Category: Creating/Selling a product

Zazas toybox logo

Running a Book Based Business with ZaZa’s Storybox

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

Hi, I’m Danni and I launched ZaZa’s Storybox earlier this year. My aim is to inspire more families to have fun reading to their little one in those precious early years. I am Mummy to a beautiful daughter who is 2 and a gorgeous little boy who has just turned 10 weeks.

 

What’s your business called?

ZaZa’s Storybox. My daughter, Zara, is the inspiration for my business so it seemed only right to name it after her. ZaZa is the name all her special little friends call her.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Fun, themed Storyboxes for 0-2 years olds containing books and a toy available as one-off gifts or as a subscription to inspire more families to read to their little ones.

 

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I enjoyed my maternity leave so much that going back to my office job just didn’t appeal anymore. I wanted to be able to spend as much time with Zara as possible because they grow up so quickly. I feel lucky that I was able to have the opportunity to do this and forever grateful. I’ve always wanted to set up my own business and love subscription boxes so when I saw how much my daughter loved books, it gave me the inspiration for ZaZa’s Storybox. The more I looked into it, the more I realised how important reading is in setting the foundations for future development and there are some worrying statistics out there that I quickly became passionate about improving. It makes me sad that 43% of 1 year olds are not being read to every day and that more and more parents are turning to technology instead of snuggling up and reading a bedtime story together.

 

How did you fund your start up?

It didn’t require a huge amount of capital other than some help with my webpage, logo design and stock so I was able to fund it with some inheritance money.

 

How do you manage working around your children?

My daughter loves her daytime nap so that has helped, although I think she might drop that in a few months and my son will be on the move before I know it so I will have to re-think things soon!

 

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

No day is the same and as a new startup, the speed at which I progress the business is up to me so some days I don’t do anything and other days I will tick lots off my to-do list! My main priority is spending time with the children so I’m happy laying the foundations and building relationships now so that I can go full steam ahead with the business once they are at school. I try to keep my social media posts regular but other than that my only ‘must-do’ is keep on top of orders and get them to the Post Office – which usually involves a trip to the park to feed the ducks to keep the little ones happy!

 

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

Time is the obvious challenge that springs to mind. I’ve had to tell myself to be patient with the business and in years to come I’ll miss the days where I was busy multi-tasking with little ones running round my feet! Getting my product in front of my target market has also been more difficult than I anticipated and is taking longer than I had hoped.

 

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

Being able to be there for Zara and Ashton whilst being able to focus on something for me that I enjoy. I’m my own boss (although it feels like my toddler is the boss at times!) so there is no pressure from anyone but myself to get things done.

 

What are your plans for the future?

I’d love to expand into a wider age group. At the moment I am just focusing on 0-2 year olds as that is when the majority of brain development happens but it would be great to continue providing Storyboxes to little ones as they get older.

 

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

Choose something you are passionate about so that you enjoy doing it even when the sales and uptake are not as high as you anticipated. New businesses take time to embed so don’t put pressure on yourself to be successful overnight. It will take time and determination so don’t give up at the first hurdle!

 

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

I’m sure there is but my daughter is about to wake up from her nap and the other one wants feeding so it will have to wait for another time! Feel free to contact me though with any questions and I’d love to hear your thoughts on ZaZa’s Storybox.

Http://www.zazastorybox.com
www.instagram.com/zazastorybox
www.facebook.com/zazastorybox 

Happy Token’s Logo

Mum’s Business Story – Happy Token Behavioural Management Resources

I am Michelle Westgarth-Graham, I am married with five unique children who are full of life and character. I have two girls and three boys ranging from 19 years old to 6years old. Some of my children have diagnoses, disorders and additional needs.

I had my first child when I was 26 and my last child when I was 38. I did a law degree when I had my first child, and by the time I had my last, I had ‘fallen’ into owning my own business.

My company is called Happy Tokens and my business was never intentional (although I love what I do and wouldn’t change it now).

When my children were younger I found it a struggle to discipline them. Not punish them but teach them consequences, to keep up with their social learning and be able to guide them efficiently. There was no timetable and no way to ensure each child got what they needed. And they needed such different things, and in different ways.

