Tell us your name and a bit about your family? When did you become a Mum and to whom?
My beautiful family consists of my husband, son, our two gorgeous dogs – Bruno & Betty, and the first member of our household – Augustus the tortoise.
Our family grew a little larger when our son was born in the summer of 2016. Sonny arrived on the hottest day in July. This day completely changed everything, I don’t just mean that transition into parenthood, but a new found appreciation for life.
What’s your business called?
Little Floss House of Art.
Can you describe it in one sentence?
Little Floss House of Art provides a wide range of arty crafty activities for babies, children and adults. Bringing joy through different art mediums, even to those who say ‘I’m not creative’.
When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?
As soon as maternity leave began I picked up my painting daily, it was a huge part of working through the daily hormones of pregnancy and when Sonny arrived he would also accompany me in the studio often. Enjoying the colour and paint together. This was my inspiration.
How did you fund your start up?
I funded my start up with very little, basic art materials.
How do you manage working around your children?
Little Floss completely works around our family, my husband was very supportive of the business initially I would just work weekends and evenings when he was home from work. Later he began to work a 4 day week, allowing me to work 1 day a week without the pressure of child care and comfort in knowing our son was enjoying a day with his daddy.
We wanted Little Floss to benefit us all, being able to spend the maximum amount of time with our son during those precious first years, as well as the benefits of loving your job!
Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?
A typical day in the studio usually starts with admin, replying to messages, checking emails and posting on social media. I usually have one or two paintings on the easel ready for another layer of oils. I could have a group Paint Splash or a 121 Splash booked in and the day will always end with after School Art Club at my local Primary school. Managing time is very difficult especially when there are multiple strands to the business, a good old fashioned list is a must for me!
What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?
Where do I start?! At times very isolated in a studio can be difficult, from learning about becoming self employed to having confidence! I have ran various trial sessions in return for feedback, allowing me to understand needs and wants of potential future customers.
What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?
The daily satisfaction that I am now my own boss. I get maximum time with my family, they too get to enjoy Little Floss at times and being a mother supports me in my role with working with children and families. I can still take my son to groups, classes and days out which is so important as he was the motivation behind the decision to start Little Floss.
What are your plans for the future?
As my son grows and begins to approach school age I plan to grow Little Floss. Working around each other I would like to reach out further into the local community and make art accessible to all. Painting alongside the business and develop my personal voice as an Artist.
What advice would you give for someone just starting out in business?
Have confidence and put yourself out there, there is never a ‘good time’, life is short so grab it with both hands and take a chance.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Be willing to approach people you think are on a similar path to you, be open to feedback and advice.
My studio is a garden studio in which I will be holding new sessions for 2019!