Who are the London Mumpreneurs?
Join now the only free and independent mumpreneurs' group in London!! MARK YOUR DIARY FOR THE NEXT EVENTS IN 2010: 20th May - 3 places left for the exclusive Karen Williams' business coaching workshop.
'Mumpreneurs @ London Mums' is a forum for modern women who want to fulfill their professional dream while doing the best for their children. Instead of going back to a permanent job after the maternity leave, many mums decide to start their own business to enjoy more flexibility and time with the family. Women have the ability to run a business while multitasking and looking after a baby. Many London Mums have achieved that! Business Mums is a networking forum for entrepreneurial mothers based in London who support each other in their business growth as well as through motherhood. If you want to promote your business through this website and join this group, get in touch by sending an email to monica@londonmums.org.uk. Be inspired by incredibly interesting LONDON MUMPRENEURS' TESTIMONIALS we have collected for you. If you are a mumpreneur and have a successfull business story to tell, please let us know.
go to top
MUMPRENEURS' TESTIMONIAL: CHARLOTTE AND CAROLYN ON BUGGYBOOT AND LIFE AFTER DRAGONS' DEN
Read how two brave mumpreneurs have successfully taken the buggyboot concept to market, including going on the Dragons' Den. Q: You (Charlotte) and Carolyn have successfully taken the buggyboot concept to market, including going on the Dragons' Den? Where did the idea come from originally?
A: It was one of those things whereby as a mum regularly wandering into town with a stroller (and invariably another child or two) it was obvious that pushing a lightweight pushchair meant sacrificing the ability to store shopping and manoeuvre easily around stores! They are just not designed for shopping. We are all guilty of hanging the plastic bags on the buggy handles and watching the whole thing tip over!
It seemed crazy that nothing had ever been invented to over come this and so we set about the task, but we decided to include a stand on buggy board too so that our product would benefit parents and children!
Q: Who came up with the idea?
A: It was my idea (Charlotte), although Carolyn was the one who pushed the idea forward. We recognised that a product was needed that could offer capacity for purchases, an area to rest a store basket and a have buggy board thrown in as a bonus!
Q: Did either of you have any relevant background to make the whole process easier?
A: No not really. In a way our lack of experience made us even more determined to achieve our goal. Carolyn was a Trainer in Child Protection and Charlotte a Free Lance market researcher in pharmaceuticals!
Q: How did your partnership come about?
A: It was a friendship borne at the school gates! There are so many mums with ideas bursting to come out and ready to learn too. We just started chatting whilst we were walking the dogs and it all went from there.
Q: How did you decide to move forward with your business idea as surely it was very daunting?
A: There are so many decisions to make initially and you do have to learn the hard way. We sought advice from relevant organisations such as Business link to begin with and Womens' groups such as GWIIN (Global Women inventors and Innovators Network). Universities may also have enterprising schemes to help develop ideas. You have to keep asking and exploring every step of the way.
Q: Going on the Den must have been terrifying. How did you cope?
A: It is all about preparation and practice, practice, practice! Decide how best to split the types of questions likely to be thrown at you. And yes it was definitely terrifying! Very worthwhile though as you don't realise at the time, just how much you will need the money!
Q: What advice would you give to a Mum thinking about venturing into developing a product?
A: You need to have resilience and an enquiring mind. There are lots of people out there prepared to help (us included!) who have been through it, so find them and use them. Having a business partner keeps you sane and means it can be great fun at times too. There is so much to learn and lots of money required, so be prepared!
Q- What does the future hold for buggyboot?
A: We are looking to move buggyboot into more international markets and continually looking to improve and develop our product range. We are now selling from our website www.buggyboot.com and the board can be purchased as a separate item in addition to the boots!
BOOK REVIEW: "Millionaire Mumpreneurs"
www.supermummy.com
Book of the Month (May 2010): "Millionaire Mumpreneurs: How Successful Mums Made a Million Online and How You Can Do It Too!" by Mel McGee, Supermummy and regular writer of the London Mums media. Easy to read reference book (you can read it again and again) that sheds some light into how some Mumpreneurs (mums we can easily identify ourselves with) who actually made a million or more by creating a virtual business from home. The case studies highlight the steps required to achieve the desired milestone and make it look so easy that making a million online seems an achievable goal! Let's go and make a million now. For more info on the author, check www.supermummy.com. You can buy the book from Supermummy directly www.supermummy.com.
go to top
MUMPRENEUR'S TESTIMONIAL: RITA KOBRAK AND HER MUMMY BUSINESS IN TUSCAN HOLIDAY PARADISE
The idea of mum and baby holidays came about while talking to other mums. Many said they did not feel brave enough to travel on their own with their babies and all the extra baggage that you need to take. This gave me the inspiration for mum and baby retreats in our lovely home in Tuscany. I went about trying to make the house child friendly and every time we go over we take more toys and baby equipment. I had mainly worked in the travel business since leaving university and having worked in 12 different countries, loved my job, but it meant that I was away from home 8 months of the year, a great life if you don't have children but impossible after having my beautiful daughter, Alessia 2 years ago. As travelling had been such a big part of my life, I started travelling with Alessia when she was 3 months old. 
She is now 2 and has been on 38 flights to five different countries and is a great traveller. My husband is also a tour manager and often away so I love flying out to see him with Alessia in different parts of Europe. I have always wanted to start my own holiday business and love being with people, am good at organising and enjoy cooking and having guests stay at our house in Italy. When we are there it is not unusual to have 10 relatives and friends over to stay for a few days. Years ago I have done some teaching and last year started teaching baby Italian at Cupcake, a fantastic mum and baby club and really enjoyed it. I wanted to combine all these passions in my new business venture. I think it is so important to feel passionate about what you do as that will see you through when the money is lacking. I am always coming up with new ideas for things to do and my husband keeps telling me to slow down and do one thing at a time!
What we do on our mum and baby breaks: Mums start the day with some light yoga with babies on the mats too while I prepare breakfast which we all have on the terrace. Late morning we do some mum and baby activities such as baby Italian,baby massage, bambino latino, and storytelling. Afternoons are at leisure with on site baby sitter if mums want to nip down to the local village or bar, or maybe just want to read or swim. After tea and cake we have a group walk or cooking lesson before time to put little ones to bed and then we all gather for dinner outside on the terrace with lake view. On one of the days we visit the medieval town of Anghiari and traditional olive mill and have some local specialities with the owner Francesco and his family. If mums want, we can drop them off at the local shoe outlet for some retail therapy. On another afternoon mums can have spa treatments in the garden, while we take care of the little ones.
The rest of the summer we rent out the villa on a weekly basis (When we are not there). We are in the process of restoring the barn next door, a complicated but rewarding experience and so should have accommodation for 16 next year.(at the moment we can accommodate 10) The whole idea of these mum and baby retreats has given me a new focus and means I can stay at home with my daughter and take her to Italy when I do the breaks. The hard thing for me is the marketing, PR and time I have had to spend on the computer as I did not have this sort of experience in my previous career. None of my friends can believe that I managed to do the mum and baby web site myself as I did not even own a computer before! I am still very much learning and will learn to do a blog next, but I enjoy the new challenges and aim to start cooking courses and olive picking breaks soon. I am also looking at a place in Devon in April to see if we can offer the mum and baby breaks there next year. I love the networking part of starting your own business and have met some great people this year and the best thing is I get to spend quality time with my daughter and get to go to Italy lots. Eventually we plan to move there permanently. This year I have four mum and baby breaks planned, 25-30th April 9-14th May 16-21st May and 11-16th June and a family fitness break Sep 10-15th which is full on boot camp style with 4 classes per day with professional trainer, nutritional advice and healthy low GI meals www.mum-and-baby-experience.co.uk
THE AUTHOR: Rita kobrak 07785 571292 www.holiday-villa-in-tuscany.com
SOLD OUT!! OUR FIRST LONDON MUMPRENEURS CONFERENCE on 4th March 2010 - 7pm
Join us at the first London Mumpreneurs Conference on 4th March 2010. The event is aimed at any mum (or mum-to-be) in business. Whether you're simply weighing up your options, just started out, or have been running for years, this event is for you. This event is a fantastic opportunity to hear the testimonials of the most successful mumpreneurs in the UK, network with likeminded people, and even have the chance to ask questions to celebrity mumpreneurs.