I was always an advocate of Reward Charts helping to guide child behaviour but as I used them I began to find gaps I couldn’t bridge for example Reward charts don’t allow for negativity, they don’t allow for consequences (again not to be confused with punishment). But these were values I wanted to teach my children in a loving, nurturing way.

Looking around I couldn’t find the parenting tools I needed so I filled that gap myself and designed one. I studied every component of rewards, of behaviour, and of positive and negative reinforcement. I studied, I gained qualifications, I researched, and I worked out an answer suitable for my household, my children and my parenting.

Very quickly friends and family saw my system and its success and wanted to try it for themselves and that is how it all started. I chucked together a company name, a FB Page and a PayPal account to take payments and just rolled with it.

It has worked out really well and has grown with my family, so the more time the kids are at school the more time I have to spend on my business.

In the second year I got a start up loan to buy a large but essential piece of equipment which was nerve wracking but that loan getting approved made me realise that I could do this and that other people believed I could do this.

I’ve now expanded, moved into bigger premises and extended my range. I am well established in providing schools with House Systems and consulting on child behaviour and have developed resources and aides for children with additional needs.

Most of my daytime is spent behind a computer screen and when the kids go to bed I’m working on my phone but that means I get to drop them off at school everyday and pick them up and make stay and paly sessions, school plays and all the other things that working mums often miss out on.

A couple of times a week I get to go over to my workshop and actually make up all my orders. I love that part of my job because I know what I’m sending is going to greatly help a family. Being hands on with making the products also lets me be creative and explore how to improve or expand what I do.

In the summer I can open the big wooden double doors on my workshop which means the kids can pop in and out helping counting things out or sealing up parcels. I like to involve them in my job and this has resulted in me giving a business loan to them and each developing their own business and earning enough to pay me back and keep a company running.

The hardest part of working for yourself is never having time off. I care about my customers so even if my life is falling apart, I have tofind time for consultations, meetings or deadlines for getting those products out. Even when I’m not actually at work I find I’m thinking about it but I love what I do so it’s worth it. I’m really lucky as my husband works for himself too so I have someone to share with.

Another challenge working for yourself is all the different hats you have to wear: marketing, advertising, bookkeeping, customer service, legal adviser, health and safety. I’ve found it is vital to network if for no other reason than to share information and fight overwhelm. I think all the hats you have  to wear as a mum has definitely prepared me for mega multitasking business-wise and I see having 5 children as a real asset to me being able to build a business.

There are many stumbling blocks along the way when working for yourself but it is certainly worth it and self-worth and self-belief play a massive part. I’m glad my early days are behind me and I’m much more comfortable with who I am and what I can achieve. I can enjoy the benefits, see what’s important and am looking to simply expand what I do so that many more families can experience and enjoy my Happy Tokens.

You can find out more by visiting the Happy Tokens Website

 

Are we there yet logo

Are we There Yet? Travel Bags for Children

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

I’m Holly,I first became a mum at 21 in 2009 and have had a baby every two years since. I’m now a mum of five gorgeous children. Sienna 9,Isabella 7, Ava 5, Olivia 3 and Daniel 1. We live in Oxfordshire.

What’s your business called?

Are We There Yet?

Can you describe it in one sentence?

We provide childrens travel packs guaranteed to entertain and engage whilst travelling and beyond.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I became a mumpreneur the summer of 2018. Inspired by my own children and their needs when travelling.

How did you fund your start up?

It was completely self funded with savings.

How do you manage working around your children?

In addition to running my own business I also home educate my children. They alway take my priority but it’s a constant juggle of children, work, house jobs, play dates, laundry and cooking! Most my work gets done first thing in the morning or in the evening when the children are sleeping.

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

Daily I have to make up orders and post them, update social media, check stock levels and order new stock.

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

Lack of time is my  biggest struggle. My to do list always requires more time than I have to give. To be honest I haven’t found the magic answer yet! At the moment I prioritise the todo list then I always know the most important things get done daily.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

Having the flexibility to work around your family.

What are your plans for the future?

I have lots of ideas and big plans to expand and add new products to Are We There Yet range in 2019. As well as some very exciting collaborations coming up.

