Life today
We’re the Mumpreneurs
Talk to anyone who is raising children and they will tell you it’s a full- time job – yet, more and more mums are using the little free time that they do have to set up their own small businesses. In fact, the ‘mum economy’ – that’s businesses run by mothers with children aged 18 and under – generated an incredible £7.2 billion for the UK economy in 2014, and is continuing to thrive. In fact, a new report has found that the sector is growing at an unprecedented rate. So, how do they do it? Here, we speak to six mums – all living near Tunbridge wells – who reveal the secrets behind their success…
The wellness expert
nicola wingfield, 39, is married to Ross, 40, who works for the national Trust. They have two children, Seth, seven, and Tabitha, four. Light-bulb moment: In February 2010, I was five months pregnant, when my midwife suggested I try reflexology – she said it could treat a range of pregnancy ailments. I loved it and, despite being on maternity leave from my job at a wildlife trust, I’d found something I was truly passionate about. First steps: I quit my job and used our savings to pay for my diploma in reflexology – which included a module on developing a business plan. After I qualified, I began running taster sessions in my garden. The launch: I launched my website in May 2013. Every time someone booked a session with me, I’d get an email and my heart would pound! I started with three clients, but now I’m booked up all week. ✱ soulrevival reflexology.co.uk
The interior guru
Zoe Chapman, 40, is married to Simon, 39. They have two sons, oliver, nine, and Toby, six. Light-bulb moment: From sketching to painting, I’ve always been creative, so when I saw an advert for a sewing class in April 2013, I signed up. Keen to practise my new skills, I made two pencil cases for my boys and posted a picture online. The next day at the school gates, other mums asked if I could make cases for their children. First steps: I expanded my range to include make-up and wash bags, and sold them through a simple website. Then, in June 2013, I started selling my creations at fayres and craft shows. The launch: I don’t have a business plan – I’ve built up my business slowly. In the early days, I’d get about four orders a month, but now, I can get up to 50. A lot of my success is down to word of mouth. ✱ ollieandroo.co.uk
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.