Running a Craft Business: Made by Me Craft Parties

December 6, 2019

Running a craft business is a dream for many hobby crafters here’s how Lexy followed that dream and now does something she loves everyday.

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

My name is Lexy and I’m wife to Martin and mum to Izzy (10) and Austin (6) who are my chief crafty testers!

What’s your craft business called?

Made By Me Craft Parties

Can you describe it in one sentence?

I create fun, personalised and beautiful craft parties for children, teens and adults for any occasion.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I founded Made By Me Craft Parties 5 years ago. I’ve always adored crafting and making, so when my daughter was old enough for birthday parties it was a dream come true to create a beautiful party for her. I made decorations, came up with fabulous themed games and activities and even themed the food. (can you guess that I also love a theme!). At the time, I ran monthly paper craft classes teaching adult card making. Friends soon started asking me to run crafty parties for their children and the rest is history!

How did you fund your start up?

I actually started my business from (practically) nothing! I designed and made wedding invitations for a friend and used the profits for that to invest in kit for my business. As I turned my hobby into a business, I had a lot of the craft equipment I needed already. Over time I reinvested my profits and bought things for my business, such as aprons, new craft supplies, pull up banners and books.

How do you manage RUNNING a craft around your children?

I do the day to day planning, admin and party prep in the week while the children are at school and then I run parties in the evenings and weekends. I make sure that there’s a good balance of family time and parties. I’m also able to take a lot of the school holidays off to be with my children, so I don’t mind losing the odd weekend to work.

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

Oh gosh! There isn’t really a typical day … I tend to do my social media scheduling, party research and admin early in the week and on Thursdays and Fridays I prepare for the parties (packing up boxes, preparing the craft supplies and liaising with the event organisers). Peppered throughout the month are a couple of networking events, running my toddler craft classes, blogging and testing new crafts.

Lexy’s Craft business involves running craft parties

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

Confidence! It’s hard doing all the roles within a small business and to keen the enthusiasm and passion going all the time. Especially when there’s a slow patch. I’ve met an amazing network of women through a local networking group (that’s held at a soft play – so when my son was young he could play while I networked!) They are such a supportive group and many have become friends. We share our problems and our successes and even collaborate on projects where possible.

I’ve also invested in a business coach, which allows me time to reflect what’s going well in my business and to identify challenges. She helps me to stay focused and set goals for myself – basically a way of keeping things moving!

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

I get to work my business around my family, whilst doing something that I love!

What are your plans for the future?

I’m working on launching DIY craft parties, so I can reach a national audience. I’m also working on a few exciting collaborations with some exciting small party businesses.

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

Try out as many different networking groups as possible and then stick with one or two that fit your business.

Find out about free (or minimal cost) business courses locally and go on as many as possible (and then keep up to date because things change so quickly).

Get your pricing right from the beginning and don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth!
Collaborate on projects and events with other small businesses – it’s a great way to share resources and get yourself known.

If you’d like to read about more mums who have started a craft business, check out these stories.

www.madebymeparties.co.uk

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/madebymecraftparties/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/madebymecraftparties/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/MadeByMeParties

Running Mobile Clay Workshops with Creative Clay For All

November 6, 2019

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

Hello, I am Deborah Clarke and I have two boys Zac age 11& Kieran age 9. Three years ago I started being a single working mum.

What’s your business called?

Creative Clay for All

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Mobile clay workshops assessable for all ages and abilities

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

Four years ago I was working in a pottery painting shop part time and running clay workshops there too. Carers would come in and say how great my workshops are and there were people who would love this but can’t get out due to medical needs. So I did a start up course with Outset and set up my business taking it anywhere including schools specialising in learning disabilities and residential care homes specialising in Dementia.

How did you fund your start up?

It was run on very little start up money as clay and resources were bought as I was booked. I made my own website.

How do you manage working around your children?

Alot of workshops are in school hours or Saturdays when they are with their dad. I have supportive parents that babysit sometimes and I do babysitting swops with friends who are working mums.

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

There isn’t. Some days it would be sitting at a computer doing write ups for workshops and Admin. Other days I may be in the studio making samples for workshops. Then when I run workshops it can be for 8 people or over 100people.

