Call Them ‘Mompreneurs’

The Buffalo News:

Jean Fasanello, wearing a chunky glass-beaded necklace of her own creation, sorts through baskets of product lining the bright yellow wall of her kitchen. For five years, this kitchen has been the headquarters of Hip, a specialty line of belts, headbands, jewelry and watches she designs and sells from her Clarence home.

Fasanello is one of many moms who have left the corporate world behind for home business ventures that allow more flexibility for the care of their children.

“My career was so demanding, it was hard to do both well,” Fasanello said. “It was a hard decision, but we decided it was important for one of us to be home with the kids.”

It’s a choice that came with sacrifices, she said.

While her husband’s income as a pharmaceutical salesman provides a very comfortable lifestyle, Fasanello has taken a significant pay cut. Gone are the 10-day trips to Tuscany, the housekeeper, and the fancy dinners out. Now it’s homemade meals at a second-hand table, made in a kitchen the Fasanellos renovated themselves. Vacation is a two-day camping trip or a four-day splurge at Disney World.

Still, Fasanello said, she’s got it good.

“Would I do it again? Absolutely,” she said. “I feel very lucky.”