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Monthly Archives: September 2021
Why Online Sports Gambling Companies May Never Earn Much Money – Barron’s
Posted: September 10, 2021 at 5:19 am
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The U.S. online sports betting industry is losing a lot of money as more than a dozen companies compete for market share. Thirty-two states have now moved to legalize the business in some form.
Lightshed Partners analyst Rich Greenfield wonders whether the ultimate size of the market and its profitability will be enough to justify the market values of leaders in the field.
The dirty little secret is that even as players come out of the industry, there is still a limit to the sports betting market sizeone that likely does not alone justify the valuations of the top players, Greenfield wrote in a post on Thursday.
Greenfields view is that companies will need to seek other opportunities such as iGaming, or online casino games like blackjack. But state approvals for iGaming have been slow and likely will continue at that pace, he wrote.
The industry is spending heavily on marketing and advertising, including free bets to new users, as companies vie for market share.
The top participants are DraftKings (ticker: DKNG) and FanDuel, which is 95% owned by Flutter Entertainment (PDYPY). DraftKings and FanDuel have leveraged their success in fantasy sports to control over 50% of the online sports betting market.
Other leading players are Bet365, which is private, BetMGM, a 50-50 partnership of MGM Resorts International (MGM) and Entain (GMVHY) and Barstool Sportsbook, which is owned by Penn National Gaming (PENN).
Industry leader DraftKings, whose shares were down 3 cents Thursday, at $63.36, is valued at $25 billion. The company is nowhere near profitability, having lost $652 million in the first half of 2021.
Greenfield noted that DraftKings has spent nearly $800 million in marketing and related expenses in the past 12 months. Smaller participants are ramping up spending including Caesars Entertainment (CZR) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN).
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins told Barrons last month that the companys losses, reflecting marketing spending in new markets, obscure the underlying profitability in more established ones.
We like to explain to people its a state-by-state thing, Robins said. Weve said we will get to profitability in a state in a two-year to three-year time horizon. And profitability will grow from here.
He noted that the business in New Jersey, an early and large market for DraftKings, moved into the black last year. That makes people comfortable that each state will get profitable.
He said that investors want the company to invest in new states that allow online sports betting. The company said earlier this year that the contribution profit in New Jersey was $8 million in 2020 and it projected $65 million in profits in the state for 2021.
Morgan Stanley analyst Thomas Allen wrote recently that the U.S. and Canadian online sports gambling and iGaming could generate a combined $20 billion in revenue in 2025 and $5 billion of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or Ebitda.
That is an optimistic assumption. Allen noted last month that many investors think theindustry is too competitive and the business will never be profitable.
Write to Andrew Bary at andrew.bary@barrons.com
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Why does software matter in the online casino industry? – Techiexpert.com – TechiExpert.com
Posted: at 5:19 am
The casino should have a software program that will be processing trades and a license agreement with a game programmer in order to allow each player to play their own matches. It sounds simple, but it is not. It is getting more complex as technology advances at a gradual pace. Clients are becoming more tech-savvy and searching for optimal channels of supply, but also integration to ensure smooth transitions between all the platforms.
You will quickly forget about optimization and software when you consider all the bonuses and flashy games offered by each online casino. These wallflowers in the world of online gambling serve a crucial function. But, you should always keep it in mind for several reasons which we will explain in the article below.
Individuals will abandon an internet casino if they see excessive cashout times or poor site quality. This is a clear indication of how crucial applications are. Operators spend a lot of time, effort and money to create a platform that loads matches immediately, processes payments securely and quickly, and allows them to provide customer service without any hassle.
Players may be discouraged from using the site if they have limited choices of games or poor cellular functionality. This is where it becomes crucial to find the best baccarat programmers. The casino may either have their own software or contract with a game programmer to include their matches. As you can see, the first option requires a lot more investment. Therefore, most casinos outsource their sports programs to software suppliers.
You will find the exact same games at many casinos because they are all powered by the same application companies. They offer a wide range of matches in every type of game, including table and card matches.
The application platform is the core of any internet casinos functionality. Gambling websites would normally sign a licensing agreement to a casino program developer in order to use their matches. If you are interested in playing baccarat online, consider this: the more baccarat software suppliers, then the more matches. It isnt just about games.
The entire program system is responsible for supporting the casinos operation, including calculating withdrawals and payments, engaging in promotions, and calling customer care. It is important that the casinos mobile-friendly layout and interface be optimized to allow for uninterrupted, immersive gaming.
