Family of 4

How Combining two Businesses Can Work for a Mumpreneur

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

Samantha Scott, I am a military wife of 2 boys, Daniel age 6, Brayden age 5.

What’s your business called?

I started my first business back in 2016 running baby and children’s nearly new sales with Mum2mum Market. I then started childminding this year and we are called Samantha’s Little Monkey’s.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Mum2mum Market are nearly new sales for families to sell their pre loved outgrown baby, children and or maternity bits for a bit of cash back so that other families can come along and buy good value items at lower cost

Samantha’s Little Monkey’s – I look after other peoples children from a home base setting offering exactly that, we play, go to the park, do lots of messy activities and crafts

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I started Mum2mum Market in 2016 as a way to get a little bit of myself back while it was very handy to work around my family life, especially with my husband being a away a lot I needed to make sure it would still work

I started childminding for a very similar reason but wanted it to become a second income for us as a family too and also with Brayden now approaching school age I would have more free time but I wanted to still have something that worked around my family

How did you fund your start up?

Mum2mum was funded by my very generous mother in law who I get on very well with, Childminding was funded by the Mum2mum Market business

How do you manage working around your children?

Mum2mum Market advertising is done while children are sleeping or in the evenings and I schedule many things in so I bulk spend my time, one you find a routine its much easier, the actual event is a family day out for us, my husband helps when he is here and so do my children, childminding is done from my home so I am able to still look after my own children and house life, its a really good balance

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

With Mum2mum Market I schedule most of my things from an evening or nap time, unless its an enquiry via email I normally can reply straight away, childminding is a bit more full on, I can have up to 6 children under 8 years old including my own, most days I only have 4 but once a week I am full, we do crafts, play outside, messy play groups etc … while children are nappy I might be able to get a load of washing in if I am lucky hehehe I am still able to sort dinners out while making sure the children are safe and happy

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

Urm I would say making sure that I keep to schedules and routines, its harder sometimes when my husband is away so much as their isn’t that relief or extra help in the evenings, so just trying to keep it balanced and making sure it still always works for us as a family

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

Having myself back not being referred to always as someones mum… or someones wife… and being able to be their for my children doing the school runs, going to assembly and plays and sports days, my minded children enjoys all these things too

What are your plans for the future?

With Mum2mum Market, I would love to be able to pass it onto another mumpreneur and help them with them something of themselves, it defiantly helped me, if I wasn’t able to find the right person then I will continue with it myself, as with Childminding this something I will continue till at least my own children have left school if not longer, as long as it fits in with everything else

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

Make sure you are ready to put in the hard work, as long as you do the rewards will come, sometimes it can take longer than other times and also depends what it is you are doing, make sure you have support – my husband and family where amazing at keeping me focused and helping me out when I needed it

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

I think one of the important things is that what ever you are doing its something you enjoy and works for you you and your family

Mum2mum Market Hampshire –https://www.facebook.com/Mum2mum-Market-Hampshire-166582593693636/

Samantha’s Little Monkey’s –https://www.facebook.com/Samanthas-little-Monkeys-272405333635788/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Magnifisense

Running a Business with your Sister: Magnifisense

Gail and her sister run Magnifisense, providing bespoke interactive, informative, fun experiences based on the 5 senses, ideal for businesses and groups.

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

Hello my name is Gail, I live with my partner Tony and my 3 beautiful girls Megan 18, Alanna 15 & Darcy 13 put their initials together and it spells MAD! Our house is a mad house; especially with the addition of 2 dogs Deefa & Harvey. Our dining room table is my office but I have the freedom of working in my pjama’s should I wish…..which I don’t….well not often!

What’s your business called?

Magnifisense

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Providing bespoke interactive, informative fun experiences (some may say workshops) based on the 5 senses ideal for businesses and private groups.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

Magnifisense was started May 2016; so still under a year old. My sister and I were made redundant from the same events company which was a shock in itself and sent us both into a whirlwind. We both attended interviews but knew something just wasn’t right. We had been so fortunate with our previous employer; as we were pretty much left to our devices to perform and maintain our own job roles. We then had a ‘lightbulb’ moment; why not set up a business together. We knew that we had a good events background amongst other valuable skills and we had been instructing our own workshops for years; so Magnifisense was born.

How did you fund your start up?

With very little money which is difficult! Yes we both have partners that can pay the majority of the bills whom I must say have been brilliant. However it’s very difficult and there is no quick fix or instant cash. It does feel like you are paying out all the time and it certainly is a learning curve with regards to prioritising.

