Category: Offering Professional Services

Woman working in a virtual assistant franchise

Running a Virtual Assistant Franchise

Working as a virtual assistant involves providing admin services to other businesses, often small businesses and one man bands, in exchange for a fee. This might be a set fee you are pained every month for taking responsibility for certain tasks, or a payment for a one off piece of work. Some people prefer to take on a virtual assistant franchise to lower the start up risk and have access to support.

Virtual Assistant work often fits in well for mums as it can be done from and can usually be fitted into the hours you have available as long as work is completed by the agreed deadline.

Starting a virtual assistant franchise rather than going it alone can increase your chances of success as the franchisee will provide training and you will be working under an established brand.

To help you decide if work as a virtual assistant is for you, we have interviewed Sandra, who runs a virtual assistant franchise with Pink Spaghetti.

Tell us your name and a bit about your family?

My name is Sandra and I moved to Sussex with my family 7 years ago, I am married to Paul, who is a Product Manager in London and mum to three girls, Mia aged almost 14, Alexa aged 11 and Sienna aged 9

What’s your business called?

Pink Spaghetti PA Services

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Your 25th hour in the day, offering you the ‘Gift of Time’.

How did You end up buying a Virtual assistant franchise and what inspired you?

I started my virtual PA business over two years ago and have never felt more fulfilled. I had always wanted to run my own business, especially after starting a family of my own. When my first child came along I reduced my hours to part time with the full intention of returning full time to my corporate role but when no.2 arrived and then no.3 I knew I had to have the flexibility of working for myself and started to think and search for ways to achieve this, I dreamt of running my own business someday and knew I had to turn this dream into a reality.

How did you fund your start up?

I had a small savings plan mature and weighed up the pros and cons of putting it towards a new car or holiday but instead the business concept won out. I didn’t want to look back at retirement and regret not going for it. I knew in my heart of hearts that it was now or never!

How do you manage Running your virtual assistant franchise around your children?

I work during school hours but sometimes have to work after school pick up or in between school clubs. I make sure I carve out time to support them in their homework or have a planned meal for dinnertime so that the evenings are stress free.

I have become much more conscious now of putting my family first. As my family has grown I have realised the importance of being there for them is even greater. Contrary to popular belief they need me more now, perhaps not so much physically i.e. I no longer need to help them with their shoe laces but they definitely still need me emotionally, whether it is to discuss school work or generally just being available for them as a sounding board.

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

I love the variety of my work, the day is never dull and you can never guess what your next enquiry could bring. For example I may be organising a party one minute, then be creating social media content the next. Helping my clients with their book keeping or sourcing a gardener. Some tasks are on-going month on month and others are one-off jobs.
I try to structure my week carefully, spending one morning per week on my admin, one day on my social Media Marketing and the rest of the week working on my clients work. I try not to have more than one day per week at networking meetings or 1-1 meetings, although it doesn’t always work out like this, just like life there are curve balls thrown at me i.e sports day at my kids school recently.

What challenges have you faced in your Virtual assistant franchise and how have you overcome them?

Getting the balance right is always tricky, especially in my first year of business where I was working long hours and it was impacting my family life, my work/life balance was non-existent. I found it really hard to switch off from the business and was thinking about it 24/7. I realised this was not healthy and had to find a happy medium. Working from home also created other challenges, I would often feel the pressure to do housework or could get easily distracted by social media. I have now become much more disciplined with my time. I set a timer for tasks and also switch off notifications from certain platforms to avoid unnecessary interruptions. I also have my own office space now, which has helped tremendously, I walk in and immediately turn to work mode.

What’s the best thing about being Virtual assistant?

The best thing is definitely being my own boss and having the flexibility to go out for lunch with a friend or make that important school assembly.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to see my business grow and become an employer, this will be a huge step for me.

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

NETWORK. It takes a good year to get established within your community and to turn a profit in your business, sometimes even longer, so adapting your mindset to this is crucial. Going from an employee to the boss is not an easy transition at times. Every aspect of the business is your responsibility, which is easily overlooked when you are first starting out, new skills need to be gained and dedication is the key, being able to adapt and continue to keep learning.

