We’re mid-way through summer (how did THAT happen?!!?), and if your pack of wild animals is anything like mine, they are most likely DESTROYING your house and furniture one small snack at a time. I am convinced I live with cavemen. If you feel the same, you’ll LOVE meeting my beautiful friend and this week’s Smarty Mom, Laurie Simons.
Laurie is owner of Fiber-Seal of Charlotte, a company that should be on the radar of all Smarty mamas. I’ll let her explain more, but just know that you’ve come to the right place if you’ve got mysterious stains on the couch OR if you want to invest in some Big Girl furniture without worrying about the “animals” leaving their marks on it.
When Laurie isn’t helping to work miracles on interior furnishings, she’s a busy mom to three cute kiddos. I’ve gotta give her major props – it’s not easy opening your own business AND mama-ing. But somehow every time I see Laurie, she’s smiling. Maybe it’s because she knows her furniture won’t let on just how insane her life is :-).
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Laurie – enjoy getting to know her and her sweet family!
Smarty Mom: Laurie Simons
Smarty Mom Stats:
Married to: Scott Simons, 13 lucky years
Children: Gray, 10; Carter, 7; Bennett, 4 on the 14th!
Hometown: Anderson, SC
Years in Charlotte: 3
Neighborhood: Sharon Woods
Occupation: Owner of Fiber-Seal of Charlotte
Alma Mater: Winthrop University
Tell us a little about Fiber-Seal of Charlotte.
I am a licensee of Fiber-Seal Systems, headquartered in Dallas, TX. We sell proprietary stain protection products for upholstery, rugs and carpeting. We also provide our clients with cleaning products and a service plan to clean spots and stains.
What got you interested in the business?
We lived in Cincinnati for 10 years before relocating to Charlotte. Having 3 kids and wanting “grown-up” furniture was a tough sell on my husband. My interior designer in Cincinnati told us we could have everything protected with Fiber-Seal and gave us the confidence to go for it.
When we moved to Charlotte my youngest child colored my sofa with an oil-pastel crayon! Of course I freaked out and googled Fiber-Seal immediately. There was not a location in Charlotte so the Cincinnati technician talked me through what to do and using their products the stain came out. I was amazed. My cleaning products were running low and I knew I couldn’t survive with out them. I called the company to find out what it would take to open an office in Charlotte and decided to go for it.
Tell us about the process – what can someone expect when they hire Fiber-Seal?
We work with interior designers, furniture stores and individual clients looking for our services. We meet with clients to view the furniture and provide them with an estimate. We price per item and according to size and style. My technicians will either come to the clients home or delivery warehouse and apply our protectant. We provide you with our cleaning care kit (which I mentioned is amazing…) and a 1-year renewable service agreement. During this time my technician will come out to assist with stain removal at no extra charge.
Give us your best sales pitch – why do you think Fiber-Seal is an absolute must for a busy family?
When you go through the time and effort of choosing and investing in beautiful furnishings you want them to last and look beautiful for a long time. Fiber-Seal is here to make that happen.
What’s surprised you the most about starting your own business?
How supportive my husband, family and friends have been. I took a huge leap of faith starting the territory from scratch and I wouldn’t have had such great success with out their encouragement.
What’s the best part of being a small business owner?
It is empowering and fun. I have met so many new people by starting this business and am excited for more opportunities to come my way.
The most challenging?
Watching Scott take over a lot of the family responsibilities for me so I can work. And trying to manage the kids lives, my life and the business. It gets overwhelming.
We all know how hard it is to work during the summer with kids home from school. What are some of your tips for balancing work and summer?
Good time management, a great babysitter and realistic expectations.
Now for the Smarty lightening round…
Family’s favorite summer activity? Anything in the water – pool, lake or ocean
Spray or lotion sunscreen? Lotion
And…favorite sunscreen? Coppertone is winning with me right now.
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Last book read? “Super Friends – Friends Unite” with Bennett. Who has time to read?!
Favorite beauty product? Smashbox mascara
Favorite place to shop for yourself? HomeGoods and Slate. You never know what you will find! Love them.
Celebrity crush? It was Adam Levine until he cancelled his Charlotte concert, so I’ll go with Jimmy Fallon.
Style crush? Reese Witherspoon
Best part of living in Charlotte? 2 hours from the mountains and 3 hours from the beach
First thing you’ll do when the kids go back to school? Go back to sleep. Who am I kidding – take the dog for a walk.
One word that describes your life as it is today? Multi-tasktacular
Finish this sentence: When my kids think back to Summer 2016, I hope they… Remember the 4th of July egg toss on Pawley’s Island beach and the 16 hour car ride to Petoskey, MI.
Need to protect your Big Girl furniture? Give Laurie a call!
www.charlotte.fiberseal.com
Office: 704-665-7260
Mobile: 513-289-5517
