January’s One Successful Mama Profile: Heather Holtschlag Public Relations
“I wanted to do something for myself, to retain my own identity and to do something outside of my most important job as Mommy.”
-Heather Holtschlag
Happy New Year, dear readers! My first One Successful Mama profile of 2015 features Heather Holtschlag, owner of Heather Holtschlag Public Relations, which is based in Pittsburgh. Heather is the mama of two active boys, Matthew, age 6, and Luke, age 4, and married to Jim Holtschlag, who owns a Grease Monkey franchise in Canonsburg, Pa.
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One Committed Mama Presents: Heather Holtschlag Public Relations
How long ago did you start your business? What made you decide to start it?
In 2011, when my husband and I knew that we were done having kids, I wanted to do something for myself, to retain my own identity and to do something outside of my most important job as Mommy.
I worked for 15 years as a fulltime public relations specialist at major healthcare centers in Pittsburgh and Atlanta. I also have a passion for fitness and staying on top of the most current fitness trends. When I launched Heather Holtschlag Public Relations, I decided to specialize in what I knew best — health and fitness.
What types of services do you provide?
I provide comprehensive media relations campaigns, and write a variety of marketing materials, including websites, brochures and monthly newsletters.
Describe your first few months getting started. What were your major challenges?
I started out as a writer for a community website and two community magazines. While this was a great way to meet people, and I enjoyed learning about the interests of others, I missed the day-to-day PR routine that I liked most about my fulltime work prior to having kids. I missed interacting with the media and strategizing with clients about what would help them promote their business and service offerings. My challenge was then getting the word out that I was launching my PR business and, with two small children, getting out to meet new people during “normal business hours.” I also needed to learn how to become a better multitasker, a skill I’m still learning, but improve upon daily. But the outpouring of incredible support that I received from my family, namely my husband, has made these challenges easier to overcome and all worth it.
What surprised you the most about yourself and your business?
What surprised me most was the fact that I could do this. I could launch and run a freelance business, all the while supporting a husband who owns a franchise business and manage the needs of two kids. It’s not always easy, but it works. I make it work. The other thing that surprises me is how much control I have over my work and how much trust my clients have in me. It’s such a great feeling knowing that they respect me and my expertise so much that they place all of their promotional needs into my hands and have the confidence that I will do what is right for them.
How has owning your own business benefited you as a mother and wife?
I have learned to be my own cheerleader. I have supported my husband everyday since we met, but especially since he opened his business just a few years ago. And, I have supported my kids in school and in all of their extracurricular activities. Because of that, I have learned how to cheer for myself and keep myself motivated to keep going. And, as I mentioned above, I have become a much better multitasker!
What are your goals for the future?
My main goal for the future is to have a fulltime freelance business, working while my kids are in school all day. I am gradually working up toward that. It is important to me to be able to work and provide income for the family, but it also is important for me to be there for my kids when they need me at school.
What advice do you have for women who may want to take the leap and own their own businesses?
Just do it. You won’t regret it. You will have days of ups and downs, and there will be days when you worry that you just can’t get everything done or wonder what you were thinking in starting your own business. But you can do it. Somehow, everything just falls into place, and you will figure it all out.
Is there anything else you’d like to add or mention?
Starting a business of your own and becoming a “mompreneur” has an incredible impact on your self-esteem. Knowing that you started your own business from scratch, figuring out things as you go along and making your own decisions is very empowering. There is nothing quite like it.
To learn more about how Heather can help you expand your marketing efforts, email holtschlag@verizon.net or call her at 412.378.6056.
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: January ONE COMMITTED MAMA Giveaway!