Carnsight Communications – Launching a Communications Business

Tell us your name and a bit about your family? When did you become a Mum and to whom?

My name is Jessica Morgan (or Jessica Jefferys – depends if I’m at a business meeting or a playgroup!) I became a mum in March 2012 with Rosa and for a second time in April 2015 with Dylan. I live with my children and husband, Steve, who works in advertising.

What’s your business called?

Carnsight Communications.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

PR and communications for businesses – particularly small and creative ones.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I opened officially at the start of 2016. I’d worked in advertising and PR for 15 years and a move away from London to Bath forced the issue! I wanted flexibility to work around my children and it’s certainly the kind of job you can start off doing alone with just a laptop, a phone and some good contacts.

How did you fund your start up?

I started working from the kitchen table and as money came in I paid for more equipment and resources. We’re currently building an extension which will include a home office.

How do you manage working around your children?

I started off doing evenings and weekends then added a few nursery sessions for the children. When Rosa went to school I increased childcare and I now work three days a week with bits and pieces in between. I aim to spend quality time with the children and do every school drop off and school pick ups three times a week.

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

I get up around 6.30am so I can get ready before the children wake at 7ish (the power of Gro Clocks!) My husband is usually gone by 7.30am so I get the children fed, dressed and ready and we get out the door for nursery and/or school drop offs. I find trying to stick to timings in my head helps with the morning routine (e.g. breakfast all done before 7.45am, dressed and teeth by 8.10am etc.) We get in the car and drive when I’m working, walk if I’m not.
My desk is in the kitchen so once I’m back home I try and get everything cleared away and tidy before 9am when I start my day in front of the laptop. It’s a mix of phone calls, social media, emails and writing. I head to London at least once a month to see clients and contacts and also have more local meetings – e.g. in Bristol.
I try and break for lunch but usually it’s soup or sandwiches in front of my computer as I find the days go so quickly! No housework or anything else during my work days – there just isn’t the time. I finish around 5.15pm and start pick ups. I’ll check emails regularly and if I need to I’ll do extra in the evenings.

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

I’ve had to adjust to working alone. In fact I quickly started working with trusted freelance colleagues to give me extra resource at busy times and I enjoy working with others when I can and I find networks are great to get advice and tips when I need them. Children’s illnesses are always tough – obviously for them as well! I’m usually the one who looks after the children when they’re sick so that can be difficult to balance with work at busy times. My husband helps when he can.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

The flexibility. I love the fact that I can work my time around me and my family. No more missed nativities or trying to coordinate time off for sports day.

What are your plans for the future?

I would love to continue to grow the business and work with more people in the same work space rather than just virtually. It’s a creative industry and getting heads together really helps.

What advice would you give for someone just starting out in business?

Start small. You can build up from there. Small steps feel much less daunting than big ones and allow you more flexibility initially. Also be prepared to adapt your offering depending on what’s needed in the market.

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

Just a big thanks for supporting women like me!

Carnsight.com
Www.twitter.com/cornwalljess