Cape Cod Moms Win Small Business Of The Year Award

CapeCodTimes.com:

Four years ago, Katherine Bean and Megan Murphy were selling jewelry at house parties around the Cape. A year later, they were operating bella’s, an online store, out of their garages. Last month, they opened a second showroom in Mashpee, following the success of their first shop in Hyannis.

Heads are turning, and not just at the pink and green color schemes of the stores.

Bean and Murphy received the Small Business Owners of the Year award yesterday at a ceremony at The Yarmouth Inn. The award is given each year by the local chapter of SCORE, a nationwide organization that offers advice to small businesses.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the work you put into your own business,” Bean said.

Bean and Murphy overcame many of the challenges that plague small businesses, event chairman Jim Garpow said.

“A lot of businesses go out of business in the first five years,” he said.

Because Bean and Murphy do not advertise, their business relies on customers’ word-of-mouth. While neither has formal business training, they do know how to cause a stir.

Bean and Murphy said balancing work and family can be a challenge. Bean calls it “the juggling act.”

“We thought, ‘Is this worth it?’ ” Murphy said. “You have to get the kids, go to work — my life is insane.”

However, Bean said she and Murphy are considering further expansion after the rapid success of the two stores.

“We’re two stay-at-home moms who don’t stay at home much anymore,” Bean said.