Samantha Ortiz Whitelaw is a woman who wears many hats. After resigning from a 12-year career in education in the fall of 2021, due to a toxic work environment, she became a solopreneur. She has her own online women’s boutique, is a new mom to her infant daughter, juggles house duties with her husband, and continues to work in education. Samantha is what you might call a solopreneur, a mompreneur, boss babe or any other term synonymous with ‘female boss’,

Can you tell our readers about your background?

On paper, I’m an educator. I have my master’s in education and have taught elementary school for 12 years. However, I’m so much more than that. I’m also a new mom, a wife, an only child, and a business owner. I am a native New Yorker, went to college in Florida, and I now call Virginia home.

What inspired you to start your business?

 I recently had a baby girl in April 2021, during the pandemic, so my perspective on just about everything has changed or shifted at least. I decided I wanted to be someone SHE (my daughter) could look up to and someone she wanted to emulate.                                

Postpartum is also not always a fun time for mothers; and for me, getting dressed was a really difficult task each day. Nothing fit quite right or if it did, it wasn’t cute and rarely made me feel good in my skin. I didn’t want to continue feeling that way and I knew other women wanted more and deserved more too. So much more.

Where is your business based?

My business, Manic Momma Boutique, is based online. Mostly via Instagram and Facebook. But, I do live in Northern Virginia and I ship all over the country. So, I guess you could side I’m nationwide in some ways.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

I actually started out as part of another company in July 2021. This company was an MLM (multi level marketing) company and I learned alot about doing online sales and taking risks. I used Facebook to host LIVE sales and had a private group for clients and any woman who wanted to be part of my community. Unfortunately, I found the sizing was not as inclusive to all body types as I had hoped. Several months later, I separated from them and started to find my own styles and inventory. This took a lot of research and trial and error with ordering clothes. This was also a lot of change for any one person; so asking for help has been a HUGE part of my growth. I try to ask for help as often as possible; from other online business owners, friends, family, and I always stay open to change or to learn. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

I have been really excited about shifting a lot of my focus to Instagram and my VIP email list. My email list clients get lots of perks and are always the first to know what is happening with my boutique. Instagram has been a great way to grow my audience and build connections with so many different women. 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Mindset. It’s quite the buzzword, but it’s really true. If I’m stressed, or anxious as any new mom gets, my business has taken the backseat some days. Probably more days than I’d like to admit. Staying organized and purposely taking time out for ME has made those rough days so much easier.

How do you stay focused?

I use a planner called ‘Crush The Rush’ by Holly Marie Haynes and it has helped me prioritize exactly what needs to get done rather than a million item to-do list that never ends. This also forces me to block out time to just relax or be ‘off’ for a little while.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I really connect with moms, new moms, and moms with postpartum depression. Feeling good in our bodies is a HUGE part of motherhood that no one likes to talk about. That makes my business so different. I talk about my body, my feelings, and my clothes. ALL the time.                                                                                   

Honestly, there is always going to be a woman who is more successful than me. That’s OK. I have decided that I can learn from her while I cheer her on. No two businesses are identical, so rather than play the comparison game, I’d rather learn something from them and know that I, too, can be successful.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

     This is a toss up between growing my email list and showing up more on social media. I make sure my emails are weekly, not spammy, and always have a personal message from me for my clients to read. I am also working on being more consistent with my social media presence, especially on Instagram.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Just do the thing. I know people say that a lot. I know I’ve rolled my eyes at that before. But, man. It’s so true. Life is TOO short to not be doing something that excites you and makes you want to get out of bed in the morning. Write down your goals, your ideas, and people you know in the same field. Then, start asking questions. Just START.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

I want to say my favorite app is Instagram because I have had so much fun connecting and creating. I NEVER thought I would like it so much. I don’t have a blog or book right now that I’m into, but I do have podcasts that I really like. It’s much easier to put headphones on and listen while taking care of my baby! The two that are on replay for me are by Kayla Ybanez and Allie Reeves. Download both of their podcasts, they are GREAT for entrepreneurs of ANY kind. 

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Oh, this is easy. Mailerlite. It is what I use to create my email list content. It’s also FREE until you have 1,000 subscribers. It’s a no-brainer in my opinion.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Oh gosh, I have a few. Right now though, my friend Stephanie Cogan, another mompreneur is at the top of the list. She got me into this business and I’m so grateful for that. She has been so inspiring and just such an authentic business owner. Some people aren’t so vulnerable. 

How do you balance work and life?

I work on that everyday. I don’t think there’s a perfect solution, but I do think that if you TRY to plan out time for yourself and quality time with your family, you have a much better shot at having a more balanced life. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Hot baths. Maybe it’s cliche. I don’t care. Give me ALL the bath bombs, Epsom salt, and candles, please!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Well, my goal is to keep growing and building when it comes to my business. It’s still so new! I also want to do so many things with my new little family, so many ‘firsts’ for us to look forward to!

How can our readers connect with you?

I would love to connect with you on Instagram @manic.momma.boutique or you can email me at manicmommamtc@gmail.com