Speakers include Laura Tenison, founder and managing director of JoJo Maman Bebe, Anna Gibson and Philippa Gogarty, Co-Founders and Joint Directors of Micro Scooters Ltd - the ladies who transformed London into 'Scooterlandia', celebrity entertainer Amanda Frolich, Kumud Gandhi founder of The Saffron House catering company and The Cooking Academy (well-known for catering stars like Madonna and royals such as the Prince of Wales and the Saudi Royal family) and Justin Lusty, author of 'Start-up - The Woman's Guide To Running Your Own Business'.
LONDON MUMS BOOK RECOMMENDATION FOR MARCH 2010
'BOOM! 7 disciplines to control, grow and add impact to your business'
Emma Wimhurst, the founder of Diva Cosmetics, is an amazing and inspiring business woman. She has proven to be able to run businesses successfully and she is not just a business writer with no experience. This alone makes the book more interesting. Emma worked at Revlon before starting her own business Diva Cosmetics which allows stores to sell their own brand of cosmetics. Boom! showcases Emma's top business tips that made her multimillion fortune. The book is a good and easy read with very practical advice on business planning. We receive a lot of questions from London Mumpreneurs on how to write a business plan and stragegy, well now you have the perfect manual with professional information in it. You can get it from Amazon or Emma's website http://www.boompreneur.co.uk
LONDON MUMS BOOK RECOMMENDATION FOR FEBRUARY 2010
Antonia Chitty's "The Mumpreneur Guide - Start Your Own Business" is a down to earth workbook which includes an interesting collection of testimonials of successfull mumpreneurs to help business mums what you need to get your business going. The good think about it is the fact that it is written in manageable parts that you can implement immediately, without putting your life on hold. It will help you take the first steps to make your business dream a reality. And, it will help you enjoy the journey to becoming a business owner. The manual is a sort of an A to Z for a mumpreneurs' start-up and helps you do a reality check on all aspects of a business planning. Antonia Chitty also runs asuccessful blog called www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk. You can find out more about the book at www.themumpreneurguide.co.uk
go to top
COUPLES IN BUSINESS: INTERVIEW WITH KAREN WATTLEWORTH - CO-FOUNDER OF ZOOBOOKOO (December 2009)
Q: Karen, tell us what ZooBooKoo does?
Karen: We design and manufacture fun, educational gifts and games. You can see all our products at www.zoobookoo.com. We started about 12 years ago and we sell to toy, gift and books shops. And we have launched Primary Stars - which is basically a party plan sort of opportunity for London Mums to get involved with products that really help their children to learn. You can put as few or as many hours as you like into it.
Q: Do you and your husband work together in the business?
A: Absolutely! Sometimes, Stephen goes off to manage an interim project, but we work together as a rule.
Q: How do you manage that? Most of us would find that very challenging, day in, day out?
A: We have clearly defined roles - Stephen is responsible for all elements of strategy, manufacture, sourcing, finance, systems and export. And I handle day-to-day management, sales, marketing, warehousing and customer services. New product design is a joint effort and our children are our inspiration. We are really very disciplined and organised.
Q: Don't you argue?
A: Sure, we do have 'discussions'. We have very different styles. I am an 'implementer' - I like to get things done, preferably as quickly as possible. Whereas Stephen is more of a 'shaper' - always challenging the way things are done, striving to move forward and grow. When developing anything new, he believes it takes three iterations to move from concept to completion. So we do clash occasionally - but it works - it's a healthy, creative clash - and then there's the making up...!'
Q: With the business and two boys, how can you find time for each other?
A: We are getting better at that. We try to go out for dinner, or lunch, or plan days out doing something totally different - like horse-riding (bit painful thought!), or visiting the Tate, you know, that sort of thing.
Q: How did you and Stephen meet?
A: We were both working for the same company in Ipswich, Suffolk, and we 'got together' - as you do! Then the company was sold to Unilever, we got married and we sailed off to New Zealand.
Q: What do your boys think about ZooBooKoo and their Mum and Dad working together?
A: They are cool - sometimes they help out - especially if they are in need of some new shoes or football boots, and the like. They have never known any different. But they think we work too hard, and they always say they would never run their own business, but hopefully time will change their minds.
Q: So what are your tips for working with your partner?
A: You should try to have a clear division of duties - write it down - change it (with agreement) if necessary. Try to plan regular fun time out - don heels (ladies!) for dinner out; cinema; early night! Remember to hug each other several times a day (especially if you were cross or stressed) and try to celebrate even the smallest success - a crisp rose' and a takeaway, shopping, massage... For further information about ZooBooKoo or Primary Stars, please email karen@zoobookoo.com or ring 01473-735346.
go to top
MUMPRENEUR'S TESTIMONIAL: MY QUEST TO BE A MOTHER OF INNOVATION (December 2009)
It is strange how moments in life that you dread can be a catalyst for great things, redundancy has shocked me into some amazing life changes. When I made the best practical and cute 'Rockin Hood' coat (www.MOIxx.com/rockinhoods) I did not realise that my life would go down this route of setting up a business selling gifts for mothers and babies. Redundancy certainly did make me focus on what I always wanted to do. I could now produce my product and set up a site to help fellow Mumpreneurs who want to do the same as me. So the idea of Mothersofinnovation.com came into being.
The most crucial thing for me has been finding great things to sell, alongside my Rockin Hoods. It was important to find products I could really believe in and that would be useful. I have respect for my customers and want them to enjoy what I produce and sell. Therefore one of the hardest things about setting up the business has been turning down products with quality issues or those where I just couldn't see the point in them. By doing this I know that I have cherry picked the crème de la creme products and I now have a concise range for babies, children, mums and the nursery. What makes the business unique is that all of the people involved in the business are mums themselves.
I have learnt many lessons throughout setting up MOIxx, the most important one is that criticism and knock backs can be a spur to improvement. While I still would not call myself a technical guru I have learnt a lot about how to market my business online. I have also become an avid blogger, describing the trials and tribulations of setting up the business at http://motherofinnovation.blogspot.com/. It is very important for me to stay focussed on what I want to achieve in order to do my very best.
To ensure shoppers get the highest quality goods I will only work with Mumpreneurs who I believe in and whose goods I would buy. Keeping the quality high and the focus on what mums really need.
I am daunted by the prospects of business in a recession but I am also feeling inspired and motivated and love every second of the challenge! Most of all I relish the feed back and enjoy finding out about new and exciting ventures - I would love to hear from you, email me on sarah@moixx.com or contact me via the site www.moixx.com. For anyone who wants to be part of Mothers of Innovation (MOIxx) please contact me on any of the above addresses.
go to top
BE A 'RAINBOW' MUM AND ASK FOR HELP, BBC STAR AND CELEBRITY MUMPRENEUR AMANDA HAMILTON REVEALS HER SECRETS TO ENJOY MOTHERHOOD (October 2009)
The country's most popular television "mum-presenter", successful mumpreneur and writer Amanda Hamilton talks to editor Monica Costa about her growing family and how being a mum to four-year-old daughter, her newborn son Ruari and two teenage step kids fits in with her busy schedule.
Q: You are best known for co-hosting BBC food and lifestyle programme "Something for the Weekend", a great show for mums usually watching it while preparing Sunday luncheon, and as a regular presenter and nutritional expert on GMTV. But this is only a fraction of what you actually do... Tell us more about how you fit all your activities in your busy schedule.
