Business Opportunities Weblog

March 17, 2008 by Angela Shupe | 1 Comment

Many parents find themselves a little tongue tied when their children start to ask those questions that we all dread. Those questions about where babies come from and the even more specific ones to follow after that. One mom set out to help answer those questions.

Amy Lang has a long past history in sexual health education. When her own child started asking her questions, she was surprised to find herself unsure on how to answer. Amy’s business is to help other parents find out how they can approach these topics when the time is right, either through workshops or through consultations.

What is Birds + Bees + Kids?

I help parents and other folks talk to kids about the birds and the bees. I help them learn how to make the conversations more effective, what to say and when, how to keep kids safe throughout childhood and adolescence and, most importantly how to clarify family values about sex, love and relationships. I offer workshops, talks and one on one consultations to suit a variety of needs and situations.

How long has it been since you started your website?

It’s been about three years and right now I’m about a third of the way through my second major overhaul. I had no idea how much a website is a work in progress!

Have you learned anything since you’ve started that you wish you’d known before?

I have learned that having a real, sound business plan before jumping in is very helpful. I had a very simple one, but it didn’t really do much for me. After I’d been in business for about a year and a half, I contacted SCORE and began working with a great counselor. He held my hand through writing my business plan and the whole process was immensely helpful to me.

It really helped me get more grounded in my business and learn a thing or two about the business of business, if that makes any sense!

The other thing I’ve learned is how important marketing and copywriting is to my business. Pretty much all of my business development time and money is spent here. If I can’t sell effectively, I am not going to take over the world!

One more thing I’ve learned, thanks to Inc. magazine, is that my business is called a “mission driven” business. While I am driven to make money, it’s more important that I help parents with this important part of parenting – this is my real driving force.

What type of experience do you have in sexual health education?

I have a long history as a sexual health educator. I got started in my 20’s and I worked in a variety of organizations in the Seattle area – everything from offering support and advice for people needing information about birth control and abortion services over the phone to working in a Planned Parenthood Clinic. I have a knack for talking about sex, and really enjoy this work. Sex is never dull – whether I’m helping someone decide what their plan is for an unplanned pregnancy or helping a parent figure out when they should start talking to their kids about sex.

When do you find the time to do your consultations and workshops around being a mom?

My son is in first grade so I have the daytime to drum up business and deal with the day to day business stuff. I’m able to pick him up from school, hang out, make dinner for the family and then head out the door for that night’s event. It’s challenging to stay on top of the family duties and the work duties, but this work is truly my calling and my wonderful spouse knows this. He makes it work – even though it means we see each other for about a half an hour some days!

What types of steps did you need to take to get started?

I needed to figure out exactly what parents need to know – I didn’t really have a clue. I just knew there was a need. So I did some research into what works best for kids in terms of getting them to wait to have sex and then use condoms and birth control when they do. I also had to learn all about sexual development and sexual abuse.

I have a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from the Leadership Institute of Seattle and my training is in experiential education, personal coaching and adult education. I know how adults learn best and so I had to put together my curriculum to support their learning. This was really fun for me to do.

I also lined up an excellent graphic and web designer, my friend, Christine Larsen. I knew I had to look really professional, friendly and competent and she has really helped me to do this with my branding. I just registered my logo and business name so they are officially “mine.”

In Advice, Interviews, Women | 1 Comment