Moms are enterprising by necessity, so it isn't surprising that many local moms also are entrepreneurs. 

The economic downturn with its accompanying layoffs has changed the financial dynamics of many families, inspiring moms to mix parenting and business ambitions.

Lori Tahsler, a local mom of two, is an up-and-coming "star stylist" with Stella & Dot, a home-based direct sales women's jewelry company.

Now in her second year with the company, Tahsler says that she has found a business she "absolutely loves."

She says the Stella and Dot franchise, based in Burlingame and founded by Peninsula mom and Stanford graduate Jessica Herrin, "gives me a flexible, lucrative and stylish career to contribute to my family financially."

Another busy local mom, Barb Besse, was inspired by her love of cooking, discovered in her grandmother's farm kitchen, to launch A Tasteful Palette, a Danville-based catering company she co-owns.

Local mothers' organizations are recognizing the trend of mom entrepreneurs, creating groups for moms who are chief family officer and chief financial officer.

Kim Lind, an Iron Horse Mother's Club member and former co-director, is a local photographer. She serves as the chat moderator for the club's "Moms in Business" subgroup.

She says that the subgroup started nearly three years ago for mom business owners to encourage and support each other.

Now, Lind says, the subgroup has evolved into a professional network boasting 160 member businesses, at which mom entrepreneurs share ideas and resources. 

Each year, Iron Horse Mother's Club organizes a public boutique to promote member businesses. This year's boutique is tentatively planned for Nov. 18.

Lind says the growing subgroup mirrors the growth of the club. She says in the last three years the mother's club went from 500 members to about 800, as new development has brought more families to the area.

"New moms contact us weekly to be included," she says.

The subgroup teaches moms how to balance the roles of business owner and mother.

As Lind says, "Everyone is staying up late and working through nap times."

To learn more about the businesses in this article:

Barb Besse/ A Tasteful Palette 925-788-3158

Lori Tahsler/ Star Stylist Stella and Dot.

Kim Lind/ Kim Lind Photography.