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Stop The Hating! Parents Support One Another On Friends With Kids

No sane couple would spend a hundred bucks to take in a movie, right? Well, if they’re parents and they want to see a James Cameron flick on the big screen and they need to pay a babysitter, they’ll drop at least a c-note, no question. Add dinner? Let them wait for the results of the loan application first.

 

Unless they have grandma and grandpa move in (disaster warning), parents need a social support group, big time. Friends With Kids connects parents to an online community of other parents where they can swap babysitting duties, organize and find play dates, trade and sell children’s items, and more. Let’s face it, life is better for everyone on the block when parents can keep their savings and wits.

 

Yes, parents do a lot more online than post pictures of their kids. They deserve a tool like FriendsWithKids.net to make their jobs on the home front easier and to build a trusted, family-oriented community. Founder Melissa tells us more:

 

What’s your company about? What do you do? Who are your customers?

Social network site for parents with children. The site is a tool for parents to connect with other local parents with similar interests. Also able to find/post local events and sell/trade used children’s items. The site also allows you to swap babysitting with other parents for free instead of paying $10-$20 a hour for a babysitter when you want to go on a date.

 

 

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What’s the greatest thing about your company/website? Why is it better than the competition?

There is nothing similar on the web. The site is a mix between meetup.com and Craigslist, with the aspect of finding new friends with similar interests for you and your kids – not to mention the ability to find/offer free babysitting. Almost like a dating website for families. There is an optional security benefit in which you can get yourself verified with a background check to let other parents know you are who you say you are and don’t have any serious convictions.

 

What time do you usually start work each day? How many hours a day do you usually work?

8am. Work about 6 hours a day M-F.

 

When’s the last time you went on vacation and where did you go?

New Orleans a few weeks ago. I love to travel.

 

When do your best ideas come to you?

Working out.

 

How many people did you start the company with and how many people work for you now?

Just me.

 

A lot of people have big ideas. What gave you the confidence to actually go after yours?

I was making big changes in my life and wanted to take a chance at this.

 

 

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How do you handle frustration? What has been your biggest professional frustration?

I work out. Biggest professional frustration so far is getting people to keep up on their projected time lines.

 

How do you picture your company in 5 years?

Successful and people loving what I have created. Hoping it really helps parents and brings the community closer again, like in the ‘50s.

 

Who or what inspires YOU? Role models? Quotes? Running? Video games? Snack food?

Food! Hot yoga, my son.

 

 

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How’d you fund this venture? VC? Self-funding? Crowdfunded?

I worked hard and became my own loan.

 

Got any great bootstrapping tips for the lean startups out there?

Follow your dreams and don’t give up. Get shit done!

 

What would you do if you had a year off and $500,000 to spend (on something other than work)?

Travel the world. There is so much the world has to offer.

 

Do you consider yourself a successful entrepreneur? If not, what’ll make you feel successful?

Not yet, but I am working toward it. Once my website is successful, I will feel successful at accomplishing something I put my mind to.

 

Top 5 websites you couldn’t live without and why?

Facebook, Google, Pinterest, Netflix, and Amazon – I love staying in contact with family and friends, love researching new stuff, and love reading blogs.

 

Top 5 mobile apps you’re in love with and why?

Online banking, Facebook, Pandora, Amazon, and Kayak – love to find good deals and the convenience of online banking.

 

Number 1 country you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet? (And why that country?)

Greece! So beautiful and love the history

 

Where else should our readers find you online?

 

Photo Credits

Friendswithkids

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