I have entered the Pillsbury Bake-Off, created a short-lived granola business, submitted to an advertising contest for Heinz Ketchup, and pitched a business plan for a college laundry delivery business. The proposed company was “Laundry 101: When Your Homework Piles Up, Your Laundry Doesn’t Have To.” (Seriously, how could you resist that tagline!?)

These things have one thing in common: They were unsuccessful.

Yes, it’s true, my Ham & Apricot Brunch Pie never made me millions, nor did my original recipe for Lemon Pistachio Granola, nor did Laundry 101. However, when I look back on those mini-adventures I always smile. The experience of merely trying an idea out, has always been exciting to me. Finding a need and coming up with an innovative solution can be an excellent outlet for moms.

My mentor once told me that it’s important to have an outlet to do things you love a little bit each day, week or month (whatever works for your family.) It is energizing and healthy to utilize your gifts and interests. I didn’t believe this when I first got married, but after I listened to an increasing number of older moms give this advice, I decided there might just be something to what they were saying. I didn’t do anything that was a huge time commitment, or stressful. I just decided to have some creative outlets that would give me something fun to work on.

Then one day, years later, my husband started his own business. I snapped into action with website creating, Facebook posting, pinning places on maps, calling potential customers, and making lists of services. It was at that moment that we both realized I have an entrepreneurial spirit. I am not saying I am some clever, successful, entrepreneur with winning ideas. Quite the opposite! Actually, 10 out of 10 of my business ideas have been fails! However, it hasn’t changed my excitement to keep stepping out. (I do have a recovery period with some tears between failures- make no mistake.) The only business venture that was a success was my husband's, but when we moved from Texas to Michigan, we needed to discontinue. It was a wonderful year, but it was a regionally sensitive business. He has a new job now and life has moved on.

My birthday was last month. In a couple weeks before my birthday I was given the assignment here at TheBetterMom.com to review “Business Boutique” by Christy Wright. I was SO PUMPED! I was going to get a book with all kinds of resources for how to put some of my ideas to work! That night, I told my husband that a copy of the book was coming in the mail. His mouth dropped open.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I pre-ordered that book for your birthday,” he said.

Click HERE to grab your copy of Business Boutique!

I was touched that my husband knew me well enough to order me something that I would genuinely enjoy.

Needless to say, this book was a perfect fit for me. I’d love to share what you will get when you purchase this book which just came out April 17th!

This book will help you:

overcome doubt
build a business plan
figure out your why
set goals
plan a practical schedule
understand profits
reach the right people in the right way
promote your business without being pushy
grow, scale, expand your business
find balance

Christy starts the book with the inspiring story of her mom who started her own business. The written snapshots of Christy’s hard-working mom will leave you longing for a slice of her genuine fortitude and fresh-baked, hand-frosted cake.

Christy Wright is the creator of the Business Boutique movement. She hosts podcasts which are available here. She speaks to women on the subject of how to start and grow a business so they can make money doing what they love. She is a Certified Business Coach and Ramsey Personality. You can find her on her book tour! Click here to see if she will be in a city near you!

Christy has created action steps throughout the book for readers. If you follow the prompts and ask yourself the hard questions, by the time you reach the end of the book, you will have a complete business plan! She takes you step by step through your processes, your earnings, relevant tax information and social media advice. This manual will offer you a “one-stop-shopping” experience if you are a woman who is interested in creating a small business or interested in "making money doing what you love."

Maybe you are like me and have taken some chances that have been unsuccessful. Or maybe you are like me because you have a reoccurring itch to try new ideas. Or maybe you are like the younger me who wondered if it was worthwhile to still pursue personal passions as a young mom. Whatever you identify with, I feel like you will enjoy this resource to get serious about goals and hammer out the details of a plan you have always wanted to put into action.

I can’t wait to see what wonderful products or services will come from women who read Business Boutique. One thing is for sure; the women who read through this will be much further ahead than my amateur renderings and eager-but-slightly-naive thoughts on starting Laundry 101. This was the book I needed back then and here I am now with two books! (I love my husband.) I have one to loan out to friends and one to highlight and keep for myself so that one day… one fine day… I can have a business plan for that one idea that finally will be the one I've been waiting for.

In other news, I need to hire my younger self to help with laundry right now,

Lindsey Feldpausch :)

PS While I was browsing information about Christy Wright for this review, I came across this quote from Dave Ramsey from one of the Business Boutique events. It certainly encouraged me and I thought it was worth leaving here for you. For all those who have a stack of failures...