The writing genie

Using your Writing Skills to Create a Business – The Writing Genie

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

My name is Amanda Harvey and I live in a small village in Suffolk with my husband Dean, my daughter Iris, who has just turned 5, and my little boy Dexter, who will soon be 2. I was working full time as a marketing manager when I became pregnant with Iris.

What’s your business called?

The Writing Genie!

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Comprehensive copywriting services including SEO content for websites and social media, PR articles, press releases and copy for marketing materials.

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?

I became a mumpreneur when my employer refused my request for flexible working at the end of my maternity leave. I was told that I could only return to my job in the same full-time hours, which would mean putting Iris in nursery for 11 hours a day! I had been a latch-key kid and felt I needed to find work that would let me be at home after school for my children. After searching the job adverts I realised that the only way I could do the work I was trained to do and enjoyed, in hours that suited me, was to become self-employed.

I was inspired by a friend who set up her own successful photography business after being made redundant.

How did you fund your start up?

I am lucky that the type of work I do doesn’t involve much outlay. I used the last of my maternity pay to buy a better laptop and my domain name, writinggenie.co.uk

How do you manage working around your children?

When Iris was a baby, her grandparents looked after her for a few hours a couple of days a week and I worked during naps and in the evenings. She started preschool when she was 2, which gave me more time.

I took 9 months’ maternity leave again when I had Dexter, which meant I wasn’t allowed to do any paid work or I could lose my maternity allowance. Now, Dexter has a few hours with his grandparents during the week while Iris is at school, and he will also be starting preschool soon.

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

On a Monday or Thursday, I get the kids ready and take Iris to school before dropping off Dexter at his grandparents’. When I get home, I quickly clear away the breakfast debris to create a clear workspace while my laptop starts up. Then I usually get my head down to try to get as much done as I can before it’s time for the school run and to pick up Dexter.

I have agreed a year-long contract with a tutoring business, which involves updating their website content and managing their Facebook page and any other tasks they have for me.

I also have a number of other local clients and I may have to meet them or speak to them on the phone to discuss their requirements or get specific information about their business before I can write their copy.

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

The biggest challenge is managing my workload alongside running a house and looking after children. There is no simple answer: I just get on with it as best I can and am honest with clients if something is going to take longer than expected because the children are ill or something has come up.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

Being able to be the mum I wanted to be while also keeping my brain happy!

What are your plans for the future?

When Dexter is 3, I will increase my hours so that I can take on more work.

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

Don’t spend too much time on hypothetical planning! I think it’s best to get going and learn along the way. You may have an idea about what your business will be like but once you start out your business will evolve and improve if you pay attention to the market and the opportunities that come your way.

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

Mumpreneurs are my favourite type of clients so if you need any help with website content, search engine optimisation, blogs, social media or marketing materials please get in touch! You can email me at amanda@writinggenie.co.uk
www.writinggenie.co.uk
www.facebook.com/writinggenie

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