While slots will dominate all casinos, the table and card games will not be far behind. Casinos have featured online live roulette in all its variants American, European, and French with all the La Partage rules along with Blackjack, which has many variations that enhance the standard 21 gameplay. A sport might have additional guidelines, side bets, or other attributes depending on the programmer. This ensures that everyone has an option. The odds of huge winnings can be high if you are able to place your first wager.
Download programs were the best alternative to playing online games back in the afternoon. They not only provided more matches but also gave you a realistic gaming experience complete with high-quality audio and images. They are stored on your computer so you can expect no issues during the gameplay and no loading times.
However, they require some distance from your computer or notebook. This may make it difficult for those who are only interested in trying new casinos. Although download times are much faster, you still have to wait for the program to be downloaded and disabled if it is not up to your expectations. You can only play the casino apps on the downloaded version.
Flash applications, which are considered less special than the download versions, are becoming more popular due to the freedom it offers. You wont be able to access the entire casino system, but it will store temporary files. The major developers of casino apps are currently working to improve their Flash versions, which are lighter and faster. You can access more games through your browser on any computer or notebook as long as you have an internet connection.
NetEnt is one of these game programmers that launches only in Flash. The quality of the images, animations and audio are unmatched in this business. The dream of having better-looking matches and more efficient download customers is now a reality. It is much easier to try as many websites as possible with the instant-play edition. If you still have a favorite casino in mind, you can test it in-browser before you decide to download it.
The slots division is particularly complicated because it offers a wide range of video and 3D slots. Microgaming is a prolific gaming company with over 1000 matches. Some of the biggest names in the market allow deals with other studios. Branded titles are extremely fun and completely based on chance. You can win huge jackpots at very low stakes without any skill or knowledge.
There is one business model that will include all casinos in the best experience which can facilitate a seamless transition with minimal effort on the clients part. The Omnichannel experience includes all channels used by the casino for supply, including land-based gambling halls and sites, native cellular programs, and social networking platforms. The popular demand for the Difference among these stations is taken into account by betting operators who are using the integrated strategy to bring together those stations and instruments that the consumer will use.
According to a 2016 study, one of the main factors that clients consider when choosing a gaming site is their ability to gamble offline. Cross-launching of games by casinos for mobile, desktop, and gambling machines is a common practice. This allows clients to meet their expectations, particularly millennials who want to use both brick-and-mortar and electronic sockets to place bets. These games are a huge success and outperform single-channel games.
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You can bet on it; Grand Falls had sports betting before Deadwood – KELOLAND.com
Posted: at 5:19 am
LARCHWOOD, IOWA (KELO) In-person sports betting started today in Deadwood. Similar bets have made for two years about 405 miles east of Deadwood at a casino near Larchwood, Iowa.
Sports betting at Grand Falls Casino has netted the state $234,133 since sports betting started in August of 2019, according to Play IA.com .
State officials in South Dakota have said the state will make money with sports gambling. Based on Iowas results, thats a safe bet.
South Dakotas approach differs from Iowa and has more pieces.
The state will collected a 9% tax on gaming. One percent of that 9% will go directly to the states general fund, said Mike Rodman, the executive director of the Deadwood Gaming Association.
The state gaming commission will subtract expenses from the remaining 8% which will still leave revenue to be split between several entities.
Once the state gaming commission subtracts its expenses the remaining revenue is split as follows: 40% to the state tourism department, 10% to Lawrence County and 50% to the Deadwood Historical Preservation Commission with the city of Deadwood. Once the the Deadwood commission receives $6.8 million, the split formula changes to this for what remains: 70% goes to the states general fund, 10% to other municipalities in Lawrence County, 10% to school districts and 10% back to the Deadwood commission.
Unlike Iowa, South Dakota will not have online sports betting.
South Dakota is a conservative state, Rodman said. The state is using a go slow approach to sports gambling, he said.
The gambling industry identifies the handle as typically the amount of money bet on sports over a certain period of time.
Based on that definition, the majority of sports betting is in person at Grand Falls. The total handle is $33 million since 2019. The breakdown for online handle betting is $12.39 million and its $20.6 million for retail handle, or in-person betting. The two total the $33 million. The figures are from PlayIa.com.
In July of 2021, in-person sports betting still outpaced online betting by more than $50,000.
But, according to the gaming industry, online sports betting is a leader in the states with the most sports betting.