All this though can be very overwhelming. I found lots of support from my local networking groups. It is vital to network with other small businesses, gaining their trust, confidence and expanding your network is fantastic for your business and for you, you learn so much from each other. It also brings new friendships and combats any loneliness you may be feeling working from home. You will be out, socialising with other businesses in the same situation as you or who have skills and expertise to advise you and will offer support. I have made some really good friends from my networking groups and have even become an Ambassador for one and currently run another networking group of my own now, something a few years ago I would never have believed I would be doing… I didn’t even realise networking groups existed before I started my business!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us

It has been a steep learning curve with many challenges and amazing milestones along the way. I am truly happy to have had the courage to start this journey, it has opened doors to me I never knew existed, I have established friendships and collaborations with fantastic local businesses and feel so empowered, don’t get me wrong there are up days and down but the ups definitely outweigh the downs.
I hope that one day when my children are older they will be proud of their Mum and admire the business woman I have become. #NoRegrets

You can contact Sandra via Twitter

If you’re interested in running a franchise, you can find more suggestions in our post on franchises for mums. You might also like to read the story of the a Pink Spaghetti Virtual Assistant Franchise opportunity.

You can find other stories of mums who are running a virtual assistant franchise in our Business to Business stories.

Self employed beauty therapist pippa

Life as a Self Employed Beauty Therapist with Phillipasbeauty

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

I am a mum of a beautiful talented confident daughter Aemilia Lesley Goodwin who is 7 an a half going  on 17!

She was born in Kingston hospital Surrey our home then, I’m married to Lee Goodwin from Wimbledon south west london, met lee online dating! Lived in london then moved to Sussex to buy our first family home! Then moved to Shropshire.

What’s your business called?

Phillipasbeauty

Can you describe it in one sentence?

All Beauty Treatments to both female & male.

When did you become a Self EMPLOYED beauty therapist and what inspired you?

I started up young achievers with the Princes Trust at the age 18, 22 years ago. I gained a £2,000 grant to set up my beauty room inside a busy hair salon After a long time of working so hard lots of long hours I traveled on the cruise ships to open up more experience I felt I wanted to achieve. I came home & set up again moving from north to south.

How did you fund your start up?

Princes Trust grant

How do you manage working around your children?

Aemilia was in childcare in Surrey & I worked around the hours I could get through them. My husband came home & I worked which I still do today. It’s tough but I love what I do so it’s perfect to share being parents. My family were to far to help & lees family. We have done it all between us that makes us so proud.

Can you describe a typical day as a self EMPLOYED beauty therapist, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?

I take Aemilia to school & treat until I pick her up after school preparing dinner  & back to work again until late evening. I manage around the school run it’s great but sometimes hectic!

What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them? Standing up in front of 25 business people in the city & going through step by step my business plan was the most gruelling time & waiting 24 hours for a call to see if I’d achieved my grant, also Moving here to be closer to my Father & sister & Setting up from scratch again & again new clientele being down south but it’s worked well moving I’ve managed to set up just fine again & build a brand new business here in Shropshire.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

I get to see my daughter all the time so does my husband now. Year commuting to central london & rushing to get back in time so I could work has been the most challenging but we did it!!! With hardly any sleep too!! I love working at home but hate the house work!

What are your plans for the future?

I don’t have any yet I plan each day & work none stop I don’t think about the future I am blessed each day I’m here with my daughter & husband that’s enough. Spending more time with enjoying weekends together now I’ve stopped working them!

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

Focus & be confident you can do it. I never stopped believing from a young age. Go for it what’s stopping you?

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

I’ve become stronger & so glad I had the opportunity to share my story with you. Thank you!

