A Mom Who Made It Happen
Mel Bugaj
HomeTown: Harpers Ferry, WV but originally from Boston, MA
Tell Us about your business and why you created it.
"We started the podcast and blog as a creative thing to do together. We thought it would be a fun alternative for families, educators, and classrooms to listen to our stories on car trips, around the house, transition times in the classroom, or anytime. We also thought that since our kids seemed to enjoy the stories, other kids around the world might like them too. We say in the podcast that the stories are 'for children of all ages' and it is our hope that families are enjoying the stories together. Plus, it was something to talk about with each other besides who pooped on the potty that day and what happened at work.
Tell us about your family.
Tell us about your family.
"My husband, Chris, is the host of the A.T.TIPScast, an award-winning podcastfeaturing tools to differentiate learning. He is the co-author of The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools: Building or Improving Your District’s AT Team and presents at local, state, and national conferences. He also co-produces Night Light Stories with me. His greatest talent, though, is being a dad.
Our 6-year-old, Tucker, is a tender-hearted, enthusiastic and, imaginative kid with a smile as bright as the sun.
Our 4-year-old, Maggie, is a highly spirited, clever, and determined little woman with a contagious laugh.
I am the host, narrator, and co-author of the Night Light Stories podcast featuring original stories for children of all ages. I have over twelve years of experience working in general and special education. I currently works as a University Supervisor for pre-service teachers for Walden University as well as a Homebound teacher for Loudoun County Public Schools. My most treasured job, however, is being a mom."
Tell us about your background/ education.
BA in Elementary Ed from Salem State, Salem, MA
MA in Special Ed from Hood College in Frederick, MD
What Advice do you have for other moms looking to make it happen at home? Looking to have it all!?
"The best advice I got was that the dishes will always be there, the crumbs will just re-accumulate, and the laundry will wait to be folded. What won't always be there and waiting are your kids, so get on the floor and enjoy the silliest of moments. Talk about Barbies and Transformers and the boogers that are in your nose. Those are the things you'll remember and memories you'll hold dear when they get older."
When did you know it was going to WORK!?
"We were getting emails from strangers thanking us for our stories. The downloads were coming in and the word has been spreading. It's a good feeling to be able to share what we love to do with others."
What challenge(s) did you find most prevalent as a mom running a business?
"Balancing my time. I could only write stories when the kids were napping or at night. Sometimes I would get a rough draft done and sometimes I would get a bare minimum outline done. However, I am lucky to have my husband as my partner in crime in writing. I hand off my "skeleton" story to him and then fleshes it out. Then I'll edit, he'll re-edit, and then we record, write up the blog activities. Then Chris edits the audio and we put it up for free for download on our blog and iTunes. Many a story has been created through chatting while making dinner or getting dressed in the morning. It's finding the time to do it and using it wisely."
Did you ever want to quit, throw in the towel!? What kept you going?
"No. We love doing the podcast together. That and the response from our listeners keeps us going. We really appreciate all the support, comments on our Facebook page, and fun emails they send us."
Find more information about this fabulous product!
Night Light Stories: http://nightlightstories.net
Facebook for Night Light Stories: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Night-Light-Stories/188139509742
Twitter for Night Light Stories: https://twitter.com/#!/nightlight08
I've known Mel Bugaj and her husband since our teaching days together in Loudoun! We've all grown up together, marrying, starting families and endeavoring into new business fields. I was so proud to see Mel and Chris launch this wonderful opportunity several years ago that has such heart and passion. I'm so proud to know them and to be a supporter of Night Light Stories. It's very original-- and original -- works! Debby P- Editor Macaroni Kid of Pittsburgh LLC
I've known Mel Bugaj and her husband since our teaching days together in Loudoun! We've all grown up together, marrying, starting families and endeavoring into new business fields. I was so proud to see Mel and Chris launch this wonderful opportunity several years ago that has such heart and passion. I'm so proud to know them and to be a supporter of Night Light Stories. It's very original-- and original -- works! Debby P- Editor Macaroni Kid of Pittsburgh LLC