What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?
Running out of space and relocating. I eventually found the perfect studio 6 minutes away

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

I can have as many days off as I need for kids plays, sports days and appointments. I do a job I love

What are your plans for the future?

As the kids get older I can do more after school clay clubs. When they leave home I shall travel more with my workshops maybe doing a cruise ship art classes too.

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

Research, make sure it is viable, do a free business set up course. Network

Www.creativeclayforall.co.uk

Www.twitter.com/creativeclayfor

Www.facebook.com/creativeclayforall

Cup Overflows Designs – Running a Creative Business

May 24, 2019June 20, 2019

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

I’m Andrea Williamson, originally from Kansas but currently living in Iowa. I have two boys Jaxson 5, Knox 2. I’m married to Trent we met when I was 11, and he was 12.

What’s your business called?

Cup Overflows Designs

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Bow ties & knitted blankets, recently working on bow head bands.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

It started when I just had my first son, I taught myself to knit. I knitted him a blanket, and people asked to place orders.

How did you fund your start up?

I had just a little bit to make one blanket, and it created more profit.

How do you manage working around your children? Nap time, or structured play/learning activities.

Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time? I’m a SAHM, typically I get breakfast made up. Take my oldest son to school. House work, play with my youngest or a play date, lunch time, then his nap time. That’s when I complete orders, or make new creations. Then send them off. I try to fit in a walk throughout my day, being in nature is my favorite. Other times I’m usually in my garden!

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

I had a slow season, and I quickly had to adapt to changing of times. I recently discovered SOE to help gain more exposure.

What’s the best thing about being mumprenuer?

I enjoy making things, and creating. It’s therapeutic for me. Also of course being able to be around my family more.

What are your plans for the future?

Expand, getting into making a designer line.

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

Don’t give up, and quickly adapt to change.

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Surprise Box Club – Running a Subscription Box Business

August 21, 2017October 25, 2019

What’s your business called?

Surprise Box Club

Can you describe it in one sentence

Surprise Box Club is an exciting crafty subscription box company whereby club members receive monthly vintage craft kits and exclusive jewellery kits.

When did you start it and what inspired you?

I plan to launch in time for Mother’s Day 2016 (6th March). I am a silversmith and already run my own jewellery business (www.triinu.co.uk). Making and selling small numbers of high end pieces of jewellery suited me while the children were very young and when my work times were dictated by very short nursery and playgroup hours, however now that they are 12, 10 & 7 I can commit and want to commit more time to my own business and I felt it was time to start something new. As part of my jewellery business I have also been teaching wirework classes to beginners and have absolutely loved this side of my business. I love the satisfaction of being able to share my crafting skills with others and this is what really inspired me to start Surprise Box Club. I am having a lot of fun creating all my craft and jewellery kits and filming the instructions. Crafts are having a real come back and it is a great way to switch off from a stressful day and can also be a lovely way to spend time with your tween/teen.

How did you fund your start up?

I don’t like borrowing money so I saved money from my jewellery business to put into Surprise Box Club. However, my budget is still quite tight! You need to prioritise. I decide that having a strong social media following should be my priority so this is something I am working on and I therefore chose to pay for one to one social media coaching. Apart from the coaching though, being active on social media is free!

How do you manage working around your children?

I always say that I am a full-time business owner and a full-time mum but I guess the maths for that doesn’t really add up! I work while they are at school and sometimes later in the evening. I also throw something to work on into my handbag and will do this while waiting for school to finish or at the leisure centre during a swimming lesson etc. It’s amazing how much you can get done! I also like to involve my children in my business. My son is a keen photographer so he helps me with my product photography. My middle daughter is outgoing so she helps me sell at fairs. And my youngest daughter created the most amazing stand out of Lego for me to prop my phone on at different angles when filming tutorials. Although my business is aimed at adults and/or older children they love trying out my craft kits.

Can you describe a typical day?