My Facebook link is https://www.facebook.com/pippanyr/

If you’d like to read about other mother’s offering professional services have a look at stories page.

become a Mumpreneur with a direct sales business

Admin Angel Virtual Assistant – Offering Virtual Secretarial Services

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

My name is Pamela & I live with my partner Marc . We have two gorgeous girls Eva (6) & Libby

What’s your business called?

My business is called Admin Angel Virtual Assistant

Can you describe it in one sentence?

I work with growing businesses, taking care of their Admin to allow them to focus on running their business

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I wanted work to fit around my girls & give me some flexibility. Finding this is not easy (even though a lot of BIG companies claim to offer this, I’m afraid it can be very hard to find)  hence why I took the leap & decided to run my own business.

How did you fund your start up?

I funded everything myself. I didn’t require much money to start however finding time was the hardest part!

How do you manage working around your children?

Working around children is hard! At first I used to work whilst my youngest was sleeping & in the evenings but as she grew into a very active toddler I quickly realised I had to set “work” days where I could focus on work.

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

A typical day involves getting kids up, breakfast, dropped off at school/childminder. Then it’s time to do my clients work.  As I offer packages, some days I do a full day for one client, others days I only do a few hours then it’s a meeting/ emails / invoicing plus lots more ! Time Management & planning each day is crucial for me

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

Becoming self employed has been a HUGE challenge for me .   Firstly not having a guaranteed set wage was daunting ! Other things such as learning to switch off and enjoy family time rather than constantly thinking you must always be doing something & learning to stop doubting myself .

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

The best thing is not having to miss the little things – like sports days or school afternoons. If I still worked in corporate world of 9-5 I’m sure I would not have been able to attend half as much!

What are your plans for the future?

The plans for the future is to continue to grow & eventually be able to offer work to other mums who want to work but also have some time with their kids!

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

Starting & running my business has been the hardest thing I have ever done however it has also been one of the most rewarding things & I have met some fantastic people along the way!

If you have an idea , or are thinking of starting out in business then go for it ! There is never a right moment or time so just try it! Good luck!

Http://www.youradminangel.co.uk

What it’s like running a dog walking business

Running a Dog Walking Business with Fetch

Today we’re talking to Alex about her experience of running a dog walking business.

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

I’m Alex Taylor, wife to Chris and mummy to Lilia, 6, and Amber, 4.

What’s your business called?

My business is called Fetch Dog Walking and Home Boarding.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

It pretty much does what it says on the tin. A Dog walking business and a lovely holiday home for your doggies whilst you’re away.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I got made redundant from a large corporate insurance company last year which gave me the push I needed to start my own business. I never thought I could do it. Never thought I’d earn enough money, always thought I needed the security of an employer. How little I knew!!

How did you fund your start up?

I was really lucky (although some may call it hard work and perseverance rather than luck!) and put the word out through friends and family, and used the power that is social media to begin to advertise my services. So I didn’t really need much to fund things. I did however sell our family car and buy a van! A risk that has paid off!

How do you manage working around your children?

I manage my own diary, booking appointments for when the children are at school, and my dog walks are during school hours too. I arrange my diary and sort out all the admin bits once the girls are in bed. It’s full on but totally worth it.

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

I get woken up by my children around 6. I sort them out, at the same time as checking my diary for what’s in store for my day ahead. I answer any emails or texts I have whilst shouting to ‘brush your teeth!’ and ‘get your shoes on’! Some dogs are dropped off for daycare around 7.30 so they add to the fun while doing various Disney Princess hairstyles that have been requested for the day at school.
I take the girls to school then go straight out and collect the dogs for their walks. I average between 2 – 3 hour long walks per day, and in between pick up/drop home/wash down the muddy pups!
I work it out so that I’m home by 1ish, in time to grab some lunch, do some more admin, play with the dogs that are at my house on daycare, then it’s out to the school run again.

Evenings consist of sorting the kids out, playing with dogs (which the girls (and the dogs!) love), talking to clients and bedtime routines.

Once the girls are in bed, I begin to sort the follows days diary so I know who I’m walking and when.

What challenges have you faced in running a dog walking business and how have you overcome them?