How do you manage working around your children?

You may be reading this thinking well she has it easy she hasn’t got little ones round her feet! Which I appreciate but my girls still need me; my eldest was finishing off her beauty course when we started so she needed my time to be guinea pig and to help with course work. My middle daughter has started her GSCE’s and is not having the best time at school and my youngest craves attention is vocal and keeps us on our toes and is for ever dancing round the house; despite complaining her joints hurt! When I split from the girls dad I started my own cleaning business the girls were then 10, 5 & 3. It wasn’t easy but I was very fortunate to have a good network around me; which I still do. In hindsight what I should have done was expanded the business but I went to work for the events company and didn’t look back as I had the best of both worlds independence and a regular salary which you don’t always get when self-employed. However working for yourself gives you flexibility in the hours that you work and you have no-one to answer to but yourself. Of course there are so many ways of being a Mumpreneur now and I do think it’s awesome. This is one of my favourite quotes “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your whole life” – JC Chandor

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

So after school run in the morning I take my 2 dogs for a walk so they are then settled. Usually come in and put washing on. Switch laptop on; catch up and respond to emails, speak with my sister on phone if working remotely (we try and work together 3 days out of the 5). Look at various trends, make appointments, go to appointments, speak with suppliers, stock check and perhaps pack if we have an event the next day! Around 4 I switch off for a couple of hours get dinner ready; then usually in the evening I look at Social Media. At first I wondered how I actually ran a home when working nearly full time. Only recently have I learnt to get into a routine and allocate tasks during the day which doesn’t always work but again flexibility works.

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

We supply and deliver experiences/workshops so when it came to the website, graphics and anything IT this was out of our comfort zone. Every day is a learning curve; I think we have learnt to take a step back and prioritise where we are going and what we want to achieve. There is so much conflicting information sometimes it’s hard to see the wood for the trees but try and stay focused and breathe.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

I love the fact that being a Mumpreneur means you can be flexible; we’re hoping that the girls will start to join us and be a part of Magnifisense; keeping it in the family. I love working with my sister but above all I love being a MUM so mixing this with my own business is the right combination for me.

What are your plans for the future?

Grow Grow Grow! Magnifisense is a young company we know we provide the extra in front of ordinary but it’s getting our brand recognised and establishing trust with our clients so that ‘word of mouth’ marketing commences bringing in further business. We have recently entered the wedding market too with bespoke fragrance wedding favours; design your own bespoke fragrance and capture it in a bottle, room spray, candle or pretty draw liners to share with guests on the special day.

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

It’s scary and still is. If you have faith and passion about what you do and you think other people can benefit from it then Jump; otherwise you will stay in the same place. For International Womens Day (8th March 2017) I posted this on social media “She believed she could, so she did”. Don’t get me wrong this is one hell of a rollercoaster ride and its tiring but we are hoping all are hard work comes to fruition soon; but one must never be complacent and keep working.

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

“Do what you love, love what you do!” Thank you for reading and good luck! Come & find us on Social Media it would be awesome to see you. Gail x

 

www.magnifisense.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/magnifisense5/

https://www.instagram.com/magnifisense5/

1st Aspirations – Running an Event Planning Business

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

I am a mum to three children, the oldest one being Shantell (30), Serena (14) and lastly 12 yr old Joshua.

What’s your business called?

1st Aspirations – Event Planning & Consultants

Can you describe it in one sentence?

An Events Management company for private and corporate clients, who want to make their dream event a memorable occasion.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I had a calling from God last year but it took me until summer 2016 to start the ball rolling. I had a catering company in 2000 that I ran with my mother but decided to give it up because the responsibility and the demanding physical energy needed became too much with a toddler and a new baby.

How did you fund your start up?

I am self-funded right now, it doesn’t take much as everything is run online. I will eventually fund everything by acquiring bookings from clients, a deposit will be required upfront to help with the cash flow, or I will use money from my pending redundancy as a back up.

How do you manage working around your children?

I had flexible working hours with my full time employer to allow some working and family life balance. I structure my days similarly now working on my own business. I also get them involved where possible, they both help out with social media.

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

Generally on the go for the whole day. I start at 6am from home with my current employed company until 8am, then travel into Central London to start again at 10am until 3.30pm. These times allow me to drop my youngest off to school before travelling in, and supervise them from a distance when I work from home. At my day job I prepare documents to be posted on the company website from banking analysts. I can concentrate on my own business on my days off and during evenings. This will consist of either working on an event I’m hosting later this month, or trying to complete my online Weddings and Events Management course. It’s pretty full on. I try to keep Saturdays and Sundays for family time, even though my children have their own clubs and activities to attend.

