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 for 2021. Call North State Parent at
(530) 926-1287 or email pn@northstateparent.com.
California contributes 1/7th of the United States’ GDP, and is home to 3.9 million small businesses, or 99.8% of all California businesses, of which1.6 million are minority-owned, and 1.9 million are women owned.
Mary Chin - My Oven’s Meals (M.O.M.)
In Business Since 2017
“Because I am a professionally trained chef and a mother of two, I know how tough it can be for families to prepare healthy meals on a regular basis.
“That’s why I launched My Oven’s Meals (M.O.M.), a farm-to-table prepared food company that offers healthy, delicious meals. Menus for My Oven’s Meals include options that are free of gluten, dairy, soy and refined sugar.
“I also support my community by sourcing ingredients from local farmers, ranchers and food purveyors throughout Butte County. With the ease of door to door delivery, my customers can receive meals on a weekly basis at home or work. You can also find my booth at the Chico Certified Farmers Market every week.”
We Now Deliver • Chico • (415) 827-0568 • http://www.myovensmeals.com
Aubrie Thomas - Tehama Family fitness Center (TFFC)
In Business Since: 2001
“My dad, Ed Stroman, is a physical therapist and shares my passion for health and fitness. He opened TFFC in 2001 and is the majority owner/CEO. My mother, Karla Stroman, teaches spin classes. Knowing your family is there for you through the ups and downs of business is huge. I always know they will be there no matter what.
“I attended Utah State on a softball scholarship, then returned in 2009 to help run the family business. Alongside my business partner, Kyle Tingley, we have been an integral part of TFFC ever since. I love encouraging and seeing people make healthy lifestyle changes, through focusing on their fitness journey, thus benefiting them for years to come!
“As a full-service, family-centered fitness center, we offer several group exercise classes for members: HIIT (high-intensity interval), yoga, tai chi, spin, zumba, cross training and more! We also sponsor several local events and youth programs, and love being an “active”contributor to the community we serve.”
2498 S. Main St. • Red Bluff • (530) 528-8656 • tehamafamilyfitness.com
Brande Moffatt, MPT, PRPC - Brande Moffatt, MPT dba Women’s Health Physical Therapy
In Business Since: 2007
“I have worked as a physical therapist treating pelvic floor dysfunction for over 22 years. In 2007,
I took the leap and opened my own business.
“I was inspired to start my own private practice because I wanted to provide individualized, quality care, in a safe and motivating environment. Due to the personal and delicate nature of the service I provide, I knew how important it would be to create a space that would be calm, nurturing and inspirational for women dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction disorders.
“I wouldn’t be able to manage juggling being a parent and running a business without the support of my husband, who always picks up the slack where I am unable, my children, who understand that mommy has a mission to fulfill, and my amazing front office manager, Lisa, who keeps the schedule running smoothly, inspires me to find the joy in every day, and reminds me to stay true to my mission, even in challenging times.
2139 Airpark Drive • Redding • (530) 242-1728 • brandemoffatt.com
Daniela Hernandez - Everything Medical Equipment, Inc.
Manager Since: 2013
“When I joined Everything Medical we wanted to grow. From six employees, we now have 22, along with a 10,000-square-foot showroom and eight drivers.
“We do sales, rentals, and repairs of all types of Durable Medical Equipment, and service a very large area around Redding. We keep a huge variety of products in stock and give professional medical providers the opportunity to demo/trial items to make sure they have the best for their patients.
“We are always working to help the community by educating seniors and families about available products and putting on health fairs and fall prevention programs. With our “Adopt a Senior” program, we bring presents to individual seniors who are in facilities during the holidays, and this always spreads a bit of joy in the community.
“With two teenage sons and a husband who is a manager for a huge corporation, I’m a busy mom. Helping Everything Medical be successful while helping my family grow has been a huge accomplishment for me.”
2376 Athens Ave • Redding • (530) 223-3633 • everythingmedicalonline.com
Kimberly Lange, DDS - Youthful Smiles
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
Shila Hovis - Groovy Grooming Pet Cuts
In Business Since: 2010
“I have loved animals from the time I was a little girl. I worked at a veterinarian clinic for five years, and grooming animals was easy for me because I had experience in holding and handling animals. I got so good at grooming, people came to the vet clinic just to have me groom their animals, from dogs to cats and even bunnies.
“I bought the business in August 2010 from a couple that were moving and the original owner trained me and introduced me to clients. From there my business thrived. I have taken on high school students and other groomers to help with the dogs, cats, birds, bunnies and even ferrets from all over the North State, even as far away as Sacramento.
“I have seen the hard times of recession in the economy and now Covid 19, but still my business continues to thrive. With the support of my clients and family, Groovy Grooming Pet Cuts is one of my greatest accomplishments in being a single mother and a business owner.”
2235 Eureka Way • Redding • (530) 244-4372
Joy Book - Norwex
In Business Since: 2018
“In 2018, I reluctantly went to a Norwex demo, convinced that I wasn’t going to buy anything. But, after I saw how Norwex could pick up 99% of bacteria, and clean windows streak-free with just a cloth and water I was hooked. The company, which began in Norway in 1994, is committed to household and personal care products that radically reduce the use of chemicals.
“Norwex hits all my buttons: it provides chemical-free, faster, more effective cleaning, and it saves money. I bought the basic package, booked a demo, and I signed up as a consultant! Since then, I’ve found it has been a joy to help so many families create healthy, chemical-free homes.
“As a mom, grandmother, entrepreneur and independent business owner — I also own Book Family Farm — the best advice I’ve ever gotten is to not compare myself and my journey with anyone else. The most important thing that gets me through challenging times is my relationship with a loving God, knowing that he is with me through the good and the hard times.”
153 Heavy Horse Ln • Durham • (530) 520-1604 • joybook.norwex.biz