Kate Cayanni

Founder of Good Smart Funny

Mother of 2

You started your business, Good Smart Funny during the pandemic while juggling your little ones at home - what prompted you to create your own company and what have you learned about running your own business during this time?

It's funny how when you're struck with a really difficult or traumatic situation, it has the ability to focus you. Suddenly the things that matter the most are clearer and the rest kind of blurs to the background.

Like millions of other people, when the pandemic hit, I lost the job that I had. And when that business "reopened" and was deemed essential, I was offered an option to return for only 10 hours a week. It was at this time and with about 6 weeks of having been home with the kids in a state of shelter in place, that starting Good Smart Funny came into focus. I'd had the time to recognize what I missed, and recognize the work that energizes me. I also had a clearer idea of a life I wanted for myself, that allowed for more flexibility, and the ability to focus on the kind of work that I find rewarding: helping small business owners lead their team with intention and develop a people process that aligns with their values. So I offered to consult for them, formed my LLC and started building my business.

I've learned that the idea that resonates most with me in my business is this theme that people go to work and want to do a good job and feel valued for doing that good job. Not unlike parenting! It's amazing how often the advice, or guidance I hear and read on how we parent, aligns identically with the guidance and literature on how to manage people. It's all about how we treat each other. No matter the age, or station.

I've also learned that flexibility only comes to entrepreneurs who set boundaries for themselves. I am harder on myself than any of the bosses I've worked for in the past. I have to remind myself to look at issues and treat myself the way I would coach a client to work with their employees. Remembering to be kind to myself, and shutting down at the end of the workday, saying no if it makes me overcommitted, and communicating timing has been key in preserving that flexibility.

You have chosen Montessori education for your children - what inspires you about Montessori principles?

It was early in our adventures as Montessori parents that we received the advice to celebrate our kids' wins not by saying, "I'm so proud of you" but with words like, "I know you practiced a lot to learn how to do that! You must feel very proud of all of your work!" It solidifies an internal self-worth, instead of seeking external validation. This really resonated with me, and in the world we are living in, when so much judgement flies freely, I am excited that they are learning skills now that will equip them to look inward for happiness.

How do you encourage independence with your children in your home?

I love baking with the kids. They are the measurers, and wielders of spatulas. They run quality control on the chocolate chips. They cooperate with each other and learn to share the work. And are rewarded equally with a beater from the mixer to "clean" (by licking, of course), while I get the rest of the dough scooped and baked.

We try to let them help with any tasks we are taking on around the house. They bring the recycling out to the bins, they happily 'wash dishes' which is often just playing with the soapy water in the sink, and bring their plates to the kitchen after dinner. We started a container garden on our deck and they are in charge of watering, which they love.

Are there any favorite products that you're loving in your household at the moment?

We subscribe to Lovevery's play kits that come quarterly with age appropriate Montessori toys and those boxes are always met with excitement, and the quality is nice.

For mom self-care, I recently discovered Kate McLeod's body stones and I love this as a way to moisturize without lotion, which is always cold! They feel special and also are packaged beautifully.

I also love the tailored journal from Sugar Paper. I love to write, and the paper feels very luxe and takes ink really well.

What is something that is bringing you joy as a mother right now?

Stories at bedtime are the best. Earlier in the day, when they are busy and running wild, it is tough to get a hug, or a snuggle. "No kisses, mama! I'm playing!" they tell me. But at storytime, as we get them ready for bed, they snuggle up with me, and lean in with enthusiasm as I do a silly voice, or make animal noises or whatever the book calls for. It's this sweet, calm moment we share together. And then they go to bed...which is also sweet and calm.