News and events
Local moms develop long awaited resource for parents
The News, September 29 and October 6, 2005 in various local editions (see below for details)
By Erin Kelly
When preparing themselves for motherhood, Nancy Elias and Alison Foley Howard realized how beneficial it would be to have a concise directory for parents of children's products, services and activities throughout the National Capital Region.
Now, if only there was one.
It was then that the two moms embarked on creating their own directory; one which would be like a "one-stop" for all children's needs and services.
"I was happily overwhelmed with all of the resources I was finding while in my expectant mother stage," explained Mr. Elias, a resident of the Westboro area. "There are so many wonderful things out there, but it just became overwhelming while collecting all these different coupons and cut-outs. I thought of how nice it would be to have an organized and concise directory for children's resources."
She added that the parents they talked to about the directory were thrilled about the idea. "They all told us to tell them when and where they could buy."
While starting their research the two became aware of one directory which had been published in the past, the Incredible Directory from the Parent Resource Centre in Ottawa. The directory had been primarily aimed at services for parents with young children. Ms. Foley Howard said they wanted to develop a more comprehensive directory which would cover a broader age group.
"We wanted to cover everything from pre-natal to 16. This directory is meant to cover anything and everything," said Ms. Foley Howard, a resident of Alymer and mother of two young children. "In fact, if there is something parents want to know about that is not included, we want to know. We really wanted this to be as complete a directory as possible."
After over a year of collecting information for every child resource from birthday parties to kid furniture to yoga for babies, the first edition of the Kids Ottawa and Gatineau was published. The book boasts over 1700 products, services, activities and programs for kids up to 16 years of age. It also contains a coupon section.
Ms. Elias said that one aspect of the directory which makes it so concise is that the listings are free for businesses and organizations.
"By having it free it helps ensure that no group or business is left out. This way there aren't certain ones which are not listed simply because they cannot afford to be," she explained while tending to her young daughter, Annika. "There is a base listing for free and then if businesses want more exposure in the directory, then can chose to upgrade their listing with a photo, artwork or coupon for a fee."
The ambitious moms did not stop with just a book either. They created a company, The Great Little Directory Company, as a publishing venue for the directory.
While currently concentrating on the Kids Ottawa and Gatineau directory, Ms. Foley Howard said that they created the company so as to not limit themselves for possible projects in the future.
And it is not as though they are strangers to the business world. Ms. Elias has a background in marketing and book publishing and ran her own business for nearly 10 years. She has also successfully marketed a line of rubber stamps which is sold through major retailers in the United States.
Ms. Foley Howard has a broad range of experience in the business world from fashion marketing to software sales. "Starting a business was nothing really new. Motherhood was more new and scary."
"We both had to learn balancing being a mom and businesswoman," explained Ms. Elias. "But running our own business gives us the flexibility we need. We can make our own hours in the evening and on weekends and of course when the children are down for their naps."
Although they completed over a year of research, the women were not lacking in the way of resources.
"We just kept finding more things to include. Eventually we had to cut it off and say enough," laughed Ms. Foley Howard. "We became overwhelmed by some topics, like birthday parties. Oh my goodness, my kids don't have enough birthdays put together to use all the places listed."
Ms. Elias said that during the research process it was the unique and unusual topics which drew their interest.
"The National Capital Region is just such a remarkable place to raise a family and we really enjoyed showcasing the variety of things this area has to offer," said Ms. Elias. "We put all the things that people do not always hear about into one place."
The women have received enthusiastic response already for the directory which only came out Sept. 9. They have set to work for the 2007 edition of the Kids Ottawa and Gatineau directory.
"Looking from the amount we already have to include in the next edition, it is going to be even bigger and better," exclaimed Ms. Elias.
Kids Ottawa and Gatineau is for sale at local children's bookstores for $11.95. For a complete list of retailers or to purchase it online, please visit www.kidsottawa.com.
September 29 - Westboro / Hampton Park, Carlingwood / Baseline, Britannia / Lincoln Fields editions
October 6 - Alta Vista, Hunt Club / Riverside, Greenboro / Hunt Club Park editions
Copyright 2005 The News. Reprinted with permission.