I start the day with my mummy hat on and am lucky that my husband is very hands on too. Mornings are chaotic and involve breakfasts, packed lunches, snacks, chucking ingredients into the slow cooker for our evening meal..…I’ve even been known to use the hairdryer to dry my son’s school jumper! I try my best but some things slip through the net! My working day fits around school so I start at 9:15 and finish around 3pm. I squeeze in an exercise class 2 to 3 times a week as I find this keeps me alert and focused. I start every day by checking and responding to emails. Then I work through my to do list. On Mondays I schedule all my social media posts for the week. I try to be disciplined and have a clear list of objectives for the day and the week ahead, but things crop up or children get ill so I need to be flexible. I try and take Fridays off to do some housework or meet a friend for coffee. I may sometimes do a little work in the evening but I’ll make sure that this is a bit of crafting while watching TV and enjoying a cuppa or a glass of wine!

What have you found hardest?

The fact that my To Do list keeps growing so I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed.
Finding it difficult to switch off. My business is all around me so sometimes I find it hard to stop.
I work from home so sometimes I get distracted. If I find I’m not feeling particularly focused and feel distracted by the pile of ironing then I will grab my paperwork and go to a café for a change of scene.
Not earning any money…yet! As I am in the pre-launch stage of my business I’m not yet earning any money but I’m very passionate about my business idea, and am feeling positive, focused and determined to make this work! It helps that I’ve been through this with my jewellery business so it’s a case of being patient.

What’s the best thing about being self employed?

Where do I start?! No commute; flexibility; I love spending time with my children whilst being able to focus on something for me; I am my own boss; I am passionate about my work; there are no office politics; when things are going right I feel a great sense of achievement; and the example that I am setting my children.

What are your plans for the future?

To launch for Mother’s Day and steadily grow the business. I am excited to see the direction my business takes me.

What advice would you give for someone just starting out?

Make sure you have a great brand and logo. Try and keep everything consistent by using a particular font/s and stick to a particular colour palette.
List your strengths and weaknesses. Then either book on to a course to improve your weak areas or get someone else to do that job (my husband does my finances).
Persevere, follow your dreams, seek opinions & feedback on your idea, don’t be afraid to make changes to your business model and direction, and make sure you find time to switch off from it all.

Looking for more Mum’s business inspiration?

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Offering a Personalised Embroidery Service – Sewthing Personal

August 14, 2017October 25, 2019

What’s your business called?

Sewthing Personal

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Bespoke personalised embroidered items from baby gifts to work and sport wear.

When did you start it and what inspired you?

I started in November 2013 as I wanted some crafty hobby and people then began to ask me if I could make things for them so I decided to start up.

How did you fund your start up?

It was started with some savings I had to purchase a more industrial machine and equipment.

How do you manage working around your children?

It’s not easy. My eldest has begun primary school but my little one is at preschool so I try to get it done while they are both out. But they are also really good as they are used to the machine and like to try and help.

Can you describe a typical day?

8.40 Take my eldest to school and my little one to preschool.
9.30 home from school run set up design to stitch and then set up the next items to stitch

11.30 pick son up for lunch and give him back to preschool

12.45 back to it for the afternoon

2.50 pick up the boys

3.30 finish of bits

7.00 design for the next day/ reply to emails/ update social media

What have you found hardest?

Trying to fit as much as I can into one day. One thing with what I do is there are bound to be mistakes and machine error which can be costly time wise. Also that it takes over the house with equipment and stock.

What’s the best thing about being self employed?

Being able to be there for my children when I need to be

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to expand into other areas of personalisation and possibly look into getting a premises to work from in the future.

What advice would you give for someone just starting out?

Expect mistakes. That sometimes people don’t like your work and It’s not personal. It does take a lot of time being self employed as you have to find everything out for yourself.

Looking for more Mum’s business inspiration?

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Helping People Create their own Clothes – The Pretty Lovely Company

February 24, 2017October 25, 2019

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

My name is Kate Jenkins and I am a mammy to Nancy, who is 3. She was born in Buckinghamshire, but we moved back north when she was 6 months old.

What’s your business called?

The Pretty Lovely Company

Can you describe it in one sentence?

