mumpreneur
October 2014
Mumpreneur
Special Edition
Award Nomi
nees Spotligh
t
Contentment in the palm of your hand
NEW
Gro-hush the only baby calmer that delivers soothing sounds that can only be heard by your baby
Experience it here
Childcare Specialists
17
Achieve Magazine
6
Sue Westwood-Ruttledge The Horse Photographer
18
Small Prints Photography
Contents
5
7
PS Virtual Assistants
8 Francesca Rossi Designs Sheamooti
19 Babycademy 20 Motoriety 21
Professional PA Services
9 KiddyUP
22
Tinker Bell Tent Parties
10
By Victoria
23
The NEO Practice
11
The Fairy Maker
24
Baston House School
26
The Biscuit Tree Poems & Pictures
27
The Typeface Group
28
Serenity Loves
29
Wear It For Autism
12 Soberistas 13
Giggling Hedgehogs
14
Timeless Lockets
15 JWLS My Bespoke Room 16
Devon Fit Camp
T
he Mumpreneur Awards are the highlight of the year for any established or would-be mumpreneur.
200 mumpreneurs will enjoy celebrity speakers, motivational talks, be inspired by amazing stories and all of this will be followed by the big reveal of the winners of our 2014 Mumpreneur Awards. Being nominated for a Mumpreneur Award is an exciting time for any business. The recognition for the hard work and dedication that these women plough into their businesses is a wonderful way to bolster confidence and generate priceless media coverage! This issue of our magazine is dedicated entirely to our nominated mumpreneurs and their fantastic businesses. Read all about the journeys that have been undertaken, the struggles that have been overcome and the rewards that have been reaped by these amazing women!
S
urrey based childcare agency Childcare Specialists Ltd is the brainchild of Karen Fisher from Epsom. She set up her company in September 2013 matching exceptional nannies, maternity nurses and childcare practitioners with families needing a variety of childcare needs. Prior to setting up the business she realised there was a market for people to find good, professional childcare and set up her company to meet that need. Whether a family is looking for short or long term childcare, for babies to teenagers anywhere in the world, Childcare Specialists Ltd matches families with professional, fun, caring and qualified experts. So great is Karen’s dedication, commitment and reliability that her agency is open seven days a week. She puts people in touch with the perfect childcare professional for their particular needs. Childcare Specialists Ltd will only recommend a childcare provider who they would employ themselves, and they interview each and every candidate personally. Karen and her team spend a great deal of time talking to nannies, babysitters, maternity nurses and childminders so they get to know them and can expertly match them with a family’s requirements. Each person who registers with them has been carefully vetted and their details verified, including qualifications, criminal records checks and references.
Childcare Specialists Ltd has built up an enviable reputation in the year they have been in business. Karen is determined to give her clients the best possible experience and ensures that the relationship for everyone involved is happy and rewarding.
www.childcarespecialists.co.uk
Childcare specialists limited
Childcare Specialists are a Maternity and Nanny Agency who provide a personal and professional service to their clients and candidates.They only provide the very best for your children. Maternity Nurses - Night Nannies - Daily Nannies Live-in Nannies - Nanny/Housekeepers All positions can be filled on a full time, part-time, permanent and temporary basis.We provide childcare in the UK and overseas.
Open 7 days a week www.childcarespecialists.co.uk | Tel: 07948606472
A pet-mad mumpreneur has launched two franchise opportunities to set animal lovers’ tails wagging. Mum of two Sue Westwood-Ruttledge was working as an renowned equine and canine photographer, carrying out glamourous lifestyle shoots that frequently left her clients shedding tears of joy. But an ever-growing waiting list meant that Sue, who owns a horse and three dogs of her own, couldn’t keep up with demand. Realising she had a business opportunity rather than a problem on her hands, she decided to franchise. In January 2014, Sue launched two brands: Horse Photographer UK and Dog Photographer UK. Both companies specialise in creating the kind of stylish images of animals and their owners that become treasured works of art. Sue said: “Both my franchises are suitable for people without any photography skills. Although my clients think what I do behind the camera is a form of magic, I can teach anyone to shoot in my style. It’s all trainable. “My franchises offer the opportunity to make a living by being creative, working with animals and being your own boss. These are three boxes that lots of people want to tick”.