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

Right now my biggest challenge is finding enough time to fit everything in. Learning how to manage social media is all new to me and attending networking events to find clients is not always possible.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

So far its been hard but I like the flexibility of working from home and being able to pick up or drop my children to school whenever I need to. I am looking forward to seeing what God brings my way.

What are your plans for the future?

Spending time with my kids, running a successful business and helping the homeless whilst serving God.

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

You need to have a listening ear to advice whenever you get it, focus and drive to make it to the end whilst working diligently to make it successful .

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

Yes! I would be happy to give a 10% discount to any mumpreneurs who would like me to plan an event for them.

www.1staspirations.com
https://www.facebook.com/firstaspirations/

https://www.instagram.com/1staspirations/

Mum running her business on her laptop

Made by Mummy Markets – Providing an Outlet for Mumpreneurs

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

My name is Samantha Jennings, I became a mum in 2013, and started by business in early 2016.

I am a 30 year old mum to a beautiful boy called Thomas, who is coming up 3 years old, and a gorgeous girl called Emily, who has just turned 1 year old. They are absolutely wonderful and fill me with joy, even on the days when I’ve changed 20 pairs of pants and they are climbing up the stairs, again!

My husband is called David. We met via Match.com and are now living our very own ‘digital fairy tale’. He is handsome and kind, and incredibly supportive of me being a stay at home mum and starting my business.

I am a Women’s Institute member, I love to make things, watching science fiction films and if I had to chose between never having chocolate or cheese ever again, I’d have to keep cheese. I just couldn’t live without it!

What’s your business called?

Made by Mummy Markets

Can you describe it in one sentence?

An affordable market place for crafting mothers to sell their creations.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

The idea for Made by Mummy Markets has been brewing in me for about 2 years, but it was joining the WI and having my second child that really made me do it in early 2016. Emily was a really good baby and started sleeping though pretty well. We have been blessed with two healthy children and after the blur of those initial new baby months began to clear I started to think more and more about my business ideas. As a member of the WI I meet lots of amazing women, and read about them in the magazine, WI Life. I decided that I’ve managed a successful career before kids, and now I keep two small people alive all day, so really I can do anything I set my mind to.

How did you fund your start up?

My initial costs were pretty small so I was able to fund that out of our household income and I knew I could recoup my costs from my first event. I needed to pay for some printing of banners and flyers to promote my first event, venue hire and insurance. My husband has been very supportive in allowing me to use the household income in this way. Other things I use for the business have built up over time and family members have contributed to them as gifts for Christmas/birthdays etc. Things like a laptop, a smart phone, and sewing machine.

How do you manage working around your children?

I am a stay at home mum and we don’t use any other child care. So I look after my children all day, every day. I use a lot of social media based marketing, and email which I do in the evenings. Ultimately there are only so many hours in the day and somethings have to be prioritised. Generally the ironing gets pushed to the bottom of the list and I catch up with house work in dribs and drabs. I have to remember to make time for the odd night off, and the odd date night with my husband, other wise what’s the point in all of that hard work. Because many of my clients are also mums I do lots of meetings during the day combined with play dates, so my kids are always with me. It is not always ideal, but I’m working with families, and we are a family so I think people like to see that side of me. When I have an event the children are looked after by a grand parent.

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

I often have a 15 minute social media window while my husband has breakfast with the children first thing in the morning. Then I catch up in the kitchen, clear up breakfast, do any prep for the dinner, empty the dishwasher and chuck in a load of washing (how is there always so much washing?!). Once David has gone to work I pack the nappy bag and most days we head out to a play date or toddler group locally. I am a stay at home mum so I find the interaction of toddler groups great for the kids and for me. I couldn’t just stay at home all day.

We have some lovely parks in our town and we don’t get put off by the rain so most days include a walk and my son loves splashing through the puddles on his balance bike. We do lots of free activities. Puddle jumping, picnic lunches in the train station (very exciting!), the library and we have memberships at a couple of museums so can go as often as we like.

We normally head home at about 3pm. 4-5pm is know as ‘danger hour’. The smallest thing can become a total melt down. She touched my toy train, he stood on her finger, the wind blew on me….I think mostly they are just really for dinner, bath and bed but it’s just a bit too early for that. So generally a bit of Peppa Pig comes to the rescue while I cook dinner.