Having always had a steady income, the thought of being self employed scared me to death. My biggest challenge has been learning to say no. The more I say yes, the more money I earn. But the more burnt out I get! So having a balance of days off to spend purely with my family is really important. I’m learning this slowly. (I need to improve!)

What’s the best thing about running a dog walking business?

Not having to answer to anyone but myself! Managing my own time, being treated like an adult. I’ve spent too many years dealing with corporate nonsense so working for myself is a breath of fresh air (quite literally with all the fresh air I’m getting!!).

What are the plans for your future?

I’d love to expand in the future, potentially have an employee or two, and really go from strength to strength. It’s still early days for me as I’ve been going less than a year. But it’s honestly been the best year I could have hoped for.

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

Don’t wait for the right time. There is no right time. I waited years and years and now completely regret not doing it sooner! I wasted years in a miserable environment, wishing I could be anywhere else. When I finally took the plunge, yes it was scary (so scary!!!), but it was so worth it.

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

So many employers out there tell us that they ‘support working parents’ and that they offer ‘flexible working’, but from what I can see, that’s unfortunately so far from the truth. They say the right words but do they really do what they promise?
I was promised flexible working and it was taken away from me. Working for a large organisation who ‘supported flexible working’ made me feel like I owed them something. Yes, I worked part time but I was made to feel like I wasn’t good enough, that my hours were never enough. I struggled so much to work around my two small children. I ran myself into the ground trying to juggle school drop offs, nursery runs, and working as much as I could, logging on from home because I didn’t feel I was giving enough. Calling in numerous favours for childcare when I was ‘asked’ to swap my non working day to attend a ‘mandatory’ conference…and we all know if I didn’t go what they’d think of me and how I’d be treated afterwards. Life was a constant battle, one of which I wasn’t winning.
But now I can finally say, I did it. I escaped that life and have built up my own little mini empire. Doing something I absolutely love and being able to work it 100% around my family. Making that jump is the hardest thing you’ll ever do but it may just be the best thing you ever do too.

Www.crowborough-dogwalking.co.uk
https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Pet-Service/Fetch-Dog-Walking-and-Home-Boarding-173613193330982/

If this reading about running a dog walking business has inspired you, check out some animal based franchise opportunities.

The Confident Mother: A Business Coach’s Story

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

I’m Sherry, mum to two gorgeous redhead daughters. One’s a teenager (will be a smart and sassy research scientist when she grows up) and the other is an almost-teenager (and already a published author).

What’s your business called?

I run The Confident Mother, an independent coaching practice.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

I am an author, coach and speaker. I work with ambitious women to help them get clear on what they really want and then find the confidence to do it, particularly in technology and professional services, whether that’s help with their career  confidence, dealing with the inner critic, sorting out work-life balance or stepping up to new leadership responsibilities.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

A former Global Head of IT Service in a City law firm, I was made redundant in 2009. I used my LinkedIn contacts and networking experience to find a new role setting up and managing the UK operations of a US outsourcing company. As my daughters got closer to secondary school, I realised I was fed up spending my work day in a glass box office when what I really wanted was to be more available for my children. I decided to take a different approach to my work-life-family balance and set up my business in April 2012. Even though at first, I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do!

How did you fund your start up?

I was lucky in that coming from a legal IT background, it’s a fairly small market. Everybody knows everybody and I was very well known in my then niche (law firm service delivery). I quickly won 4 law firm clients and effectively that funded my start-up.

How do you manage working around your children?

It’s so important to look after yourself first so that everything you do works for you. As women, looking after ourselves is often the easiest thing to drop. But self-care is not a luxury it’s an absolute essential. It gets easier as the children get older because they need you in a different way. I start work once they’ve left for school and stop when they get home for half hour or so. While they’re doing homework, I carry on with client calls, blogging or podcast interviews. Because I work with mums, I offer a few evening calls too. Thursday mornings I go running and go to choir.  School holidays can be trickier but my husband is a teacher so he is around too. He was the stay-at-home parent for about 4 years when I went back to work full-time after maternity leave so he is very capable (as are most men if we only would give them the opportunity).

