With her idea and basic drawings in hand, Shelagh approached her friend Pamela Bell, a co-founder of Kate Spade handbags. Pamela introduced her to a sample maker who made prototypes using Kate Spade fabrics.

Peapod Enterprises, LP, was born in the fall of 2004, just two weeks before the birth of Shelagh's twins, Zoe and Elliot. Having secured a meeting with the President of FAO Schwarz, Shelagh walked in to his office with her samples and a piece of cardboard with fabric glued on to it representing her line. In a matter of minutes she received not only validation for her ideas, but also her first customer. Loving the concept, the world-renowned store's President asked how quickly he could buy some of the actual product.

With a brood now totaling seven, and an exciting business burgeoning, Shelagh had her hands full. Enter Lorna Brett Howard. A Chicago mother of five with 20 years of experience in communications, public relations and brand management, Lorna joined the company as Shelagh's partner in 2006.

Together these two moms, businesswomen, entrepreneurs and friends are building the world of Penelope Peapod - turning a simple, unique idea into a booming, one-of-a-kind toy company.

Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Platinum Award, this sweet, old-fashioned craft project has become the hot new toy in the marketplace. Today, Penelope Peapods are available in more than 800 stores across the country, and now have a line of accessories. And, while all the success is great, Shelagh and Lorna are still focused on one thing -- creating fun for imaginative girls on the go.

Oppenheim Toy Platinum Award recipient

A Note to Moms...

Small businesses started by Moms are the fastest growing segment of our economy in the United States. It is exciting - and often exhausting -- to be part of this trend. We are commited to moms helping moms. To that end, we donate and volunteer for several organizations helping Moms and women all of the world, including Baby Buggy, Mapendo International and WHEDCO. For more information, visit our Moms Helping Moms section.

Drop us a line if you have an idea for a business you want to share need encouragement or have a question. We can't guarantee we have all the answers, but we are happy to share our experiences and thoughts with you.

Best,

Shelagh & Lorna