A: I have forced myself in the last 18 months to re-think my career. I've had to get beyond jumping around the world for TV, running health retreats and public speaking. My daughter's need for regular nursery forced the issue and new baby brought the discipline! I've just launched a new business running bootcamp retreats specifically for Mums who love the idea of getting in shape and getting pampered - but can't leave their babies. It is called Baby Too Bootcamp (http://www.babytoobootcamp.com) and it allows for plenty of Mummy and baby time (baby yoga, massage, outdoor 'pramercise') but with top flight nannies taking care of the babies (age 6 weeks to 3 yrs) for at least half the day Mums get time to take care of themselves with pilates, massage and body-shaping. I get to take my new baby boy to work too - a real bonus! Apart from that, my website has becoming the hub of my business and I've diversified away from solely delivering health retreats to providing online courses. I have two wonderful VA's (virtual assistants) who manage different aspects of all the admin - and an incredible web guy who really gets how to use technology! It has taken years to get the balance - and getting the blend right between working from home and working from London has also been key.
Q: In 2007, you founded your own business. Where did the idea come from?
A: Sheer frustration! I knew my capabilities as a Nutritionist at the cutting edge of the industry - but couldn't deliver them within the confines of a regular clinic. The impact of setting up the results-orientated retreats have been amazing. These days, I regularly see women walk out at the end of a retreat week looking and feeling 10 years younger (and 10lbs lighter!) - or helping them get pregnant after being a medical write-off - so the motivation to be at work is very high! It was not a financial decision to set the company up, indeed, I gave up a good deal of money for many years, but I truly believed in what I was creating. The TV success has helped promote my business too, which has been really helpful. Baby Too Bootcamp was inspired by trying to find something similar for myself - and realizing that there was nothing on the market - so I set it up!
Q: What is the best way to find a business you'll love doing?
A: Find your passion in life - over and above the kids that is. I loved Nutrition the minute I began studying it - so the slog of a second degree fitted in around a job and relationships was less of a burden. You have to look to the long term - will you still be enthused about the subject in 5,10 years? If you are passionate about money then a business can simply be run to deliver a bottom line but truthfully I have not met many entrepreneurs who think that way.
Q: How can mums overcome their fears of starting up?
A: Make sure you minimize risk - this is both realistic and great for helping you to sleep at night! I have never borrowed to set up my business and chose to live abroad more cheaply for the early years of setting it up so I didn't get myself into debt. I still have not climbed the 'property ladder' as there is always something I want to do within the company first! My company is big enough now to bring on investors but I still make sure I never feel too exposed.
Q: What tips would you give other women starting up?
A: Surround yourself with experts in their own field. I almost gave up the business a few years back when I was trying to do it all myself. These days I run it with a team that includes 2 virtual PA's (so they are paid according to time spent, not as employees), a bookkeeper, accountant, a large group of associate therapists who help deliver retreats and events, PR agents through partner venues and one employee - my right hand man. Given all but one of my team get paid only when they work, it allows the business great freedom to contract or expand as the market dictates.
Q: : In February this year, you have launched a new home-based weight loss programme. How does it work? How could London Mums benefit from this programme?
A: My weight loss programme was a natural step after the success of the GMTV campaigns last year where my diet was more successful than any other that had run in 23 years! I figured it was time to get it out to more people! I really thought about what women need - simple, easy & quick recipes, safe ways to boost weight loss (my insider secrets!) & a bit of social support and pampering at our monthly get togethers at lovely Spas around the country. People can join at any time online at http://www.amanda-hamilton.co.uk and we have new support venues opening all the time.
Q: Amanda you are a successful mumpreneur as well as a popular television presenter, mother, wife, writer, a real role model for London Mums. It is difficult nowadays for career women to make everybody happy... What's your secret recipe?
A: Don't even try to make everyone happy! I studied Buddhist meditation for years and feel that the non-attachment to "stuff" outside of yourself (and outside of your control) can be truly liberating. If you are happy on the inside, you automatically give your best to the people around you.
Q: What do you like the most about motherhood?
A: The feeling of unconditional love and the amount of times in a day you laugh out loud at their antics!
Q: In July you had your second child. Do you like being pregnant? Could you share your tips for having a great pregnancy with London Mums?
A: I wouldn't say being pregnant is my favourite state - I enjoy having an active life and it is rather a hindrance to that! Saying that, I loved the feeling of the baby kicking and the excitement - I just wish it lasted 5 months, not 9!
Q: What is your child-rearing philosophy? Are you an anxious or a relaxed mum?
A: Don't sweat the small stuff would be the philosophy. With my first child I was a single Mum with no support - I was traveling all over Europe with my daughter when she was 11 weeks old running retreats. Given the amazing team I have around me, she had an instant 'family' - and she is now able to sleep anywhere! It is such as novelty for me to have a supportive man who is actively suggesting he 'does the night shift' - wonderful!
Q: Do you believe in the terrible twos myth?
A: My wee girl was headstrong pretty much from the off - my parents had a good laugh given I was exactly the same with them! I do remember a phase when she was around 2yrs old when she would take all her clothes off and run away from me in the supermarket when I wasn't giving in to her demands for various goodies! I am hoping this next child may be slightly less dramatic!
Q: What are your disciplinary tactics with your toddler?
A: My husband tells me I am a softy on Mondays when I have been away working (mother guilt kicking in) but the rest of the week we have a tight routine. I am strict over some things but not others - I don't care if she wears a tutu to the park or gets messy for example but she knows she has to brush her teeth!
Q: What do you do en famille to entertain yourselves when you have free time?
A: Well I now have a 14 yr old stepdaughter, 12 yr old stepson, 4 yr old daughter and a baby boy the activities that keep them all happy at the same time are swimming, skiing and family meals - so we do each of them as often as possible.
Q: How many children would you like?
A: This is number 4 in our brood so that is enough! We are having to change our car to fit them all in!
Q: Can a mum really follow her dreams without neglecting her family?
A: For sure. Just don't try to do it all and ask for help. I remember reading about being a 'rainbow' mum when I was first pregnant - I think it is a Spanish saying (my daughter was born in Spain) that being a mum is not just about giving milk (representing food, home, hearth) and honey (sweetness, love) but also about showing them the full colours of life. Seeing your Mum involved in the world counts for a great deal.
Q: How does the life-work balance work with you? Do you bring your daughter on to the BBC?
A: For my Sunday show, she stays at home with Daddy or Grandpa. Usually her brother and sister are around so it is a lively house! When I am on location for more than a few days she comes along. My husband helps me run the business so we travel together as a unit. There has been several TV series made when I'd pop off to breast feed between takes!
Q: What are you up to next?
A: The new BabyTooBootcamp will be a real focus now and the development of our web offering. The retreats for weight loss and detox are really established so it is good to grow some new branches. There's a few interesting TV projects in the pipeline for the end of the year but until I sign the deal I am keeping mum!
Q: What do you like about London Mums?
A: I think women in general find depths of resources, inspiration and strength in them through motherhood - with all its ups and downs. I love to see women who chose to take it beyond their four walls and be the creators of something - there is a lot of that going on in London!
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with London Mums?
A: Visit my website for all things about health! We are continually shaping and developing our offering - and often end up meeting other experts and enthusiasts via our web who become part of our wider network - don't be a stranger! http://www.amanda-hamilton.co.uk
go to top
MUMPRENEURS' TESTIMONIAL: HOW SPECIAL LITTLE PEOPLE HELPED JANINE BECOME A SUCCESSFULL MUMPRENEUR by Janine Wood (October 2009)
It seems like only a couple of years ago that my now fourteen year old was nervously hanging back from the rest of the kids going into the classroom. He was adamant he should not be left in that classroom full of strangers and despite the smiling teacher's best encouragement I could really understand his anxiety. As soon as we had walked into the school I was filled with memories brought on predominantly by that same musty smell I remembered in a very different school in a different country. I think it must be a universal school smell!