Above: A Horse Photographer UK photoshoot captures the love between horse and owner
like to be pictured wearing the kinds of elegant outfits more usually associated with a swanky ball than a paddock or a walk in the park. After a two-hour shoot during which around 400 pictures are taken, clients are invited to watch a private slideshow of the best 60 images. They can then choose to buy fine art albums, wall-mounted and desktop acrylics, box frames, portrait boxes and coffee table books. Prices start from £95. You can contact Sue Westwood-Ruttledge to talk about photoshoots and franchises on 0161 452 3669 or 07870 619705.
www.horsephotographeruk.co.uk and www.dogphotographeruk.com
Left: Sue loves nothing more than taking her three boys, Kaiser the German Shepherd, Mackintosh the mini Dachshund and Fritz the Doberman, out for a walk
Nikki Spratling, 32, from Heaton Chapel, Greater Manchester, was working as a lawyer when a photoshoot with her horse Tsar turned her life around. “I liked my job, but I always had a yearning for more creativity in my life,” she said. “I got chatting to Sue as she was taking pictures and when I realised there was the option to buy a Horse Photographer UK franchise, I knew it was what I wanted to do. “As a solicitor I dealt with many clients who were business owners and the thought of running my own business and being in charge of my own destiny really appealed.”
Right: Sue stuck red, white and blue Swarovski crystals by hand to these heels to create the perfect shot
Nikki’s franchise is now up and running and she is amongst the first five Horse Photographer UK franchisees. The first Dog Photographer UK franchisee is currently training and due to launch later in October 2014. A glamorous Horse Photographer UK or Dog Photographer UK photoshoot involves professional hair, make-up and styling for the owner. Pets are prepared as if they are going for a show. The – almost exclusively female – owners often
Above: Owners often like to be pictured in the kinds of swanky outfits more usually worn to a ball than a paddock
Mumpreneur Award nominee Sally Pallaris talks about the...
Rise of the Virtual Assistant How and when did you launch your virtual assistant business?
I had been a PA in London for 15 years when my boss, serial entrepreneur Eric Newnham, sold his media company Kinetic in 2010. He wanted to keep me on as his PA but couldn't budget a full time employee so we decided I'd work for him by the hour, from home. The new set up worked fantastically for Eric as his new projects went from strength to strength, and within month’s friends and business associates asked for similar virtual support. In response I launched PS Virtual Assistants, sourcing and nurturing top quality staff who work from home providing admin, online marketing and event planning services across the UK.
Sally & her child
ren
Why is the popularity of virtual staff on the increase?
New UK start ups rose by 500k in the last 2 years, a figure that is set to continue rising. All businesses and entrepreneurs need to keep costs down, and virtual staff offer the crucial man power that any business needs to grow, without the financial burden of providing a full time salary and an office space.
How can your services help fellow mumpreneurs?
As many of the PS team are mothers themselves, we understand the pressures of being a mother and being in business, so our staff are adept at working around clients hectic schedules and tight deadlines. It's not unusual for one of our team to be up in the middle of the night securing a New York hotel booking, or turning around copy for a business proposal in one afternoon. Try a virtual assistant at www.psvirtual.com
FREE YOUR TIME WITH A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT ȏ Hire an experienced Virtual Assistant using the latest technology ȏ Gain a reliable assistant but save up to 40% on salary costs ȏ 1R RIILFH VSDFH QHHGHG \RX RQO\ SD\ IRU WKH KRXUV \RX UHTXLUH ȏ 2XU VHUYLFHV DUHQȇW MXVW IRU FRPSDQ\ȇV DQG EXVLQHVV SHRSOH
ADMINISTRATION
From email and diary management to presentations, data entry, and travel bookings, no job too big or small.
CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY TEAM: E: julie@psvirtual.com T: +44 (0) 7946 256067 W: www.psvirtual.com
we juggle, you focus
ONLINE MARKETING
We can plan, implement and manage your social media, SEO, PPC, blogging, web design and more.
EVENT PLANNING
We can research and book venues for your local or international event; from a corporate launch to a birthday party.
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Francesca Rossi Designs Trained in Fine Art, Francesca Rossi worked as a project manager for Kelly Hoppen Interiors before following her passion which was for designing jewellery. With over twenty years of experience, designs produced are unique and have an appeal to all ages. The designs are classic, simple and often delicate. Each piece is handmade in the Cotswolds using a wide variety of sourced charms, pendants and chains in different but complimentary colours. The necklaces can be worn alone or layered for more of an effect. If you choose to layer a necklace, there is an endless choice of coloured metals and chains from rose gold to flecked white and gold. The short, long and Lariat necklaces all coordinate and look fabulous coupled together for that extra hint of effortless chic. There is also a wide selection of bracelet’s ranging from friendship, charm, adjustable, wrap, and many more styles using a variety of different materials. Each design is inspired by nature, love, symbols and religion. One of the top selling is the noodle bracelet (pictured) which is now available in huge a range of colours and styles. All of the earrings designed by Francesca Rossi are made to coordinate with pieces from each collection.