As of Sept. 1, New Jersey had nearly $17 million in sports betting, according to Legal Sports Report. About 80% of its bets are online bets.
The revenue from sports betting is only part of Grand Falls revenue.
The casino generated $7,177,811 in slot machine revenue, for example.
Deadwood and the state are using an Oxford Economics study to estimated the revenue generated by sports betting, Rodman said. The American Gaming Association shared the Oxford study which said that an estimated $6.1 million in direct revenue would be generated by sports betting. The study said another $22.1 million in overall gaming revenue would be generated, Rodman said.
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Sports Betting is the Fastest Growing Segment of Online Casino Industry – American Football International
Posted: at 5:19 am
The online casino industry has been growing at a rapid pace. However, many online casino operators have been taking a slow approach to expansion, as they feel the market is already saturated with operators offering a wide variety of games. And they are right there are so many online casinos to choose from, and people are overwhelmed when it comes to deciding where to play. But thats why https://www.casinoreviews.net.nz/ exists; this site is the place to look when you need information on top-rated online casinos and can also help you decide which game suits you best.
The sports betting industry is also one of the most popular forms of online gambling, and sports bettors are taking advantage of this growing market. If you are interested in sports betting, chances are you have already thought about whether it is a good investment. Is sports betting a safe investment? Is it a prudent investment to make? Sports betting offers the opportunity to make a good return by taking advantage of the legal sports betting markets.
During big sporting events such as the European Championship or the FIFA World Cup, the online betting sector is particularly active. Horse racing and greyhound racing are two other activities that are popular among gamblers. In reality, big events are used by the bulk of online gaming businesses to advertise their brand. Bwin is an example, with its sponsorships of football teams such as AC Milan and Real Madrid. Other firms, like Betsson, are more focused on breaking into important areas and establishing themselves as market leaders, either via better service or by attracting the majority of players.
In the United States, bookies may legally operate in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, with Pennsylvania being the biggest and most recent to allow and regulate internet gambling. Sports betting, internet poker, and online casinos are now allowed under the new legislation.
New Jersey, on the other hand, is the countrys largest marketplace for regulated internet betting. When it comes to online gambling, Canada has a hugely uncontrolled industry. Meanwhile, Mexico is reviewing its gambling laws. The area is attempting to get control of the online gambling industry to align itself with the rest of the continents nations.
During the past several years, innovators and market leaders have focused on mergers. They aim to increase market share and profit margins. The merger of Betfair Plc and Paddy Power Plc became Paddy Power Betfair Plc is an example of this. Ladbrokes Coral Group Plc was formed when Coral and Ladbrokes merged.
Many online betting companies now rely on third-party software providers such as Playtech. Others would rather create their own solutions. For example, 888poker made a lot of money by developing its online gambling technology and software. The main companies in the online gaming business, on the other hand, provide comparable or almost identical goods and services. As a result, the industry is very competitive, with a strong focus on appropriate marketing and price.
Online sports betting has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with many online sportsbooks luring in new players with attractive promotional deals and high-roller bonuses. Now, it seems, the trend is set to gain even further traction, with sports betting taking over the online gaming industry. From the advent of real-money sports betting in New Jersey, to the explosion of sites like Paddy Power and Marathonbet, the online casino industry is a fast-growing sector, and a huge portion of that growth is being driven by sports betting.
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Push to ban credit cards in online gambling – PerthNow
Posted: at 5:19 am
Australian senators have heard impassioned pleas by financial counsellors and gambling reform groups to ban the use of credit cards for online betting.
The use of credit cards for online wagering platforms like Sportsbet could be banned if the proposed Interactive Gambling Amendment (Prohibition on Credit Car Use) Bill 2020 passes.
A Senate committee heard submissions on Friday as it prepare to hand down its recommendations.
Under the Bill, its suggested Australia follow the United Kingdom, which banned credit cards for all forms of remote wagering last year.
Proponents of the Bill say the ban would ensure problem gamblers didnt use money they didnt have and push themselves into debt.
Overwhelmingly, stakeholders who fronted the committee on Friday supported the ban.
Dr Mark Zirnsak from the Alliance for Gambling Reform told the committee that passing the bill would be a significant step forward in addressing gambling harm.
The legislation is absolutely necessary, he said.
Lauren Levine from Financial Counselling Australia said she and other financial counsellors saw first-hand the significant harm credit cards could have on those with gambling problems, particularly in the Covid-19 context.