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

I don’t really have a typical day, more a typical week. Mondays is an Admin / CEO day – marketing, finance, planning etc. I talk to my accountability partner every Monday at 8am. I mentor for The Coaching Academy on Mondays and Thursdays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for client coaching calls and VIP days. Fridays is typically a podcast and social media day, though I will spend time every day on Twitter and LinkedIn. If I have a speaking gig in the evening, I set up afternoon appointments the City with law firms and banks interested in my leadership confidence programme to make the most of my time in the City. I blog twice a week on my website and LinkedIn. Plus two podcast shows Confident Conversations and On The Tipping Point launching late June. I aim to get to two networking events a month, trying to avoid Monday evenings (when my husband works) and Tuesday evenings (running club night).

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

Like any business, I’ve gone through ups and downs. My business has evolved and changed direction since I started. My biggest challenge was trying to be something or someone I’m not and figuring out who I want to work with. I didn’t realise until a year ago how important authenticity is to me. I have learned that it is really important to focus on doing work that you love and doing it in the way that you love doing it.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

I love the freedom, the independence and the flexibility. More than anything I love being in charge. Plus my children have a strong role model in me.

What are your plans for the future?

One of the great things about running your own business is that there’s always room for creativity and growth! I love being on stage so I want to do more speaking events. And I love working with groups of women: I absolutely believe in the power of masterminds and peer groups. When like-minded women gather together, magic happens and the result is always bigger than the sum of the parts. I want to bring more women to my business mastermind and my Leadership Confidence programme.

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

Oh so much advice.

·         Just get started. Don’t wait for it to be perfect because “done” is WAY more effective than perfect. It might be scary, it might be hard … but just get started.

·         Don’t try and do everything …. As in don’t spread yourself too thin over 6 different social media channels. Don’t sell 20 different services. Don’t try and do it all by yourself. Get help.

·         “Get a coach”. I know – I’m a coach so I have a vested interest! Seriously though, working with a coach is what got me started. Otherwise I might still be sitting in that glass box office. Get help, get support, get accountability. A coach will support you, encourage you, challenge you and give you the kick up the backside that you’ll need from time to time. If you can’t afford a coach, buddy up with an accountability partner.

 

Website: http://theconfidentmother.co.uk/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SherryRB

Facebook: The Confident Mother group https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheConfidentMother/

Confident Conversations podcast:  http://confidentconversations.libsyn.com/

Mum holding baby while working on a laptop

Offering Admin and Bookkeeping Service with Organised You

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

My name is Karlene Rivers, and I’m a mum to Sophie and Joe who are 6 and 4 years old.

What’s your business called?

Organised You

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Working parents supporting small businesses with Admin and bookkeeping services.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

Prior to having my second child, Joseph, I was working as a Director of a Financial Adviser firm quite far away from home. I’d reduced my working week to 3 days after having my daughter, but they were long 7-7 days and with her starting Nursery and the arrival of my son, Childcare was going to be come an issue. I therefore decided not to return to the employed role and Organised You came about originally has virtual support firm to allow me to work from home around the kids.

I remember thinking that I would love to set up my own business, but that I didn’t have a product to sell, the only thing I am good at is the operational side of business. It took me a while to realise that I could provide that, as a service, to those that weren’t as good at it.

How did you fund your start up?

As my business is service driven, and originally I worked from home, there were no start up costs. I did, however, steal my husbands laptop!

How do you manage working around your children?

When I first started the business Joe was very young and still slept a lot during the day. I used to spend time doing work whilst he slept, and as the business grew I spent a lot of evenings and weekends working. I’ve also been very lucky to have help from both my mother, mother in law and my sisters with childcare over the years. As the kids have got older I’ve worked around school and nursery hours and whenever we refer to a working day in the Organised You office, we always mean a 9:30 to 2:30 day.