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

Believe in yourself and your product because if you don’t how do you expect others to?

https://www.arewethereyetbags.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/arewethereyettravelbags/

Https://www.instagram.com/are.we.there.yet.bags

Gift Business Ollie Collie

Running a Gift Business: Ollie Collie

Heather’s gift business Ollie Collie, was launched after a movement to Cumbria and inspired by her bordie Collie, it allows her to work around her children.

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

Hi, I’m Heather and I have two children. A twelve year old boy and a two
year old girl. We live in Cumbria with our crazy Border Collie and my
husband Paul.

What’s your business called?

Ollie Collie

Can you describe it in one sentence?

I design and create gifts inspired by life with our Border Collie, Ollie.

When did you launch your gift business and what inspired you?

When I was pregnant with my daughter I decided that I wanted to be able to
work around family and be in charge of my own time as I hadn’t had that
opportunity with my son. We had just moved to Cumbria and I loved country
life and getting out with our dog Ollie. I was always on the lookout for
items with Border Collies on and couldn’t find what I wanted. The two things
came together at the same time and Ollie Collie was born.

How did you fund your start up?

We funded it ourselves from savings.

How do you manage working around your children?

My son is at school and my daughter does spend a couple of days a week at
nursery which helps when I need to really focus. But the rest of the time
it’s working when they’re in bed really! My daughter still naps a little
during the day so I can get some work done then when she’s at home. Think I
will need a new plan when that stops though!

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

There never seems to be a ‘typical’ day and that’s what I love about it! One
day you’re doing admin and finance work, the next you’re making items and
the next having sales meetings or delivering products to customers. It’s
really varied when it’s just you to do everything. Writing lists is the key
for me, and planning the more challenging items for when the children are at
school so I have no interruptions.

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

Balancing work and family is always the overriding challenge. When you love
what you do you can get lost in trying to do more and more. I’m lucky that
my husband is very supportive but also knows when to say it’s time to put
the laptop away and rest!

What’s the best thing about being Running your gift business?

Being able to plan my own time and be there for the children and the family
when I need to be. I can be at appointments, school plays and the important
events without having to sacrifice my job or make up the time to an
employer. If my baby is poorly I’m there without guilt. I think that’s a
really big thing for a parent.

What are your plans for the future?

I’d really love to grow the brand and get to a point where there’s more than
just me!

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

Just keep going! There are so many points where you can question yourself
and what you’re doing but keep taking good advice from experts and stick
with it. Celebrate the small wins, whatever it takes to keep you motivated
and have faith that it will work out.

www.olliecollie.co.uk
www.facebook.com/OllieCollieUK
Twitter: @OllieCollieUK

 

Gift business Candelle & Co

Business Story: Candelle & Co

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

Mumpreneur Story: Flip the Dog

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

Helen Mincher – I am mom to two gorgeous girls, Eva, 4 and Olivia, 2
We live in West Yorkshire with my husband and dog, Eddie

What’s your business called?

Flip The Dog

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Flip The Dog is a new breed of yogawear with sustainability at its core; fusing high performance with fashion-forward styles to lift mood and transcend the studio.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

At the start of the year we relocated out of London and up to Leeds, swapping the Big Smoke, for fresh Yorkshire hills, a career in online corporatedom of work/life balance; a tiny terrace for family sized plot, and finally a chance to concentrate on getting our ideas and business off the ground.

Having children makes you realise how fast time goes and certainly makes you reassess what is important to you.

Inspiration came from a variety of sources – i loved reading about women and families who seemingly had it all – a successful business, working around a passion point and plenty of time with their children and family

How did you fund your start up?

personal savings.

How do you manage working around your children?

Its not always easy. I work when they are in bed from 7.30pm and its important here to set up a lot of content for marketing activities and to compose the lengthier emails. During the day with the girls, I need to be able to focus on them, but i do push content live/ answer quick emails/ package up orders in between play groups, dinner times and general mayhem!

