The Mother Factor #EpicBizMums Feature – Laura Sturdy

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This feature has left me in awe. I’m not going to say anything about it, you have to read on…..

Laura please introduce yourself

My name is Laura Sturdy, I will be 30 on Friday and I am a mum to two boys Harry 12 and Theo 2, I have been a clinical holistic therapist for over 7 years. I have always been interested in natural healing and holistic therapies, the interest originally started when I was 12 when due to a back condition I was offered and operation which had a 30% mortality rate and a 40% chance of leaving me paralysed. My parents not liking those odds found an alternative practitioner who has kept me walking and enjoying life ever since

Brief description of company

Well it is still in the development stages and we are not yet up and running properly so I am sure what I write here will develop and evolve  but the basis is for Holistic Mama to be about providing Mama’s (and the papa’s) with the resources they need to make informed EMPOWERED decisions regarding their children, focussing on natural and holistic healthcare. I want to inspire Mama’s who are looking at gentler, natural, more compassionate birthing and parenting.What is the main aim of your business?

There is so much I want to do with Holistic Mama that I don’t know where to start! Firstly to bring a larger awareness of the following topics, through my blog, classes, talks, workshops, the therapies I practice and the qualifications I hope to add over the next 12 months.

Mindful parenting

natural medicines and holistic therapies

Baby sign language

Healthy eating

connection parenting, playful parenting and peaceful ‘discipline’
mothering as spiritual practice

peaceful pregnancies and calm, empowered births

eco/natural/green baby products

I have lots of plans for Holistic Mama over the next 12 months, and I can provide a sneak peek to some ~ in October I will be beginning my training as a Doula and in November I will be meeting up with Shelly Ensor of Little Signers Club to start the first stage of their teacher training.

I am also hoping to work on a plan to take Holistic Mama to family friendly festivals in 2013…watch this space.

BUT more than anything I want to empower mothers to listen to their hearts when making decisions about their pregnancies, their children and their parenting.

What was your main motivation to go into self employment?

To be honest I don’t like being told what to do what to think, how to act or react, I like my freedom and work best when I am able to be in charge of what I am doing. I am a Leo so naturally tend to be a bit on the bossy side and when employed always had a tendency to take over. I can work well in a team but normally as a team leader. I decided in my early 20’s that there was no point trying to fit this round peg into the square hole of employment. It also worked better as a parent I have been a mother now for 12 years and love the freedom that self-employment gives me to work around the needs of my boys.

What word of advice would you give to mums who are thinking about becoming self employed?

It is hard work you never leave your job at the door and you are always balancing all of the things that you need doing and will often ‘feel guilty’ about one thing or another. It is important to realise that you can’t do everything and you either need to get in help ( for example my mum does my ironing) or accept that there will always be dirty pots in the sink. But I wouldn’t have it any other way, especially now with all the support that there is from like minded business mums via social networks.

What is your favourite song that helps motivate you ?

I love this song at the moment, it really resonates with me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWRz36tIcsM

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I am addicted to books, I love reading and learning more about everything that interests me gentle parenting, astrology, natural therapies and healthcare, crafts, chickens, pregnancy, self development, meditation, spiritual growth and lots more as well as the odd love story.

I also like exploring the countryside with my sons, baking the occasional cake, and getting crafty (although I don’t have a lot of time for this one), cooking for friends, and camping.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge is my ‘self-belief’, I have some fab amazing ideas and know deep down that Holistic Mama is going to be something wonderful and special, but many days I wonder if I am good enough or talented enough to succeed. Do I really have a big enough knowledge base to be able to provide love and support to other mums? The answer is YES but I do often doubt myself. I am trying to overcome this by surrounding myself with people who are more supportive and especially mums who are in business who understand the challenges.

Which people have inspired you most in your life?

