Tell us your name and a bit about your family? When did you become a Mum and to whom?
My Name is Danielle Calder, Mum to Max 11 years old next month and Zack who has just turned 7. I married their Daddy in 2015. We have 2 chow chow puppies and we live in Scotland.
What’s your business called?
The business is called Candelle & Co
Can you describe it in one sentence?
Fabulous, Fun & Funky Fragranced Gifts
When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?
I started the business in January 2016.
My head was always else where at work. I knew I wanted to build a business, I knew I had the potential but didnt know where to start untiI I did just that. I am creative and don’t always see inside the box. I wanted more to just work, I wanted to work to be fun and enjoyable.
How did you fund your start up?
This was the hard part and still is. I started with £27 worth of materials, a home microwave in my kitchen. I used my monthly wage to grow the business until I finally took the leap to leave my job.
How do you manage working around your children?
I try to fit my working day around the kids. When they are at school I’ll be at work in the unit making and creating and when they are in bed I’ll be doing all the admin and catching up on emails at home. Its a good balance for the kids butI still find there is not enough hours in the day to do all the work.
Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?
Typical day for me is school run in the morning, checking emails before I head to work, printing orders. Making and dispatching orders for customers and wholesale while trying to juggle social media and phone enquiries and more emails.
A lot of my time is taken up by connecting with other people. I try to connect with my customer or client as much as possible.
What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?
I have been very lucky to have wonderful clients. I’ve come across many challenges and managed to over come them with the patients and understanding of my clients. Every challenge has taught me something new. I’m grateful for that, I don’t think the business would grow without challenges.
What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?
When you have the flexibility to be there for your kids, I think that is very important. Also to set your own goals and targets and celebrate the little victories along the way.
What are your plans for the future?
The future is never far away, when you are a self employed mum I find the days go in much quicker than they did when i worked for someone else. I want to grow the business in different directions, expand the product range and open new doors. I keep telling myself ‘one day, I’ll have my products in harrods’ this is possibly a long term goal.
What advice would you give for someone just starting out in business?
If i was giving myself advice when i first started i would say ‘just go with what feels right’ when I started I had no goals, no targets, just imagination and tons of enthusiasm. I just went for it, no looking back. Some things have worked and some things haven’t. Its the risk you take. As the saying goes ‘if it was easy everyone would do it’.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Its not easy, its far from it. But its worth it.
Instagram – @candelleco
Facebook – @candelleandco
Twitter – @candelleco