Each year, North State Parent celebrates the 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 how women can be the leaders in their own lives, 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 2025! Call North State Parent at
(530) 926-1287 or email pn@northstateparent.com.
Tara Ellis and the Stromer Realty Team – Red Bluff Stromer Realty
In business since 2012
Stromer Realty Co. started in 1947 as the first Ag broker in the area. The Red Bluff office was opened in 2012 and I joined the team in 2013. Shortly after starting my career, my mentor passed away and I took over managing the office.
I’ve have spent the last seven and a half years building the Stromer team as an owning partner of the Red Bluff office. What was once just a couple of us has grown to a rock star team of six hard working mamas! We have a unique crew that works seamlessly to take care of each other and make sure our clients get the best experience. We all have a love for homes and serving our community!
With little ones ranging from 5 months up to a senior in high school, the 11 kids that make up the Stromer Realty crew have grown with our business. Most of our families have started under this roof and we are proud that our kids have had a front row seat to our shared success. Having our children alongside us has given them a special insight to hard work. They come on occasional appointments and help put up our signs. Our oldest Stromer kid, Jake, has watched me grow this business and is now planning to major in business in college next year!
We are often juggling little ones for signings and appointments and sharing in tasks to organize work/mom life. Work life balance is never easy but being able to work remotely certainly helps. We have written more offers from sports practice than we can count!
The best advice I ever received is to always put people before the transaction. Homes are special and finding the right one shouldn’t be rushed. We always remember that not everything is meant for us. We serve the people we are meant to serve and feel incredibly blessed every day!
340 Hickory St. Suite #1, Red Bluff • (530) 537-3100 • redbluff.stromerrealty.com
Diana Christensen and daughters Heather & Katie – The Redding Arts Project
Founded in 1997
Diana Christensen, proprietor of The Redding Arts Project, has played a vital role in the Redding arts community for over 30 years, consistently inspiring young performers. Her dedication to theatre and dance is evident in the professional and encouraging atmosphere she and her staff foster for students at the RAP.
Offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical jazz, contemporary ballet, folk dancing and theatre arts for all ages and levels in a beautiful studio in the heart of downtown, the Redding Arts Project is dedicated to quality training in the North State. The RAP, a vibrant school of theatre and dance, is the official home of Redding Theatre Company and Redding Ballet Theatre, a non profit ballet company.
Diana’s greatest joy as a Mamapreneur has been sharing her love of theatre and dance with her family who have been behind the scenes, in her classes, on stage and in the audience.
To balance family and business, she always tries to put her faith first, then family and the rest just seems to fall into place.
1726 Market St, Redding (530) 245-1019 • thereddingartsproject.com
Adrienne Maupin and daughter Kirsten Crisosto – When Pie Meets Bread
In business since 2000
My husband Nathan and I were inspired to open our bakery to give our customers a place to indulge in artisan treats and to build a legacy for our family. My aunt, reminded me often to always pray in times of doubt, stress or concern. That advice has gotten us through a lot and is in large part the reason we have what we have now. The most enjoyable part of being a business owner and parent is living out the saying “if you put your mind to it, anything is possible,” and showing our children what hard work looks like and the freedom that comes with being an entrepreneur. Our daughter Kirsten started in third graded making pie crusts for our pie business and is now a master baker for
our bakery.
We have combined my years of pie-making experience with Nathan’s magic with sourdough bread to create a community-supported bakery, locally sourced in everything we do. Our vision is to help add new flavors and a new experience to everyone who stops on by.
1768 Churn Creek Rd., Redding • (530) 215-3002 • whenpiemeetsbreadbakery.com
Nikola Hawes – Hawes farms
Since 2010
I have so much gratitude that my role at Hawes Farms combines my love for farming with my love for family. It’s a unique experience to be part of something that brings joy to others and the same time teaching our kids about hard work, dedication and the value of community. The farm has become much more than just a business; it’s a way to share our passion for agriculture and family life with others.
Juggling being a parent and running a business is all about balance and teamwork. I try to stay flexible and remember that there is always tomorrow. Life and business can be unpredictable, but embracing change and adapting to the moment is essential. When things get tough, my faith and the support of my family gets me through.
6465 Deschutes Road, Anderson • (530) 365-2332 • hawesfarms.com
Araceli Gutierrez – Araceli Gutierrez Marketing & Consulting LLC
In business since 2015
My passion as a business consultant is to motivate, uplift, inspire and empower our communities in Tehama, Glenn, Butte and Shasta counties. I specialize in helping startup businesses. It all starts with a good story and we are passionate about sharing yours and helping you get your business to the next level. We provide easy-to-apply tactics to attract and retain new and current customers. With radio, social media, TV and geo fencing, consistent branding and a solid marketing plan, we help you reach new consumers and connect your business with Nano Influencers. As an entrepreneur, a mother of four and a grandmother of two, I have learned that no matter what, a healthy work/life balanced is a MUST!
(530) 840-1422 • aracelimarketingconsulting.net
Laurel Bettinger – Hearthmother Goods
In business since 2024
Hearthmother Goods was born out of a simple need; to not get sick so dang often. As I experimented with different ways to fight the constant sniffles and colds, I noticed almost miraculous improvements in my children’s bounce back time by using elderberry syrup. I decided to save some money and make my own. What started out as natural remedies for my family grew into a thriving business. Balancing my personal fulfillment as an entrepreneur with the needs of my large family is tricky, but I try to follow the advice I received from a customer, “If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive.” Beyond any other successes, my husband and I want our kids to have present, peaceful, and unhurried parents.
Dunsmuir • (530) 859-2567 • hearthmothergoods.com
Natalie Rivera – Blissfusion
In business since 2021
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a nurse is the opportunity to build meaningful connections with patients and their families. While working in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that people were anxious and seeking a more proactive approach to their health. This experience, along with a connection to a fellow nurse who owns Blissfusion in Redding, inspired me to open Blissfusion Mount Shasta in 2021. Since then, we have expanded our services to include a variety of offerings—from vitamin IVs to medical aesthetics—designed to help people feel their best. I appreciate the flexibility of owning my own business and the opportunity to care for my community in a relaxing, positive atmosphere.
105 E. Alma St., Mount Shasta • (530) 859-1322 • blissfusionshasta.com
Carly Baird and daughter Samantha Hughes – Rising Knead Bakery
In business since 2024
Rising Knead is not just about baking sourdough. We are on a mission to inspire a lifestyle of health, abundance and creativity. From nurturing young entrepreneurs to promoting alternative education, we believe in living each day with purpose and passion. We knead dreams into reality by building a community of confident creators who embrace simplicity, connection and the joy of homegrown goodness. Together, we rise to meet the challenge of tomorrow with resilience, optimism and the belief that every loaf holds the promise of a brighter future. Rising Knead was built to include my daughter. She has created our logo and the recipe for the famous brown butter cookies, works the farmers market and has a true understating of hard work and making her own money.
5433 N. Old Stage Rd, Mount Shasta • (909) 273-7294 • @risingkneadbakery
Becky May Gruenwald – Country Pumpkins
Celebrating 25 Years – in business since 2000
Farming is full of challenges; the weather, the political environment, regulations and the economy. We get through those challenges with the understanding we cannot control or change what Mother Nature brings us. Therefore we must make the best of what we have and be proactive in helping to create a political and economic environment where farming can thrive.
This year marks our 25th Anniversary.
Come out to the farm and bring your family and friends. It’s a wonderful seasonal tradition.
We await your visit for the ultimate autumn farm family fun!
7152 Hwy 32 • Orland • (530) 865-1575 • countrypumpkins.net
Posted in: Mamapreneurs
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