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

How my day goes is very dependent on where I am working. Unless I am travelling to London or somewhere far afield for the day I will take the kids to school and be in the office for just after 9. My day can be full of all sorts of things, from bookkeeping to compliance and I am quite often attending conference calls. One of my team Ant is frequently based from the office with me and there is a never ending debate about what music to listen to. We can get through a huge amount of tea bags in one day!

On some days I work onsite for clients, updating and maintaining their own Finance systems or holding meetings to move projects forward. I may be there to help one of my team solve an issue, to provide cover, or additional support.

Generally I have to be very Organised, as the business name suggests! I plan my weeks well in advance and have a very organised colour coded diary!

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

There’s always a risk with what we do, that firms will encourage staff to go and work for them directly. I try to avoid this by providing my team with a really supportive, flexible working environment and a variety of client work that they wouldn’t get working with just one business. I want our clients to find value from working with us all as a team, and the array of skills and experience this gives them access to.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

That I get to have a career but not miss out on any of the key moments with my kids. I can nip out of the office to see a Nativity plan and be back in time to attend a conference call. When my kids are sick they come to the office, curl up in our big arm chair or play with our box of toys. I feel like I have the best of both worlds and I love that I get to enable friends and colleagues to do the same.

What are your plans for the future?

To grow and help more Working Parents and small businesses. I’d really like to develop our Financial Adviser arm as we can really help Financial Advisers cope with their regulatory requirements. I’d also love to test my organisational skills with some event organisation.

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

Always make time for business planning.  A goal without a plan is just an idea.

www.organisedyou.com

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coaching businesses run by mumpreneur

Supporting other Mums in Business – Cassie Farren

What’s your business called?

Cassie Farren

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Empowering Mums in Business

When did you start it and what inspired you?

January 2013. I ended my marriage in 2012 and started life again as a single mum with 2 children from 2 dads. I hit rock bottom and wasn’t sure what to do with my life. I had a coaching session with a lady who told me that it hadn’t worked out when I worked for anyone else as it was time to start my own business. I laughed at her ! I had no money, no relevant qualifications and not much belief in myself but 3 months later I launched my business.

How did you fund your start up?

I saved up over 2 months and bought a new laptop and a website and got to work.

How do you manage working around your children?

My children are at school so my main hours are between 10.15am and 2.45pm – I will work occasional evenings if I need to.

Can you describe a typical day?

8am – 9.15 School run 9.15-10.15 walk and feed our dog 10.15- 2.45 work ( Skype calls, blogs, online networking, social media ) 2.45-4pm School run 4pm onwards – making packed luches, dinner, homework & relaxing once the boys are in bed.

What have you found hardest?

It has been hard learning so much, it can feel very overwhelming at times which is why I started an online group for other mums in business so we can all support each other.

What’s the best thing about being self employed?

Being able to go to every sports day, school play, parents into school day and if the boys are ill I don’t need to call my boss to ask for permission to look after them.

What are your plans for the future?

I am going to be launching a VIP programme which I’m really excited about.

What advice would yo give to Mum’s just starting out?

My advice would be to ‘know your why’ what is your reason for really wanting your own business and what are your goals? Make sure you know these as there will be many days where you feel like you have hit a brick wall and you maybe ask yourself is it all worth it. This is completely normal but it’s then that you need to remember why you started and why you want this to succeed which will help you to take a deep breathe and pick yourself up again.

Website : www.cassiefarren.com

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The Bra Consultancy – Helping Women Fund the Right Bra

What’s your business called?

The Bra Consultancy

Can you describe it in one sentence?

A bespoke bra fitting service for ladies from teen to mature ladies, specialising in maternity and mastectomy bras offering the lady a personal one to one service.

When did you start it and what inspired you?

On a personal note I always had a problem finding the correct size bra and felt there was a lack of good lingerie shops which offered a personal service, especially catering for ladies who are nursing and ladies who have had breast cancer treatment and would like to get back into beautiful pretty lingerie following treatment.

How did you fund your start up?

