Mum Entrepreneurs Mums in Profile eBook

Mum

Entrepreneurs Mums in Profiles eBook

1

Mumpreneurs Entrepreneurs

Mumpreneurs Northern Beaches Network has been running for 2.5 years and cannot keep

up with demand from women in business wanting to meet each other. From meetings in

coffee shops, to larger venues, after only a year since launching their regular place sells out

in hours.

When two mums in business with young kids Banika Smee and Diana Holwerda met on

Facebook they agreed they needed a local mumpreneurs group - and founded the rapidly

expanding MNBN. Diana and Banika were looking for a working women's network in their

local community to connect with other mums in business for support and advice.

“We want to support women in business in our local community and we couldn’t find a

network that suited us, that was affordable and with the kind of unusual hours to suit us, like

nights. Which is why we started this network to suit us, and it seems to suit a lot of other

women too!” said Diana.

The group has achieved the goal of providing an accessible network for mumpreneurs on the

Northern Beaches of Sydney, from Manly to Palm Beach, with night meetings to fit busy

schedules.

"We keep having to find bigger meeting spaces due to popularity," said Banika. "It's been

invaluable not only for practical tips but also meeting up with other mums in business."

Banika runs her own bamboo loungewear business called Witjuti and Diana runs PA on the

GO that provides admin and social media support to small businesses. Many mumpreneurs

have left corporate roles to work from home and make use of their considerable skills in

marketing, accounting, business and sales. Others have finished raising kids, or not yet

started, and find meeting up with other local businesswomen invaluable.

As you'd expect, many MNBN members have child, parent and health related businesses but

there is also a breadth of expertise around business services. Mumpreneurs offer advice on

how to actually achieve that ‘work life balance’ holy grail, and their social media skills are

second to none.

The two founders have set up the Mum Entrepreneurs group on Facebook where

mumprepreneurs from around Australia can join, chat and recommend businesses. After only

a year, MNBN offers fantastic support to women running their own business. With plans to

expand monthly events to the entire Sydney area by franchising the network around the city

you can expect to hear a lot more about Mum Entrepreneurs (ME) in the news.

For more on the Mumpreneurs Northern Beaches Network,

for an interview or any questions please call Diana on 0414 477 459 or email

[email protected]; or call Banika on 0435 542 090 or email

[email protected]; www.mumentrepreneurs.com.au

NAME: Kim Gore and Kirsty Sturgess

BUSINESS: Simply Kidz Essentials

DATE STARTED: November 2010

WEBSITE: http://www.simplykidz.com.au

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

As young mums passionate about our kids and everything about them, we were starting to watch

them grow at such a rapid rate and only get limited wear out of their wardrobe. With a background

in fashion and business, we saw a gap in the market for affordable children’s clothing. We decided

to launch our own label, Wonder Kidz which is a range of affordable, everyday wear for children

aged 1-8 years. So many online businesses focus on selling only the expensive designer

clothes.This is what inspired us to come up with a unique website to suit all budgets. A

combination of Wonder Kidz clothing, and US designer clothing for special occasions.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS?

Do your research, know your market and be prepared to work hard. You must have a passion for

your product or you won’t have the drive and willpower to make it work. Most importantly do a

proper business/marketing plan and be prepared to review it and update it often to keep up with

changing demands.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR?

MNBN have been very supportive in helping us establish our business, helping us network, and

pointing us in the right direction when we feel we’ve hit a dead end. Attending the MNBN’s events

has allowed us to meet other like minded, hard working mums. We’ve been able to assist each

other by providing professional advice and bouncing ideas off one another. MNBN is a great

networking forum, we recommend them highly!