I love strong women those who inspire and encourage you just by being them, those that make you believe that there is a better life and that each of us can make this world a better place.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HolisticMama

Twitter @holisticmamauk

Blog http://holisticmamauk.wordpress.com

Website www.holisticmama.co.uk

Email address holisticmamauk@gmail.com

The Mother Factor #EpicBizMums – Emma Canton-Ekkes

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I first met Emma when she responded to a post on my fan page. She explained what she wanted to do with running a business and literally in the same sentence told me that she was mum to five children. Her drive and passion is really inspiring.

Emma please introduce yourself

 Hi there, my name is Emma Canton-Ekkes. I am 32 and have 5 very busy children. I have always enjoyed working, but don’t actually have any qualifications (I will get my time at uni when the kids are grown up…) Previous jobs include retail, glassmaking, clothing alterations and running my own shop.

Brief description of company

‘Twice As Nice!’ Holds events for parents to buy and sell their outgrown maternity, baby and children’s goods. We aim to ease the financial pressure of parenting costs.

What is the main aim of your business?

I aim to build a strong brand. A business that isn’t just about an income, but a community based event that brings parents together to exchange knowledge and tips along with their outgrown items. I would love to be able to offer my business as a franchise to other parents who would like to make self employment work for them.

What was your main motivation to go into self employment?

I felt that being mum to 5 children, there were no jobs to fit the hours I have free. I had to build a career around my family life. My business moulds around my primary job as a mum.

What word of advice would you give to mums who are thinking about becoming self employed?

Do it, do it, DO IT! It is not an easy step, but there are so many women out their who will nurture you and offer support and encouragement. Get your business plan together and talk to as many people about your idea as possible. Don’t give up, re-analyse, adjust and stick with it

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love the beach, baking, and dancing the night away! (Not that the opportunity arises all that much any more!)

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Adjusting to life as a single parent. It took me a long time to come to terms with the breakdown of my marriage. After 2 years of not speaking and totally out of the blue, we managed to reconcile. On reflection, there were lots of things that I needed to deal with alone. The universe has a way of working things out for you… I also suffer with mental health issues. This frustrates me as I’m a bubbly outgoing person. Depression is one of those things that you have to learn to live with. My business is a coping mechanism. I’ve learnt to implement strategies to make sure I recognise the highs and lows. Having something to focus on really helps me keep on a level.

Which people have inspired you most in your life? Wow. This is a hard one. I think I was inspired by Anita Roddick at a very early age. My mum was studying business when I was about 11 and I read about her. I like empowered women who make a difference to the world around them…

What gave you the push to be self employed?

Necessity. I wanted to be self sufficient, in control of my future.

What do you enjoy most about being self employed?

Erm, the late nights and non stop work? No, I meet some amazing people through my business. It is quite a social event for some of my customers. I’m appreciative of the social opportunities my business brings me.

3 words to describe your business style?

Friendly, versatile and resourceful…

The Mother Factor #EpicBizMums – Joanne Shaw

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This #EpicbizMum does not stop creating! Her products and artwork are so creative they will blow you away. She has recently joined our team and is a very close friend…

Jo please introduce yourself

Where do I start???!!!

I’m a 43 yr old mum of three wonderful children. Tom 22, James 17 and Charlotte (aka Dot) almost 13. I live in Hemel Hempstead where I was born! I’ve always loved do-ing and making things since I was very small whether it was drawing, sewing or making lego houses!. I went to college after I finished school and I passed a BTEC National Diploma in Typographic Design. Instead of going into that field I was offered a job where I worked on a Saturday selling wedding dresses. Tom came along not long after that, but the wedding thing sort of stayed with me. I then passed City + Guilds in Fashion course and then over the years passed my City + Guilds in Florisrty. So all roads have sort of lead to where I am now!

Brief description of company

JOANNE SHAW DESIGNS is 3 businesses rolled into one!

There is the bespoke floristry side General, Wedding and Funeral.

The Greetings Card, invitation and drawing side and finally the bespoke, made to measure Wedding Dress and Outfit side!

I’m also a partner in “Once Upon A Wedding Fair” with Katy Brookes-Duncan and another friend Michelle. We set it up last year to promote our individual companies as well as promoting local suppliers and small businesses.

