Featured Cloth Diaper WAHM: Sarah of Motherhood Naturally

Q: What Led You to Start Using Cloth Diapers?

A: At first, it was a financial decision. As I researched cloth diapers I learned how much better they were for the environment and especially the health of my daughter!


Q: How did you go about making cloth diapers your business?

A: How did you go about making cloth diapers your business?
The more I learned and experimented with cloth diapers, the more people I came across who either didn't know cloth diapers existed, or those who were overwhelmed by the many new options and getting lost searching through what can be misleading or conflicting advice online. I thought cloth diapering classes would be a great help to my local community, not only to help educate those who were interested but to also bring awareness to those who didn't know cloth still existed - or refused to give it another thought
because of the image they had (pins, pull up pants and leaky diapers that needed folding). I went ahead and started making handouts for local cloth diaper classes, and as the handouts started piling up I realized maybe I should just write a book. I thought a book that had everything in one place and was updated for today's times would be a great benefit for anyone interested in using cloth diapers. They could read it when they had the time, without having to be at a computer, they could take it to the nursery to practice the folding techniques, and their questions for getting started with and using cloth diapers would be answered with pictures and clear
information. That is how my book came about - it was just supposed to be some handouts for my cloth diapering classes. Once I decided to go ahead with writing an actual book on cloth diapering the ideas just kept flowing, the book kept growing, and it has turned into a comprehensive introduction to cloth diapering, and an excellent reference for those already familiar with using cloth diapers.


Q: Was starting your business difficult?

A: Not really. I spent much time researching information and putting my book together, and the cloth diapering class curriculum was pretty simple to put together when I realized what needed to be addressed most importantly. Writing the book came during my daughters naps and when she was in bed I'd stay up late hours at night preparing, researching, writing, editing, etc.


Q: How do you manage to run a business with small children?

A: I work when my daughter sleeps, it seems to be the best arrangement. When daddy is home I might be able to escape for a short while, but I depend on my daughters sleep time to get the most productive work done.


Q: What does your home office look like?

A: A mess :-) Aside from having published my book on cloth diapering and handling all of the printing and binding in my own home, I also am a childbirth educator, new parent educator and postpartum doula, natural family boutique consultant, state coordinator for Operation Special Delivery and Michigan rep for CAPPA (Childbirth And Postpartum Professionals Association). So I have shelves of books and videos, filing cabinets overflowing with business paperwork, visual aids for my classes, printers, binder, printing and binding supplies for my book, clip boards hanging on the wall with important things I need to do and remember, paperwork for my retailers, a set up managing incoming orders that need to be filled and shipped, a calendar, and more. My desk is often overflowing with paperwork but honestly I know where important papers are under all the mess, so I suppose it could be called organized chaos. If I clean it, I can't find anything!


Q: What Is The Most Rewarding Thing About Running Your Home Business?

A: Being able to stay home with my growing family, certainly. Some days are more productive than others, but the important things get done no matter how late I have to stay up at night, and I have the pleasure of staying home with my daughter (and son, who is currently slightly overdue!) and watching her grow and learn.

I have a few more ideas for books I'd like to write and publish in the future, but when the right time comes to sit down and start writing them, it'll happen. I never imagined I'd write and publish a book, but it has become a great success and I am very happy I did it. I sell the book wholesale and have a drop ship option for any business interested in carrying it, and am always interested in helping people start cloth diapering classes in their area. My book has been endorsed by Happy
Heiny's, Stacinator, Diaper Decisions and Snap-Ez Diaper Co., and I have many positive testimonials from my readers - I have been thrilled with the outcome of something that was supposed to just be a couple of handouts for my cloth diapering classes!