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http://www.simplykidz.com.au/

http://www.simplykidz.com.au/

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NAME: Angela Counsel

BUSINESS: The Ambaa Tree Natural Health Centre

DATE STARTED: September 2008

WEBSITE: www.theambaatree.com.au


I have a corporate background but I decided to give it all up to become a Naturopath and very

shortly after that a Mum. I knew that I didn’t want to go back to the corporate world of high stress

and miss out on being there for my children. I used to rent a room in a chiropractic clinic is Dee

Why to run my naturopathic practice but it wasn’t ideal for the clients I was trying to attract. As a

Mum I knew that I wanted to be able to provide support to Mums and their families, so I decided to

open a purpose built clinic. My clinic was designed with Mums and children in mind, it is a child

friendly space where Mothers could feel comfortable to come and not have to worry about their

kids. The other reason that I started my own business was to give me the flexibility to be available

if my children needed me. My clinic is like a second home to my kids and it is great having the

space to have them with me even if I need to work. As my business has grown I have been able to

employ staff, who can keep the clinic running if I am not there. So despite 2 years of long hours

and hard work I now do have more flexibility and I am able to take time off knowing that my

business will continue to run without me here – so Disneyland here I come!


Be flexible, allow your business to grow and change. Also don’t be afraid to completely change

your business model/structure if that is what is required to take your business to the next

level. Don’t be too emotional about your business, it is not a child and you can walk away if it

doesn’t work or achieve what to set out to achieve.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST?

Most of my business now comes from referrals and my website. I do very little other promotion.

Most of my marketing is around getting my brand known and building my database.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR?

Staff, managing and keeping staff has been my biggest challenge. I have found that many younger

staff will move on fairly quickly without much reason. I now am very specific and fussy about

selecting staff and have managed to build a strong team. It is important that you trust your staff

and allow them to do their jobs, as a business owner you have to start to let go of some tasks and

accept that other people can do them for you.


My aim with any networking is firstly to find a common ground with other business owners. By

chatting to people and finding out what they do you learn more about them. I don’t think that every

network event should be about coming away with ‘x’ number of referrals, if should be about building

relationships. I find MNBN a great, casual atmosphere there is no real “push” to give referrals but

everyone is happy to share knowledge and help out others who may have business problems. I

think that this sharing of knowledge and caring for others does eventually develop further into real

business opportunities for some and for others it is about finding support and friendship.

http://www.theambaatree.com.au/

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NAME: Bern Alexander

BUSINESS: FindAUniform Pty Ltd

DATE STARTED: Launched Jan 2011

WEBSITE: www.findauniform.com.au

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? Whilst I have had an exciting career as a

Ship’s navigator and now as a project manager, I really wanted to take the challenge of growing

my own business. To step outside my comfort zone and learn new skills, tackle social media and

the dreaded sales area.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? Talk to people

about how they did it – so you can avoid some of the pitfalls and expenses – that is where the

community forming with MNBN is invaluable. Surround yourself with positive, like minded people

and seek professional advice – my accountant (Wendy Glassman) and marketing guru Lorna

(Paperbag Marketing Specialist) keep me from being overwhelmed. Remember to have a plan and

follow it or change as required – this will stop you losing sight of where you want to be. There is so

much great free advice online – choose what works for you and then maybe go to the next level of

paid mentoring.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? I am still in the initial

launch phase as I am juggling full time work with four kids but my long term strategy is to work with

the AdvantageCard Community Rewards Program because it services my niche area and gives

back to the community of schools, clubs and charities whilst providing media release services,

advertising and website links. Locally I am working with posters in community areas and believe

the growing word of mouth will be pivotal to FindAUniform’s success.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? Time management without a

doubt - I am only now learning about how to automate the many processes required to achieve

the work life balance that I strive for.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR? A marketing guru and a

personal trainer!!! Plus a plethora of different ideas and information that is always relevant to one

aspect of my business.

http://www.findauniform.com.au/

http://www.findauniform.com.au/

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NAME: Mandie Spooner

BUSINESS: Tenfive Designs

DATE STARTED: 2004

WEBSITE: www.tenfivedesigns.com

FACEBOOK: tenfivedesigns


I’ve always until recently work full time for an employee, my business started as a hobby with

friends asking me to do design work for them and then when I had my 2 boys I decided that

working for myself was best for our family, I love the balance of being with my boys and

working for myself!