I make and sell kits containing everything that you need to quickly and easily make girl’s dresses.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I started work on the Pretty Lovely Company about a year ago. I had the idea several years before I had my daugther when I was in full time work, but I never had the time to kick it off. I had always enjoyed making and sewing but didn’t have time or resources to make more ambitious things such as clothes and, speaking to peers it appeared that there are many people in the same boat. When I looked around crafting shops or haberdashery departments in the larger stores they were full of kits, aiming to simplify a particular craft, but none contained kits to make actual clothing. After a bit of research on the internet I identified the gap in the market I wanted to fill but I still lacked the confidence to make it happen. The final push was when I bought a ‘make your own toy’ kit from John Lewis to see what was involved, and when I pulled it apart I started to think that I could do something just as well – so I started work on the Pretty Lovely Company

How did you fund your start up?

I had set aside £1000, so I am using that, supported by general household income.

How do you manage working around your children?

My daughter is in part time nursery at the moment, so I work around her hours and also a little in the evenings. Once, when I had a big glut of work I was also able to call on my mother’s support.

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

I start the day doing housework whilst getting my daughter to nursery and then come home and give our dog a long walk and finish any jobs or errands. My days are varied but, as I am a start up, I typically get any orders packed then spend the rest of the day developing my business. This week I am focusing on improving my knowledge of Instagram so I am doing a lot of work on that, as well as looking at press and PR opportunities and on-line market places I can work with. I collect my daughter at either lunchtime or 3.15 and take her to any after school classes she in enrolled in. I spend more time in the evenings on social media – the majority of my market are mothers too, so their first real chance to engage is often in the evenings when their children are in bed too! My husband is very supportive and a great, positive, sounding board so I usually have a lot to chat through with him when he is home. No two days are the same so far but I try and write a to do list every night before bed to help me plan for the following day including what I must do and then ‘nice to dos’ if I get the time.

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

A big challenge for me was having the self belief and confidence to invest time and effort in the business, and also being brave enough to put my own name out there on social media. A big part of me is afraid of failure and its hard knowing that, if it happens, my friends and family will see it.

Now my main challenge is building brand awareness and driving visitors to my site, hence the amount of time I am investing in social media, press and PR and business development. I only have a small amount to spend on advertising so I am thinking long and hard about where that goes. I believe 100% in my offering, but I need to get others to see it so that I can convert them into sales.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

It is so, so, exciting! I’ve worked in a variety of roles before having my daughter but I have never felt so in control.

What are your plans for the future?

At the moment I am simply working on building awareness and driving sales. In the medium term I want to add to my range, to include other designs and boy’s clothing, and build partnerships with other businesses. In the long term I would like to talk to some of the major stores with a view to them listing my product, and add to my website with more complementary products, such as tights, accessories and toys.

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

Do you truly believe that you have a great offering that holds it own in the market? It’s great if it is unique but it doesn’t have to be. You just need to be able to hand-on-heart think that consumers will choose to spend their money on your product or service. If you do, and can explain why, go for it, and tell as many people about it as you can. I have found some really useful contacts purely by chance.

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

I don’t know if my business is going to be a long term success but I have thought about it for so long, it feels great giving it a go.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theprettylovelycompany

Mumpreneur Story: Anne-Marie Rickus Arts

December 2, 2016

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

My name is Anne-Marie.
I am married to Paul & have two boys – Heath aged 4 & Rowan aged 2.
We live in Chester.
My eldest has just started school and I look after my youngest.
Life is chaotic, crammed, but very colourful!

What’s your business called?

Anne-Marie Rickus Arts

Can you describe it in one sentence?

I create inky paintings capturing precious family moments.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

Initially, after having my first son in 2012 I became a little frustrated at the lack of time I had to concentrate on my art. But then one day I drew him – nothing radical! – bit it was a breakthrough, instead of trying to keep my art and motherhood separate i realised that I could do both!
I continued to sketch his funny, heartwarming, quirky ways & when his brother came along in 2014 I kept up the practice.
These scrappy little sketches were always destined to stay tucked away in a sketchbook – just for me to flick through in my twilight years & to show the boys when they are older. But I showed some family & friends, who really liked them & said that they could relate to them & so I decided to make them into more finished pieces in order to produce limited edition giclee prints to sell.
So, my family is a huge inspiration!

How do you manage working around your children?

I find this one quite tricky!
My eldest is now at school, but I look after my youngest one full time, so all my artwork is created in the evenings and nap times!!