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

I wake before the children to take the dog for a run and shower, and then get the children ready. My eldest has just started school , so mornings are action-packed getting her prepped and ready. I may have lined up soclial media updates that will need pushing live, and will check for any comments and orders throughout the day. I’ll normally have a playgroup with my youngest in the morning, and then after lunch, she will have some quiet time with a couple of Peppa Pigs, whilst I make any phone calls I need to suppliers or stockists etc. The afternoon is a blur of plarks, playdates and dinner. Post the bed and bath routine which i share with my husband, I’ll settle down with my laptop for a couple of hours to ficus on the business, writing blogs and setting up any automated activity for the following day.

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

A rather painful one that sticks out was when we received the first batch of stock. We had been through endless rounds of refining and prototypes; worked incredibly hard to establish a supply chain and model that was responsible, and source materials that were environmentally friendly and sustainable – all to create a product that we were truly proud of. The eagerly awaited first batch of stock arrived…. And the sizing was all out. We had 250 pairs of rather small (with strangely baggy ankles), but beautifully made pants.

At first, we were devastated. We eventually received the money back for the fabric that we were able to reinvest into the second batch, and as we took a step back we realised that whilst we knew the product was not as perfect as it could be, people still liked them. We were able to sell the first batch at a discounted price and gain more feedback and followers

Whilst what happened felt out of our control and really devastatingly unlucky, we sought to gain back control by looking at how we could protect ourselves better against anything like this happening again

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

2 things –
Crafting something that you made from the ground up is immensely satisfying.
And the Flexibility! I tried to maintain my career before i set up on my own, and i just wasn’t seeing my children monday – thursday. I will always be thankful that i got to spend this wonderful time with them, whilst being able to craft my own business.

What are your plans for the future?

in the short to mid term, we want to introduce a new collection of prints. We firmly believe that what you wear enhances how you feel and move, and have lots of exciting idea for our next range. We are also looking to include matching bra tops and racer back tees.

We are always striving towards being as sustainable as possible. All our pants are made from the fibres of plastic bottles, once destined for landfill. Long term this means working towards being able to recycle the actual clothes we manufacture, creating a virtuous self-sustaining cycle.
For now, anyone sending in their used Flip The Dog gear will receive a 30% voucher towards their next pair. (but rest assured, your Flip The Dogs are super durable and made to last)

 

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

Its easy to get overwhelmed with all the possible tasks you need to do, and so being laser-focused is really important. What are the one or two things you can achieve this week that will make a material difference to your business? Be ruthless and honest with yourself and cast all the other items off into a separate list that you can keep revisiting.
Lastly – Don’t be afraid to be new and ask lots of questions. We entered a new industry to us, which was initially quite daunting, but by asking lots and lots of questions we have been able to approach things from perhaps a different perspective to someone very established.

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

Readers of Mumpreneur can enjoy 15% off yoga pants by entering FLIPPINGMUMS at check out

www.flipthedog.co.uk
Follow @flipthedogyoga on Facebook, Instagram and Twitterimg_4088

Want to find your dream business? Check out “How to become a Mumpreneur”

Mumpreneur Business: Great Little Rewards

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

Hello, my name is Katie and I am Mum to two boys aged 13 & 8, a mini daschund called Monty and two cats and am married to John – life is busy!

What’s your business called?

My business is called Great Little Rewards (GLR)

Can you describe it in one sentence?

We aim to provide engaging pocket money toys and fun activities for young learners – we import from the USA, Japan and, of course, source from the UK as well

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I started GLR alongside a four day a week job in 2011 and have worked on it full time since April of this year

How did you fund your start up?

With my savings

How do you manage working around your children?

I started working full time on GLR from April 2016, before this I had been working on it part-time. It is tricky balancing work and my family, especially during the school holidays. I work school hours during term time and then log on again once they have had dinner and done their homework. I find it challenging to be disciplined enough not to be distracted by constant emails/calls and to be present for the children, but am getting better at managing my time.

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

A typical school day is that I get up around 6:30am and check my email. I then get the children (and pets!) sorted out and start work properly from around 9:15 onwards. We have several large Clients and I spend at least the first hour or so following up with them to make sure that we are providing everything they need – we aim to provide outstanding service. We are launching a new concept (www.greatlittlerewards.co.uk/joinus) and are looking for interested Mums and other Partners at the moment, so I am spending a lot of time trying to plan that and to make sure our communication is right. We are also developing a GLR capsule range and I’ve been busy managing everything from the design to the stock control for that. We have a warehouse in the beautiful Lake District and I liaise with the team up there every day to make sure we are in good shape and have enough of everything we need. Planning takes up a lot of time!