The very next day I took Sam back to the pre-school clutching a little cotton hanky upon which I had sprinkled a carefully blended mix of essential oils, we had worked on a formula that night, I had picked the most relaxing, grounding and soothing oils and we had sniffed and blended until we had a lovely scent. This time I explained that whenever he felt a little wobbly or unhappy he should quietly have a little sniff of his hanky. It worked a treat. We lost numerous hankies and moved on to daubing his sleeves until eventually he didn't even ask for his 'what if' oils anymore and the transition was seamless.
Now he often asks to take a sprinkle of 'Focus' with him. This is the blend I developed for the entire family when we felt too tired to think, lacking in concentration and a need for clarity when all seemed a bit fuzzy. But What If has always remained the staple as Sam asked for some when he took a flight alone just last month.
And so that was how Special Little People came into being. I seemed forever handing out small bottles of What If to friends and friends of friends. Then I prepared a blend to soothe tantrums and that became 'Stomp'. 'Tears' evolved from my second little boy being particularly distraught when his grandad passed away - 'Snuffles' came about because whilst there are so many wonderful natural products on the market for head colds they all seemed to be quite harsh and actually reminded me of being ill and feeling flu-like as soon as I took the first inhalation. So Snuffles was designed to clear the sinuses whilst dishing out a good-feel factor - using peppermint, rosewood and black pepper makes it at once refreshing, uplifting and warming - hard to explain but it is a combination that just works.
Finally Stars to help sleep. By this time I had set up http://www.speciallittlepeople.co.uk/ and was selling online. I was getting request after request for something to help little ones fall asleep so I developed this rather luxurious blend which contains jasmine and turns even the most boring bedroom into a safe haven for sweet, comforting dreams.
Setting up SLP took a good couple of years as I was doing my 'day time job' (PR and Marketing) as well as looking after my three children. And whilst the PR certainly paid the bills my real passion was working with the oils. As a trained aromatherapist I had worked for a number of years in this sector but I discovered that my real enjoyment of aromatherapy was working with the oils, blending new formulas, trying out new, unusual mixtures and really pushing the boundaries. My children were and still are my test bed - if they don't like it we don't use it. They love their roles as my 'noses' and have become brilliant at describing how certain oils, certain smells can make them feel. At times we get some of their friends along and have informal 'workshops' to tease out new ideas.
About three years ago I was approached by the NPD buyer for Boots. She had fallen on the site per chance and had bought some for her little child. She wanted to know whether we would be interested in being stocked in Boots. This of course was amazing and the route to get into Boots has certainly been a long one, but extremely interesting if at times challenging. I would like to say at this point that many people suggested we were wrong to sell SLP via Boots (we still sell online so nothing has changed there) however people felt we would be chewed up and spat out. Our relationship with Boots has been extraordinary. They have bent over backwards, been very very helpful, given us support all the way along and been very patient with us when we have felt some of the hurdles might be too challenging. By taking things one step at a time and working through each and every requirement we have succeeded and this is our first month in 120 Boots nationwide. Whilst we have been very proud I have been particularly touched at the number of people who have stepped out of the woodwork to congratulate us and acknowledge it is quite an achievement for such a small - beautifully scented - company!
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Aroma4kids
go to top
INTERVIEW WITH CELEBRITY MUMPRENEUR EMMA FORBES, FORMER BBC PRESENTER OF CHILDREN'S SHOW 'LIVE & KICKING' (Summer 2009)
London Mums founder Monica Costa met Emma Forbes, former presenter of BBC children's show 'Live & Kicking', broadcaster, a true London Mum and Mumpreneur, at the EA Sports Challenge for the launch of a new fitness videogame in Covent Garden last month. 
Q: Emma, you have two children and you look super fit. What are your top tips to get back into shape after pregnancy?
Emma: Take your time and don't go for the quick fix. Let it happen in its own time sensibly and slowly. Women spend nine months to get bigger so it's not healthy to overdo in terms of fitness and diets especially while you are breastfeeding and having lack of sleep.
Q: Do you have any beauty secrets for time-deprived London Mums?
Emma: Invest in very good tinted moustirisers and conceilers to make you look healthier. You can't fake the fact that you are tired and sleep-deprived. It's better to hide the bags under your eyes!
Q: What would you do with kids in London for a dun day out (or in, depending on the weather)?
Emma: Overall my children and I absolutely love to go to the Imax and the Dinosaur museum at the Natural History Museum. I know it so well I can visualise it in my sleep! On a rainy day we like going to the Namco centre, next to the London Eye and near the London Aquarium with lots of arquade games and entertainment. When it's sunny, we love going to the parks. There are so many beautiful ones in London to choose from.
Q: What are your and your children's favourite London attractions?
Emma: Without a doubt the Cafe at the Serpentine!
Q: What do you like the most about being a mother?
Emma: I love everything about being a mum. What I don't like is doing the school homework. Children have far too many every day. I wish they had not so much homework to do. I wish the school system got rid of exams.
Q: How does the life-work balance work for you?
Emma: It's a challenge from day one and it does not get any easier. You can't change certain things and as a mother you also have to deal with guilt feelings. You should not feel guilty if you want to work. Children love you unconditionally. There is a phase when children need you a lot especially at the start of their lives and you need to organise yourself as much as you can. Children need security and this comes from the love they receive at home and not from the amount of time you spend with them. The important thing is to create a secure environment for the children.
Q: What are you up to next?
Emma: At the moment I am doing two radio shows on Radio 2. One is live every Saturday night with Alan Carr from 6 to 8pm. And the other one will start from the 7th June and will be on Sundays early in the morning from 5 to 7am - this is the show where I'd love to receive calls from sleep-deprived London mums!
Q: Tell me how you came up with the idea of 'Star Bags' and 'Semmalina'.
Emma: Semmalina was my nickname. I came up to this business idea because I wanted to find a way to solve the present-buying problem all mums were facing when we had to take the children to a birthday party every week. It's always been challenging to find gifts under £10 that looked great. So my sister and I came up with the idea of Star Bags. We prepare hand-made goodie bags including a very good toy and some sweets for about £10. The bags are all completely bespoke and we can even sort something out for a specific theme if we get a customer request. http://www.starbags.info/
go to top
TESTIMONIAL FROM THE LADIES WHO TRANSFORMED LONDON INTO 'SCOOTERLANDIA' (Summer 2009)
I am sure that many of our London Mums are already familiar with the ubiquitous pink and blue scooters Mini Micro Scooters that seem to be everywhere and are a favourite in the parks and on the school run. Anna Gibson and Philippa Gogarty, Co-Founders and Joint Directors of Micro Scooters Ltd tell us how they got started and what the inspiration was for setting up the business...
Philippa: "We met in 2002 as young mums at our first baby weigh-in for our newborn sons. At the time we were both living in Clapham, South London and were struggling to keep pace with an ever-growing band of extremely active kids. Anna had managed to get hold of the Mini Micro Scooter for her children and could not believe how it changed her life for the better. The first order she took for the scooters was for three which at the time seemed a considerable investment and which were sold literally door-to-door, amongst neighbours and friends. She knew the eye-catching product would quickly become a talking point at the school gates and in the parks so had the brainwave of putting a sticker with her mobile telephone number on the base of all the scooters she subsequently sold and soon the orders were flooding in. At the time they were only available in a handful of specialist shops so we joined forces and together set out to make it more widely available. This led to the establishment of Micro Scooters Ltd in 2004 which has sole distribution rights in the UK for both the Mini and Maxi Micro Scooter. From there we set up a dedicated website to sell the scooter: www.micro-scooters.co.uk and also established a loyal network of mums who became ambassadors for the brand and sold scooters on our behalf for a slice of the profit - mum-to-mum marketing at its finest!"