We know a lot of people are struggling in Covid, but other countries have done things with gambling in Covid, Ms Levine said.
Spain banned gambling advertising during lockdown, Sweden introduced a national gambling ID where people can only spend a set amount over all forms., the UK regulator introduced guidance for wagering operators.
Weve done absolutely nothing, and gambling has increased. Sportsbets profits were up 108 per cent to the six months to June 30 last year.
Andrew Whitecross from the Australian Institute of Family Studies said the Bill was not proposing people stop engaging in gambling activities, but it would stop problem gamblers ability to act impulsively and to chase losses.
In that sense, its trying to provide some friction in peoples gambling behaviour, he said.
It would benefit some people and could reduce their propensity to engage in risky behaviours without stopping them from engaging in gambling if they want just in a more planned way.
There were also concerns about e-wallets, including PayPal, which can be filled using credit cards.
The committee will make its report on October 8.
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Bring Me the Horizon Wins Grand Prize at Heavy Music Awards 2021 | Music – Pennsylvanianewstoday.com
Posted: at 5:19 am
Bring Me the Horizon won the Grand Prize at the Heavy Music Awards 2021.
The Shefield-born band won both the best album and the best UK band of the LP Post Human: Survival Horror at a ceremony held in Londons O2 Forum Kentish Town and returned live after the coronavirus pandemic. bottom. ..
Frontman Oliver Sykes, who received their award, said:
Thanks to the Heavy Music Awards for making all this possible. This is just the beginning of a new journey for us. PostHuman Chapter 2 is coming soon. Its very exciting to announce in the coming weeks. !
Elsewhere, Wargasm won the Best UK Breakthrough Band and Rou Reynolds won the best production of Enter Shikaris Nothing is True & Everything is Possible. Ghostemane has won the Best International Band.
The music venue trust, which was handed the H given by Frank Turner from Ticketmaster, had a special prize. The award was given to an individual or organization that has made an extraordinary positive contribution to the heavy music scene, and the Trust received this award for its support of grassroots organizations in the coronavirus pandemic.
Below is a complete list of the winners of the Heavy Music Awards 2021.
Best Album Released by Amazon Music-Bring Me the Horizon, Post Human: Survival Horror
H-Music Venue Trust presented by Ticketmaster
Best UK Band Announced by Lightwave Productions-Bring Me the Horizon
Best Productions-Rou Reynolds, Enter Shikari, Nothing is Truth, Everything Is Possible
Best International Band Announced by EMP-Ghostemane
Best UK Breakthrough Band from Sharptone Records-Wargasm
Best International Breakthrough Band Announced by AfterLive Music-Spiritbox
The Best Podcast Announced by The Heavy Network-Downbeat
Best Video-Nova Twins, Taxi
Best Album Artwork-Mattias Adolfson, Dance Gavin Dance, Afterburner
Bring Me the Horizon Wins Grand Prize at Heavy Music Awards 2021 | Music
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AI Art: Kolkata Exhibition to Showcase Artworks Created With Assistance of Artificial Intelligence – Gadgets 360
Posted: at 5:19 am
With artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) making inroads into what were hitherto exclusive human domains like writing and driving it was only a matter of time that artists too began experimenting with it. Many exhibition centres and auction houses around the world have begun taking interest in art pieces created with AI. The latest in that list is an exhibition set to be held in Kolkata later this month. It will be India's first solo exhibition of AI Art and will feature works of the pioneering artist, Harshit Agarwal.
Emami Art, the Kolkata gallery hosting the exhibition, posed serious questions on its website about how AI will shape the artistic landscape. It started by asking whether AI art is truly the future of contemporary art and whether AI is a competition or collaborator. The exhibition, titled EXO-stential AI Musings on the Posthuman, will try to discuss these issues, the gallery said.
Usually, to create a piece of AI art, artists write algorithms keeping in mind a desired visual outcome. These algorithms give broad directions and allows the machine to learn a specific aesthetic by analysing thousands of images. The machine then creates an image based on what it has learned.
After the AI Art form came into existence in 2015, the initial years were turbulent and only led to the creation of hauntingly familiar yet alien forms. The field has developed considerably in the last five years. Emami Art said it is trying to present the enlarged practice and diversity of AI art through this solo exhibition.