Luxuriously moisturising, the natural skincare range from Shea Mooti focuses on giving mums, mums-to-be and their babies a natural, effective and ethical range of skincare products which contain no artificial ingredients and are prepared using only pure, botanical oils and butters handpicked for their quality and beneficial skin care properties. They are formulated to pamper during pregnancy, heal after birth and soothe the newborn baby and any delicate sensitive skin conditions that need some TLC! All Shea Mooti products are lovingly made in Britain. The gorgeous balms, lotions, oils and soaps are formulated with nourishing ingredients, like hydrating Shea Butter, coconut oil and Aloe Vera, helping to soften, smooth and moisturise the skin in the most natural of ways. Better yet, they give mums the peace of mind that their little one’s skin is being pampered with wholesome, chemical-free salves that have natural and organic ingredients only. Founder of the brand and mother of three Violet Reid, created the first Shea Mooti products in her kitchen after failing to find a 100% natural skincare alternative for her baby boy who suffered from eczema and cradle cap. Now with a string of awards under its belt and a legion of fans who share Violet’s ethical skincare philosophy, Shea Mooti has come a long way from its modest beginnings. And it’s on a mission to give mums a solution to the skincare pitfalls of pregnancy and the anxieties of caring for a little one with skin sensitivity. Join the journey at… www.sheamooti.co.uk
Francesca Rossi designs jewellery is available through her website along with Not on The High Street.
www.francescarossidesigns.co.uk
www.sheamooti.co.uk
ARE YOU READY FOR THE ADVERTISING REVOLUTION?
%
87% of mums in the UK have smartphones and want to receive relevant offers to their phones. CAN YOU REACH ALL OF THEM?
Facebook algorithms decide which of your followers or their users get to see your ads, often less than 2%. CAN YOU CONVERT ALL OF THEM?
£
Businesses are still spending 60% of their budgets on untrackable and untargeted advertising options. CAN YOU GET ALL OF THEM IN REAL-TIME?
can! KiddyUP is the new web and mobile platform for parents that lets you advertise your products, services, discounts and vouchers
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ADD YOUR BUSINESS
www.kiddyup.co.uk
KiddyUP is a registered trademark of KiddyUP Ltd, 3rd Floor, 207 Regent Street, London W1B 3HH
T: 0203-603-1336
E: info@kiddyup.co.uk
By Victoria was created after I was made redundant whilst pregnant with my second child, I repeatedly applied for jobs during my pregnancy but with no success. When my son was born I decided to borrow an aunts old sewing machine and with a copy of Cath Kidston’s book beside me I began to sew cushions, I used to knit and sew with my Grandmother as a child and felt like doing something creative again. Friends started to comment on my cushions and encouraged me to start a facebook page and basically the madness began, within hours I had sold cushions to local customers and by the autumn of that year I started to think how I could possibly make my cushions more unique, so thought I should see how personalizing them would go, I bought a second hand basic embroidery machine that I spent a full night trying to install software for until about 4am, this paid off when I first made an “always remember” cushion, as once I advertised it on my facebook page I could barely keep up with the demand. With success of the personalised cushions I realised I needed another larger embroidery machine that would open up more avenues such as more detailed cushions as well as personalised children’s soft toys and clothing, so a few weeks later a large delivery arrived which needed 2 men to carry it containing my pride and joy embroidery machine. From the arrival of this machine my business went manic, I was able to create a new cushion that I called the “family cushion” which consisted of stick people that my customers could customise with clothing, hair colours and have the persons name below them, again I struggled to keep up with orders for these! My soft toy and clothing range also became incredibly popular which resulted in me providing items for Emily Blunt’s new baby, Tom Cruise and Katie Holme’s Daughter, Siri and for Kim Kardashian’s new baby! I decided it was then time to really get my website up and running so I designed it myself and eventually after many months of work I was happy with how it looked and much to my delight I nabbed a gold website award from Mumpreneur UK this year ! I was then nominated for a Mumpreneur award and delighted to find out I made it through to the finals that take place on 8th November this year ! From this boost my confidence soared, I am now in the process of setting up & building my second website (www. thequirkytreehouse.co.uk) which will be non personalised quirky gifts, as well as starting a facebook group (Autism & ADHD Parents North Down) for local mum and dads who have children with Autism and other special needs and I am taking part in a sponsored mountain climb in October to raise funds for a local Autism charity.
I am a great believer in things happening for reasons, over the last 3 years of launching and building my business my youngest son was diagnosed with autism, it has meant a lot of sleepless nights, strict routine as well as endless hospital and therapy appointments, sometimes three a week and on one occasion three in a day ! When I do get the odd free minute to sit back and contemplate everything, I have realized I am now doing the job I was meant to do, the redundancy and job knock backs were all part of this plan for me to be where I am today so I can be with my son for all his appointments and to be at home full time to provide him with everything he needs, it also means I am at home for my eldest son who is nine, so I never have to miss a sports day or school play again. Yes juggling everything is hard at times and many nights I’m still in my studio at 2am but I wouldn’t change a thing as I have the best of both worlds being with my boys and working at something I love. I am extremely pleased about being a finalist in the future star category and I would love to bring home the award so it could sit alongside the photo of my boys in my studio, so at 2am when designs aren’t going to plan and I feel like crying I can look at both of these and remember why I am doing this and how much I have achieved.