Be patient. Building a business and client base takes time. I have learnt so much over the

years. You won’t know everything at the beginning.


I mainly promote through Networking. Networking is so powerful!


To be honest I haven’t had a massive challenge. I guess not enough time would be a

challenge especially as previously I was working full time for an employee and had 2 young

boys. Sometimes trying to balance children, home life and work becomes a challenge but it

all work outs J


So much! I have been very lucky to win the 1st prize in the door raffle twice which gave me an

hour with a Marketing Expert and a Press Release! I have met an amazing bunch of

inspirational Mothers who have started their own businesses. I have added to my expanding

business network and have gained even more knowledge and support!

http://www.tenfivedesigns.com/

http://www.facebook.com/TenfiveDesigns

http://www.tenfivedesigns.com/

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NAME: Vanessa Chaperlin

BUSINESS: Happiness Photography and

Vanessa Chaperlin Photographer

DATE STARTED: 2003

WEBSITE: www.happinessphotography.com and www.vanessachaperlin.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/HappinessPhotography

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? While working for other photographers, I

saw a gap in the market of wedding photography first. There seemed to be a lot of couples with

a $2000 to spend on their photography, who could not find a photographer to do more than 3 or

4 hours. There were also couples who needed packages tailored to their special needs, e.g.

second marriage ceremonies, small groups, etc. and at the time no one was doing this either. I

have always kept my 8 hours wedding photography packages under $2000 and I have happily

tailored packages for all. I also really thought it was a shame how many people were not happy

with their wedding photographers behaviour, or the images of themselves. Brides and grooms

are beautiful to photograph on their happy day, and every wedding is so incredibly important, I

thought I could make a lot of people really happy - thus Happiness Photography was born. I

suppose what I really wanted to offer was a creative and beautiful professional photography

service that was both affordable AND came with great customer service.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? I would

recommend doing some training in small business management. Starting a business you are

passionate about requires more than just passion and talent, there is a lot of background work

to do and even if you outsource a lot of your administration, I think it is important to know and

understand every aspect of your business intimately.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? When I started up,

my dad told me a good business should never have to pay for advertising - by this he means

that you take care of your clients and they will come to you again, and they will spread the

word. I certainly keep my advertising to a minimum and focus mainly on wedding expos with

the Northern Beaches Wedding Expo group. I have also grown my corporate base through

networking events like the Mumpreneurs Northern Beaches Network!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? Becoming a mum! It was hard to

balance the business and my beautiful family; I am heavily personally invested in both. I have

never wanted to even try to be some kind of supermum, but I have to keep things going with as

much grace as I can - so I have learned to ask for and accept help.

Continued…..

http://www.happinessphotography.com/

http://www.vanessachaperlin.com/

http://www.facebook.com/HappinessPhotography

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NAME: Vanessa Chaperlin

BUSINESS: Happiness Photography and

Vanessa Chaperlin Photographer

DATE STARTED: 2003

WEBSITE: www.happinessphotography.com and www.vanessachaperlin.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/HappinessPhotography

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR? I keep meeting all

these amazing and inspiring women who juggle family life and start up great businesses at the

same time. I feel so energised after each network event. Flying solo can be isolating so it is

great to meet with likeminded can-do people. I have gained a lot from each of the meetings, be

it PR advice, SEO ideas or marketing tips. I have also gained many new clients for my

corporate work.

http://www.happinessphotography.com/

http://www.vanessachaperlin.com/

http://www.facebook.com/HappinessPhotography

http://www.happinessphotography.co/

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NAME: Cath Bakker

BUSINESS: Lunch Boxes With Love

DATE STARTED: 1st December, 2010

WEBSITE: www.lunchboxeswithlove.com

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? My Mum has always been an

exceptionally creative Mum… I remember fondly biting into my heart shaped sandwich

on Valentines day many years ago and pulling a love note out of the middle of the

sandwich, and when I was a little older I was lucky enough to convince my parents to

let me participate in an exchange program to Japan….and really this is where my love

of all things Japanese started.

