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Edie McRae of Millionaire Moms Media conducted an interview with Jill Pfefer (pictured to the left), the founder of Sydney Andrews, to help you get to know her in a way you had not been able to before. She’s fun, smart and quite a savvy business woman. You can’t help but be inspired by her journey…

Jill, why are you driven to help women support their families financially?

Eleven years ago, I was laid off from one of my favorite jobs when I was on maternity leave. Being a first time mom, I wasn’t exactly sure if I was going to go back to work or stay home, but the decision was already made for me. I felt like I needed something just for me–to have adult conversations and a little pocket money. It was hard 11 years ago to find a job with flexible hours working from home but I was determined to find it. I started my own wholesale business and it was the perfect combination of work and family for me. I really feel passionate about giving other women the same opportunity.

What gave you the inspiration to turn your passion into a business?

At a moms networking group more than 10 years ago, I met a new friend who made me a bracelet as a gesture of our friendship. I loved it so much that I insisted she teach me how to make jewelry. At this point our friendship and business began. We were encouraged by our friends to start having parties and sell the jewelry with our unique style. Since I have a degree in Fine Art and the ability to sit still, I was inspired to combine both my artistic background and my interest in starting a business together and fit it into my family life.

What makes your jewelry unique?

Each piece is designed by me, as we do not resell pieces already designed and manufactured. My jewelry is known for it’s whimsical colors and that it lends itself to both dressy and casual wear.

How did your boutique business help prepare you for being the CEO of a direct sales company?

Growing my other business helped me learn how to build an organization. I learned how to wear many hats including designing, buying, marketing, sales and accounting. I learned what type of styles to sell and what price points work–especially within this economy.

Why the direct sales business model?

I had a successful wholesale business for nearly 10 years. In addition to selling to small stores and boutiques, I began holding annual Open Houses for friends and family. Each year, the party became larger and larger. I have seen how successful these parties can be and wanted to provide this opportunity for others to enhance their earning potential. This business felt like a natural next step.

How does Sydney Andrews stand apart from other jewelry companies in the direct sales industry?

We keep it simple. We have designed a very approachable program that is straight forward based on generous consultant commissions and affordable, unique products. We cater to both people who want to work and structure their own part-time business and people who want to build an organization.

What advice would you give someone who’s been burned by another opportunity who is afraid to try again?

One of my favorite sayings is, “When one door closes, another one opens.” While Sydney Andrews is a new addition to the company, the proven success of the product is not new. To counter the relative “newness”, we offer enhanced commissions, generous hostess gifts and the opportunity to build a team of consultants. Since we are starting out small and planning to grow this business over time, we are available by phone. We are open to suggestions from our consultants, as we want to grow this company together.

What type of support do you have from your family?

I have great support from my family. My husband, Vic, is my partner and he handles a great deal of the marketing and sales. He encouraged me to more forward with this business. My children, Andrew and Sydney, are my PR department! They love to tell people about my business and how it is named after them. They also enjoy helping out at the shows, when I was doing them myself.

As a busy mother yourself, how do you balance it all?

Since I work from home, and with modern technology, I am able to work around the schedule of my family. I work during school hours and after the children go back to bed. As my business has grown, I’ve also had to hire people to assist me so that I can continue to allocate time to my family.

Last question…name 5 things that most people wouldn’t know about you?

I’m a chocoholic.
I love to dance hip-hop and salsa.
I am originally from New Jersey.
I am not known for my cooking.
I am a dog lover!

As you can see, Jill is quite a woman. I can tell how much she cares about her consultants and helping them achieve success. It was great to get to know her better and I see great things in store for you all at Sydney Andrews.