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

It is very easy to think that what sounds simple as a concept is simple in reality! My natural style is to have ideas and to leap to action immediately without thinking through all the details of what is involved. I have to force myself to plan and to break down the ‘big idea’ into simple steps and milestones which help us achieve our goals – I am now doing this much more consciously! I have also found it tricky to work at home full-time and to clearly separate home life from business life as, if you are not disciplined, the two blend together and you never switch off and the family can suffer as a result. Another challenge is to ensure I actually pay myself something! Whilst it is relatively easy to turn over money, it is very tempting to re-invest everything you earn and to never take any income, which is difficult if you are relying on it to pay your bills!

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

I love, love, love what I am doing now. I am my own boss, I work flexibly and can fit around my family’s needs. The opportunities for success are only limited by my imagination and creativity and I love that!

What are your plans for the future?

We have big plans for growth. We have just launched www.greatlittlerewards.co.uk/joinus and we think that is a really exciting concept for anyone who likes our products and wants to earn extra income in a fun way. The margins we have created are unrivalled. We are also working on some large contracts for 2017 and are very excited about those.

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

Believe in yourself – if you want it enough you can do it but break down what you need to do into ‘baby steps’. It can be overwhelming to think of that you need a complete website, for example, so start small – maybe start with a single page and grow from there.

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

I think I’ve covered everything – I also started www.sniftyfundraising.co.uk a couple of years ago but have struggled to get much interest in that, although I believe it is a unique and great offer (guess I would think that, though!)

www.greatlittlerewards.co.uk
www.greatlittlerewards.co.uk/joinus
www.sniftyfundraising.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/greatlittlerewards/

Feeling inspired to start your own business? Have a look at The Business for Mums cour

Mother & Nature – Launching an Outdoor Clothing Business

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

My name is Samantha Jenkins and I am a Mummy to Harry, my 5 year old son. We live together in our house on the outskirts of Chorley in Lancashire.

What’s your business called?

My business is called Mother & Nature.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

It is a range of outdoor maternity wear you can wear during and after pregnancy.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I became a Mumpreneur I suppose when I started working on Mother & Nature and idea of a range of outdoor maternity wear for the active mum-to-be, but I think I only really felt like a Mumpreneur when my business loan got approved by Virgin Start-up.

How did you fund your start up?

I got a loan from Virgin Start-up and also put some of my own money towards it.

How do you manage working around your children?

It is very difficult, especially being a single mum and the fact that I still have my day job and work as a marketing manager 4 days a week spread over 5 to cover the school run! Sometimes I think I’ve taken too much on, but thankfully I have great parents who’ve retired and they pick up Harry a couple of nights a week from school and take him for tea, or to his swimming lesson, he also goes to his Dad’s 2 nights a week. So its basically anytime I get a bit of free time, after work, when Harry has gone to bed, and Sunday when he’s at his Dad’s. I don’t think I’ve ever been this busy in my entire life!!!

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

Each morning I check my emails to see if theres anything I need to respond to straight away, or any orders that have come through over night. Then I get myself ready for work and my son ready for school and off we go. I arrive home about 3.30 if I don’t have to to the school run, package any orders that need to go, off to the post office, then home to start on the emails, update social media, send or chase up PR or reviews I’ve been working on, send marketing emails to my customer base for any events I might be attending or promotions that might be running. My Mum will usually drop Harry home about 6, then shortly after that the bed time routine starts. Once he’s asleep about 8ish, I’ll carry on for another hour or so before I hit the hay!

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

The main problem I have faced is getting the name out there in front of customers. As a marketing manager I just thought if I do loads of marketing everyone will hear about the range and be excited about it as I am and the orders will come flowing in. The reality isn’t quite like that. People need to see a new brand a few times before they start to respond to the marketing, and all the marketing costs a lot of money. So now I am just starting to do everything as cost effectively as possible. I do a lot of social media, and am looking to do some of the smaller regional shows to get the product out in front of potential customers. I recently did the Keswick Mountain Festival, which was great in terms of getting the brand out in front of people and just letting people know about the range, and I did get a few sales off the back of the show.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

I think it will be being my own boss, having the flexibility to take time out for school holidays, and just the feeling of achievement, having followed my dreams and made it work!