Every morning my Mama San would hand me a tightly wrapped little Bento Box (Lunch

Box) full of goodness and love… I couldn’t wait til lunch to get my sticky little fingers

into it. What i saw as I opened the various layers was amazing works of art made out

of food……I had never had so much enthusiasm for lunch in my life and the extra

10kg’s that came back with me through customs was testament to this.

So…while searching for some gorgeous bits and bobs to make my daughters school

lunches something to remember I once again remembered my fond memories of

lunches as a child at various different ages……and so I have created “Lunch Boxes

With Love”

I hope that everyone’s children will have as much fun at lunch as I did!

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? To trust you

gut, have a supportive family & network around you who will back you 100% and to

have FUN and do something you LOVE!

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? I promote my

business through many different mediums, from social networking to trade shows. I

am still in the learning phase at the moment but believe that you have to put

everything in to get any return.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? My biggest challenge so far

has been the shipping costs that I incur when importing massive quantities from

overseas, I have found out that this is something that I have to bare and to just work it

into my pricing.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR?I have got some

fabulous contacts to help my business along including PR as well as a professional

support network and bouncing board.

http://www.lunchboxeswithlove.com/

http://www.lunchboxeswithlove.com/

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NAME: Sue Cutbill

BUSINESS: Kids Exercise

DATE STARTED: Sept 2005

WEBSITE: www.kidzexercise.com.au

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? It was like a vision. My 3rd child

was 6 months old and my two older boys had had nearly 12 months with out an

emergency trip to hospital. I decided I had to get physical activity out to as many kids

as possible.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? Sit down,

make a list of the core values for your business and then stick to them. Don’t expect

things to happen overnight – there is a long hard slog behind success. Never take

short cuts.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? Word of mouth is

the best way to promote most business, especially a business like Kids Exercise where we

do not deal in a commodity but we educate and look after people’s very precious offspring.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? Juggling my three kids, their

health, one husband and an expanding business.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR? I would love to be

able to make more of the meetings, but with my weeknight Cub Leader duties, it makes it

hard. I have enjoyed talking with other women and finding out how they juggle all that life

entails, I am still looking for the magic formula!!!

http://www.kidzexercise.com.au/

http://www.kidzexercise.com.au/

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NAME: Dina Cooper

BUSINESS: Hoogi mind coach for mums

DATE STARTED: April 2011

WEBSITE: www.hoogi.com.au

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? I trained as a Chartered Management

Accountant about 12 years ago and for the past 7 years I have been on a journey to transition into

coaching. I re-trained and qualified as a Personal Coach earlier this year. My life long passion for

helping and supporting others has led me to this career choice. However, it is the family life balance

with work that made me start my own business. I am mum to two gorgeous boys aged 2 and 4 and I

love making the most of my time with them. We have a lot of fun together! I also love pursuing my

own passion of coaching and supporting other mums. I feel empowered with choices as a mum, to

make my day to day life the most fun it can be. It has not always been this way for me. I have been

through a coaching programme myself to overcome challenges that have prevented me from being

the mum I want to be. Now I’m out on the other side, I want to share this personal empowerment with

other mums. Don’t get me wrong life is still HECTIC, I just deal with it better nowadays!

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? And if you don’t know

what it is yet, take some time to find out (A personal coach can help you! ;-)). For my business,

identifying my niche has kick-started my business. With my personal coaching qualification I can

coach anyone from all walks of life on practically any challenge they face. However, as I attempted to

advertise Hoogi in this general way, I was coming across as “jack of all trades, master of none”. As I

am an expert in the process of how someone works and not an expert in the content, from a coaching

success standpoint being a “jack of all trades” in this circumstance is entirely possible. From a

marketing standpoint the opposite is true. With the realisation of my passion for coaching mums of

pre-school and primary-school aged children, I have targeted my marketing accordingly. As a direct

result of my targeted marketing to my niche the number of clients that have come on board has

trebled in just 8 weeks!

