Deborah Andrews with Tyson, Xavier and Kayla

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing Deborah Andrews, the inspiration behind MomsMatter – a free resource directory for families.

MomsMatter was born as a way for moms to have instant, 24/7 access to a comprehensive, informative and fun resource directory of family-friendly products and services.

The directory, which provides free listings, is the prefect destination when searching for kids activities, party ideas, crafts & hobbies, family fun and so much more.

Website: http://www.momsmatter.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/momsmatter

Deborah was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Meet Deborah, the tall Aussie Chick.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I can cross-stitch like a champ (even if I do say so myself!).

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: We are currently developing our dream eco-estate on the Gonubie River in East London with 9 other families. Whenever we get a chance (and a couple of DVD’s for the kids on the long trip) we head down there. It’s like a whole other world in the middle of civilization. The first time we took our little girl, I thought she was going to spontaneously combust with the excitement of chasing the chickens. Shame, the poor chickens…

If anyone ever wonders why East London also features on MomsMatter – that’s why! One day we will move down there to live in Gonubie, and I want to know what’s happening there for me and my family!

Business in South Africa

Q: What was the impetus for starting the Moms Matter family resource directory?

A: MomsMatter is a passion that I have been fortunate to be able to follow. Late last year I decided to create a resource directory that doesn’t discriminate against those small businesses who may not be able to afford to be advertise in every family mini-mag that comes out each month.

As a mom in Durban, I believe that I should know about EVERYTHING that can make my life easier, not just who can afford the extravagant advertising prices. I wanted a genuinely comprehensive list of options for my daily life as a mom. So I bought a book about web development, got the domain registered and starting pushing buttons on the PC.

I am constantly looking for new products or services that can contribute positively to family life – many of the listings don’t even know they are on there!

Q: As a business woman and mother of 3, how do you find the balance between work and home life?

A: I don’t! If any mom has truly worked this out… please contact me URGENTLY!

Q: What are your aspirations for the website?

A: When I started this site, I began by sending the link to my address book. Even though I found the information valuable (and my husband said I was BRILLIANT – of course!) I wasn’t sure what they would think of it. Thankfully my wonderful friends continued to share the news with their friends, and a year later the site receives over 14,000 visitors a month.

My vision for MomsMatter is that every mom in Durban with access to the www, will turn to MomsMatter for helping them make decisions about their day-to-day family life. I am very proud of this extension of my own wants and needs – and it is driven by the pure aspiration of making life easier for moms. It is so exciting to know that I can make a difference in other’s lives. Each compliment I receive is printed out and stuck up on my wall with prestik!

I am proud that no business can ‘buy’ their way onto the site. MomsMatter is genuinely looking out for the moms!

Q: What advice would you offer to other stay-at-home mothers wanting to start their own businesses?

A: I’ve read the books so I can repeat how important it is to separate your work and home life, but oh! I can’t do it myself. I try very hard to work my bum off in the mornings while the kids are at school and then do the ‘mom-thing’ in the afternoons, but it rarely happens that way. The PC seems to call me as I walk in the door after the school run, and my ‘just 5 minutes’ inevitably ends when the kids come into my office at 5pm asking what’s for dinner.

Late nights are a big part of work-at-home, and while those that don’t work at home may be jealous of my ability to attend the kids’ school play, or do my library duty, what they don’t see is that I’m working until 2am to make up for those hours that I ‘took off’ during the day.

I get frustrated that as a mom working from home I don’t seem to get the same respect as an employed mom gets. I am sure that other moms think I just fiddle around all day – but creating and maintaining a website isn’t as easy as it looks … just ask Shaun & Marc!

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes, we have had our share of events, luckily none involved any physical harm to me or my family though. In the heat of the moment I usually start eyeing off my Aussie passport, but I haven’t made any plans so far. Crime happens everywhere – even in Australia. We just have to be as vigilant as we can be.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I am an Australian ex-pat, having moved here for lurve in 1999 (the things we do!). My Grandpa made me promise never to give up my Australian passport, so I am a Permanent Resident of South Africa with no ID because my application has been ‘lost’ 3 times and I’ve since given up. (Now I can pay taxes, but I can’t rent a DVD.) Because of my Australian citizenship, my children can become Aussies in about 6 weeks turn-around, so it will always be an option for us, however certainly not on the short term plans.

I miss having family around though – another attraction to ‘emigrate’ to Gonubie where Mark’s family is.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I wouldn’t know what to do! Much easier to sit on this side of the fence and have a bitch!

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Ushaka Marine World, La Lucia Mall and a braai in own back yard – life in South Africa truly is spectactular!

Life in Durban

Q: What are your favorite places to take the family on those perfect Durban summer days?

A: I know of a wonderful resource for discovering what’s going on each weekend for families….!

Luckily for me, maintaining the MomsMatter database means I have first-hand knowledge of all the fantastic outings and events going on right under our noses. We just don’t have enough time to get to everything!

Q: What is the one thing, that for you, defines Durban?

A: The weather.

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: I don’t want to talk about it.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: When the Virginia Under 7’s E Team was presented with their team trophies at the end of the soccer season. Thought my heart would burst with pride!

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: The dictionary. I am horrified at the current state of grammar and spelling. What happened to Spelling Bees?

Q: Favorite South African band? Have you seen them live and do you own at least one of their albums?

A: Mango Groove will always be a favourite. I have been lucky to meet Claire and she is just beautiful. I love love LOVE their music, there’s  just something in there that gets you right into the beat.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: I can’t even guess who will be featured next! I am honoured to be in such company. You guys are providing such a wonderfully positive snippet of South Africans (of which I proudly consider myself – just with a bit of a Aussie twang!).

A massive thank you to Deborah for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish her and the team at MomsMatter every success for the future.