More to business

Mumpreneur Story: More to Business Ltd

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

My name is Victoria, I became a mum about five years ago to a beautiful boy called Oliver and then two years ago I became a mum second time around to a little girl called May. Being a mum of two is insanely hard work but as I’m sure all mums would agree incredibly rewarding (well most of the time!)

What’s your business called?

MORE to business limited

Can you describe it in one sentence?

A collection of services and products designed to help creative businesses flourish while ensuring they still have time for the things they love.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I was in business for 11 years before I became a mum. Being a mum adds a whole new dimension to being in business. It allows me the flexibility to do the school runs and be with my children while giving me a sense of achievement on a daily basis. Being both a mum and a business owner is hard work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How did you fund your start up?

I took out a small business loan of £10,000 and also had a credit card on standby just in case. I also did a bit of temping to ensure I had a bit of income coming in while I got my business off the ground. This was 16 years ago and before Facebook and social media so I think you can get started for much less than this now.

How do you manage working around your children?

It is a struggle! But not as big a struggle as trying to manage a 9-to-5 alongside the school hours. I can work in the evenings If needed, although these tend to be less frequent now. I’ve become very good at working smart. So using automation, outsourcing and an amazing planner keeps me sane. As a working mum you have small windows of working time and it’s important that we get maximum output from the small windows we have. I have also started to work term time only which is an amazing motivator when planning our projects.

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

There really is no typical day. On Tuesday we get together as a team and talk through any issues and make plans for the forthcoming week. The rest the days are spent working on the computer on various websites, emptying the inbox replying to enquiries, recording videos for our social media channels, recording content for our training portal, running in person training days and generally spending time with amazing ladies who all run their own businesses too.

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

Self-confidence mainly. I hold myself back on many occasions because I don’t feel that I’m good enough. As I have progressed through the years I have found out that everybody feels the same. We are all winging it 😉 I have also had issues with a ruthless competitor trying to sabotage my business in impressive ways. It all adds to the fun!

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

The freedom and flexibility without a doubt. If my little ones are poorly I down tools straight away with no guilt no worry and no boss to placate.

What are your plans for the future?

Do more of what I’m doing now. To increase my income by helping people to follow their dreams. I would like to continue growing multiple avenues and interests and to do it all with the freedom and flexibility that running a business can give you. I need to make sure that I grow it smart though and not get carried away with my ambition which can sometimes get out of control and take over.

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

You have everything you need right now to start an amazing business. Trust yourself and if the advice you’ve been given doesn’t sit well with you then trust that you know better than anyone what you are meant to be doing. I wasted many years searching for the expert to tell me what I should be doing where I actually knew all along. I just needed the confidence to go with my heart. That being said I believe everyone needs a good mentor, mastermind group or business confidant to give them the courage to follow their dreams through to reality. We can’t do this alone so seek help as early as you can. Without support you remain alone and it is so easy to give up when we feel isolated. Keep chasing that dream and don’t let anything get in your way.

Www.victoriacasebourne.com
Www.createyourwaytosuccess.com
Facebook.com/vcasebourne