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? As I mentioned, identifying

my niche has been key. I now target my marketing to anywhere where mums of pre-school and

primary school aged children hang out. E.g. pre-schools, primary schools, play-centres,

kindergartens. Or magazines they read e.g. Sydney’s Child. Ultimately for a coaching business,

more than 90% of business will be referrals by word of mouth.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? My biggest challenge so far has been

facing my own personal fears about selling my service and believing that I have something worthwhile

to sell. I have had exceptional feedback on my coaching ability but believing it myself has been a

long process. Now that I have overcome this with my personal coach, I’m ploughing full steam

ahead. I’m even going to record a “you tube” video for my business this week!! This is something I

would not have done 12 months ago!!

Continued…..

http://www.hoogi.com.au/

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NAME: Dina Cooper

BUSINESS: Hoogi mind coach for mums

DATE STARTED: April 2011

WEBSITE: www.hoogi.com.au

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR? Meeting lots and lots of

talented women/mums. Every time I sit around the table and hear everyone’s 1 minute story I am in

awe of all of us. We have all chosen to set up businesses to improve the quality of our lives in the

short, medium and long-term. And as most of us have children, we can share the challenges that

come with running a business and a family. I love getting ideas on how others cope with challenges

either with their children or in business. I got some great advice the other day from a fellow mum on

how I can help my boys be more conscious of keeping their teeth clean! It’s working a treat!



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NAME: Annika Coulson

BUSINESS: Northern Beaches Kids Guide

DATE STARTED: August 2011

WEBSITE: www.nbkidsguide.com.au


After having my first daughter I went looking for times and places for our local Indoor Play

Centre and realised that I was jumping from website to website. I then had the idea of a local

website featuring all the great local business (and play centres) on the one website. My

website wasn’t then implemented until a few years later when I started asking local Mum’s if

they knew about local events and local online shops (which they didn’t know about) I then

thought it’s time to start this website! Since then its going great, I have a wonderful and large

following on Facebook, in which I post everyday on what’s on in our local community.


Research your market, check out other similar businesses. See how you can make your

business unique.


I promote my website only on Facebook, I also have distributed flyers all over our local area.

I have found though Mum’s word of mouth has really been my best promoter!


Finding time! I also work part time and have 2 daughters (4 and 1), so I find I do most of my

work after hours when the girls are in bed.


I have made some great contacts through MNBN, many are now advertising on my website. I

have also enjoyed all the monthly events I have been able to go so far, great speakers and

great networking too!

http://www.nbkidsguide.com.au/

http://www.nbkidsguide.com.au/

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NAME: Jenny Ower

BUSINESS: Eco Linen Organic – luxury organic cotton bed bath and baby linen

DATE STARTED: October 2003

WEBSITE: www.ecolinen.com


Husband started this business, he has other businesses too, so here I am!


Know who your customer is and where to find them, and do that business plan!


Website, Facebook, organic markets, newspapers, newsletters, customer rewards

program…


Getting the word out there


Lots of interesting information and awareness about business

http://www.ecolinen.com/

http://www.ecolinen.com/

14

NAME: Jen Picknell

BUSINESS: jenious

DATE STARTED: July 2001

WEBSITE: www.jenious.com.au


I had been working for a large corporate company for over 5yrs and had worked my way to

the grand position of ‘Senior Graphic Designer’… of myself! Ha-ha.

So with a position going nowhere and my need to feel creative, independent and have

conviction about what I was doing, I asked for redundancy and started pushing my business

‘jenious’ as a freelance design studio, and I have never looked back. I love being my own

boss!


Love what you do! Be organised! And ask LOTS of questions to all those who are already in

business. Get lots of mentors!


I don’t do a lot of advertising, but I have a website and facebook page. 99% of my business

comes from word of mouth and repeat business, which I find the best form of advertising &

promotion.

Since 2008 I took the step to go and investigate this whole world of networking – through

such groups as BNI (Business Networking International), and PBL (Pittwater Business

Limited), and found these invaluable sources of promoting myself. It was a big step to get up

in front of people and sell ‘me’ as Jenious is all about me, my talents and what I love to do!