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

We’re always up bright and early, breakfast, then school run.
Then myself and my youngest will have an activity – swimming, meet friends, playgroups…..etc. Hopefully this tires him out enough that after lunch he will have a little nap! It’s at this point that I start my work. I never quite know how long he will nap for, so try to do more admin jobs at this stage….e-mails, uploading products to my Not On The High Street Store, answering customer queries……etc.
Then once my son wakes up we will do something together – library visit/crafting at home…etc.
Then we go and pick up my other son from school. If the weather is good we’ll have a little play in the park before home for tea.
Some nights my eldest might have swimming lesson after school, but by 6.30/6.45pm it’s bath time and the task of getting the little people to sleep.
Once that is done…then my husband & I will have some food together & tidy up the toy carnage!
At this point I then head down to my studio at the bottom of the garden to try and get a few hours in working on new artwork, commissions…..etc.
There are definitely not enough hours in the day!

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

Since starting to sell my artwork I have come to realise how important marketing is…..from getting good photos of your products, to find a good quality printer to produce my giclee prints, to using twitter, instagram & other social media platforms to spread the word! Creating the artwork is only one tiny part! The whole marketing, networking….etc. has been quite a steep learning curve!

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

Being able to spend time with my children and work!

What are your plans for the future?

I’m creating more inky paintings to turn into giclee prints to add to the selection I already have available.
I also am taking on more editorial and fashion illustration work, which is very exciting!
What advice would you give for someone just starting out in business?
It’s a slow burner! Things don’t happen overnight, but if you are persistent & patient then your business will develop and grow!

www.notonthehighstreet.com/annemarierickusart
www.facebook.com/annemarierickusart
Instagram – @annemarierickus
Twitter – @annemarierickus

Mums Business Inspiration: Mum publishing a magazine

Mums Business Story: Ivy Rose Interiors

October 14, 2016

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

My name is Alanna Dickerson. I am married to my best friend luke Dickerson and together we have 3 children, kane 5 axle 3 and ivy rose 1. Luke works on the railway as a track inspector which takes him away from home frequently, leaving me with the 3 kids.

What’s your business called?

Ivy Rose Interiors

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Handmade homeware and candles, premium products at affordable prices

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

After our 3rd baby, a beautiful daughter named Ivy Rose, I began to use the vinyl cutter my husband had previously purchased and become aware that I was only limited by my imagination!

How did you fund your start up?

My husband had purchased the vinyl cutter as an interest he had, and taught me how to use it. As the business grew we began to purchase different tools and machinery that we now operate with on a larger scale

How do you manage working around your children?

It is a juggling act!! Ive found the easiest way is by working at night when they are asleep or juggling their activities to coincide with my own. Each day is different with unique challenges, like any household with small children

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

My children are early risers so my day generally starts quite early, around 6am. We have breakfasts, getting ready for school, packing lunches, house duties, after school activities, animals to care, and any orders or new products I have to launch.

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

I feel that my biggest challenge has definitely been time management. I rarely feel that there is enough time in the day to accomplish what id like to get done, but having goals and a great support system helps quite a lot!

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

The satisfaction I feel for creating something unique and marketable. I feel very humbled that my products have been so successful. Creating a small business where I can be with my children is a wonderful blessing that I feel very grateful for.

What are your plans for the future?

We have new products to launch and more lovely customers to meet and share our gorgeous items with!

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

To not give in when it seems too hard. To endure the hard days as they make the better days feel even more fabulous!! And to have faith in yourself and what you are doing!

https://www.facebook.com/IvyRoseInteriors/

Turning a Craft into a Business – Can to Candle

October 9, 2016October 25, 2019

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

My name is Kerry, I am originally from Ireland but now living in Scotland. I became a mum in 2005 and now have 3 daughters, Pippa, Tessa and Eliza.

What’s your business called?

My business is called Can To Candle as started out using recyled cans.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Can To Candle is a small batch natural wax candle company using fine fragrances to create affordable candles.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I became a mumpreneur 18 months ago inspired by recycled candles in heinz cans that I saw on Pinterest and thought I could do that and the idea grew from there.

How did you find your start up?

I funded the start up myself.

How do you manage to work around your children?

