Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Tarila Morrone

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Each year, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia brings on board 20 businesses that are looking for assistance with starting, growing or purchasing a business. The Starter Company Plus program offers these entrepreneurs extensive training, mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to receive a micro-grant of up to $5,000. Get connected to Barrie's business support network by taking the first step with the Starter Company. Eligible entrepreneurs can inquire about an application package at smallbusiness@barrie.ca.
 

Hearts of Gems is an exciting start-up company that has developed products for children that are engaging and mentally transformational. The company is premised on the belief that being kind and confident begins with the mind and so the business wants to help parents develop a healthy and strong mindset for the next generation.

Company owner, Tarila Morrone, believes that children are the leaders of tomorrow and building the right foundational values will influence the way they lead. Hearts of Gems provides high quality products and resources to help parents fill their child’s ‘bucket’ and establish the foundation for their kids that will encourage kindness, foster compassion, and promote a positive self-image and confidence.

The Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia is proud to support Tarila to continue to get not only her products, but her message across to Simcoe County and beyond!

Read on to learn more about Tarila and where she gets her inspiration.

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Tarila Morrone and Kids

What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?

My favourite part of being an entrepreneur is the creativity that is constantly being sparked in my quest to develop products that are impactful.

What inspired you to start a business?

My little girls are my inspiration, purpose and drive. Wanting to nurture traits that would help them become their best selves as well as good humans in a complex world, I started to think about ways that I could encourage this. Hearts of Gems came about, not only with my kids in mind, but also to encourage as many kids as possible to lead with confidence, love and kindness as they navigate the world.

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Tarila Morrone and Daughter with Activity

What services/ products do you offer?

I currently offer affirmation cards, activity resources and clothing.

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Hearts of Gems Products

Why is it so important to promote values and qualities we should all aspire to live by to children?

Children are the leaders of tomorrow and building the right foundational values will influence the way they lead. Also, as our lives have become so entwined with the internet and social media, children have unprecedented exposure to peer pressure and bullying. Promoting the right values will help them to stand tall, be confident and always remember their worth. And with bullying being a prevalent problem in society, it is extremely important to nurture certain qualities (like kindness, compassion and confidence) in children so they grow to be part of the solution, and not the problem.

What is unique about your business?

My business is unique in that we develop products that are purposeful and impactful. We want to help provide resources for mothers of children in early and middle childhood that will help their children to lead with kindness, confidence and purpose.

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Hearts of Gems T-shirt Modelled

What is a motto you live by?

The seeds of character we sow in our kids now is what the world will reap in the future.

What are your top 3 favourite products you sell on your website and why?

  1. Motherhood Affirmation Cards – As beautiful as motherhood is, it can also be very challenging. Affirmation cards help to create a positive mindset that in turn helps to manage the different emotions we encounter. These affirmation cards are designed to uplift and remind mothers of their innate strength and help develop a deeper connection with their child.
  2. 30 Acts of Kindness Booklet for Toddlers – Children can change the world, especially if they are taught important values from day one. By teaching toddlers to care for other people, the environment, and their community, we are creating a strong foundation for gratitude, compassion, and empathy.
  3. Double-sided Activity Board for Bathtime (and beyond) – This activity board is designed to remove the clutter from bath time while keeping kids engaged and entertained as their curiosity is sparked and their creativity is encouraged.
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Hearts of Gems Activity

Do you hope your children will follow in your entrepreneurial footsteps?

I wouldn’t push them but I will definitely encourage them. Entrepreneurship can be so fulfilling and rewarding, and I want them to know that. My daughter ran her lemonade stand last summer (at 3 years old) in the neighbourhood and she loved every bit of it – so much that she asked me if she could run it again this year, “because she had already invited everyone in her class.” She will be selling lemonade at Carrot Fest in Bradford later this month and she can’t wait!

Where do you see your business being in 12-24 months in regards to growth?

In the next 12-24 months, I hope to have developed creative marketing strategies and programs that will help increase my business visibility. I also see my business having more products that will make it easier for my customers in their self-development journey.

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Hearts of Gems Cards

What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?

I hope to have a better grasp on the different elements of running a business, particularly with regards to creating brand awareness and marketing.

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Browse Heart of Gems products and read Tarila’s blogs on life as a mom today.

Website: https://heartsofgems.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartsofgemsca/ 


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