What is the main aim of your business?

To provide a personal service sometimes not found on the high street, to provide something that is unique and bespoke designed and to know I’ve put love care and attention and 110% into everything that I do. By doing this I’ll hopefully get repeat business.

What was your main motivation to go into self-employment?

It sort of found me really. It’s always been a passion. It fits in around the children’s needs. I still work part time just for a bit of regular money. Once people realised what I could do I started to get orders and really haven’t looked back.

I came from a self-employed house. So I’ve always had that mindset. I do struggle working for others. I’d much rather do something for myself. That’s what makes me tick!

What word of advice would you give to mums who are thinking about becoming self employed?

Know your market, do your homework. Try to find a niche, something original. Get your name out there. Join every group you can you can learn so much from other people. NETWORK!!! Also recommendation is a wonderful thing.

What is your favourite song that helps motivate you ?

Oh blimey I have so many!!! I love music always have. I was brought up on Elgar, Gustav Holst, Englebert Humperdink, Petula Clark, Abba, Queen and Cliff to name but a few!! That’s before I hit my teenage years!!

At the moment it’s a toss up between Black Eyed Peas “ I’ve had the time of my life” and Duran Duran’s “Rio”

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love family history. I’ve been doing mine for years. In fact I love all history especially Royal History!!   I love WATCHING sport and if there was a gold medal for armchair athletics I would win lol!! Love quizzes I’m a little competitive (Head of useless info). I love art too I’m a culture vulture.

Have you won any awards or had any nominations?

No not been nominated or won any awards. Apart from winning all 4 BAGA gymnastic badges at Primary School.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

There are days when the self-belief wains usually after the unsupportive section of my household keeps having a go.” Don’t know why you do this?” “You’re never going to achieve anything” How do I overcome it I just say “I CAN DO THIS” I know I can.

Which people have inspired you most in your life?

My Mum and Dad who are always behind me 100% My Auntie Eileen who I get my love of sewing and wedding’s from. My grandparents who I adored and finally Princess Diana who without her I wouldn’t of had my love of fashion and the hundreds of drawings in my office and the hundred odd books in the loft!

Where do you see JOANNE SHAW DESIGNS in the future?

JSD evolves day by day. It started off with me doing hand embroidered cushions. In the future I want to expand the bespoke drawing line pictures etc. Get my name and my work out there and to make my children proud of me!! My motto is “Nothing is impossible”

Who is your favourite artist?

I love the impressionists, Monet and Renoir. People like William Morris, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Clarice Cliff.

How do you manage part time work, organise wedding fairs and 3 businesses?

To tell you the truth it generally just falls into place. No 2 days are ever the same. I know what I can and can’t fit it!! I do work better late at night when everyone is generally in bed! I do tend to prioritise. Part time work is Monday and Wednesday so that leaves the other days for work, networking, stock making etc. Wedding Fair work isn’t all the time  and we do delegate which helps maintain a balance!!

The Mother Factor #EpicBizMums – Shelley Ensor

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Shelley Ensor, in my eyes is a real inspiration to me. She has an amazing meaningful business created by her with so much love and when you hear here talk about it you just know.

Shelley please introduce yourself and your business…

Little Signers Club provides baby and toddler signing classes to aid communication development and language confidence. It’s a very simple, great FUN concept that really helps reduce tantrums, frustration and promotes some incredible insights and bonding as well. We also provide a lot of pastoral care for parents who attend our classes – discussing everything baby and toddler related.

Our teachers are simply incredible in all sorts of amazing ways; theirlove of helping families shines through and some of their stories are so motivational; frequently they move me to tears and I have over 7 years in the industry.

What was your main motivation to go into self employment?

I was made redundant when pregnant with my first baby. Having been headhunted all my working life, it came as a bit of a shock when I couldn’t even get temp work because I was expecting – yes, really! So I plunged into the world of self employment 7 years ago and have never looked back. I wouldn’t willingly go back to being employed now.

