BuddyBoo is in the News

I am pleased as punch to share with my little corner of the world a story our local cable channel did on BuddyBoo Stationery. Cable Channel 12 came to our house last Friday and wowed the kids with their camera and lights and caught a glimpse of how glamorous my work conditions are.

The link will work for a month and I don't want to lose the incredible story written by reporter Shannon Slatton so I'm copying the text to this blog.

For now, please click here to access the story. This is why BuddyBoo exists.


Maple Grove business pays it forward
For Jean Tate, the path to a second career all started with Christmas cards.

"I've made them for friends and family. It got up to about 90, but then I had to cut back," said Tate.

As the feedback kept coming in, the ideas kept churning."Everybody would write in cards -- this was really cool. You should do this for a living," said Tate.

So what convinced Tate to start up a part-time job?

"Having the strong support of all of my friends and family combined with the strong desire to have more time with my kids."

In April, Tate decided to use her marketing skills to tailor-make stationery for customers. She started up a website and a business out of her Maple Grove home. Tate decided to name her new stationery company BuddyBoo Stationery after her two children, Jordan, 7, whose nickname is 'Buddy,' and Ellie, 3, who she calls 'Boo.'

"I thought I would see how it goes and keep my day job and grow BuddyBoo and someday I'll be able to have BuddyBoo be it and I'll have more flexibility with my kids," said Tate. Tate's goal is to have that happen by the time 3-year-old Ellie is in Kindergarten.

But what makes this home business different from others is she started with one big commitment.

"Even if I make $5 and that's it, then I'm going to donate part of it to autism awareness," said Tate. Three years ago, doctors diagnosed her son Jordan with autism.

"That basically rocks your world, when you go through that whole process and you have somebody say I think there's something wrong with your child," said Tate. "It took me a long time to pull myself off the floor and say this isn't about me, it's about him."

Jordan's autism is high-functioning, which means most people probably wouldn't notice it. Tate says he's a very bright boy with a good vocabulary, but sometimes struggles with language and social skills.

"He'll have a hard time finding the right word. He'll say 'do you like milk in your bucket?"' said Tate. "The brain is in the right category but can't filter through everything. One day you are dealing with this, and the next day it's not an issue. One day you will try this tool in therapy, but the next day it won't work."

Since Jordan's diagnosis, the Tates have become very involved with the Walk Now for Autism. They were one of the top fundraisers for 2008. Tate says more people need to be aware of high functioning autism cases like Jordan's.

"I want people to know there is another side to autism besides kids who can't speak or adults who can't speak," said Tate. "Every kid is different."

So while she hopes her personalized cards will pull on a few heart strings, she knows part of the profits will go to a cause that's close to her own heart.


Shannon Slatton, reporting
sslatton@twelve.tv
Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Post Moms 2 Mom Expo

Thanks for attending the first Moms 2 Mom Expo! What a great success for a great cause! I'm so thrilled to have been a part of this event and am thankful I was asked to become a vendor. The Taylor and Kovic families are in my thoughts as they deal with the loss of their Amy.

Please remember to visit this blog and my website often. I truly value your business and look forward to becoming a source for all your parties, celebrations, and stationery.

Be on the lookout for BuddyBoo Stationery. I'm ready to explode into the market, be seen and heard everywhere, and become your number one source for invitations, announcements, personalized stationery, and gifts.

Jean
BuddyBoo

Look at All This Stuff!

The picture below is a sampling of all the stationery I'll have for sale at the Moms 2 Mom Expo this Saturday.

Playdate Cards - Calling all Moms!

The latest trend is a calling card for children. How cool is that? Ever been to the playground, met another parent and child who you'd like to see again but can't find a scrap of paper to get their name and number? Here's an awesome solution - a playdate card for your child!

BuddyBoo Stationery offers a great selection of design options for these playdate cards and more designs will always be added. I have some samples on my website and will be posting more soon, but visit me at the Moms 2 Mom Expo on January 10 to see my latest examples and order yours!

If you're interested in seeing samples and want to order some, email me at design@buddyboostationery.com. Mention you heard about it from this blog and you'll save $1.00 off the price.

A set of 10 is only $5.00 and $4.00 after this blog offer. You can always order more than 10...after all, your child is going to have a ton of friends, right?

As always, pass the blog, share the site.

Jean

BuddyBoo Stationery

P.S. Watch KARE-11 this Saturday, January 3, 2009, as the Moms 2 Mom Expo will be highlighted. Among samples available for moms at the Expo are designs by BuddyBoo Stationery!