Sarah’s Chocoholics

Tell us a bit about your family?

I am married with 3 children, Sophie 12, Harrison 8 and Joshua 1. We also live with my parents as well as 2 cats and 3 dogs. So a very busy household!!

What’s your business called?

I am an independent distributor (or will be in January) for chocolates for chocoholics for Tendring and surrounding areas. My Facebook page is Sarah’s chocoholics Tendring.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Quality chocolate gifts for all occasions delivered direct to your door.

When did you start it and what inspired you?

I only started on the 1st November 2015. I have been going to parties for many years and purchased the chocolates. I love the products and not many people had heard of it. Due to my situation I was reluctant to go back to my previous job for many reasons and this seemed like the ideal opportunity to do something for myself without compromising my children’s childhood.

How did you fund your start up?

At the moment it has all been self funding although for 4 weeks I have only been on brochure sales to build client base and product awareness.

How do you manage working around your children?

I can do the Internet side of the business ie social media advertising, processing orders, answering enquiries anywhere so either whilst the kids are at clubs, sitting in bed of an evening. Deliveries I fit around the kids so I can always do the school pick up and drop off and they can come with me. After Christmas any parties will be mainly in the evening so my husband or parents will be on babysitting duties. I have already lined up a chocolate at my usual toddler group which Joshua can join me at and which gives me another avenue to tackle for my chocolate empire.

Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?

My typical day at the moment is

6am schedule posts for FB page over the course of the day
8am leave home for school run
9am collect any orders or deliver any orders
Shopping
Housework
3pm collect kids from school
Collect and deliver more orders
5pm cook dinner
7pm bedtime
8pm onwards paperwork

What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?

Time management and recording information.
To combat this I have a very big diary and have created spreadsheets to record which orders are at which stage.

What’s the best thing about being self employed?

Being able to work and earn money without having to spend most of the money early on childcare.l and spending my time with my children so I can see them grow.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to be doing at least 4 or 5 parties a week in peak season.

What advice would you give for someone just starting out?

Just go for it. You don’t know until you try.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I am looking for party hosts who can earn commission on orders overĀ£150 plus there are reward schemes available. A great way to earn a little whilst socialising with friends.

Www.facebook.com/Sarahschocoholics

Looking for more Mum’s business inspiration?

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

[jetpack_subscription_form]