What word of advice would you give to mums who are thinking about becoming self employed?

Make sure you know exactly what it is that you want to do and that you have the time and resources to commit to it. Vision, passion and connections are what good businesses thrive on; if you are not passionate about what you do, how can you connect with the people who you want to offer your goods or service to? What are yourstrengths? Where do you need help? Do an outline business plan at the very least and make sure you research your sector thoroughly so that you are completely confident that what you offer is suitable and credible. There is a phrase which is something along the lines of “it’s not necessary to have a new idea but rather take an existing idea and do it better” – I think that is true.

What is your favourite song to listen to on a Monday?

I don’t actually have one! My favourite sound in the world though is my daughters laughing together. If I had to have one song at the moment it would be this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoImizvsj5w

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love reading and read as much as I can. I also love cooking and friends and being out and about with my little ones. My list of things that I would love to do is as long as your arm – I am greatly looking forward to having some time to start doing some of them soon! I am so in awe of people who manage to have time for their hobbies as well as running their businesses and small children. For me, something has togive at the moment and it tends to be my hobbies – with the recent arrival of my baby boy, it tends to mean that bed is a preferable option right now!

What is the main aim of your business?

Oh…. what wouldn’t I like to achieve might be more appropriate! A wonderful, vibrant, exhilarating company that provides communication development expertise to anyone who needs it regardless of status. To make baby signing completely accessible across the country. To finally get some sort of government recognition of the fact that IT JUST WORKS (yes I am shouting!) so that babies and toddlers can be given this wonderful, simple form of communication that helps them not only to have their needs met but provides fun interactions between children and their parents or carers – before speech begins. It is also great for multilingual children which in our changing, dynamic culture, not onlyenables the bridging of the communication gap but the cultural gap too.

Do you have any special offers coming up or promotions? I am delighted to say that we have just launched our free baby signing e-book which has been written in conjunction with Cath Smith, the UK’s leading Early Years BSL author. This short booklet is absolutely free and can help anyone get started with signing- simply and quickly. You can download it here – www.littlesignersclub.co.uk/baby-signing-ebook.htm

Have you won any awards or had any nominations?

Quite a few over the last couple of years but our biggest and most prestigious achievement was to feature on BBC Politics Show. :0)

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me has been overcoming distrust since I had a couple of not so nice experiences with people almost back to back in the middle of 2010. It took me a good while to get back to grips with what we were doing and if it wasn’t for my right hand lady, Louise, I don’t think we would be where we are today with a most incredible team. I simply couldn’t do it without them all. We have a spot on ourforum for days when “I need a hug” and this is a wonderful support area for days that just get on top of you.

10. Which people have inspired you most in your life?

Marneta Viegas of Relax Kids, Veronika Robinson of The Mother Magazine, my grandad, my grandma and countless other people who continue to strive everyday for what they believe in. Everyone I meet has something inspiring about them.

What should a mum look out for when they are purchasing a franchise

I have been in the position of both owing a franchise and now running a licensee business and ultimately what you should look for when considering franchising is something that you can bring your passion too.

Service franchises have skills that can be taught if you can’t bring them to the table already, product franchises obviously have products that provide some value to a consumer along the way – but you have to believe in yourself and totally understand what it is that the business you are considering offers.

For instance with Little Signers Club, it goes with the territory that you would love engaging with small children (and their parents) and really enjoy communication interaction. The rest – how to sign, how babies, toddlers and children communicate and when, how to run a business, how to market your business, how to make best use of your area and how to get yourself noticed can all be taught and we spend a great deal of time doing just that.

A few things to consider:

• Support is also key – how much support do you get, when, where and how?

• Value for money – how long will it take you to regain your initial investment?

• Are there hidden extra’s?

• Do you have to source your products and materials from the franchise at an inflated price?

• Are there multiple income streams?

• Do you like the people you are talking to about the business?

• What is the ethos and credibility of the company?

• Can you see the business working around your existing commitments?

What is your best tip on managing family life and work!