The exhibition will begin September 11 and will last till the end of month. Emami Art described Harshit Agrawal as a pioneer in the developing genre of AI Art and has worked with it since 2015. His work has been nominated twice for the top tech art prize, the Lumen.
On an Instagram post, Agarwal spoke about the exhibition: "Bringing together my #AI art practice of over 6 years since the inception of this field. Spanning themes beyond the novelty hype to explore themes of authorship, gender perceptions, deep rooted social inequities and biases, identity, seemingly universal notions of the everyday- all through this new lens of AI with its unique capabilities of complex data understanding and estrangement. Let's engage consciously with this beast we're increasingly being immersed in, journeying into the #posthuman, instead of being simply sucked into it!"
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BOS requests a lift on online gambling restrictions in Sweden – Gambling Insider – In-depth Analysis for the Gaming Industry
Posted: at 5:19 am
The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has requested that the Government lifts the temporary restrictions for online casinos. The plea - by letter - asked for this to become effective from 29 September instead of the later date of 14 November.
The letter was sent after the Government held a press conference on 7 September announcing all general pandemic-related restrictions would be lifted from 29 September, therefore the pauses on online casinos should also.Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General, The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, commented: "The main argument from the Government for the restrictions was a concern that increased time spent in the home during the pandemic would lead to increased gambling problems.
That did not happen, it would turn out. Now that the Swedish Public Health Agency is also lifting the recommendation to work from home from 29 September, we believe that the Government should lift the temporary restrictions for online casinos on the same date in the name of consistency.
During the regulation period there has been no evidence or support that gambling problems linked to online casinos would have increased during the global pandemic, according to BOS. Studies show that the number of Swedish gaming consumers increased during the first phase in the coronavirus outbreak but the actual size of the average bets decreased.
With the Government's ambition to return Sweden to a normal situation, BOS has requested that it terminates the temporary restrictions on gambling regulation together with the termination of the general pandemic restrictions, thus both ending on 29 September.
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Love manifestedhow one mama is telling stories through jewelry and raising babies – Motherly Inc.
Posted: September 8, 2021 at 10:29 am
Motherly @ Work features the stories and insights of modern women growing their careersand their families.
Jessica Birak is one of those mamas.
With three beautiful children under the age of five, Jessica is no stranger to hard work and multi-tasking. A strong advocate for extended breastfeeding, birth empowerment and baby wearing, she cares deeply about other mothers, and shares their unique stories through the custom jewelry she makes by hand.
I have the honour of hearing the stories behind the pieces I make. Stories of new life, milestones, celebrations, but also of grief and loss. I am so humbled to be making these special pieces. The most important thing that I have learned as the owner of Mint & Birch is not how to run a business or how to make pretty jewellery. But instead, it's shown me the importance of the people and relationships in our lives. I am in awe of the love that there is in the world." - Jessica Birak
Set to double revenue in this, their third year of business, Mint & Birch was born out of Jessica's generous spirit. What started as a way to hand-make gifts for her friends and family soon grew bigger. But even when the opportunity to outsource arose, she decided that this particular entrepreneurial endeavour deserved to be kept under her caring fingers, one necklace or bracelet at a time.
Now, making a six figure income for her family is a reality, but Jessica keeps her down-to-earth roots, hippie-esque outlook on life, and above all, a loving and kind spirit.
This is her story, in her words.
How did you start Mint & Birch?
Jessica Birak: I actually started making just the nest necklaces, and honestly it was a bit of an accident. I was making Mother's Day gifts, went to the craft store, and threw something together. Once I started giving them to friends and family, everyone wanted them. I loved making them and I loved the reaction that they got.
The eggs in the nest would often symbolize children - living or lost - and was a touching gift to give and receive.
Once you launched, how was your first line of products received?
Jessica Birak: People loved how unique they were. They loved giving them away as gifts. They were sentimental and unique and my launch was timed well so that a lot of people ordered them for Christmas. I had a huge influx of orders as gifts for moms, aunts and grandmothers. The timing was really great because it catapulted me to success early.
How did you expand your product line?
Jessica Birak: Next I launched a line of brass bar necklaces. Stamping custom phrases into metal isn't exactly easy - it's definitely a technical skillso I wanted a material that wasn't expensive if I made lots of mistakes. We also weren't in the financial place to invest in gold or the equipment needed to cut it. Brass was affordable, and a low risk investment.
Once I got good at stamping, I decided to add some more luxurious items to my shop, so my bar necklaces are now available in gold-fill, and I actually cut every single blank out of big sheets of gold by hand. The sheets are thicker than average to create a real luxury and quality feel and finish.
