GRANT WINNER! May 2018 - Fulfillament Stories

SHELLI DIFRANCO

THE GOOD IDEA: I will start a small consulting business that helps expecting and new parents be confident with breastfeeding and cloth diapering.

HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU COME ALIVE? This idea ignites me! I have two kids under the age of three. I struggled to find local, in-person resources on these topics and want to make it easier for other parents to try – and be successful with — these ideas, too. By my estimations, I have washed more than 4,000 cloth diapers and breastfed for 28 months and counting.

HOW DOES IT POSITIVELY IMPACT THE COMMUNITY? It will educate, empower and equip new and expecting moms to breastfeed and/or cloth diaper in a judgment-free zone. I hope that by supporting families who choose to breastfeed and/or cloth diaper, they will save money and lessen their environmental impact. I’m most looking forward to supporting mom’s who return to work – in whatever form that takes for them – so they can pursue their passions and continue their breastfeeding experience.

WHERE IS THE IDEA AT RIGHT NOW? In the beginning stages. I have a rough business plan and have started posting on social media. And I’m gaining the understanding of what it takes to become a certified lactation consultant by speaking with women in the field. I currently work full time for a local environmental organization now and love doing that; my plan is to host classes and do 1:1 sessions in the evenings and weekends.

HOW WILL YOU USE THE $500? It would help cover the tuition and supplies for lactation consultant training to be done in Traverse City this October.

WHAT WILL BE “PHASE ONE” OF YOUR BUSINESS PLAN, GETTING IT OFF THE GROUND? To get my idea off the ground, I need to become a certified lactation consultant. This will give me the formal training and education to consult with new and expecting mom’s.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR “PHASE 2” AS YOU MOVE IT AHEAD? Phase two is to start hosting a small group course for expecting mom’s who want to try breastfeeding and another for those who want to learn more about cloth diapering.

WHEN DO YOU THINK THIS THING WILL LAUNCH? My goal is to have my first group course before the end of the calendar year.

HOW CAN WE (THE AUDIENCE) GET INVOLVED OR SUPPORT? You can support this idea by supporting mom’s who are or want to breastfeed or cloth diaper. As with anything related to parenting, judgment abounds. Support your friends, family, neighbors, employees and coworkers so they can be successful in however they choose to feed and diaper their kiddos.