Military Spouse Entrepreneurs
It’s not everyday military spouses write, edit, layout, print and distribute their own publication (unless you are Military Spouse Magazine). What started as small talk between two Army spouses seven years ago during a chance assignment together turned into a company called Chameleon Kids – the parent company of Military Kid’s Life.
Amy Crispino, Managing Director of Chameleon Kids and an Army spouse, believes publishing Military Kid’s Life magazine was the best way to become an entrepreneur.
“Professionally, like many military spouses, I have taken an indirect, and often interrupted, path to founding a company. I graduated from college with a degree in economics and immediately took a job as a second grade teacher. As a military spouse for nearly 16 years, I have had the opportunity to teach in public and private schools, earn a Master of Arts in Teaching, volunteer extensively with the Army, spend a few years “on sabbatical” with my kids, and complete the Military Spouse Financial Counseling Fellowship program.
Founding Chameleon Kids and starting Military Kids’ Life magazine really is the culmination of these diverse experiences. My two children (son age 13 and daughter age 9) serve as a great sounding board and are a constant source of inspiration,” says Crispino.
Janine Boldrin, a professional freelance writer and published author, also traveled a circuitous path to becoming business owner. With a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, a masters degree in Manufacturing and a resume that includes working for IBM, Janine decided to follow her passion for writing after becoming a military spouse and mother of three.
It wasn’t until these women reconnected nearly a decade after they first met, did they decide to turn their passion into a product.
“We knew we wanted to create something positive and interactive for military kids, but a book seemed too static. We needed flexibility and the ability to grow with our readers. A magazine seemed to be a perfect fit,” says Boldrin.
After months of research, countless hours of writing and editing, Boldrin and Crispino launched their first issue with rave reviews. It’s a labor of love and a significant financial investment for both women, but one they hope will pay off in the end.
In one of the toughest industries in the country – the magazine business – two military spouses combined their professional skills sets and formed a company. They have their eyes on an inspiring and important demographic – military kids. We know military kids’ mailboxes around the globe will become a place to find excitement, adventure, understanding and friendship in a magazine just for them.
To find out more about Chameleon Kids or to order a subscription to Military Kid’s Life, visit www.thechameleonkids.com.
This is what your military kid really has to say about military life!
Quick Facts
Janine Boldrin, Co-founder & Creative Director for Chameleon Kids
16 year Army Spouse
Stationed in Northern Virginia
3 children
Amy Crispino, Co-founder & Managing Director for Chameleon Kids
16 year Army Spouse
Stationed at Fort Campbell
2 children