What are your plans for the future?

Going forward I would like to expand the range I have, I have a lot of ideas my new outdoor maternity wear items I would like to produce. I would also like to start getting the range into some of the smaller independent outdoor shops and also maternity wear retailers.

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

Research, research, research. Know the market you’re going into, know your competition inside out and go into everything with your eyes wide open.

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

Being a Mumpreneur is really hard work, and a juggling act most of the time, so make sure you have the support there before you start. There will be massive up’s and massive down’s, so be prepared for a roller-coaster ride, but try and enjoy it along the way. If you feel passionately enough about what you’re planning to do, and you can convey that, they others will buy into it too.

www.motherandnature.co.uk

Twitter – @motherandnature

Facebook /motherandnature.outdoormaternitywear

Email – samantha@motherandnature.co.uk

Alice Reins – Creating a product to support horse riders with disabilities

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

Hi my name is Jacqui Edwards, I became a Mum to Alice in 1999 when I was 33 years old. I have been a single Mum for the last 17 years!

What’s your business called?

My business is called Alice Reins Ltd

Can you describe it in one sentence?

I design and have made horse/pony reins for disabled people and those who have difficulty holding their reins.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I first became a Mumpreneur 12 years ago when I trained to become a professional dog groomer, I set up my business in my back garden in a shed because I wanted to be able to take Alice to school and pick her up and also be at home in the holidays. I then had to have an operation which meant I could no longer dog groom for a living because it was too physical. It was then I had to think of something new.

My daughter Alice was born with one functional hand and wanted to ride a pony independently of me when she was 6 years old. To make this possible for her I designed and had made a pair of special loop reins and now she competes with the able bodied at everything!

Alice inspired me to set up Alice Reins Ltd because it dawned on me that maybe my design could help other people and so Alice Reins Ltd was born almost 2 years ago.

How did you fund your start up?

To fund my start up I trawled the internet gathering information about starting a business and ways to fund it, I eventually found MAS the manufacturing advisory service who, after an initial interview about my idea, granted me match funding, this was fantastic as I had nothing! A very dear friend loaned me a small amount too to whom I will be forever grateful.

How do you manage working around your children?

When I was a dog groomer it was easy as I was at home working in my back garden for myself and so I had complete flexibility. I still work from home now and it is even easier because Alice is that much older.

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

A typical day for me would be the school run in the morning then I would come home and do the usual bits of housework. I then check my emails and make sure those are dealt with. I would then manage my social media ie Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest and LinkedIn. I would also spend time researching to see what was going on in the equestrian world to keep up to date with it all. I would also look for new ways of marketing, speaking to our media manager and website developer etc. It is a constant learning curve which I am thoroughly enjoying. I would do the school run again and take Alice to ride which is always a pleasure.

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

The main challenge in the first instance was to learn to make the right decisions about things I knew nothing about! To overcome this I spoke to as many people as I possibly could about so many different things. IP protection is a mine field but is essential to your business and products and so is important to be aware of things that could happen and the rights you have. Advertising is very expensive and so I have to think constantly how to promote my business in other ways ie social media and attending events such as Para Dressage which is a total pleasure. This may sound strange but I found it a challenge to become tougher but this is a must if you are to enter the business world of negotiation!

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

The best thing ever is being able to have spent and spend time with my daughter.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future are to expand my business, ideally I would like our own factory and create employment. Oh and I would love to move house!

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

The best advice I could give is believe in yourself and your idea and make it happen, I started with nothing and that is no exaggeration, with hard work and an inquisitive mind and the ability to talk to people you can do this!

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

Yes, I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have advised me and helped me continue grow my business, I owe them a whole lot. Also to all those who are thinking about setting up their own business, it really isn’t as scary as you think, just be very nosy and ask a lot of questions! You’ll be fine.

You can find us at www.alice-reins.co.uk
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/aliceReinshorseRidingAids/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AliceReins
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alice_reins/