www.byvictoria.co.uk
I used to drink too much alcohol but was nevertheless always able to get up each morning, take my daughter to school, fit in a run with the dog, and get to work on time (albeit in desperate need of a double shot latte by the time I arrived). I was what I now regard as a hazardous drinker, although back in 2011 I would’ve described myself as ‘someone who liked a drink’. I had no real appreciation of the extent to which alcohol was detrimentally affecting me when I was regularly knocking back a bottle of Chablis or Merlot in the evenings. However, since choosing to live without it I have lost weight, noticed a vast improvement in my appearance, become a much more energetic, patient parent, started a social enterprise business, written four books, and grown up – a lot. My alcohol consumption had kept me from fully experiencing my emotions for twenty years, but nowadays I feel as though I’m living life with clarity. When I quit drinking I noticed that there wasn’t much in the way of online, middle-of-the-road, female-centric support for alcohol issues. Yes, there’s Alcoholics Anonymous, but what happens if you don’t think of yourself as an alcoholic (even if you know you’re sinking a little too much vino)? What can you do if you’re a busy working mum who can’t easily find the time (or the babysitter) to get out to a physical support group several times a week? So I set up a new type of alcohol support service, one that would have appealed to me when I was giving up the booze. Soberistas.com is a social network site, referred to by some as a ‘Mumsnet for worried binge drinkers’. It’s a non-judgemental and friendly online space where regular, everyday women can talk to one another, share their innermost thoughts (with complete anonymity where desired), and offload their worries and fears about alcohol and how much they are drinking. Since we launched in November 2012 we have attracted 30,000 members from all around the world. The Soberistas community helps people become happier and healthier without alcohol. It supports them on their journeys to understanding why they consume excessive amounts of alcohol. It’s a platform for sharing strategies and coping mechanisms for escaping the booze trap. Soberistas shows people that their problems surrounding excessive alcohol consumption are not theirs alone, that
www.soberistas.com
countless numbers across the globe are experiencing similar issues. The Soberistas community helps people to change for the better. A three month membership to Soberistas costs just £11.97, an annual membership £33.97. This buys unlimited access to the entire website which features a monthly book club, an Ask the Doctor section, blogs and a discussion forum, as well as lifestyle, health and nutrition articles. It also enables viewing of our monthly webinars, presented by a host of helpful experts within the health and wellbeing sector. Soberistas provides a modern answer to a modern problem – we believe in the sober revolution.
Giggling Hedgehogs is an online marketplace that brings buyers and sellers of local crafts and handmade gifts together. It’s a friendly place to sell handmade items and buy genuine British craft in a safe, easy and convenient manner. Giggling Hedgehogs is where you can come to find unique and original gifts, Christmas gifts, personalised gifts and that something really special. You’ll find quirky and fun gift ideas for friends and family or original gifts for yourself.
Your marketplace to buy and sell Unique. British. Handmade.
www.gigglinghedgehogs.co.uk
Hi, I’m Caroline, I’m 32. A proud mummy and owner of Timeless Lockets, a small but growing bespoke jewellery company. The last few years have been a rollercoaster, in 2011 I was over the moon to discover I was pregnant. After years of hospital visits and being told I may never have children, I was going to be a mum! But then my world was turned upside down when, during a messy split and divorce, I was diagnosed with depression. Having moved out of my home, 6 months pregnant and unable to work, I felt lost and alone, even with the love and support of family and friends.
Whilst researching anything and everything baby related, I happened upon a concept in jewellery I hadn’t seen before, personalised, interchangeable lockets that immediately sparked my imagination. A growing industry in the US and Australia but not yet available in the UK, I saw an opportunity for a new chapter in my life. I knew I couldn’t return to work, I couldn’t leave Ella, I wanted to see her milestones, to watch her grow but I also needed an income to give my little girl everything, so after many hours of research, Timeless Lockets was born. Now on the road to recovery, a new home, loving partner and my babies to nurture, it’s time to write the next chapter....
July 2012 saw the moment I’d been waiting half my life for, holding my baby, a perfect, beautiful little girl who I named Ella.
www.timelesslockets.co.uk
My Bespoke Room is the exciting new way to create a look and find great products for your home without the hefty price tag! Jwls specialise in stunning silver jewellery and keepsakes lovingly created from loved ones’ fingerprints, handprints, footprints, handwriting and artwork. Jwls was started in 2013 by Julia Lewis, a mum of two young children. “When my children were very young I started on a mission to capture all their prints and milestones. After doing the usual clay kits and paper handprints, I started creating jewellery and keepsakes for my own use. Working full time as a language teacher I loved being able to wear their fingerprints on a pretty chain around my neck, even when I was at the front of a classroom! As a result of my husband’s new job, I left my full time teaching career in 2012 to move to North Wales with the family and seized this opportunity to set up the business.”