I get up at 6am and work for an hour before the kids get up, and then work when they are at nursery and school and then again when they are in bed at night.

Can you describe a typical day?

A typical day starts early, I do admin in the morning before the children get up, while they are at school its off to the workshop to make candles and post orders. At night its packaging up orders and planning for the next day.

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

The challenges I face is trying to create brand awareness online as there are so many candle companies out there and people like to smell before they buy. I am now overcoming this by working out a social media strategy showcasing my unique selling points with my tweed candles and chalkboard candles.

What’s best thing about being a Mumpreneur?

The best thing about being a mumpreneur means I don’t miss out on any of the things that make being a mum special.

What are your plans for the future?

Plans for the future will include developing a candle where a proportion of money will go to the Meningitis association of Scotland.

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

My advice to someone starting out is to really research your idea, make sure you have a USP, and be prepared for the long haul and to spend time promoting it on socail media.
www.cantocandle.com

www.facebook.com/cantocandle

www.instagram.com/can_to_candle

Check out our course to find your dream business.

Pearl Button – Making Handcrafted Children’s Products

September 5, 2016October 25, 2019

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

Hi, my name is Jill and I have been married to Steve for 34 years. I am Mum to Hannah (28) and Joshua (25) both who are our pride and joy! Josh will hate that!
We have just become Grandparents this year to a beautiful granddaughter called Lyla (Son’s baby)

What’s your business called?

I plumped for the name Pearl Button for my business name.
Our daughter and I throw hypothetical names around for future babies that may come along……I loved Pearl, daughter said possibly not!…..but I argued she would be my little Pearl Button!
Business name was borne.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Handcrafted baby/toddler traditional shaped bibs, burp cloths and dribble bandanas – beautiful fabrics, sewn with love.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

A couple of my nieces were expecting babies and I did not want to give them something that was ‘run of the mill’. Having always sewn I decided to make them a pile of bibs, burp cloths and dribble bandanas. I also did not want them to look ‘homemade’. I had labels printed with my logo of Pearl Button, ordered wash care labels etc. Bought some fabulous fabrics and scuttled off to my sewing room. I did not tell them I had made them and a couple of months later got an call asking where did I get them as they wanted to buy some for friends who had loved them……they had Goggled Pearl Button and found nothing!
By pure accident Pearl Button was now very slowly up and running.

How did you fund your start up?

I was lucky that sewing was my hobby for ever anyway…..lots of quilting, dresses for daughter when she was small etc. I had my sewing machine and always a keen eye for a lovely fabric – Liberty of London being just one of the designs I love!
How do you manage working around your children?
Our ‘children’ are grown ups now and are very proudly supportive of my venture – as is Hubby.
I work during the day and sew when I get home – for me it’s the perfect way to unwind.

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

By day I am a full time Receptionist – By night I am Pearl Button!
My Pearl Button day starts when I get home around 5:30, walk the dog and then head in to the sewing room.
My orders are mainly via FB or the market I attend and these are then logged on my white board in the sewing room.
One evening I will cut up the fabrics and pin together the orders, next evening I will sew, turn and press, next evening will be top stitching and labels etc…….inspect and wrap in tissue for posting.

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

For me, confidence and self belief has played a big part in starting to put my products out to the public. Having only sewn for friends and family it was quite daunting to hand over something that I had emotionally invested in. I started to do small craft fairs and was so scared! This was the beginning of testing my products and place in the market. I now regularly attend a monthly market in Surrey and have regular customers that order for themselves and as gifts for others. I have learnt that confidence comes with experience, but it is very scary.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

The pride of knowing you have made something you love and that others love it too.
I suppose for me it is such an emotional investment and for others to validate it by ordering and buying, this does mean so much.

What are your plans for the future?

To hopefully enjoy the journey and continue to grow.
Build contacts and learn more about how to grow successfully.
Sort out a website!

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

Think about your target market, make contacts, ask family and friends their opinions
Do not be scared of people laughing at your ideas – if you believe in it – Go for it!
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am so proud to be a collaborator with Taylord Bundles – Caz received a Pearl Button bib as a gift for her new little boy and loved it.
To be part of a team that handcraft so many beautiful items, it’s brilliant to have such a supportive team to work with and learn from.