Our Very First Featured Mom-preneur!

We have serious shoe envy - in more ways than one.

I was first introduced to these shoes when I purchased a pair for my daughter. I chose them because they were adorable and more importantly, supportive as she took her first timid steps. They are buttery-soft, flexible, breathable and have durable rubber soles. I could go on and on, but basically, if you are not familiar with these shoes, you should be.

We promised to share with you inspiring stories of mom's juggling business and family and we're thrilled to reveal our first featured mom-preneur is the co-founder of See Kai Run, Cause Haun, mom of two boys. We're grateful that she instantly agreed to chat with us and hope you'll find her as creatively cool as we do.

Here's our interview with Cause...

1. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and/or your business.
I’m a mom of two boys, Kai 6 years old and Ocean 2 years old. I’ve been married to my husband, Gang Chen, for 10 years. We started See Kai Run when Kai was learning to walk, about 4 years ago. We live in Seattle, where I am from, and spend time in China every year, where my husband is from. We do our best to raise our children with the best of both of our cultures.

2. If you had to describe your business in less than 15 words, how would you do it?
A small company creating healthy, functional, high quality, hip, urban footwear for infants and toddlers.

3. What is your inspiration for your business? Your products?

The inspiration for my business came from an unmet need in the market. I was a mom to an adorable son learning to walk and there were no shoes available that I wanted to put on his feet! I wanted very flexible soles, soft leather, a wide toe box, and unique cool styling that I couldn’t find at the malls. When I’m designing each season, I think of what shoe I would want to see on the shelf to put on Kai and Ocean. Designing girl shoes is harder – but I try to imagine I had a daughter and do the same.

4. What is the most rewarding thing about being a mom? A mom-preneur?
The most rewarding thing about being a mom... Wow – that’s a tough question to answer. I think the most rewarding part (and the most enjoyable part) is when I can see that my children feel loved and when they express love and care for others.The most rewarding thing about being an entrepreneur is the satisfaction I gain from creating a product that thousands of other people also like. The most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur while being a mom is that my children can see that their mom is happy and satisfied and that it is possible to create one’s livelihood outside of the traditional office and/or 9 to 5 situation. The next best thing is having a flexible schedule!

5. What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a mom-preneur?
Trust that even if you don’t know all the answers (or even all of the questions!) you will figure it out. Nothing is too difficult to understand. You are capable.

6. What keeps you motivated?
I want to continue to design shoes that parents and children enjoy using. I believe See Kai Run provides really great shoes that are good for children’s feet and I want See Kai Run to continue to be successful.

7. What is your next big goal?
To get Kai’s hair cut, make his Halloween costume, and bake his birthday cake all before Friday!

8. What is your guilty pleasure? Currently it’s Facebook!

9. Name a product that you can't live without, for you or your baby? Costco baby wipes. I use them for the diaper area, but also for cleaning faces, the car interior, my desk, my hands, boy’s dirty feet, computer monitor, you name it.

10. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a mom {so far}? It is not my job as a mom to shield my children from disappointment or sadness. It is my job to teach them how to deal with these necessary parts of life.


See Kai Run gives back. ANOTHER reason why we love this company (did we really need another?) See Kai Run will match the sale of each pair of shoes sold online {http://www.seekairun.com/} from Nov. 1 through Dec 31st with a donation to Soles4Souls. They share their shoes with children who need them. A true warm and fuzzy cuddle...

We have a pair of these hip shoes to giveaway!

One lucky True Cuddles subscriber will win
their choice of shoes from the See Kai Run or Smaller line!

This giveaway has now ended!

{Winner will be announced on 11/18/08!}