Tell us your name and a bit about your family? When did you become a Mum and to whom?
My name is Wendy Bailey and I’m a single mum to two children, aged 6 and 8.
What’s your business called?
My business is called WB Typing Services and I run it from home.
Can you describe it in one sentence?
It’s an audio and copy typing service for those businesses and individuals who require a regular typing service but without the need for employee-associated costs.
When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?
I became a Mumpreneur in 2009 when I had my daughter. I was passionate about being a stay-at-home mum and finding something that enabled me to do that. I thought about typing as I was proud of my GCSE grade A* and I also had my Pitmans and RSA qualifications. Friends and family have always asked me to type up their documents as I was very speedy – I think my Grade 7 piano helped that!
How did you fund your start up?
It was very simple and there weren’t really any start-up costs. I chose to work from home and my only initial outlay was about £50 for a foot pedal for the audio part of the typing.
How do you manage working around your children?
I work during school hours and then of an evening once they’ve gone to bed and also at a weekend when they are with their Dad. It seems to work just fine. I’m prepared to sacrifice some of my free time rather than the time with the children so it suits me perfectly.
Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?
I tend to spend the evenings prior to a working day organising what needs to be done for that next day so I’m ready to start as soon as I’ve dropped the children off at school. The jobs vary in deadlines – some clients want things back in 24 hours, for others their documents are due in a week’s time, so I always make sure I’m organised so as I can fit in those urgent jobs for a client.
What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?
Having lots of work on and only one pair of hands! But I’ve found a few experienced typists (other mummies) who can assist me in busier times.
What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?
Taking the children to school every day and picking them up. Never missing a class assembly. Being able to taxi them around to clubs and after-school activities. Knowing I can be at home with them if they’re poorly. Never having to ask anyone for time off!
What are your plans for the future?
To expand the business, to increase the number of clients I have and to provide more work for other mums looking to top up their family income.
What advice would you give for someone just starting out in business?
If you’re passionate about it, go for it! I believe having a positive mindset and a can-do attitude gets you far. There are days being a Mumpreneur can feel lonely and overwhelming, but remember why you are doing it and stay consistent.