Founders Diana Greenhalgh & Laura Simpson met whilst working for the world’s largest beauty business 8 years ago and came up with their business concept whilst doing up their own homes, and helping friends & family do the same. ‘Over the years so many of our friends keep coming to us to pick our brains and ask where they can buy certain items for their homes, whether they’re updating or renovating. And so with a little help from our friends and family we decided to launch our business (in between looking after our kids & husbands!)’ We offer an easy, personalised online tool which provides inspiration and guidance to any budget or brief. With no pushy sales tactics, no hidden costs, we sources items to fit your brief for just £75 per room - saving you the time, hassle and stress of doing it yourself.
As well as fingerprints and handprints, Jwls have also recently launched a new range of hand-stamped text so you can say it “in your own words”. Choose from a range of charms, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, keyrings and cufflinks which make great personalised gifts for both men and women.
All you have to do is fill in a short online questionnaire, then sit back, grab yourself a cuppa, and leave the rest to us. Working to your brief, the team will put together a mood board, creating a virtual shopping list which is sent directly to your inbox. They pick and source from a variety of suppliers, providing you with a unique collection of pieces. You then simply choose the items you like, costs are updated as you go, click and purchase – ta da! It really is as simple as that.
What’s more each piece of jewellery will arrive beautifully gift-wrapped in a luxury branded gift box with satin ribbon. The website is easy to navigate and has recently won Mumpreneur’s coveted Silver website award. To celebrate, we are pleased to offer an exclusive 10% discount to Mumpreneur readers; simply enter code MPM10 at checkout.
www.jwls.co.uk
www.mybespokeroom.com
My name is Claire MorganHughes. I am mummy to Emily who’s 10 and Harry who’s 8 and wife to Gareth, who is a cardiologist. I’ve always loved training outside and keeping fit and active. However it hasn’t always been that way. I was the child at school who although loved sports, dreaded the moment when teams were to be picked for fear of being the last one standing or when we trained for field events. High jump was my worst, jumping just wasn’t my thing - it terrified me. The PE teacher couldn’t understand why I just “couldn’t jump” and often I’d leave the session in tears, through sheer humiliation and shame of being made to stand out. Weirdly, this didn’t put me off and growing up, I knew I wanted to be involved in sports but encouraged by my mother to take the “safe option”, I followed my second passion and became a nurse. I loved it and years later took a career break from nursing, having made it to the rank of oncology nursing sister, to have my children. I have always been passionate about exercise, love the feel good factor it brings and all the other benefits that comes after a good training session but when I became a mother, soon realised it’s not always easy to fit in regular training sessions. I know how it feels to feel unfit and unhappy! I have been there and still do struggle sometimes. I’m not perfect! Being a mother of 2 busy children, I understand what it’s like trying to fit in everyone’s need and in do so, challenging to stay in shape.
My life skills as a mum and my skills learned as a nurse have been tremendously transferrable and invaluable, in order to help my clients the way I do. I’m not just a Personal Trainer but often a life coach, nurse, counsellor, nutritionalist and friend all role into one! Our training sessions are three times a week at 6am and after the school drop off at 9am, three times a week. The sessions are short at 50 minutes but enough to ramp up the metabolism and getting my clients into top shape regardless of not wearing trainers since their own PE days at school or having completed a marathon the week before! I feel very privileged to be in a position that I can do what I do, have a positive impact on so many peoples lives and still be around for my family whether they need me or not! My DFC Results Formula is simple and very easy to follow. It leaves our clients feeling great in no time, plus having the added benefits of having so much more energy to spend with their children and husband whilst enjoying their new confidence and great figure! I know how to keep their focus and how to maintain their fitness and great figure once they’ve reached their goal…. Bringing my story full circle, I am now a Sports Coach at my children’s school. Having an active part in my children’s and their peers physical activity is fantastic and aspire to help each child find a sport they love to take them through their school lives and beyond. I haven’t had a child or client leave my sessions in tears yet and not something I plan to have happen in the future! It’s fantastic to be apart of their sports day too!
www.777project.co.uk
I knew that in order to feel good about myself, and be able to cope with the pressures of running a house and looking after a young family, I had to look after myself. It is for this reason I created Devon Fit Camp so that I can help other ladies just like you just like you get in great shape. This not only allowed me to turn my hobby into a new career, but also help people across Devon and worldwide, struggling to keep on track with losing weight and developing a healthier lifestyle, to finally achieve their goals. I’m still stunned, and feel grateful that over three years on, my business is as popular as ever with both men and women, who are all seeing fantastic results, plus feeling and looking much fitter and trimmer, with more confidence and improved self esteem too.