I got a loan from a family member, no start up loans were available, but I am that passionate about the brand and service I provide and know I could make a difference to ladies.

How do you manage working around your children?

I already have a full time job, 2 horses and two children, My husband is great and is fully supported and the children do help but know why I am doing this to benefit the family as whole.

Can you describe a typical day?

I work full time at my day job (I am a Patient Liaison Manager in a private hospital). I offer consultations after work and weekend, and if I have not consultations in the evening, I feed the horses on the way home, cook tea for the family, then sit on the computer catching up with paperwork, and adding to social media this weeks photos, replying to emails ect.

What have you found hardest?

The hardest thing has been no down time in the evenings, but I know there is an end goal, and once I am working on my business time flies I love it.

What’s the best thing about being self employed?

Freedom I can arrange my appointments to suit my family life, I get to see the boys more, and my travel will be cut down once I leave the full time role. work life balance

What are your plans for the future?

I want to franchise The Bra Consultancy, so I can offer this as an option for other mums looking for a business from home.

What advice would you give for someone just starting out?

Do lots of research, look who else is doing the service or product, see if you would make a living from your ideal, take all the advice on board, learn from others already making a living.

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

I am so glad I started this business, life is full of What if’s but if you don’t try you never know if you can or could do it. (Listen to your little voice)If you are prepared to work hard, doors will open.

Phone: 07790 270503

Email: TheBraConsultancy@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/thebraconsultancy

 

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Health Coaching with Feed Nourish Glow

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

I’m Claryn Nicholas, a wife and a mum of 2. I had my first child Imogen when I was 31 and my second Seb when I was 33.
I have a background in nursing, health visiting and teaching. I have a Masters degree in Medical and Health Care Education.

What’s your business called?

My business is called Feed Nourish Glow

Can you describe it in one sentence?

It’s a health coaching business with programme to guide, support, motivate, encourage and inspire people to achieve a healthy and happy work-life balance.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I launched my business in March 2017 so it’s still at a baby stage. I have always loved coaching people to enhance their personal and professional development and manage work-life balance. I also love food and cooking. But it wasn’t until I became ill with a really bad chest infection about 14 months ago, that not only it gave a massive kick in the backside to clean up my diet and make healthier choices to cook and eat for me and my family, but it was also a light bulb moment to find my calling; that is to become a health coach. I felt so lucky to have found an excellent health coaching training programme (Institute for Integrative Nutrition) that was just perfect for what I was looking for. I enrolled without hesitation because I knew it would change lives and I wanted to be part of it.

How did you fund your start up?

My mum gave me half of the course fee (£2000) and the other half I funded myself. I paid to have a business coach for 3 months and she helped me set up my Facebook business page amongst other things. I then set up a website 6 months into the course when I could start coaching.

How do you manage working around your children?

I’m employed and working as a health visitor and work 4 days (30 hours) a week. I run my business outside these hours. So I can work another 20-25 hours on top. My children are teenagers now so often they can occupy themselves but I make sure I have time at weekends and evening to spend time with them.

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

(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday I work as a health visitor and my working hours are 8-4 (I leave the house at 7.15 am and get home about 4.45 pm).
I catch up on emails and social media posts for up to an hour (usually between 5-6pm), then I start cooking. Dinner with family is usually between 7-7.30pm.
3-4 evenings per week I catch up with my study and/or do 2 coaching sessions via video calls.
On Wednesday when I have a ‘day off’ which is in fact a working day for my business, and I love my Wednesdays. I have a personal training session in the gym for an hour. I study for 2 hours, business calls 1-2 hours, I write new recipe, cook it, take photos and upload the recipe and photos on to my website and social media.
I write 1-2 blogs per week and publish on my website. I do my schedule posts for Facebook on Saturday morning for the following weeks.
I go out on my bike twice per week (one of those is normally at the weekend, a long ride) and I do yoga 2-3 evenings per week.
I have started writing down what I’m going to do, what day/evening and how long for. I found this is extremely useful and I’m more productive and respectful of my time.

