Name: Donna Mulvihill
Company: FlutterStep.com
Email Address: mulvihilld@flutterstep.com
Year Founded: 2009
Family: Yes
Do you own a business?: Yes

Please tell us more about the business and when you started it (or would like to start it):

I started flutterstep.com in February 2009. After 11 years practicing as a litigator at two large law firms (in New York and DC) I was 3 months back from maternity leave after my first daughter when I got laid off. Quickly getting a sense of how terrible the legal market was -- I decided to pursue a life long dream of "doing my own thing" which would also allow me to spend more time with my daughter, Olivia. I started a free website which allows users to start conversations with family, friends, colleagues, etc . . . and engage in cross-platform conversations. Users register their email or cell phone number and are immediately able to participate in conversations by replying directly from their cell or blackberry or iphone or any other PDA. Part of my inspiration for the website was being in a New Mommies Group in DC where only 2 of the 12 new Moms had a blackberry. Every other day one of the Moms would send out an email about meeting in the park or taking a stroll with the babies but only two of us would get the email in time. Everyone else would get the email a day or more later when they were back at their computer -- but after the play date was long over. If only we could all be in contact -- whether we had email or SMS/text on a cell. We just launched the site formally this month and we have many more features to add (including applications for iphone, Palm Pre, Blackberry, etc . . . ) but so far we are having a great time and love being able to stay in touch with everyone wherever they are!

How many children do you have?: 1

How would you define yourself as a hybrid mom?:

To me being a hybrid Mom is excelling both personally and professionally. I want to be the best Mom I can be at home and also be an example to my daughter that excelling professionally is fun and exciting and rewarding and very possible -- regardless of your gender!

Share one personal or business ambition:

I really hope to be a successful business owner and show others that even in tough times -- maintaining your sense of self and a desire and will to succeed will greatly increase your chances of realizing your dreams!

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?:

My daughter's laugh and seeing the world through her eyes -- exciting and wonderful and new!

What one belief, factor or trait would you say has contributed most to your success (either personally or professionally)?:

Everything really does happen for a reason.