrity, resilience and a can-do spirit that encourages the next generation to express their interests and do what they love. They’re showing their children that they can be the leaders in their own lives and that’s good business!

These stories of active Mamapreneurs show women who are expressing their unique interests and passions and using their talents to deliver valuable resources, services and products locally and with online businesses.

North State Parent loves supporting entrepreneurial women! Do you have a Mamapreneuer in your life and would you like her to be featured next October? Be sure to nominate yourself or someone you know as a Mamapreneur. Call North State Parent at (530) 926-1287 or email pn@northstateparent.com.

Learning Express Toys & Gifts

Jennifer Haraughty, Kenneth Haraughty & James Lybrand
In Business Since 2022

After visiting a Learning Express store in another city, Jennifer fell in love with the concept and knew it would be a good fit for Chico. With high quality books, toys and games for toddlers through pre-teens, the store has a wide variety of items for children of all abilities. “When someone comes in looking for the perfect gift for a child with special needs, I can offer toys backed by research and proven to be popular with children with similar needs.”

Jennifer says the best advice she was given on the way to opening the business was “Don’t be afraid to fail.” Rather than trying to juggle being a fulltime mom and business owner, she says, “The business plan involves my kids. They have been a part of the process every step of the way.“

605 Mangrove Ave., Suite 140 • Chico • learningexpress.com/chico

Chico Montessori Children’s House

Sarah Livingston
In business since 2014, first established 1973

“Parenting and running a business can be complementary activities, especially when running a preschool. My own daughter gives me perspective on seeing the world through a child’s eyes which allows me to connect with our children in new ways. I derive such gratification watching our children develop a sense of independence, self-discipline, and a love of learning.”

“Maria Montessori believed that ‘education is not acquired by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.’ Entrepreneurship actually makes my parenting experience better. Our workplace is a very positive environment for all of our children, our staff, and our families. We have a close-knit community where all of our staff support each other as much as the children who attend.”

814 Glenn St. • Chico • (530) 342-5518 • chicomontessori.com

Ashley Moore Photography

Ashley Moore
In business since 2017

When she launched her business, Ashley was a new mom looking for a job that provided the flexibility to stay home with her baby. When her husband surprised her with a new camera for their first married Christmas, she fell in love with the results and took the first steps into what has become a fulfilling career. After her first child was born, making the decision to become a professional photographer was an easy one. She says the best advice she received was “Just start. Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Just start.” She manages being a parent and running the business “with lots of grace and asking for help.” Her husband often watches the kids while she’s busy taking photos, then she completes all post processing and computer work after the kids have gone to bed for the night. “We have three kids now and with every baby we have, my job is more and more of a blessing,” Ashley says. “I’m able to be the mom I want to be, while also providing for my family.” Having documented beautiful memories for more than 500 clients now, Ashley has learned to expect challenging and difficult times, and she says, “I know that even if I fail in my own eyes, there are still many people who would love to be where I am today, and they are watching me for ideas about how they can do it themselves too.”

19415 Rona Ln. • Anderson • http://www.ashleymoorephotography.com

Country Bowl

Anthony & Tona Thompson, Tim & Becky Weston, Jeff & Lisa Wutzke
Since 2022, took over a business that originated in 1958

Tona Thompson says she, along with her partners, became business owners, “To build a foundation for my kids and future grand-kids.” She and her husband are avid tournament bowlers and share a love for the game. Along the way, they have been surprised and gratified at the outpouring of support from the bowling community as they settle into running Country Bowl. “They understand what it takes to combine the business and family time,” she says. Knowing that her family and the bowling community “have her back” in the venture is invaluable; and her secret to juggling parenting with running a business is to, “Take it one day at a time and enjoy the process of taming the chaos with lots of scheduling and patience!”

2615 Bechelli Ln. • Redding • (530)223-1080 • countrybowl.com

Shasta Sleep Services

Lacey Furnari
In Business Since 2016

This journey of motherhood and business ownership has come a long way in the last six years.

When I opened my business, my children were 1 and 3 years old. Now, they are 7 and 9… so now they give me business advice, help translate for Spanish speaking patients, and show genuine curiosity and concern when I talk about the ups and downs of business. This chapter is fun. By watching me balance business ownership and motherhood, the kids have developed a rich appreciation for family, close friends, teams and networks. They know, as much as I do, that this balancing act would not be possible without the amazing team we have at the office — grandparents, aunties, cousins, friends, teachers and beyond.

2530 Old Eureka Way • Redding • (530) 691-4050 • ShastaSleepServices.com

Brande Moffatt, MPT, PRPC

Brande Moffatt, MPT
dba Women’s Health Physical Therapy
In Business Since: 2007

A Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner, Brande Moffatt began her career in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation more than 23 years ago, and soon discovered a deep interest in women’s pelvic health. “My passion has always been for helping women,” she says, and she began treating pelvic health/women’s health conditions in 2001. She is uniquely qualified to help women recover from pelvic pain, pregnancy/postpartum, post-hysterectomy, post-menopause conditions, and more.

A self-proclaimed, “lifelong learner” with over 40,000 hours of training in her specialty, she is now completing a Post-Professional Doctorate of Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Management.

Recognizing an underserved need to help men and children in the area, her work encompasses pelvic health and rehabilitation for all ages and genders. Recognizing this inclusivity, she will be announcing a new business name in November.

2139 Airpark Drive • Redding • (530) 242-1728 • brandemoffatt.com

Youthful Smiles

Kimberly Lange, DDS
In Business Since 2000

“Many households, by choice or necessity, must function with two working parents. That’s the case for my family. Running a business, managing a home and being a parent can be difficult to handle. I’ve found letting go of guilt goes a long way. Nobody’s perfect all the time, and we need to not sweat the small stuff.”

“The other thing that helps with a dual-employed household is stepping out of traditional roles. My husband makes lunches and helps with dishes and other chores. Whoever is available gets the job done. I encounter a lot of single dads in my practice who are doing a great job raising kids.”

“Your kids eventually get to an age where their schedules are as packed as yours! Grandparents can be a great help. I also urge people to utilize extended family for help if available.”

650 Rio Lindo Ave., Ste 4 • Chico • (530) 343-3137 • youthfulsmileschico.com