I find that maintaining creative flow is major, but keeping in touch with the industry is a great

source of knowledge and motivation.

Also maintaining a constant cash flow with consistent work projects.

I also find that working on my own in my little ‘bat cave’ studio can get a little lonely at times,

so getting out to various networking meetings, and having coffee with other business owners,

friends and otherwise, helps keep the balance!


I have only been to one so far (the Chit Chat & Chai), but found it a really nice, comfortable

environment to listen and learn from others. Thanks for having me along

http://www.jenious.com.au/

http://www.jenious.com.au/

15

NAME: Jenni Barrand

BUSINESS: Little Easels Art School 4 Kids

DATE STARTED: March 2005

WEBSITE: www.littleeasels.com

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? I was working as a nanny whilst

studying Fine Arts and started to put together art lessons for the kids I looked after. I loved it,

they loved it, so it got me thinking I could do just that on a bigger scale. I wanted the control

so that I could work it around being a mum and I believed strongly in the importance of art

education for kids.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? Be prepared

for a rollercoaster, the ups are so rewarding but the challenging times can be stressful when

you put so much of yourself into your business. Overestimate costs, underestimate income

and if the numbers are still good go for it. It might be something you love but you still need to

make an income - you will put more time, energy and love into it that you imagine.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? Mainly through

school newsletters and word of mouth as we have been going for over seven years now.

Currently trying some web and print advertising.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? Switching off from work mode

and trying not to stress in the quieter times. Juggling work goals with mum goals

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR? Apart from enjoying

the events I have been to I have hooked up with great services tailored for small

businesses, Lorna at Paperbag has helped get my marketing sorted and I now have Diana

from taking the stress out of my admin needs. Being part of a network is inspiring and

motivating.

http://www.littleeasels.com/

http://www.littleeasels.com/

16

NAME: Natasha Stewart

BUSINESS: Blue Bird Web and Graphic Design

DATE STARTED: 1 year ago but have worked as a designer much longer.

WEBSITE: www.bluebirdwd.com

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? The passion to be a WAHM and have

control over my own working destiny.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? Be prepared

for lows and quiet times because they come as much as the highs. Use the time to catch up

on your business structures, planning and marketing.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? Majority of my

clients are referrals and then followed closely by Facebook.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? Ensuring I continue to make

time for self education, I always seem to have to many other priorities but am set on

continuing to learn and grow to ensure I can keep offering the business service I can.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR? Have made some

lovely friends which is great to bounce idea's from and gain motivation and inspiration.

http://www.bluebirdwd.com/

http://www.bluebirdwd.com/

17

NAME: Katrina Dale

BUSINESS: Imagine For Kids

DATE STARTED: January 2011

WEBSITE: www.imagineforkids.com.au /www.facebook.com/imagine4kids

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? I needed to find some part time work

but with hubby working long and unusual hours, having 4 kids and no family support, I

needed to find something that would fit around kids and hubby. I also wanted to do

something that I liked rather then something that I had to do. I have always enjoyed sewing

and creating costumes for my children and have been complemented on my creations. So I

thought that I would start to create quality costumes and clothing for others.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? Start with a

set amount that you are willing/able to put into your business and have many plans –

business/marketing/household. I found it just as hard getting the kids and hubby into the

new routine as it was working how I was going to spend my limited budget.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? I mainly promote

on Facebook and in Your Child in the Northern Beaches. The majority of my business comes

from word of mouth recommendations. This takes in the form of friends talking to friends or

people recommending on various Facebook groups.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? Biggest challenge is drawing

the line between work and home. As I work from home it is easy to just tidy this and that

around the house when I should be working or just finishing off a costume when I when it is a

lovely sunny day and the boys want to have a game of soccer with me. It is finding the right

balance – and that balance point is constantly changing!

