Mums return to work either to contribute to the family’s finances or because they genuinely need that part of their lives in order to feel complete. Their is no shame in women returning to work when they have young children. Just as their is no shame in women deciding to be a stay at home mother. In fact SAHM often have the toughest and most taxing job around.

But what happens when you want to stay at home with your children and advance your career at the same time. Often it leads to mothers coming up with someof the most innovative business ideas to fill a niche that to them is glaringly and obviously missing.

Read Liza’s story from Bebabo and how she is bringing European toys to New Zealand. Also, find out how to win a 30$ gift certificate from her company.

What is your name and how many children do you have?
Liza Shieff . I have two adorable children Dasha 10 years and Daniel 2 years

What is your business and how long has it been running?
My business is www.bebabo.co.nz and it was launched last year in March so we are still at baby stage.

When did you decide to start your business? What was the light bulb moment when you decided that you had to start your business?
I  wasn’t  very happy about my daughter playing with Barbie especially when she started to compare herself unfavorably with Barbie’s unattainable figure and long, blonde hair.
So unfortunately all Barbies had to go. When all Barbies left our house I realized that I needed to replace them with something. My  dilemma was increased with the arrival of Daniel. I always wanted high quality, long-lasting toys for him and his big sister but it was very hard to find them in New Zealand. But one day I came across a Haba catalogue and I was happy to discover what I was looking for for a long time and my journey in a toys business started.

How do you balance work and family?
I understand that time which I spend with my family is invaluable so I always try to make sure that I spend enough time with my kids. There is a big advantage of being a work at home mum as you can choose when you want to work and build your working hours around your family. The only disadvantage is my late nights as night time is a prime time for me – it is so quiet and peaceful.

What is up ahead for your business in the future?
I want lots of kids to have Haba toys

How has your life changed from BC (before child)? My life has changed dramatically after my son. 3 years ago I was working in a nice city office and I had the same routine every week day and I didn’t have much time to spend with my daughter. She was attending after school care and I always felt guilty about it.  I loved my job but I was so tired in the evenings so I could not do much with her.

What have been your greatest accomplishments in business? And your greatest struggles?
The greatest accomplishment is to see kids with Haba toys and hear from their parents that their children get attached to Haba toys. My greatest struggle is stock intake – it is fun but so time consuming.

How can people find out more about your products?
It will be great to see more people on my website www.bebabo.co.nz or on my social network bebabotoys.ning.com

What is your favorite product from your shop?
I adore all Haba toys

Thanks, Liza

Want to win a 30$ gift certificate from Bebabo? Does your child have one of those achingly noisy toys that you wish he or she did not love so much? You know the one – the loud train that makes an ear piercing tooting noise, or the doll that says “I love you” in a sickly twang? Or maybe it is even that toy that has become so groddy and aged you wish you could be rid of it for good?

How to Enter
In the comment section tell me about this toy annoying toy – this will get you one entry to the competition.
For a second entry, tell me if you were able to get rid of this toy and donate it to charity. I understand it might not be possible to tramautize your child, but I have had friends in the past who have managed to turn it into a learning experience for their child. If you can, why not consider donating it to a toy library, plunket rooms, doctor’s office – use your imagination.

For a third entry, post the link of this competition to Facebook (http://girlstoys.co.nz/2009/03/bebabotoysbebabotoys/) and let me know that you have done so in the comments
Enter once, twice or three times!
Entries close Monday, March 23, 2009 at 5pm
Open to NZ Residents only.
Winners will be picked at random from random.org

Good Luck!