We normally eat around 5pm, David’s home at 5:30pm, bath at 6ish and wee ones in bed by 6:30pm. I normally make it back downstairs for 7pm and have a quick clear up and start working on the laptop. Some nights I just do an hour or two, sometimes I’m working till 11pm. It just depends on what is coming up. I mostly work on plans for up coming events, marketing, emails, website content and recruiting new makers.

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

So far, tiredness. I have to remember to have an early night once a week. If the kids are sick that throws everything off. But they come first, end of. That’s the beauty of being my own boss. I try not to leave anything to the last minute, because I can guarantee that’s the time the kids will have me up all night. I also have a business plan that starts small. For the preschool years of my children’s life my business is growing, but I am being realistic and not over committing myself. I see these as foundation years, on which I can build huge towers of success once my children are in school and I can operate more normal office hours.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

My children are my priority and I don’t have to justify that to a boss. Being a mum is also a gateway to a market of clients that I don’t think I could have reached or understood as well before being a mum myself. I am very proud of my work and as my children get older I hope they will be able to see how they have inspired and driven me. I am working, but I spend every day with my kids. It can be hard and tiring, and I have had to give up things. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are your plans for the future?

To continue to grow my business. To support other mothers turning a crafting hobby into a professional business that makes more money than it costs. I plan to break into new geographically areas, spreading out from my home town. Potentially creating a franchise for other mumpreneurs to take on in their own locality.

Ultimately I hope that the extra money I can bring into our home will pay for home improvements, creating the family home we dream of, together, alongside my husband. Taking some of the financial burden off his hard working shoulders.

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

Start small. But start. Make a plan but DO something. Have an go. Don’t underestimate the power of social media as a free marketing tool! Oh, and join your local WI!

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

Real life arts & craft fairs in North Yorkshire and an e-commerce website.

My fairs are designed to be easy for mothers to attend, short and sweet on Sunday afternoons, just like tea and cake. Low stall fees keep your costs down and your profits up.

The website is the craft fair that never closes. You don’t have to be stood behind a stall every weekend to sell your creations.

What makes us different?

Makers are selected by invitation or application to ensure a high quality of craftswomanship is maintained. Homemade and handmade crafts are key, it’s got to be something more spectacular than just bits you’ve bought and stuck together yourself.

A spectrum of crafts on display. Good old favourites yes, but more as well. Floristry, the written word, pottery……and the list goes on.

Support. I also arrange a number of expert speakers to attend workshops with the Makers. These are both practical and informative. Covering areas like product photography and basic book keeping. Whenever possible these experts are also mums working from home, full of top tips for getting the job done.

 

http://www.madebymummymarkets.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MadeByMummyMarkets/
Twitter – @strawberrysam1

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mumpreneur run business mum2mum market

A day in the life of a Mumpreneur in Photos

As well as running this website and blog, I am a Mum2mum Market franchisee, this involves running nearly new sales to bring together parents who want to sell the things they’ve finished using, with parents who want to buy. I thought it might be fun to give an insight in to what a sale day is like for me by using photos. Enjoy!

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The day really starts the night before when I load up the car, usually with the help of my children!

There’s lots to go in, I set up a small play area so need foam mats and toys, my Mum runs our charity refreshment stall so we need the urn, tea, coffee, milk and most importantly, cakes! The refreshment money at this sale is being donated to The Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support Foundation.

The first job when I arrive is to get the banner and directional signs up to make sure that the sellers, and later the buyers, can find the venue.

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The next prority is to get the hall ready for sellers as they are always keen to start setting up. The tables usually need a little jiggle round to make sure that aisles are wide enough for buggies, then I label all of the them according to the floor plan I create before the sale. In  his photo you can see my Mum

imageplacing masking tape on the floor to help sellers know exactly how much space they have.

As this venue is a secondary school the tables are 4ft wide so I offer small stalls which is one table or large stalls which are two tables together. Each stall has a space at the side for a rail or large item.

Once the sellers start to arrive the hall quickly fills up. Many of my sellers are regulars now and they just go ahead and find their table, I help newer sellers find their stall while I set up my entrance table and put clothes rails together.

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Sellers have an hour to set up which is plenty of time for most people. At this sale I had two sellers who didn’t arrive so their tables were reallocated to nearby sellers to use, they are always grateful to have extra space.

 

By quarter to opening time there is a long queue of people waiting to shop, I go down the queue offering 2 for the price of 1 entry vouchers to buyers who haven’t printed them from the website, I see it as a thank you for arriving early and waiting!

