four kids under 7.

Kiran and I had chatted back and forth through email for quite awhile when we finally met.  We wanted to meet up for some time but schedules just weren't working out.  We decided to do a photo shoot of her hanging out at home with her girls before her next baby was born.  I had no idea when we started talking that we would end up doing the shoot and meeting for the first time the day before she was induced!  

Kiran is amazing; juggling being the co-publisher/editor of Little Ones Magazine, three fun little girls, a sweet new baby boy, and many other little projects.  She is living a very full life.  After hearing about everything she has going on I have a feeling I'm not the only that's wondering how she does it all!  Kiran, thanks so much for being part of this series and taking the time to share.

You have a lot going on both in business and with your family.  What does a typical day look like for you between family and running your business?
Gosh; my days are absolutely crazy these days with a newborn.  My little guy still gets up a few times in the night - so I'd say that I'm up around 1 a.m., 4 a.m. and again at 7 a.m. My husband helps me get our first grader off to school, and then I tackle getting the 4- and 2-year-old to preschool (3 days a week) or spend time with them til our sitter comes. On our "sitter days", she is here for 5 hours. Working out of the house allows me to focus as needed without added interruptions.  I feel I get lots more done working out of the house vs. an office and am thankful for that!  After the sitter leaves, or on preschool days after everyone is up from naps/home from school, I spend the late afternoons with the family running kids to extracurricular activities, etc., making dinner, baths, etc. - you know, the general routine. My evenings always consist of a few more hours of work after the kids are in bed.

What have you learned is the most important aspect of running a business?
In my case, it's flexibility.  Running a business while managing a household with 4 kids under the age of 7 takes quite a bit of multitasking. Always focus on what you are working on - when it's work time, it's work time - no personal phone calls, errands, etc.  When it's play time, focus on fun and let your work go.  By the way, I'm still working on this part!

What do you think is a vital part of the day with your family that you try not to miss?  
As crazy as it is, dinner time and thereafter is very important to me.  My husband is not always home for dinner, so I try to engage the girls in conversation and share thoughts from the day. Putting the kids to bed is also a cherished moment - not because they are headed off to sleep, but it's a great time to connect with them and share thoughts from the past 24 hours. The hugs and kisses are an added bonus!

With so much going on, what keeps you organized?
Sadly enough, I keep most things in my head.  I've had an organizer but have transferred over to my iPhone/calendar on my computer.  But I generally store things in the good ol' brain which is not a great thing when you are suffering from baby brain.

What are you most proud of?
I'm most proud of starting a publication from scratch and making it successful from day 1. We have been very fortunate to have weathered the economic storm, and for that I am most thankful to loyal advertisers and readers. I can't tell you happy it makes us to bring our readers something that they enjoy while at the same time bringing our advertisers the awareness they are seeking.

What top five pieces of advice would you give women business owners?
1. Look to your audience/clients for direction. They will help you understand how to make your business better with their desires. In our case, we initially started off as a publication for 0-6 year-olds.  Our readers basically told us that they have kids up to the age of 9 or 10, which helped us tailor our product to them.  It was a win-win.
2. Customer service, customer service.  This is an integral part of the equation!
3. Learn from your mistakes.
4. Don't be afraid to take that initial leap; you'll only find out if you try.
5. Seek other women and/or local business owners.  We're all in this together and can be stronger by supporting each other.

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