Guardian Angels Watch Over This Business
Becky DeYoung wanted to start a home-based business. When I asked her if she had a mentor she told me, “I don’t consider people as mentors but as guardian angels above and here on Earth. My mom’s sister Suzie died in 2004. She was so full of life, and we had a very unique bond. For years—whenever I shared my dream of starting this business she would always say, “Send it out to the Universe. If you want something bad enough to happen in your life, it will happen.” I have felt her in my home, and look at pictures of her for guidance. Her picture sits next to my office computer so she can watch over my business and keep me moving forward. I have met powerful women in business during my journey. They support me 120% and tell me I’m doing this business for all the right reasons. I consider them my guardian angels here on Earth.”
Describe your business and what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
My husband and I have a gourmet spice business with one very unique blend. DeYoung’s Fore Seasons is a combination of 18 robust herbs and spices. My cousin Greg Watson, who owns a successful wholesale wicker business here in Michigan, suggested marketing the blend. Mark and I thought “WHY NOT?” We could get the business started in our spare time while working full time jobs.
Did you encounter any challenges because you are a woman?
I have been in the retail grocery business for over 15 years. Men always had a problem with women with titles. Being a woman vendor is even tougher. When I started visiting stores in 2005, a similar product had hit the shelves two weeks earlier. The creator was an older man with a reputation in the restaurant business. Thankfully, I had already built some strong relationships with my old career. Retailers learned it was my own personal product and gave me a chance.
How do you juggle being a wife/mom/entrepreneur?
I consider my responsibilities more like hours of operation. My average day begins at 4:30 a.m. The Internet never sleeps (thank God for technology). I check and answer emails, website usage reports, and look for possible avenues of marketing. My boys wake up between 6-7 a.m. They have pretty mellow mornings allowing me to work until lunch. Then, it is outside for the rest of the day.
Photo by DeYoungs Fore Seasons Spice.
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