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I always try to open the doors on time as some people have waiting a really long time but I do sometimes get delayed as I have to make sure that the aisles are clear first.

imageThe first half an hour is always frantic, both for me at the entrance and sellers inside the hall. I greet each buyer and give the first 100 one of our goodie bags. At this sale we had 100 buyers through the door in just over 10 minutes. It’s hard work but fun, there is always a really good atmosphere with buyers excited to go bargain hunting!

After the first hour things slow down a bit for me and I am able to pop in to the main hall to take a few pictures for our social media (while standing on a chair!) and if I’m lucky my Mum on the tea stall will make me a cup of tea.

imageWe offer free entry in the last half an hour so at that point I’m able to go around and speak to the sellers and do a bit of shopping myself before they all start packing away.

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It’s amazing how quickly the hall goes from packed with buyers, sellers and stuff to empty!

Once I’ve packed away all my bits,collected up my signs and said goodbye to the caretaker I’m off home for a cup of tea before an afternoon at the park with my children.p before its time to start marketing the next sale!

If anyone else would like to share a day in their Mumpreneur life in photos get in touch!

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Mum making Money from home with Matched betting

Mums who Can – Running Events that Support Mumpreneurs

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Tell us a bit about your family?

I am happily married to a serving police officer and between the two of us we have three children!
My son has just turned 12 years old, my step daughter is 5 years old and our daughter is 18 months old! They all keep me on my toes and there are days when I despair but I love them all with everything I have!

What’s your business called?

Mums Who Can

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Mumpreneur events and opportunities to show case the talents of local mum-owned businesses.

When did you start it and what inspired you?

When my 12 year old was born, the term Mumpreneur was rarely used. Given the fact that social media sites like Facebook and Twitter had yet to be launched and mobile phones were only just starting to allow internet access, it’s not really surprising.
Fast forward to my daughter being born, Mumpreneur is now a well-known description of mums taking the leap of faith and setting up their own businesses whilst juggling every day activities like breastfeeding, teething, toddler groups, school runs, and, of course, tantrums!
It was rude not to follow suit and in February 2015, Mums Who Can was born.
I wanted a business that allowed me to grow, create a brand and forge relationships that lasted. Mums Who Can is just that!

How did you fund your start up?

The great thing about setting up my business was the fact that I did not have to fund anything until I started getting payments in from mums who wanted to exhibit at our events!

How do you manage working around your children?

By sticking to a strict routine! Social media updates get done first thing in the morning before everyone wakes ups and I generally plan my week so I know what I need to get done. I am lucky that my hubby works various shifts including lates and nights so I get time in the evenings to work when he does – it also means that when he is at home I can afford to take some time away from the laptop. My daughter goes to nursery twice a week and with great technology like the iPhone, I am able to answer emails and Facebook messages throughout the day when she naps or plays.

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

My typical day depends greatly on how far from an event I am! If I am in the lead up to an event with only a few weeks to go, my day is spent checking and re-checking arrangements, sending regular updates and ensuring all advertising is done as much as it can be. If, however, I have a few months to go before the event I tend to use this time to update the database of mums who wish to exhibit, send confirmation packs, chase invoices, and advertise on a more general level like taking part in radio interviews or press articles.

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

The biggest challenge I have had to overcome is the fear of “asking”! In my personal life I find it very difficult to ask for help or ask for something to be free etc. but I have overcome this with my business as I have realised that if “you don’t ask, you don’t get” and it is so true! Everyone is always so responsive to what I do that they never mind helping out or offering their services.

What’s the best thing about being self-employed?

For me it’s watching the business grow into a well-known and respected company. Mums Who Can has quickly become a brand that is recognised and trusted. I have met the most amazing mums and developed friendships that will be long lasting. The testimonials on my website are all from mums that have exhibited at the events and reading them always makes me proud!

What are your plans for the future?

Over the next 5 years, I plan is to offer either Franchised Area’s or Area Manager roles that will allow Mums Who Can to grow into the rest of the UK and internationally.

What advice would you give for someone just starting out?

Find something that you feel a passion for. You will be spending an awful lot of time on the business when you start out and if you have no passion for it, it will fail quickly because you will find it a chore.

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

It is very easy to be tempted to offer friends and family “freebies” but it’s important to remember that you are running a business and therefore should never feel bad about sticking to your normal prices etc. when dealing with people you know.

Website: www.mumswhocan.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mums-Who-Can/451442821683412
Twitter: Lisa@mumswhocan

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