You set up in 2004 and are now distributing through many of the best know toy stores as well as your own website - What's been the impetus and inspiration behind this growth?
Anna: "It didn't take us long to realise what a truly amazing product we had discovered and the phenomenal growth opportunity it represented and with that realisation we began to develop bigger ambitions for the company. With no previous experience (I was a litigation lawyer by training and Philippa was a fundraiser), we, therefore, set about knocking on doors and persuading some of the UK's toy retailers to stock the product; including the likes of the John Lewis Partnership for whom the Mini Micro Scooter is now its best selling toy. The products are now going into distribution in the USA, South Africa, Holland and Southern Ireland as well, so it is a very exciting time for us."
The Scooters have become an incredible 'trend' particularly around certain parts of London, why do you think this is?
Philippa: "The products speak for themselves and their success is due to the fact that once someone has seen them in action, they can immediately see the value. The stability and ease of use benefit even the youngest of toddlers as soon as they start using them, giving them independence and confidence. They offer parents not only a good value toy, but one that benefits them and their children in numerous ways: an easy and fun way to get exercise, a way to speed up a slow walk, plus they are portable, stylish and light."
Being a 'Mumpreneur' isn't by any means easy but it obviously offers fantastic advantages for mums who want to be actively involved in their children's lives whilst still being able to carve out successful careers for themselves. Tell us about some of the challenges you face and the benefits that running your own business has brought to you and your families....
Anna: "I worked as a litigation lawyer for 7 years but when I decided to have a family felt that a full-time full-on career in law would not necessarily work for me in terms of the experience of motherhood I was keen to make the most of. However, four years later, finding myself the full-time mother of three active boys who wanted to be on Clapham Common every minute of the day, I discovered the Mini Micro Scooter and it saved my life. I no longer had to struggle with two in a double buggy and one on foot. Having managed to get hold of one for myself I found that I was constantly stopped by other mothers asking about the scooter and where they could get one from. It was a case of 'need' inspiring an idea and our determination enabling us to turn that idea into a successful business. At the start, I could never have imagined that four years later our whole family would have come to depend on the business for its livelihood, as my husband Ben left his job to join our ever growing venture. I feel privileged to work with people I totally trust and to build a venture that we all believe in so passionately."
Philippa says : "I wake up every day unable to believe that my dream is a reality. I work with my best friend and people I love and whatever anyone tells you good relationships are the difference between being happy and unhappy. I am able to take my children to school, pick them up and put them to bed. I sell a scooter that I love and work with a Swiss design company that is passionate and inspiring. Friends and my wonderful husband will testify that not all of it is plain sailing and the stresses and strains show as we grow from two mothers to eight full time staff. However I never take for granted how lucky I am to have a business that meets my emotional, intellectual and financial needs."
Anna, how has your previous career as a lawyer helped you with this business?
Anna: "Although my professional background as a lawyer might perhaps, at first glance, not seem the natural breeding ground for budding entrepreneurs it in fact has stood me in really good stead. I've learnt that establishing a successful business requires a balance of big vision with the ability to absorb small detail. When you're negotiating with the big retailers and sorting major distribution deals, there's no doubt that you can potentially be overwhelmed by the scale of the opportunity presented to you. To realise the success of that sort of association and create a more level playing field, the devil really will be found in the contractual detail - something that is second nature to me as a lawyer. Equally, I never thought of myself as a sales person, but when you are genuinely passionate about what you do, you don't need technique because you've got integrity and that, I believe, is what people ultimately buy into. We've had a fantastic four years and with our global expansion plans currently underway it feels in many ways like we've only just begun!"
And what does the future hold for the company in terms of product development?
Anna: "We feel that Micro Scooters Ltd is vey much a reflection of our values as individuals and mothers. Within that, our philosophy is that we will only sell products that either make our lives easier because of the benefits they bring to family life or because they have some intrinsic educational value. As a result of the success of the Micro Scooter range we have been inspired to search for other toys that meet that criteria and have recently discovered and added to the range a couple of great new concepts including 'Mic o Mic', an ingenious self build set of toys that are fun to create and make great and long-lasting play-things, and the award winning Weykick, a fastpaced table-top soccer game for two players. Ultimately, our ambition is to continue to grow and develop the company without compromising on our initial vision which was to be able to do something for ourselves whilst ensuring that our children remain our top priority. The reality of our business is that it wouldn't exist had we not been mothers ourselves and we want to maintain the values and integrity of the company as being about using our expertise and business ethnics to help enhance other families lives."
The Mini Micro Scooter is now the best-selling scooter in the UK. The company has grown from a two-woman operation with us literally selling the Scooters door-to-door to friends and families to employing eight full time staff in the UK. Anna and Philippa demonstrate brilliantly how motherhood, rather than necessarily limiting your career options, can open up a whole new world of opportunity where your previous professional skills can be combined with your current life skills and circumstance to create an unstoppable force! It is living and vibrant proof that the best ideas come from identifying and meeting real need and that, if you have a clear vision of how things can and will work, it is possible to be both highly successful career women and fully-involved mums. They also understand and place great value on mother-to-mother recommendation. From the start, they were able to inspire and motivate other women with young children to become involved as agents and ambassadors for Micro Scooters Ltd which helped to spread the word and established an income stream for these women that fitted seamlessly with their lifestyles as mothers. This remains a core element to the success of the business and is being used as the model to expand the business internationally, creating opportunities in Micro Scooters Ltd new markets for mothers living there to get involved at the start and help build success both for the company and for themselves as part of the Micro Scooter network.
go to top
HOW THE PASSION FOR WELL-DRESSED CHILDREN HAS DRIVEN MUMPRENEUR SOIZ (Soizick Samaran) TO CREATE A NEW ELEGANT COLLECTION FOR CHILDREN (May 2009)
'I have a passion for well-dressed children! My idea was to reintroduce our grandmothers' knitting and sewing patterns that have been passed on for generations and to adapt them to our modern lifestyle, so my designs are traditionally inspired but the shapes and colours have something of the 20th century. No hand-washing, soft grey for babies and fun fabrics. You will probably recognize some of the dresses or all-in-ones that you were wearing when you were little, and find them not only beautiful to look at, but also very easy to put on and maintain. 
As for my background, I have always been involved in fashion for children. In London I was working for Bonpoint as a store manager and then for Marie Chantal as a retail and wholesale manager. I have also been doing wedding dresses for friends and family. After my first baby was born, I started designing and selling my own collection of practical and elegant outfits for boys and girls. The first Nenuphar's collection was launched in Summer 2007 in 5 selected boutiques in London and I also sale through private sales, special events, fairs, etc... Since March 2008, I am a mother of three. I work from home and I enjoy very much dressing children in adorable clothes, at the best quality and most affordable prices! Tout simplement elegant, that's how Nenuphar dresses children! Website: www.nenupharchildren.com
go to top
HOW THE IDEA OF A NEW REVOLUTIONARY BEDGUARD WAS BORN by mumpreneurs Amanda Allerton and Venetia Fuller of Dusky Moon (April 2009)
Amanda Allerton is co-founder of www.duskymoon.com - she talks to London Mums about how she is setting out to revolutionise bedtimes.
"The idea to start up Dusky Moon came about when, having moved my son to his "big" bed, we had nightly problems with him falling out and therefore a severe lack of sleep". My great friend Venetia Fuller was also having the same difficulties with her son Harry. We both travel a lot to stay with friends and family and started looking for a suitable bed guard. When we couldn't find anything on the market that we felt would be cosy enough for our children, we sat around the kitchen table discussing the issue and, so our first innovative product, Dream Tubes was born. 
The product is very simple and very easy to use. Two long sturdy inflatable tubes fit snugly into pockets in a specially designed soft cotton fitted sheet, providing a safe and secure environment for children. Apart from looking much nicer than a traditional bed guard it's lightweight and portable enough for anyone to take with them to granny's or on holiday.
