Jennifer Kelman grew up in Jericho, N.Y., where at age 14 she began baby-sitting and volunteering at her local hospital to help children suffering from illness. Her love of children prompted her education and career path. She graduated with a B.A. in sociology from American University and then a Master’s in social work from New York University. She founded a non-profit organization to prevent eating disorders, lecturing to more than 10,000 students and parents. As soon as Jennifer became an aunt, she spent as much time as possible with her niece and nephews. That is how she discovered her storytelling muse — improvising characters, channeling silly voices and doing impersonations. Taking care of her nephew when his parents were away, Jennifer was inspired to create Mrs. Pinkelmeyer, Silliest, Warmest Know-It-All, and her lovable dog Moopus McGlinden. Now she has created a line of products including dolls, music, temporary tattoos and a children’s book series based on Mrs. Pinkelmeyer.
It is possible to see Jennifer around town, dressed as Mrs. Pinkelmeyer, spreading her love and warmth to children she encounters. Jennifer continues to develop Pinkelmeyer products, and when not in Pinkelmeyer mode, she is an avid athlete who enjoys tennis. Jennifer’s greatest joy, however, is motherhood. She is blessed with new twins, a boy and a girl, who inspire her creativity.
You can visit with Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden at .
What are you working on right now?
There are so many exciting things happening within Mrs. Pinkelmeyer. New products are in development constantly, and we are working on a new application for mobile phones. As a Mom of twins, I enjoy writing articles on the topic to provide insight and strategies to help other parents of twins. As an avid tennis player, I thrive on the court at least once per week to clear my head and enjoy the outdoors.
3 Trends that excite you?
The biggest trend that I see in business is the power of social media and leveraging that power to Mrs. Pinkelmeyer’s advantage. It’s not just enough to have accounts with the top media sites. It is imperative that you keep the conversations going with your followers and fans.
I see the trend in mobile marketing as a way to increase visibility to those who are using their mobile phones even more than the Internet.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I am an insomniac and that has actually been a good thing. All of my ideas have come to me in the middle of the night. Once I think things through in the light of day, I put a plan into action by first researching how to make it happen. I do not wait around to make things happen, nor do I listen to the negative things people may say … This is what makes a great entrepreneur … someone who has the idea, but more important has the stick-to-it-ness to follow through and get things done even after bumping into obstacles.
What is one mistake that you’ve made that our readers can learn from?
One of my mistakes that I am sure many people in business make, is placing your faith and trust in someone who turns out to be the wrong person. It is a good lesson though as it prepares you for the next one who comes along. I learned that it is still a great quality to have an open mind and heart, but to proceed with a bit of caution.
What is one book and one tool that helps you bring ideas to life?
The book that continues to inspire me is “Mommy Manifesto: How to Use Our Power to Think Big, Break Limitations and Achieve Success,” By Kim Lavine. It is like a bible for anyone who has an idea and is nervous to bring it to fruition.
The Internet has been the tool that helps me bring my ideas to life. I do a ton of research on companies that can help me with products and find people who have the special qualities that are needed in my business.
What is one idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
This question is a tough one as the light bulb ideas that have come to me are in progress. I’ll let you know when the bulb goes off again.
How did you get Mrs. Pinkelmeyer from idea to market?
Grit, determination and research. My will is extremely strong, so once I figured out what products I wanted to develop, I began lining up the people that could bring it all to life.
What has been your greatest reward personally?
The birth of my twins. They are 14 months right now, and although the days can be tough — especially while running my business — when I look in their eyes, all of the stress of every day life disappears.
Connect:
www.MrsPinkelmeyer.com
www.facebook.com/MrsPinkelmeyer
www.YouTube.com/MrsPinkelmeyer
www.Twitter.com/MrsPinkelmeyer
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.