What is most important to you as a designer when you decide how to expand your product line?
Jessica Birak: Above all, the pieces need to be versatile. It takes an immense amount of time and energy to design a new product, so I always want to make something that appeals to all different types of people: those who like really simple products and also those who are looking for something more ornate. It's tricky to come up with designs that everyone will like - sometimes people don't like them!
But honestly, a lot of times I make what I personally would want to wear. People buy my jewelry because they like my brand and the general feel of our company. I feel that if I put myself into what I make, that I'll naturally attract customers who are drawn to what I want to achieve. It's authentic.
Are you led by what your customers are asking for, or by your own creativity?
Jessica Birak: A bit of both. I'm really drawn to trees and nature; I'm a bit of a crunchy mom. One of my dreams is to give birth outside, under the stars, so I like that aesthetic and I recently worked that into my pieces by offering custom stamped moon phases that match important dates.
Why is expanding your product line important to your business?
Jessica Birak: Jewelry is an intensely competitive arena. It's everywhere and there are LOTS of designers. You need to keep things fresh and constantly evolve. Styles change and trends come and go and if you keep your momentum going with new offerings then it definitely gives you that edge.
Especially now with all the changes Facebook and Instagram have made, you are really looking for those comments and likes. I feel like the only way to do that organically is to keep expanding, keep people on their toes, and give them a reason to follow you.
Is there a difference between having a product and having a brand?
Jessica Birak: Definitely. I started out as a hobby-type shop on Facebook. I didn't have a website, an email, or any branding at all. I think the worst part of that is that I wasn't giving a consistent message to my customers and my followers. I feel like a brand is something that tells a story. It's consistent, coherent, has a mission, is captivating, and it it draws customers in to wonder, What's behind the brand?"
Anybody can make anything and sell it at farmer's markets right? Building a brand takes much more work.
Why do you still make everything by hand?
Jessica Birak: *Laughs* I get this question a lot. My annual revenue isn't as high as other shops. Last year we grossed $65,000. And this year we will definitely double that number. but by making things myself I definitely limit the brand's ability to grow indefinitely.
But part of why my brand is so unique, and why people buy from me, is that they know everything is made by hand. By my hands.
Making custom jewelry isn't easy. It takes a lot of practice and precision to stamp everything perfectly. I'm in such a rhythm now; I can't imagine anyone else doing it. I can honestly make them better with my eyes closed.
I guess the truth is that I'm kind of a control freak. But I really love doing it, and I don't want to give it up. I'm actually trying to find a way to slow down our growth. Sometimes it's about lifestyle and happiness above money. Quality over quantity.
Everything is made one by one. It's easy for people to see my prices and think, I can get a bar necklace cheaper elsewhere!" I can't judge what other shops do, but I can say I stand behind our pieces 100%. I test out the materials rigorously - with my kids, out and about, I immerse them in water and all sorts of rough stuff - to make the highest quality jewelry. I'm really proud of every piece I send out.
How does being a mother affect the way you run your business?
Jessica Birak: I treat my business like a baby. I follow my gut instincts like I follow my mama bear instincts with my babies. I think I've learned that there isn't always a one-size-fits-all solution.
And my kids will always come first. Because the needs of my children are always changing, my business will always be adapting. Being a mother has actually helped me in my business; I know how to multi-task, how to adapt, and how to be flexible.
Is there any advice you'd give to aspiring lady bosses?
Jessica Birak: Always remember what drove you to become so passionate about your businesses. For me, it was to tell special stories - and that's something I strive to always keep in mind. It's an honour to be trusted with the innermost feelings of my customers - with the things that are most important to them. That will help you not get caught up in the numbers or the drama.
Make success follow you - don't chase it.
What does Motherly" mean to you?
Jessica Birak: It means to nourish and to give life to something. To be a mother means to accept and honour the uniqueness of each person and each child. I feel like this world can be exhausting.
We're expected to behave a certain way, have certain things, look a certain way, accomplish certain things, and this pressure starts when you're born. As women we're expected to bounce back" after having kids, and kids are expected to act as adults.
Haley Campbell is the founder of Beluga Baby, and a regular contributor to Motherly. She is is an avid advocate for entrepreneurs, and for the new generation of mothers making the world their own.
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Love manifestedhow one mama is telling stories through jewelry and raising babies - Motherly Inc.