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Everyone has some big landmark moments in their lives, but surely none is quite as momentous as the birth of a child! Every parent knows that the first few days with a newborn are like no other time in your life, but soon…maybe all too soon…those days are just a memory, replaced by the next stage in your little one’s growth, and the next again. One Mumpreneur who knows this all too well is Donna Gray, of Aberdeenshire’s Small Prints Photography. Donna specialises in photographing newborns in the first few fleeting days of their lives, capturing the special sweetness and innocence of a tiny new life and giving proud parents something through which they can hold onto and share those wonderful memories. And Donna is more than just a photographer of newborns, she’s also a bit of an expert at dealing with them, calmly and coolly settling and soothing them as she poses them for the all-important image. No big surprise when you discover that she’s the mother of six children of her own, ranging from first-born son – now 11, down through to her youngest son – who is just two. In spring 2010, when her then youngest child was just a few months old. Donna enrolled in a photography course with the Open University and passed with flying colours. The idea of a business came next, and with not much more than a borrowed camera she set about getting work; doing anything and everything that would earn her a fee, from photographing the local darts team to weddings and fetes and everything in between…including friends’ children. After earning enough to fund further training she began to build a sturdy reputation as Aberdeenshire’s first exclusively newborn photography studio. By October 2011 Donna had earned a place as a licentiate member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP), and just a couple of months later
07729 183 957 info@smallprintsphotography.co.uk www.smallprintsphotography.co.uk www.fb.com/smallprints
had been nominated for the society’s title of Photographer of the Year in the Families and Groups section. Donna’s second year of business saw a win in the Judge’s Choice award, as well as many Gold Awards for newborn images. She also qualified as an Associate member, and had had her 6th baby. Year three, and she was awarded the title of Craftsman of the Photographers Academy. Following this, she was invited by the academy (the largest photographic training establishment in Europe) to become a ‘Top ‘Tog’, and run a training webinar on the subject of newborn photography. This webinar was an outstanding success, with a huge online attendance and led to more and more online training, which in turn kickstarted a second string to the business – training other photographers in the art of newborn photography. Donna goes from strength to strength as a photographer of newborns, as a trainer and mentor to other photographers who would like to follow in her footsteps and…maybe most importantly…as a wife and mother.
“We believe you are your baby’s best playmate” I have always thought that one day I’ll run my own business. On maternity leave I enjoyed the break from work and the opportunity to focus all of my attention on my wonderful young son. One thing I hadn’t appreciated when becoming a parent was the importance of keeping precious playtime interesting and fun. I also wanted to make sure I was doing all I could to support his development. I looked around the shops, searched the Internet, and I couldn’t find anything that would help me in my quest for quality playtime with him. They say necessity is the mother of invention, so I began developing a product myself – and the Babycademy idea was born. The premise behind Babycademy is that you are your baby’s best playmate. My aim was to offer parents a box of fun you could enjoy in the home, providing you with everything you need to both entertain and support your baby’s development needs at every age and stage.
Introducing Bernice Hewson, Creator and Director of Babycademy Ltd Mumpreneur Award Finalist Best Product 2014 After running focus groups to test the concept, engaging with child development experts, music producers, illustrators, writing a book, designing a puppet and establishing the Babycademy brand I am extremely proud to have launched ‘Music Time’ to the market. We have already enjoyed many successes, our highlight to date has been winning two Loved By Parents awards that are voted for by the mums and dads and compete with all of the major infant/preschool brands. I love what we have been able to do so far, and my appetite to continue to develop the business further only gets bigger.
www.Babycademy.co.uk
direct to your Motoriety account by the garage – creating a valuable digital service record, or ‘AUTObiography’.
Why isn’t motoring hassle free? It should be, yet owning and maintaining a car is fraught with risk and hassle. Like too many motorists, Lucy Burnford experienced a series of painful and costly motoring nightmares that included buying a car from a dodgy dealer with an apparent ‘full service history’; then getting stung on repairs that nearly cost as much as the car itself, and forgetting her MOT date.
Lucy Burnford says “Its my mission to make motoring more rewarding and less risky. As a motorist, I know first hand how much hassle car ownership is, and as a new Mum, I want to spend time with my family, rather than doing car paperwork!” So wave goodbye to forgotten dates, lost paperwork and hassle and hello to saving time and money, and adding real value to your car. Sign up now and support a motoring Mumpreneur!
All these problems are too common – do you know when your MOT is due? Not likely! Have you ever been ripped off by a garage? Possibly! So, to address these challenges, Lucy created www. motoriety.co.uk with the aim of taking all the hassle and risk out of motoring. Like a digital glove box, Motoriety provides key reminders for all legal and maintenance requirements with tailored offers. You can book online at reputable local garages – rated and reviewed by real customers like you, and uniquely, all work done is automatically digitally ‘stamped’
www.motoriety.co.uk
There are so many aspects of running a business it can sometimes feel overwhelming can’t it? Outsourcing these tasks that you just don’t like doing can free up your time to concentrate your efforts on the other aspects that you are good at. Professional PA Services is who you need to help move your business forward. I specialise in PA support and offer a wide variety of general admin duties to solo entrepreneurs who simply don’t have enough time in the day. I know what it is like running a small business, especially around a busy family and it is for this reason why I enjoy supporting other fellow Mumpreneurs – those who have the determination and ambition to succeed.