I started my company about 18 months ago with my partner Venetia Fuller. We set up with an initial bank loan of £30,000 and put in as much personal finance as we could find to supplement the loan. It worked in our favour that the bank staff we met were parents themselves and the product touched a nerve with them.
Dream Tubes was an idea that we simply couldn't put down. We felt so passionately about it and how much parents needed a cosier and simpler solution to bedtimes for toddlers that we are fired up to keep going and conquer all the hurdles that have come our way . One of our first tasks was to get our sample tested to make sure it complied with British standards. Once the product had been approved the next challenge was to try and find a manufacturer. We found it hard to find a UK manufacturer but luckily my parents introduced me to a friend who had contacts in China who sourced a factory for us.
It's important to realise when you need external help. We have worked alongside Air Marketing who have assisted us with our business plan enabling us to position the product correctly in the market. They also introduced us to adhoc pr who have done an amazing job in introducing Dream Tubes to the market and we continue to work with them on their strategic pr campaign.
Our next successful move has been to appoint Hippychick as our UK distributor. Again, they have been able to bring their incredible knowledge of the nursery industry and secure deals for us we might have struggled with on our own. We have just come back from the main industry trade fair in Harrogate where we were delighted with the response from retailers to the Dream Tubes.
Dream Tubes went on sale in January 2009 and we are hoping to see a turnover of £250,000 by January 2010. It's taken 18 months to get from conception to this stage, but it has been worth all the hard work to be able to see the product being so well received. I do believe that, even with the recession at the moment, whatever else happens in life, you can't put a price on getting a good night's sleep.
My tip for any start up mumpreneur is to remember that the office is the office and home is home - don't work too late! Try not to let the business affect your family life and remember that they need you as much as the business does. I remember once trying to make a cake for a tea party and juggling telephone orders at the same time. Whilst I was on the phone the children let the dog out and she ate the cake!
THE MUMPRENEUR: Before Amanda started Dusky Moon she spent 10 years as a marketing and events manager at the Queen's Club in West London. After that she helped her husband Chris with his photography business whilst bringing up their two children. Freddie is at primary school in year 1 and Imogen starts school in September.
go to top
HOW THE IDEA OF A NEW ELEGANT SLING FOR NEW MUMS WAS BORN by mumpreneur Keira O'Mara of Mamascarf.co.uk (March 2009)
When my little boy was born (20 months ago) I was adamant that I would breastfeed, in spite of being extremely nervous about feeding in public. I did breastfeed in public but was always trying to cover up (often unsuccessfully) with various blankets, muslins and scarves. It was on one of these occasions, following some negative responses to me feeding in a cafe that I came up with the idea for Mamascarf, a breastfeeding scarf that is discreet and stylish, can't be pulled off by baby but that also provides extra support for the arm and back when there aren't any cushions around.
From the time that I had the idea I was adjusting to being a new mum but still researched the idea and developed the product, testing it out on friends and their babies, and making adjustments and improvements. At first I was literally cutting up sheets to get the design right and tying a pillow to my husband! It was then that I was made redundant and Mamascarf had to go on hold for a while whilst I searched for a job and attended interviews with "baby brain". I eventually found a new job and had to juggle this with motherhood and setting up a new business, as I was adamant that I would go ahead with Mamascarf. I couldn't bear the thought of feeling "what if" for the rest of my life. I had come up with the name before I even had the final design, I knew it had to be catchy but wanted it to relate to the product too. A friend of a friend designed the logo for me and I actually got the name and logo trademarked, so no one else could use it.
Next I knew I needed a manufacturer. My aunty had run me up a couple on her machine as samples but I knew I needed at least 50 making up to give it a proper go. Most places don't offer small minimum orders but I found someone who would via a business mums forum (mumsclub) but I had to source the fabric myself, which I did via a local fabric shop, but bought enough to get a wholesale discount.
For the packaging I had trawled the internet and sourced some gorgeous ribbon tied gift boxes and literally stickered them with the logo myself. I have carried out all of my own PR, contacting magazines and newspapers as I wanted to save money where I could. I have put posters up in the local cafes and at breastfeeding groups and health centres. The only advertising I have spent on is Google ads. I have spent hours emailing Baby and Maternity shops but have managed to get 15 stockists in the last month by doing this. I also sell via my own website.
My website was designed by my friends husband, with lots if input from me and my friend was my model. I was amazed at how many people have helped and wanted to help me make my business a success, even if it's as simple as sending the link on to people they know who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It has been hard work but extremely enjoyable and I get such a buzz every time I get a sale. I would recommend it to anyone.
go to top
CHIKERE EKEKE'S TOP TIPS ON WORK FLEXIBILITY, STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND NETWORKING (March 2009)
Another turbulent month has passed and we are still standing steadily on our surf board. But here are a few tips on how to keep riding the recession wave.
PROFESSIONAL MUMS
Now is a good time to brush up on your IT Skills. With the global market becoming more competitive - lot of opportunities are opening up for people to work more flexibly and remotely using today's advancing technology. If you have the right skills and would like to start back at work - but you want to work more flexibly, there are a number of excellent recruitment sites that cater for mothers. So now you can fit your career around the school run!
http://www.capabilityjane.co.uk
Why not start up your own business. An online business offering either a product or service will enable you to use existing skills as well as gain new skills. Apart from the internet, the Business Link offer invaluable advice and information.
NETWORKING
Oh yes - this is invaluable. It is simply the process of meeting with people in a specific industry or career focus area to find out more about what they do and what their current needs are - and to ultimately build a useful relationship. The internet has made it easier to network with the likes of London Mums, Face book and Linked in, to name a few. It is an invaluable source of friendship, information and contacts. The goal of networking is to gain information and referrals. Any questions asked should focus on those objectives.
Everyone knows at least 50 other people from various parts of their life. School, University, work, Church, volunteer activities, neighbours, friends and family. All of these people can become relevant when considering networking. So, what are you waiting for - get networking!
ABOUT THE EXPERT: I am a mum of two young boys aged 5 and 2. I am a graduate with over 10 years experience in Executive Recruitment - supplying staff to the public sector and blue-chip companies. I advise clients and candidates on career management issues, such as how to write a CV, conduct a job search, start up a business and motivate staff.
Further details can be found at: http://www.careermanagementcoach.co.uk and on http://careermanagementcoach.blogspot.com or you can call Chikere on 0208 690 3803.
go to top
CHIKERE EKEKE'S TOP TIPS ON CAREER MANAGEMENT (February 2009)
The New Year is traditionally the time when many of us reflect on the year just gone and set goals and objectives for the year ahead. This year of course, things are different. Thousands of jobs are being made redundant. However, change is a time to reassess careers and set goals. It can suggest new directions that may be more satisfying than the previous job and give time to reflect and take personal development seriously.
My top tips on how to ride the recession wave are as follows:
PROFESSIONAL MUMS
Yes and there are lots of us out there. The hidden gems of our society, a treasure trove of experience. Whether you are at work or a stay at home mum, this may be an opportunity to:
1) Start a new venture
2) Find a job working from home
3) Ask your employer for flexible working hours
4) Look at the specialist employment sites geared towards working mums
5) Look on the "bright" side of redundancy
Yes I know, it may not seem so at the time. But it's happened, the dreaded "R" word. After all, we have bills to pay. But being made redundant can be turned into something positive. I have been told by people that it was a blessing in disguise and an experience that can change lives for the better. So pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start again! Maybe you can start that new venture you have always wanted to do or re-train. The options are endless.
YOUR CV
A CV is a very important, personal marketing tool. They can be screened out in less 30 seconds, so it's vital that they are clearly presented, concise and tailored specifically to the role being applied for.
1) Keep your CV to no more than two pages long
2) Keep it formal
3) Ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout the CV
4) Expand on the information in the employment section by using short, focused bullet points under each job to clearly highlight key achievements and responsibilities that are relevant for the role being applied for.
