Proprietor:
Victoria Ballard started The Victoria Chart Company LLC in 2004. She is president and founder of the company, and designs the charts. Her business partner, John Miller, is vice president and "financial brain."
Business Description:
"We produce a range of products dedicated to positive development in children and supporting those who care for them," Ballard says of her business. These include colorful reward charts tailored to different ages and situations, packaged with stickers and dry-erase pens for customizing them to your child's needs. The company has also come out with a reward-chart app for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and Android called Go Rewards.
Parenting Connection:
Ballard's son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was a year old. "I gave birth to my son in 2002, and as far as I was concerned he was a perfectly healthy baby," she recalls. "I started to notice at around eighteen months old that there were movement and coordination problems. We were referred to a pediatrician and tests and diagnosis went into full swing. This was obviously a shocking time for us. The specialists told us at one stage that they couldn't be sure my son would ever walk. However, we are not a family to dwell on the negative. We took each day as it came, stayed forward-focused, and pulled together to give my son the best possible support."
Business Inspiration:
The reward charts started out as a way to encourage her son to try walking. "It allowed us to monitor each step and get very excited with his progress," Ballard explains. "As my background was graphic design, the chart was very eye-catching. My son engaged with it very well, and his progress was soon apparent. He was also very proud to show it off. This led to requests from other mothers who didn't have the know-how and desire to make one. It soon struck me that there was a need. It also came at a very low point in my life because on top of everything else, my marriage was falling apart. I was desperate to try and take control of my life and make something work. I've built my business as a single mom. I don't think my products would be as good as they are had I not been so desperate for something to work."
Getting Started:
"Fortunately my graphic design background meant I could do all the chart designs myself, so obviously free of charge," Ballard says. "I did have to learn and search for suitable components for the packs. I had to embrace the necessity of understanding the financial side of the business. Also, I presented my first prototype to Harrods who said that if I produced it, they would stock it. The rest is history."
Success Story:
At the time of this interview in June 2011, the Victoria Chart Company has been in business for seven years. "People around me and my customers consider it a success, and it certainly deserves to be," Ballard says, "but I have high standards and believe you can continually improve." Testimonials from fans of her products are available on the company's website.
Pros and Cons:
For Ballard, the Victoria Chart Company is a full-time job -- "and more!" What's the best thing about having her own business? "It has given me a focus, something to aim for. Also the flexibility to work around my children and their very busy social calendars." The hardest thing, she says, is "the frustration of things that are out of your control -- i.e., people who respond slowly or not at all. I don't have great patience."
Future Planning:
The U.K.-based Victoria Chart Company recently expanded into selling products in the U.S. What's next? "Aside from continuing to build our brand name," Ballard says, "I am keen to work closely with organizations who will help bring our products to underprivileged families."
More Inspiration and Advice from Victoria Ballard:
How is your child doing now?
My son is doing very well, he is going through mainstream school without additional help other than hand rails around the school to help him become independent. He is a very positive, upbeat boy.
Do you have other children?
Yes, he has a younger sister who is 7.
What do your children think about your business?
Both my children love my business. They are very proud to be part of it.
Would you recommend that other parents do what you've done?
Only if they have an idea/product that they truly believe in and want to live, sleep, breathe it.
What advice would you give to other parents about raising a child with special needs?
Aim to let the disability live with you, rather than you living with the disability.