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For me, feminism means the freedom to be a stay-at-home mom – Motherly Inc.
Posted: at 10:29 am
My daughter was born in mid-June and my life has been filled with an indescribable joy since she came along.
After many discussions and a lot of planning with my husband, I began to carve out my identity as a homemaker a few months ago: I left a job I held for six years both because my position was being eliminated from my department and because it seemed like a good time to transition into motherhood.
My husband owns a small business and has been growing his company, which is based out of our home. This makes for a wonderful, family-centered lifestyle, which we love.
Interestingly, I have felt pressure from a few people I know regarding my choice to be a homemaker and to raise my baby without daily childcare in her early years.
They have subtly suggested that Im selling myself short by not prioritizing my career, and that Im naively letting my husband pursue his career dreams while putting mine on hold.
I dislike these comments because I have chosenwith great self-awareness and robust, loving support from my husbandto prioritize raising our daughter, cooking meals for my family, gardening outside, caring for our pets and cleaning our house. Writing and teaching yoga part-time are passions of mine, which I plan to continue weaving into my schedule.
I absolutely love doing these things because I feel like Im building our home and nurturing my family. This feeling is so satisfying to me.
I think that is the key: I feel deep satisfaction in my choice to make home full time. If another woman feels deep satisfaction going to work every day that is equally valuable and worthwhile. But, in our quest for a just and equal world where women and men have equal opportunities, it doesnt seem right that some people chastise women who choose home life over the office.
In fact, to suggest that women should do anything other than what they feel is right for them and their families is anti-feminist, in my opinion. My definition of feminism is a woman doing for herself what brings her joy, and makes her feel confident and respected as an individual.
To be fair, there are plenty of women in my life who are happy for me and encouraging my choices. But I feel like the culture of ambition and cut-throat career success that so many of us millennials have been raised to espouseand which I, too, pursued and enjoyed for many yearsis portrayed as the only path to happiness.
Some women with an academic profile similar to minean Ivy League education and a prestigious careerare putting down my choice to be a homemaker and suggesting that if youre a strong woman than you must go back to work and not change or let go of climbing the career ladder.
But I dont believe in living my life like a ladder. Life means more to me than simply having name recognition or fame or widespread success. In fact, Im OK without having any of those things.
This realization has become even more evident to me as I get older and move farther away from the competitive what-college-are-you-going-to-and-what-did-you-get-on-your-SAT? mindset.
I feel more grounded and satisfied doing things that go unrecognized yet feel incredibly rewardingsuch as community service, teaching, caring for people in nursing homes and nurturing my family.
At a time in history when digital technology seems to revolve around the infamous selfie and constantly putting ourselves on display, Im happy to find deep contentment in ordinary, everyday living that is often anonymous.
Now that my daughter has been born, I feel contentment in quiet moments together with her that I know will fade over several lifetimes and which will not be written into history books Precious moments between us that do not requireand in fact would be hindered byan audience.
In such intimacy, love is the only truth and therefore becomes the overwhelming reality.
Nothing else matters.
My body swells with love, electricity and milk when I pick my daughter up from her nap. Shes ready to feed, her dark blue eyes blinking open and focusing on mine like large blueberries in a full moon. Her chubby cheeks swell and her mouth opens in a big, happy, gummy smile.
Then her lips draw into tight little button shape that I call her owl face and she poops in her diaper.
Whoooo, Whoooo, I coo to her.
I kiss the top of her head, and feel her soft black hair with my cheek.
I brush my nose lightly against her powdery-sweet forehead and kiss her temples.
I savor the way it feels when she restscompletely trusting meon my heart and turns her head so that one sleeping cheek rests against my sternum.
My belly is soft, receiving her presence, receiving her trust and shining my love back into her. Our hearts beat gently together.
For every womanfor every personmaking a home, caring for a family and building a career are unique experiences.
I know that often, it is not always financially possible for one partner to stay at home.
I support all women, men, families and caregivers making choices that suit their circumstances. But I think its important that women knowand are even willing to fight and make sacrifices forthe choice to raise a family in place of a making a name for oneself. We had to make adjustments to our budget and lifestyle so that I could be at home.
I know that for me, being at home right now is what feels right. I am happy, my husband is happy, and our daughter is growing healthy and strong.
Thats my kind of feminism.
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For me, feminism means the freedom to be a stay-at-home mom - Motherly Inc.
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