SUCCEEDING AT THE JOB SEARCH
The way we look for jobs have changed. As well as traditional methods, the information age has introduced us to a whole new way of searching. Jobs and information are now at our finger tips. And we are bombarded with numbers of job sites.
1) Look for a site that is geared towards your discipline.
2) Look at the published sources of jobs such as in newspapers, employment agencies, internet job boards and job fairs.
3) Look at the unpublished sources such as networking, direct targeted mailings, news event generated mailings.
4) Focus on companies that are not in financial difficulty.
INTERVIEWS
No matter how favourably you have presented yourself in your CV, the interview can make or break your chances or being hired. So ensure you:
1) Research the company prior to interview
2) Know how to answer interview questions and any shortcomings you may have.
3) Prepare questions to ask the interviewer during the interview
4) Dress appropriately - First impressions last.
So now you are standing firmly on your surfboard, be sure to ride the wave of opportunity!
ABOUT THE EXPERT: I am a mum of two young boys aged 5 and 2. I am a graduate with over 10 years experience in Executive Recruitment -supplying staff to the public sector and blue-chip companies. I advise clients and candidates on career management issues, such as how to write a CV, conduct a job search, start up a business and motivate staff.
Further details can be found at: http://www.careermanagementcoach.co.uk and on http://careermanagementcoach.blogspot.com or you can call Chikere on 0208 690 3803.
go to top
Interesting reading for Mumpreneurs
Our book of the month (October 2008) is "BUSINESS NIGHTMARES" by Rachel Elnaugh, entrepreneur and star of BBC's Dragons' Den and founder of Red Letter Days.
In times of recession, credit crunch, this book is very topical. In her words, Elnaugh speaks about her own business tragedy - when her market leading business Red Letter Days went into administration. Through her experience as a mumpreneur, she has persuaded some of the world's most famous entrepreneurs to open up about their own business nightmares and failures, including Jeffery Archer, Donald Trump, Gerald Ratner and Simon Woodroffe. Business Nightmares reveals the human side of public business failure for the first time. I quite like the fact that she lost everything and then like a phoenyx she managed to create a new business focusing on what she does best, which is being herself, and she created Rachel Elnaugh Ltd. Really worth a read.
Mumpreneur's Testimonial: Work From Home and Improve the Health and Wealth of Family and Friends! (December 2008)
Susan Bowman, mother of 3, started her Aloe Vera Forever Living Business 18 months ago. Coming from a full time social work background, where she was constantly juggling the pressures of work with child care demands, this was the beginning of a new journey.
Susan had always been a huge fan of Forever Living products, having discovered the tremendous healing properties of an aloe vera and bee propolis cream that she'd been using to treat her son's excema for years. However it was only through meeting Hazel Coltman, now a good friend, on holiday 2 years ago, that she discovered the wonderful business opportunity available with Forever Living."The possibility of working from home, on a part time basis, with the option of earning anything from a few hundred pounds or aiming for a few thousand, seemed too good to be true. And all this without the worry and cost of childcare!"
Susan started her business by investing in a 200 pounds starter pack of products, and had made her money back within a month, by establishing her initial group of customers.
Two years down the line, Susan has discovered that Forever Living has given her freedom, choice and opportunity. Freedom to be her own boss and work the hours she chooses, freedom to work from home and be there for her children, choice to take time off when she decides, and the opportunity of meeting and working with positive, like minded people from all sorts of educational and cultural backgrounds.
"The training and support available is second to none, with a huge emphasis on personal development, and Forever Living Products has held the Investor in People Award since 2003, in recognition of this.
This is an ideal business for women, like myself, who want to remain at home while they bring up their kids, but also want to earn an income and be recognized for their achievements. Like any new business it requires commitment, dedication and an enthusiasm to learn, and if you have these qualities you will succeed, with the excellent support that is available. And most importantly, it's great fun."
Susan's main role is to support, train and help others wishing to start their own Forever Business. So if you are looking to earn an additional income, especially in the current economic climate, give Susan a call for more information about the business opportunity or the products. 0208 144 5721 or email her at susanbowman@f2s.com
go to top
Amanda Alexander's 11 Commandments For Mumpreneurs
1. Trust yourself
We all have the answers within ourselves - sometimes we just need to have someone ask us the right questions. If something isn't working well for you in your business, then don't feel that you have to stick to the rule book. You will no doubt hear many phrases from so-called experts/the bloke in the pub/your mother-in-law/etc. These experts will tell you what you must and must not do to create a successful business.
Remember that you are doing your own thing here - sure, take on board the advice that fits well, but discard the bits that don't feel right for you. Trust your instinct and all the resources you have within yourself; you can do anything you set your mind to. If you are reading this, then you have already taken a huge step towards self-employment by attending the Mumpreneurs workshop. Well done - look at you, you can do this!
"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do." Dr. Benjamin Spock
2. Beyond the Brick
When you feel like you're getting nowhere, when one of the kids gets sick the day of an important meeting, when a water pipe bursts and you are having a "bad hair day", THINK BEYOND THE BRICK. Think of a martial arts expert trying to chop a brick in half - he does it by focusing on the air beyond the brick, not on the brick itself. What is beyond your brick? Write your vision; make it flowery, exuberant and fantabulous! Make it exactly what you want, how you want to live, who you want around you, what you want to achieve. Keep it in a special notebook and read it regularly and often. The more you do this, the more likely you are to succeed.
"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it" William Arthur Ward
3. Create a Superstar Support Team
We can't do anything alone. We are all linked by energy, by being human, by what we have in common. I didn't write these tips alone - I needed my friends who gave feedback, my husband to proof read, the people from HP who manufactured my PC, the teachers who taught me to read and write, the people who made my desk, and so on ad infinitum.
You need support and just as you must give it, so must you receive. What support would you like and what creative ways can you think of receiving that support? Someone to celebrate with, someone whose brains you can pick, someone to help you look after the kids for a couple of hours whilst you make calls?
Think of 3-5 people you'd like in your superstar support team, decide what support you want from them and ask! You'd be amazed not only at how generous people will be, but how flattered they will be that you asked. Who did you meet on the workshop that you "clicked" with? Pick up the phone and talk to them! I will say it a thousand times - you need a community, especially when you run your own business. Self-employment will be very lonely if you don't get a support team, and you won't achieve as much either in terms of your bottom line or your work life balance without support around you.
4. Connect Connect Connect
This commandment is related to, but different to tip 3. It's about networking. I dislike the word networking, because it has suffered from "bad press". It has negative connotations surrounding it - usually hungry, desperate businesspeople with eyes glazing over as they ask you about your business, eagerly seeking the person over your shoulder who is more "useful" to them. Horrible vision, isn't it?
But networking doesn't have to be like this. Ask the most accomplished networkers how they do it and they will tell you that they are interested in people. So go out and connect. Let go of the outcome of "must get business" because it just doesn't happen like that. Instead, treat networking as an opportunity to get to know people, get away from your everyday work and give something back. My top tip for networking - try to make your objective for each event you attend to help one person in one small way.
"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." John Donne
5. Make Time for You
You've heard this before and you're going to hear it again! Imagine you are a fish tank. Where are the holes in that tank? What are you going to do to plug those holes and stop the tank leaking? You must make time for you. If you don't believe you deserve it right now, then do it for your kids and do it for your business. You owe it to the gift of life to live your best life. You owe it to your kids to help them learn about the joy of all the wonderful things they can experience in life by seeing the example of their mum enjoying hers. You owe it to other women because as a mumpreneur, you are a role model.