Just think how much time could be available to you if your administration was outsourced…You’d be able to focus on the money making activities of your business, generating more clients and doing all the things that you actually enjoy. My services are personable, professional and confidential at all times and I enjoy supporting all businesses, however I have a passion for supporting other Mumpreneurs as I know how hard it is to juggle a business, look after the kids and take care of the home. I know the hurdles that we all face and how hard it can be. But my determination has shown that it is possible and I’ve even reached the finals in the Bizmums awards this year, which I am very proud of. If your business is at the stage where you need to outsource your admin, then please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you
www.professional-pa-services.co.uk
Starting my business came about due to a real need within our family. It’s been such a journey getting to where we are now but it’s true what they say… everything really does happen for a reason and although it’s hard work I’m so happy and proud of my little business. My story (although I should say ‘our story’ because my 21yr old daughter and long suffering husband have been dragged along for the ride too!) started in 2012 when we took a huge leap of faith and decided to home educate our 7 year old son. He had recently been diagnosed with autism and was desperately unhappy at school. It was vital that I be at home during the week to support him plus we also found ourselves needing to top up our income. Having always worked with children (including face painting) the progression to childrens’ parties seemed quite natural to me. I still wasn’t sure exactly what route this should take though and I desperately wanted to create something unique. It all came together after a good friend of mine asked me to think of something nice for her daughter’s birthday party. I initially thought of using our bell tent to face paint inside but then idea after idea came together around the tent and I ended up having such fun creating a totally girly space inside with flowers, cushions and pretty candles. We gathered up as much dressing up as we could, popped it on a rail, added some accessories and crafts and voila… Tinker Bell Tent Parties was born! Little Ellie is our official cover girl now, she was so surprised… can you tell?! The business is such fun but also a good deal of hard work which needs balancing with being a busy
mum. I suffer ill health with various autoimmune issues, and, some days, I have to remind myself to take it easy. Despite the challenges of my health I take such a huge amount of pleasure from running my business and it really does keep me going. I’m very lucky to have a huge amount of support and wonderful girls that work for me that step in and organise things when brain fog hits or I need a rest day. It gives me the scope that I desperately need to be creative and we meet such wonderful people along the way. The business is growing rapidly and I’m full to burstng with ideas for 2015, but best of all, my son is the happiest he has ever been.
www.tinkerbelltentparties.co.uk
I run & set up The Biscuit Tree last year, in order to be a stay at home mum (SAHM) but also to do something to fuel my creative nature. The Biscuit Tree designs and handcrafts beautiful, bespoke iced biscuits to order, using only the finest ingredients. As every single one of our biscuits is handmade to order, we can guarantee freshness and a gift that is just a little bit different to the norm. Our boutique biscuits are just as delicious as the usual cupcakes and chocolates, but the beauty is they travel better and last a lot longer (although we find that they don’t hang around for long once opened!). Biscuits make an excellent gift: particularly for a new baby, new home and of course birthdays! However biscuits designed to different themes also have the wow factor too. Presented in our lovely tins the labels can be personalized with photos & a message, making them a truly bespoke & unique gift. Biscuit favours are also very popular for children’s birthday parties, for the table or are increasingly given instead of a party bag. We have also made a large number of biscuits for corporate events and product launches. We are very proud that our biscuits have been sent to & sampled by all the major fashion magazines in the UK!
Christina Gabbitas is a children’s author, poet and voiceover artist, who always loved to read rhyming books and poetry, when she was in her early years. Always having a desire to write and work for herself, Christina’s first children’s book Felicity Fly, was published in May 2012 and addresses fears. A second followed in quick succession, Felicity Fly meets Veronica Vac. (addresses teamwork and friendship) this book was voted into the final of the Peoples Book Prize 2014. The latest addition to the series is Felicity Fly in the Garden (addresses Pollination). The Felicity Fly series teach children about the environment around them, as well as learning to read. The stories are narrated on a CD with different character accents, which also helps children with speaking and listening skills. Christina also runs a national UK initiative, for children to write a rhyme with an opportunity of having some of their work published. This initiative got support from Education Secretary, Michael Gove in 2013 and proved very successful. www.poemsandpictures.co.uk/competition Christina has also written a small collection of poems entitled, Thoughts and Feelings. Also with a love for writing bespoke poetry, has written for Sue Ryders, Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards over the past three years.
