I would practice the ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ theory and slow down to think more about the initial products we launched.
Kelly Johnson is the founder of Parker Time Potions pediatric massage oils and an expert on parent/child bonding. When Kelly noticed that her toddler son was developing at a “delayed” rate, she wanted to bond with him and experience the joy of development and progress. Through her research, Kelly discovered that massage was the best way for her and her son to bond when “normal” avenues of bonding were not available, leading her to formulate her own all-natural Parker Time Potions pediatric massage oils. Her son was since diagnosed with autism and Parker Time now also serves as a vehicle to fund autism research by donating some of its proceeds to autism related causes.
Where did the idea for Parker Time Potions come from?
When I noticed that my toddler son was developing at a ‘delayed’ rate, I wanted to bond with him and experience the joy of development and progress. After much research, I discovered that massage was the best way for my son and I to bond when the ‘normal’ avenues of bonding were not available. With that, I formulated my own all-natural massage products: the Original Potion that promotes skin softness and strengthens the bond between parent and child, the Play Potion that promotes the parent-child bond as well as play time, and the Relax Potion that help the child calm down and relax for a restful night’s sleep.
What does your typical day look like?
My typical day starts with getting my son ready for school and then taking him to school. I then get into the office and answer e-mails, as well as follow up with our sales rep. I am always looking at reports and seeing how our products are performing. I am also always in bed early and make sure that the last hour of my day is spent with my son, Parker.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe that if you think it, it is possible. I have a lot of support and inspiration, which helps keep me going. Because the main goal of Parker Time Potions is to give back to Autism Research, I am always motivated to bring my business aspirations to fruition.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
I love social entrepreneurship, because giving back to others is so important.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I would have to say my ability to manage and use my time well. Time management is key for both your profession and personal life.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I haven’t really had bad jobs, but I have had bad bosses. I am glad I did though, because they taught me how to be a better leader.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would practice the ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ theory and slow down to think more about the initial products we launched.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Yoga! I need to slow down every minute of every day and remember to balance it all but still give everything 100%
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Building relationships and putting the consumers’ needs first. I love hearing from my customers and seeing how we have helped them slow down and bond with their little ones.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I think for any first-year business, the budget is always hard to stick to. Every business opportunity sounds amazing, but budgeting has helped me be picky about who I partner with.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I think any idea can be a business! It would be amazing to have a personal errands business, where someone does all of your errands for you.
Tell us something about you that very few people know?
I come across as very stern and confident, but I sometimes question myself. It comes and goes.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
I love GoDaddy, as it is so easy to use and their customer service is amazing.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I love Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘What the Dog Saw,’ as it helps give you a new perspective on things.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
Of course, my son, Parker. He is amazing and I am inspired by how he faces all of his challenges with a smile and a strong spirit.
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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.