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR? I have met some

amazing, inspiring ladies through MNBN. They have helped me to think outside of the box to

help me grow as a business owner and as a mum. It is great to know that there are others

going though or have been through what I am

http://www.imagineforkids.com.au/

http://www.facebook.com/imagine4kids

http://www.imagineforkids.com.au/

18

NAME: Cathy Neich

BUSINESS: Cathy’s Niche Make-up & Image Styling

DATE STARTED: 2001

WEBSITE: www.cathysniche.com.au

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? I always wanted a “back-up plan” away from

full-time work when I decided to start a family, hence my business was born & I worked at it on

weekends for about 6 years. When my first child was born 4 years ago, I decided to continue to build

it and make it my primary source of income, yet try & work it around being a stay at home Mum. I

chose image consulting as I had a genuine desire to help men & women look & feel great about

themselves. I also wanted to help others celebrate their unique body shape & size and empower

them to present themselves the very best they can. As a side to the image consultancy I also built a

strong mobile bridal make-up business concentrating on the Northern Beaches area, which is my

bread and butter income during wedding season (Spring/ Summer).

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? Be really clear on

what you want to do. I chose a field I was interested in and decided to train myself up so I could be a

specialist in all things image and make-up. If you are also naturally talented at something, that is a

bonus. Speak to your peers and other people who have succeeded in their chosen business and find

out what makes them special and sets them apart from their competition. Be prepared to work very

hard, especially initially, in order to raise awareness of what you do and that your services/ product

exist. This was especially the case for me as awareness of image consultants/ stylists was minimal

when I first began. This has since changed with shows like “What Not To Wear”, & Celebrity Stylists

like Trinny & Susannah, Tim Gunn & Gok Wan to name a few.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? With my image business

much of the work I do is word of mouth. I also advertise on Google to generate people to visit my

website & see the range of services I offer. I have a Facebook business page

(www.facebook.com/cathysniche) where I post weekly updates on fashion, trends, colour, style,

shopping & make-up & promote events I am involved in. I do group colour & style workshops for

women bi-monthly which allows people to see what I do then make a time for a consultation that is

tailored to their individual needs. I also have a monthly E-Newsletter that I email to clients &

prospects which is full of great image information & what’s coming up in my business. With my mobile

bridal make-up business alot of the work is also word of mouth. I am a member of Northern Beaches

Wedding Expo (NBWE) Network & have been for over 10 years. I exhibit at numerous local NBWE

wedding expo’s each year at various venues in an effort to showcase what I do and meet brides-to-be

face to face. I also have several Photographers and wedding venues that recommend me as their

preferred supplier. I also have a strong alliance with a Hairdresser which allows us to each refer work

to the other.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? Since having my second child in

January last year, juggling a 4+ year old and the youngest has been a challenge when it comes to

sourcing carers when I need to work. Having a supportive partner and extended family is essential or

it would not work. Available time to network has also been limited but as the children get older this

will change.

Continued……

http://www.cathysniche.com.au/


http://www.facebook.com/cathysniche

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NAME: Cathy Neich

BUSINESS: Cathy’s Niche Make-up & Image Styling

DATE STARTED: 2001

WEBSITE: www.cathysniche.com.au

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR? I attended one of the MNBN

events last year and enjoyed meeting other like minded business Mums. I also enjoyed the Guest

Speaker from Basic Bananas and have since done business with the venue where the event was

held, Cheeky Monkey’s, as my daughter had her 4th Birthday Party there this year! I also think the

group is a great support for each other as we all strive to achieve a balance between motherhood &

career.




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NAME: Brenda Tsiaousis

BUSINESS: BrendaTsiaousis.com – Business Growth Strategist.

