Lee Hughes never thought a New York City vacation would have such a major impact on her life, but what she found there inspired her to return to Charleston with the idea for an interesting new business venture.
Background
While in New York with her six-month-old, Lee picked up a mom-friendly guidebook to the city, which she found extremely helpful in navigating and planning her trip. “Why doesn’t Charleston have something like this?” thought Lee. With year-long visitors flooding the city as well as the multitude of moms living in the Charleston area, a regional guidebook detailing mom-friendly restaurants, recreational outlets and other pertinent information was long overdue.
Lee joined with business partner Tricia Barrett to begin planning their first publication in the fall of 2003 and introduced the premiere copy of Moms In The Know in April 2004. The guidebook features “we got through it” articles, focusing on parenting challenges and issues; features on local moms and kids; local attraction listings; and parenting tips and advice.
Problem
After the publication of the first edition, a friend referred Lee and Tricia to the South Carolina Women’s Business Center (SCWBC) for assistance in start-up business counseling and direction. Lee and Tricia worked with SCWBC Business Counselor Mary Dickerson on structuring their media kits, determining competitive ad rates and deciding upon a licensing agreement. They attended the WBC’s Business Plan Writing Seminar, and Tricia completed Quickbooks coursework. SCWBC also helped them secure a scholarship to attend the Fast Trac Venture course through the Greater Charleston Chamber of Commerce.
Impact
Now with eight Moms In The Know editions published, the guidebook is experiencing tremendous growth. Ad sales have grown 1000% since the first edition, and the number of advertisers has increased from 25 to approximately 70 per issue. The publication has moved from two issue dates per year to four. Moms In The Know reaches over 15,000 moms per issue. The website has experienced marked growth in popularity with an average of more than 500 hits per day. Moms In The Know books are now available at various locations around Charleston, including the Visitors’ Center and area rental agencies.
Their business has grown to include five total work-at-home employees, with the addition of graphics, sales and distribution employees.
“Moms In The Know has filled a void in the Charleston region for a comprehensive guide to mom-friendly entertainment and dining options as well as educational and helpful articles,” said Lee. “SCWBC provided tremendous assistance in preparing and growing our business venture.”
Now that they have carved their niche in the Charleston market, Lee and Tricia are ready to expand to other markets under their established licensing agreement.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SC Women's Business Center is a program of the SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership, with management, oversight and support provided by SCMEP and its resources.
Success Stories 
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SC Women's Business Center is a program of the SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership, with management, oversight and support provided by SCMEP and its resources.