I am thrilled to be a finalist for the Sparks Award & to celebrate would like to offer 10% off first orders to other Mumpreneurs, all you need to do is like our facebook page: The Biscuit Tree & ask for your unique discount code!
Share Some Secrets, is a book that addresses child sexual abuse, and encourages children to think about the secrets they should and shouldn’t keep, encouraging them to speak out about their secret without fear, by giving praise. A great way of highlighting the difference between good and bad secrets.
www.biscuittree.co.uk Facebook.com/The-Biscuit-Tree
www.poemsandpictures.co.uk www.sharesomesecrets.com www.poemsandpicturesschools.co.uk
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We would love to show you, first hand, why we are the number ONE hair & beauty salon in the UK and most talked about in Peterborough! Visit us and discover the Serenity Loves experience for yourself. While you totally relax and enjoy one of our amazing treatments, your little ones will have a brilliant time in our superb playroom supervised by one of our own CRB registered child care specialists. With salon qualified, highly talented stylists on one side of the coin, and qualified child care professionals the other – all you need to do is turn up and relax. We know you’ll love the unique experience you can only get with Serenity Loves.
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W
ear it for Autism 2014 was a sell-out, filling the 200 plus accommodation of the venue. Founded by Anna Kennedy OBE of an autism charity Anna Kennedy Online, Wear it for Autism presented fantastic opportunities to families and individuals affected by autism. Supported by Models of Diversity, My A Dress Book, Bon Prix, Living Autism and Pineapple Performing Arts, the winners took to the catwalk strutting their stuff in stunning outfits and dresses donated by several clothing brands including Damsel in a Dress and jewellery by Miglio.
Wear it for Autism, took place 6th October 2014 at the fabulous Millennium Hotel Knightsbridge and all guests received a luxury goody bag. Throughout the day, all of the winners, who were selected from a vigorous and emotional process earlier on in the year were pampered by professional make-up artists and styled by Celebrity Stylist Lewis-Duncan Weedon. Anna Kennedy OBE says, “The idea behind Wear It For Autism was to spoil those who usually never get a chance to treat – or even think – of themselves. Living with autism can be challenging and extremely demanding so we wanted to create a special event that would be fun for all involved’ The winners, all of whom are affected by autism, were greeted on the catwalk by numerous celebrities including Amy Willerton, George Gilby, Mitch Winehouse, Arlene Phillips, Keith Mason, Dr Pam Spurr, Steven King and Nicola Duffet which was a true high light of the evening. Other celebrities in attendance included Lydia Lucy, Olivia Cox and many others. Another major highlight was the announcement of Author Steven Smith as the new patron of Anna Kennedy Online. Steven Smith discusses becoming patron for Anna Kennedy Online. “Having been a judge for ‘Wear if for Autism’ I understand the often horrific bullying in society of young people with Autism and the discrimination they face in life. I wanted to make a difference. Meeting the truly remarkable Anna Kennedy OBE inspired me to come on board. I hope to bring my skills to the table and help make a difference.” “I asked Steven Smith to become the new patron of the charity, because of his ongoing and extensive support of the charity and Wear it for Autism. He has been on board from start to finish, and has participated in several events to raise money and awareness for both the charity and for autism. He has become a fantastic ambassador and a close friend. He was very excited when I asked him to fill the role, and I was thrilled when he agreed. I couldn’t wait to announce the news at the event.” Anna Kennedy discusses her decision. During show, the audience were greeted to a show by Pineapple Performing Arts, Models of Diversity , Jess and the Bandits ,other performances by Ryan Wiggins, which didn’t leave a dry eye in the house, and X Factor and Autism’s Got Talent star Scott James. Wear it for Autism was the epitome of glitz and glamour, and received multitudes of support, with many brands donating items to the winners and the event. Anna Kennedy OBE would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, who helped make the second Wear it for Autism the best yet!
Our judges Steven Smith, Angel Sinclair, Dr Pam Spurr and Maggie Paterson, Sam Tomlin, Fiona Shepherd shed many tears after choosing the winners from many of the nominations. This was a heart wrenching and inspirational process.
Winners who looked fabulous and strutted their stuff along the catwalk were: Mums: Ann Wright, Sharon King, Maimuna Mutaasa and Lisa Embery-Donaghy Dads: Craig Binns and Lee Cook Grandparent: Sandra Trotter Family: Anne & Steven Rann Adult with Autism: Dani Bowman Child with Autism: Sophie Jayne Garner Young Carers: Demi Stamp and Emma Bell
Highlights from the show will be share on YouTube very soon…..
Dress courtesy of Damsel In A Dress for Breast Cancer Awareness
Next Issue Due Out 15th October 2014 Mumpreneur Magazine is published by Mumpreneur UK Ltd For advertising enquiries call 0121 788 4121
Please email stories to magazine@mumpreneuruk.com
visit www.mumpreneuruk.com/magazine for more details