DATE STARTED: Jan 2011

WEBSITE: http://www.BrendaTsiaousis.com

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? Time Freedom – After moving from

South Africa to Australia 3 years ago, I left behind a senior corporate position where I worked

long hours and never really got to spend time with my children. Finding a business where I

could work around my family was very alluring, I tried quite a number of online business’s

until I discovered that I loved helping business owners accelerate their business growth

authentically with simple strategies and easy to follow action plan. I love having the flexibility

to choose the hours I work.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE STARTING UP IN BUSINESS? Do what you

love. (Yes, we do start business’s to make money) my advice is, when you do what you love

and what you have a natural passion for, the money will follow. Secondly – test and measure,

tweak , then test and measure again – something I am still learning to do. And lastly

(although I have many more tips) Never ever give up…. If doing it on your won is hard, find

someone, a mentor, friend, coach to help you, support you or hold you accountable.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSS? WHAT WORKS BEST? I use Social media

–Facebook, twitter and at time LinkedIn. I also use my blog to create awareness of what I do

and I am a big believer in growing building and nurturing long term relationships with your

subscribers, they often become your biggest fans and help spread the word. Networking

offline is something that I also enjoy doing and have recently landed 2 speaking

engagements as a result. Choose your networking groups wisely though.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? Being productive with the time

I have available. Getting over myself at times – (the little mini me that often rears her ugly

head and tells me I cant do this, the trick is to thank her, tell her you can and keep on doing

the do. ) Trying to do it all myself – in the beginning resources can be tight, so I used to often

spend time doing things that others could be doing, but find myself spending hours trying to

figure out stuff that is non income producing. I have since learned to do what I can, delegate

what I can’t get on get on with doing things that are income producing. My time is valuable.

Continued……

http://www.brendatsiaousis.com/

21

NAME: Brenda Tsiaousis

BUSINESS: BrendaTsiaousis.com – Business Growth Strategist.

DATE STARTED: Jan 2011

WEBSITE: http://www.BrendaTsiaousis.com

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT FROM NETWORKING WITH MNBN SO FAR? Support – mixing

and sharing ideas with other women in business always seems to inspire me. I realise that

being part of a group of dynamic business women is paramount to my success as we share

ideas ( gripes ) tips and strategies which often shortens my learning curve and even helps

me to overcome the little hurdles that sometime gets in the way.



22

NAME: Lorraine Salvi

BUSINESS: MumsDelivery

MumsDelivery is an online resource for mums providing convenient, time saving solutions.

Established as a directory for home delivery & mobile services, it now includes an online

shopping market, product reviews, competitions & more.


WEBSITE: www.mumsdelivery.com.au


The shear overwhelming desire not to leave my baby and return to full-time employment

pushed me to explore business opportunities in a market I am passionate about –

motherhood and children. I wanted to create a business that would help mums through their

journey & hopefully make it easier and more enjoyable.


Develop working relationships with businesses in your industry and through networks as

these can help you learn effective marketing strategies and gain valuable insight into growth

ideas for your business. They are also fantastic resources of information for day to day

concerns and can quickly help you solve an issue while also providing motivational support.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS? WHAT WORKS BEST?

As a consumer based business we have found social media – especially Facebook to be

vital in driving customers to our website whilst also providing us with the ongoing ability to

reach and connect with them on an ongoing basis. Apart from this we are consistently

working to improve the SEO of the site to help improve the organic search results.


The greatest challenge I have faced throughout this journey has been keeping the faith in my

business and my ability as a mumpreneur. Throughout the journey many friends and family

members have doubted the ability for MumsDelivery to succeed and at times it looked bleak.

However, driven by the desire to remain a work at home mum and to turn my hard work into

the business I envisioned, I never stopped believing and continued to work harder at

identifying ways of improvement, while taking solace in the business communities available

for Mumpreneurs to gain insight and support when needed.

Continued…..

http://www.mumsdelivery.com.au/

23

NAME: Lorraine Salvi

BUSINESS: MumsDelivery

MumsDelivery is an online resource for mums providing convenient, time saving solutions.

Established as a directory for home delivery & mobile services, it now includes an online

shopping market, product reviews, competitions & more.


WEBSITE: www.mumsdelivery.com.au


The ability to have a ‘virtual team’ to assist you in answering simple questions, finding

reliable services and learning little tricks and bits of information that help improve your

business.



24

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