6. Tell Guilt to Get Lost
I'll assume that as a mother you have experienced some guilt, as it is my experience that an "extra strength" version of guilt is delivered soon after the placenta. My own (non-scientific) theory on guilt is that it was built into us way back when were less sophisticated social beings, to prevent us from abandoning our babies when the going got tough, or when an attractive passing caveman caught our eye! I believe that guilt is a sort of internal police force that our evolving brains developed to avert anarchy and motherless babies. Just as we don't need our appendices any more, most mothers don't really need guilt any more to keep us from abandoning our babies, but both appendix and guilt remain. So, take it that guilt is there, it just is. Now add a liberal seasoning of media indoctrination, with headlines telling us our kids are doomed whatever we do as mums and you have a potent mixture of nature and nurture in guilt that packs quite a punch.
My point on all the theorizing is this: We have guilt as mothers - accept it, live with it, don't pay it too much attention. I often help clients with low self-belief by asking them to imagine that the little voice saying, "You can't do this, you're not good enough" is a little gremlin on their shoulder. You can use the same technique to deal with guilt. Name your guilt "gremlin" and picture him - mine is Harry Potter's "Dobby" and has a silly little whinging voice. I say to him;
"Oh hi there Dobby, it's you again. What did you say? I'm a dreadful mother? Yadda yadda, whatever…. Right, I've got to go now Dobby. I'm too busy to talk to you all day".
If nothing else, at least it will help you lighten up when guilt strikes. Just remember not to talk out loud to Miss Guilt in public!
"Don't worry be happy" Bobby McFerrin
7. Have the Mind of a Man (oooh!)
Now this is controversial. Did you know that multi-tasking is actually bad for us? Seriously, studies have shown that it leads to Alzheimer's or something equally as undesirable. We all know that men tend to focus on one thing at a time, whilst we women tend to juggle (and pride ourselves on this). I would never suggest that as mums we can eliminate some juggling in our lives - it comes with the territory. However, you will get more done, especially when you are working on your business, if you focus on one thing at once.
I had a boyfriend once who used to have a rule for his desk - only one piece of paper on it at a time. Once dealt with, off it went into the file or the bin. I have never achieved the dizzy heights of such structure and discipline, but I do know that by finishing one project before you start another makes you feel more in control, less mind-cluttered and gives you more of a sense of achievement. Learn from men and think "compartmentalise", think "separate drawers for separate issues".
8. Find your own time management
There are so many time management techniques, and the message here is that there is no magic "one size fits all" formula. Ask your friends, do some research. What has worked well for you in the past? Perhaps an element of it worked well - take that element and adapt it to suit you and your family. One that works for me most of the time is allocating things to do in my diary rather than on a "to do" list. That way I have to allocate the time and I can see if I'm being unrealistic in the amount of things I plan to do in the time available. Decide how much time during the day you are going to spend on your business. It is very easy to get caught up in our work and then end up losing the balance you were trying to achieve in the first place.
"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." Michael Altshuler
9. Get Organised
What systems can you put in place to make running a business and a household a bit easier? For example, if you get stressed about not having a meal planned and you find yourself rushing to the shops for last minute ready meals for your family, sit down and do a rotating weekly meal planner - and shop with it. If you rush around first thing in the morning looking for something to wear, lay your clothes out the night before. And get the kids to do the same. All tried and tested tips that you already know, but sometimes a nudge to the obvious helps!
10. Outsource!
Outsourcing is IT jargon for paying someone else to do something! I know that mums often balk at paying someone else to do things we can do ourselves, but if you are thinking like a mumpreneur, you will need to look at how much your time is worth. If you will earn more by spending that hour by networking/making a sales call/updating a website etc, then is say 6 pounds per hour too much to pay to get a cleaner? Is 20 pounds too much to get someone to do the week's ironing for you? Think about it in terms of outsourcing - IT companies outsource services to other companies, even if they have the capability within their own organisation. Why do you think this might be?!
11. Healthy Mind_Body_Business
Raising children and running a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and both need you to keep going. That means that you need to be fit and healthy, which means physical activity. Even two x ten minute walks per day and five minutes meditation will benefit your mind, body and spirit, and make you a nicer person to be around! I run at lunchtime three times per week - even if I'm so busy I could quite easily work through without even eating. I run because I know that if I don't, I'll get stressed, and we all know that 90% of illness is caused by stress.
If you are self-employed, then illness is something you want to avoid as your customers/clients won't give you sick pay! If you're happy, they are more likely to be happy. What would you really like to do that you haven't been allow yourself?
Author: Amanda Alexander of Coaching Mums
Coaching Mums specialises in supporting mums in business to start and grow profitable businesses whilst keeping their lives in balance. Established in 2002, for the past six years we have helped hundreds of mothers to achieve more than they think they can. Visit www.coachingmums.com where you'll discover "virtual" training for mumpreneurs, our unique Mumpreneurs™ workshops run in conjunction with Business Link. Subscribe to our popular free monthly ezine, "Inspire", packed with coaching tips and inspiration especially for mums who want success with balance.
go to top
Family and home services
The Mother Mentor, a one-to-one coaching programme just for new and expectant mums who are looking for extra support during the first year of their baby's life, run by London Mum Maja. Email: maja@themothermentor.com www.themothermentor.com
Natural Nutrition, Tailored made nutrition and lifestyle advice, run by London Mum Melody. www.naturalnutrition.uk.com
Putney Flowers in the Window, Bespoke window box planting service, run by London Mum Louise. www.putneyflowersinthewindow.co.uk
Alexandra Young Flower Design - Alex (Freddie's mum) is an experienced florist who designs beautiful flower arrangements from her Putney home. Flowers for dinner parties, house sale decoration, christenings, weddings and other events. If you would like to see some ideas and examples, please go to www.alexandrayoung.co.uk or contact Alex to discuss your requirements and for further ideas. -
Email: alex@alexandrayoung.co.uk / Telephone: 07803 930596.
Giggling Gerty, Personalised Gifts, run by London Mum Ruth. More information from gigglinggertygifts@googlemail.com
go to top
Entertainment
Amandas Action Kids, interactive physical development classes that kids just love - they're fun, fitness and music. Babies can join Amanda from the age of 4 months and some sessions run up to the age of 5, run by supermum London Mum Amanda. www.amandasactionkids.co.uk
Eddie Catz, Children's Edutainment Centre, run by London Mum Maria. www.eddiecatz.com
Dine By Design, creation of distinctive and unique events by combining creative concept development and event design with meticulous production, planning and management. By utilising the elements of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste, your event becomes a complete sensory experience that encapsulates your brand message, run by London Mum Ruth. www.dinebydesign.com.au
go to top
IT, media and training
Coaching Mums specialises in supporting mums in business to start and grow profitable businesses whilst keeping their lives in balance. Established in 2002, for the past six years we have helped hundreds of mothers to achieve more than they think they can. Visit www.coachingmums.com where you'll discover "virtual" training for mumpreneurs, our unique Mumpreneurs™ workshops run in conjunction with Business Link. Subscribe to our popular free monthly ezine, Inspire, packed with coaching tips and inspiration especially for mums who want success with balance.
Avanti PR Limited: Avanti PR is an independent European communications consultancy with a proven and award-winning track record in reaching business and consumer audiences. Our expertise spans business technology and telecommunications, business-to-business, consumer technology as well as travel and entertainment (including film and art). Clients include start-ups and award winning small and medium businesses across Europe and the United States. For a free consultation, please send an email to monica.costa@avantipr.net. Run by Monica, Founder of London Mums.
Mr Site Takeaway Website Pro: software to create a professional, e-commerce dot com website (e.g. www.yourname.com). Developed specifically with enterprise in mind, Mr Site offers a jargon-free and easy-to-use approach to get users online in less than half an hour. To build a site, users simply select a website design from hundreds available; drop in pictures, text, music and videos then click publish to see the site go live immediately. Mr Site websites are PC and Mac compatible. www.mrsite.com
| Home | Contact Us | Copyright: 2007 London Mums Limited | Website Design by NTFM Ltd. |