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

• When I’ve given myself too much to do, it was unrealistic and the results were always disappointing or I’ve ended up doing nothing. So I set a time frame and I stick to it.

• When I’ve run out of ideas. Now every time I have buzzing with ideas or thoughts I write them down either type them on my phone or write them on a note book which I have a few!

• When I’ve compared myself with other people, when things don’t happen fast enough or when things don’t happen full stop. I will pick myself up by looking back how far I’ve come, what I’ve achieved and congratulated myself. I remind myself of self-care, self-love, and self-belief. I can’t compare my chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 20. Everything happens for a reason and I just have to trust the process. In the meantime I keep my head down, do what I love and share it with the world.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

I love the flexibility and the freedom. I am not answerable to anyone else but me. I have got to show up for me. I can change what I don’t like or if it doesn’t work without checking with anyone else first.

What are your plans for the future?

I’d love to do full time health coaching and would like to coach other people to be health coaches.

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

Be patient, everything takes time. Rome was not built in a day.

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

I’ve learnt that being myself has set me free to be me and authentic. I don’t have the need to follow the crowd anymore so I will no longer get lost. I’ve had more confidence and self-belief that I could achieve whatever I wanted or become whoever I wanted to be. It took years and a lot of doings because I did not love or accept myself for who I really was. I’ve learnt that you don’t need others to accept you, you just need to accept yourself. Being authentic is key because you attract the right people who want to be with you and support you.

Clarynnicholas.co.uk
Facebook.com/clarynnicholashealthcoach/
Instagram.com/feed_nourish_glow

Mobile hairdresser

Mobile Hairdresser: Emma’s Hair – Essex

Emma works as a mobile hairdresser as well as training other hairdressers on a freelance contract, she decided to go it alone after her maternity leave and hasn’t looked back.

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

Hello, My name is Emma and Im 31 years old, I live in Thurrock with my husband and our son Michael. I became a mum 18 months ago.

What’s your business called?

My business name is Emma’s Hair- Essex.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Hairdressing services and freelance education for hairdressers.

When did you become a MObile hairdresser and what inspired you?

I decided to go it alone in Sept 2016 after a years maternity leave. I wanted to go back into education which is what my passion is and I was offered a freelance educator contract with a major colour manufacturer. Being freelance meant I could work round having a baby and had more freedom than set salon days. In January 2017 I attended the Vidal Sassoon Academy to refresh my cutting skills after my maternity leave and decided to put myself out there for mobile hair services in Thurrock. Just recently I took on a second freelance contract for education in London which I’m super excited about.

How did you fund your start up?

Social media pages are free! I set up a Facebook page and advertised myself locally. When I had some pictures of clients I expanded to Instagram. I had enough product to get started then invested my profit straight away to buy more.

How do you manage working around your children?

At first having the odd day here and there I could manage by asking family. I had to stay away for training which was hard but I know it will be worthwhile in the long run. Now I’m busier I’ve just committed to a nursery day for Michael as well as our family helping out.

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

There are now 3 parts to my business which involve a lot more admin time like spreadsheets and invoicing. I have to make sure all my equipment is cleaned and packed the night before along with Michaels stuff. I have a lot of enquires and emails to deal with which I just have to do throughout the day. I have alot of reading to do too with all the courses I teach! Things are constantly updating.

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

Being away from home is definitely challenging and I couldn’t have done it without the support from my husband and family.

Also with being contactable 24/7 its hard to switch off, I have to be strict with myself.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

Having the freedom to pick and choose what days I work, I know in the long run I’ll have the ability to be there for Michael at certain things or events he might have.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to invest some more into advertising and marketing, I’m aware not everyone uses social media so will look at flyers and perhaps a website.

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

Go for it! It’s easier now than ever with lots of free resources like social media and Facebook pages to advertise. Local children centres often run short courses like cooking or computer skills.

Instagram: @emmashairessex

If you fancy working as a mobile hairdresser check out our other stories of Offering professional services.