Mtrepreneurs!
The ice cream queen
Sarah ward, 52, lives with her husband, Russell, 55, a sales consultant. They have two sons, Jake, nine, and Rufus, seven. Light-bulb moment: In December 2013, I came across a recipe for margarita-flavoured ice cream. However, I didn’t think it tasted enough like my favourite tipple. So, I began developing the recipe myself, along with other flavours I love including piña colada and passion fruit martini. After tasting them, a friend of mine suggested I try to sell them and make a business of it. First steps: I started by offering samples to neighbours and friends. Then I approached a local farm shop who agreed to stock my products. The launch: In April 2016, I went to a trade show and actually won an award for best new idea. By that summer, on our busiest days, I was selling 100 litres of ice cream. ✱ boozyudders.co.uk Top tip: Take it slow. I have lots of ideas – from dairy-free ice cream to new flavours – but it’s important to establish yourself as a reputable brand before expanding.
The fitness fanatic
Joanna Stevens, 40, lives with her husband, Russ, 45, a police officer. They have one daughter, Freya, five. Light-bulb moment: After missing bedtime with my daughter for yet another night in a row due to my job as a police officer, I knew something had to change. I ran and played netball, so when I thought about what else I could do, fitness came to mind immediately. First steps: In April 2013, I took an aerobics instructor course, then hired the village hall to run my first class. I advertised on Facebook and so many people turned up – I was shaking with nerves as I stood in front of them all. The launch: As I qualified in more fitness techniques I was able to run more classes. Then, a year later, a neighbour asked if I could be his personal trainer. My husband helped me launch a simple website and I built up a base of regular clients. ✱ motivatefitnessuk.com Top tip: Before you do anything else, work out what your outgoings will be – determine how much you need to earn, to ensure your business is financially worthwhile.
The star bakers
Stephanie Janice, 39, is married to Daniel, 41, a firefighter. They have two children, Joe, 11, and olivia, six. She joined forces with her business partner, Becky Gunning (left), 38, to expand her company. Light-bulb moment: I wanted to make my daughter a cake for her first birthday, so I booked myself onto a course. I made pink cupcakes and posted a photo of them on Facebook. When someone asked if I’d make a cake for them, I wondered if I could turn my skills into a business. First steps: I continued to go on courses and in June 2012 I sold my treats at a school fayre. They were so popular, it was the push I needed to pursue my cakemaking business. The launch: In early 2013, Becky approached me – she ran a cooking club for children – and asked if I’d like to offer decorating parties and classes together. ✱ jollyscrumptious cupcakes.com Top tip: You will need to register as selfemployed as soon as you can – and it’s really important to be organised and stay on top of your records.