Running Two Creative Businesses – Lighthouse Creative Designs

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

Hi! My name is Olivia. Me and my partner Steve have been together for 5 years, known eachother for 10 years, we met at a motorbike rally! Always knew we’d end up together at some point in our lives, then we had our wonderful surprise daughter Ophelia on the 20th January 2015!

What’s your business called?

I have two businesses, one is a freelance graphic design business called Lighthouse Creative Designs and I’m in the process of setting up my shop’Mad as Hops’ Victorian bespoke fabric and gifts. Graphic design is our bread and butter, I wish to be more involved with my fabrics though.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Exhilarating!

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I started after My daughter was 5months old. I had previously worked for an awful design company beforehand, I would alwayscome home stressed anxious, fowl mood and unconfident. I then decided I wish to be at home with my daughter, |I didnt want to come home upset and stressed then my mood projecting onto her, ( even though you act like your not upset infront of your child… they still know!). She was my drive and push I needed to get me back on track 🙂

How did you fund your start up?

I attended a free course ( Princess Trust ) who kindly offered a start up loan, I wanted to drift away from that and save the funding myself. I used free websites such as word press ( https://wordpress.com/) and wix (http://www.wix.com/) then spread the word locally using social media, word got around then I made contracts for frequant jobs. Then I purchased my domain, website business cards and flyers.

How do you manage working around your children?/ Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?

At first… I am not going to lie! It was very difficult! You are trying to establish a routine, and babies are changing every single day! (not to mention night feeds still because daddy also has a full time job!) I do not like to use the TV and gagets very often, so it was a struggle. I used Pinterest.com and created boards and sensory fun for children, This was my saviour! now shes mobile, its much easier as she plays and runs around. I make Ophelia’s Breakfast, she has an hour of TV in the morning then nap. I crack on with work then. She wakes up I get her sensory objects out whilst I continue. Then the afternoon we have a break and go to the park with the dog. I put her to bed at 7pm, If I have more work I’ll continue for another couple of hours.

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

Pressure and deadlines, some of my clients are famous for sending me lastminute.com jobs… This can get me rather flustered at times, depending on what the job is of course! Just need to take a breather, cup of tea, make sure little one is well occupied and had her breakfast or lunch then get cracking. my saviour is my laptop! So im with her aswell.

Also my work load can become quiet, but I still work, I still have to keep my routine for Ophelia, so when works quiet its my time to catch up with my social media and websites, maybe work out discounts etc to keep it active. Despite the quietness, you must remain postive and busy!

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

It makes me feel good knowing that I can manage and cope with Ophelia, work and household work, my friends dont know how I do it haha!… I have the most demanding little boss in the world haha, I wouldnt have it any other way 🙂

What are your plans for the future?

To continue with working from home, and I am artistic too, hoping Ophelia has my creative gene, cant wait for her to join me 🙂

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

I would say, dont doubt yourself. You CAN do this!… Treat this as your empire. Your bread and butter, your other baby! Keep going, remain postive!

Everything you need will come at the perfect time when you least expect it!

Also if your below the age of 30 and want to learn more, or even go down the funding route, Please contact the princes trust, the course is free and its for a week, itll change your perspective and give you confidence, I also met other mums and made friends with others starting up their businesses too! I couldnt reccommend it enough! They are amazing! Well worth it! I was already 30 when I started the course.

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