Accept firstly that not everything will get done, every day. Sometimes, you simply get through – and that’s ok you know! Make time for each part of your life. I highly recommend Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (who sadly passed away this week, he will be missed, RIP Mr Covey and thank you for your inspirational work) for a great way to juggle everything that needs to be done in your life.

People come first, then everything else.

Look after yourself; body, mind and spirit to be the best that you can be for everyone who depends on you.

Connect with Shelley and Little Signers Club

Facebook www.facebook.com/littlesignersclub.co.uk

Twitter www.twitter.com/littlesignerhq

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/LittleSignersClub

Blogs www.littlesignersclub.wordpress.comWebsite www.littlesignersclub.co.uk

Email address info@littlesignersclub.co.uk

Thank you Shelley xx

The Mother Factor #EpicBizMums – Jackie Speight

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Jackie has been a huge support to me in the past 12 months since we “met”.  She is a huge supporter of business mums and she is also a great friend.

I met Jackie when I kept seeing her share my posts on Facebook and I just had to introduce myself to someone so generous.

Jackie please introduce yourself!

I was born and brought up in Birkenhead, just across the River Mersey from Liverpool. After studying Music at Lancaster University I decided the life of a musician was not for me (mainly because there weren’t many career opportunities for recorder players, which I’d studied!) I subsequently spent more than 20 years in the Civil Service in North West England, covering a wide range of disciplines including the management of human resources, recruitment, payroll, budgets and projects, business process design, policy development and customer service. During that time I studied part-time to gain qualifications including a Masters degree in Strategic Human Resource Management and also a Master of Business Administration degree (I never could quite shake off the perennial student in me!)

I was a fairly late starter in terms of having a family, but eventually I settled in Blackpool and in 2003 I was blessed with the arrival of my first son Andrew, followed in 2005 by David. At that point I took voluntary redundancy from the Civil Service and enjoyed being a full-time Mummy until both boys had settled into school”

About Angel Virtual Assistant Ltd

Angel Virtual Assistant Ltd provides remote administrative, secretarial, typing, lifestyle management and freelance PA services to sole traders and small businesses throughout the UK and Ireland. All business owners find themselves faced with paperwork and admin that has to be completed properly. Angel Virtual Assistant Ltd. handles this for the, taking away the pressure and running costs associated with in-house administration, secretarial, typing and clerical support.

By providing a remote, on-line service covering a wide range of business and lifestyle management support, Angel Virtual Assistant Ltd. Leaves with time to fulfil your own business purposes and goals, safe in the knowledge that their paperwork is being completed to a high standard.

What is the main aim of your business?

The business exists to take away some of the pressure experienced by people who are running their own businesses and don’t have the budget or facilities (office space, equipment etc.) to take on staff to deal with their admin. Many of those people struggle with paperwork, partly because it is a massive drain on their time and often because it’s simply not one of their strengths. By providing a service which they can buy into just when they need it, Angel Virtual Assistant Ltd gives them time and space to concentrate on what they do best – and hopefully leave them with some time for themselves too.

What was your main motivation to go into self employment?

Having waited a long time to be a Mum, I wanted to be able to be around for my children as much as possible for as long as possible. I love to be able to help out at their school, go to assemblies, help on trips etc, but I knew that I could only do that if I designed a career which I could get to work around those times whilst still providing a quality service to clients. I wanted to use the skills and experience I’d built up over the years, and so virtual assistance seemed like a great option for me.

What word of advice would you give to mums who are thinking about becoming self employed?

It can seem like a scary prospect, especially if you’re used to working for a large organisation (as I was) or if you haven’t worked for a long time. But there’s so much advice, information and support available now that it’s worth giving it a go. If you can find a good business advice service locally, go to them – but even if you can’t find one,  everything you need to find out is accessible on-line. And make contact with other people who’ve done the same – I can’t speak highly enough of the great contacts I’ve made via Facebook and Twitter, most of whom I’ve never met but who are a constant source of advice, ideas and good old moral support!

What is your favourite song that helps motivate you ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WumSB0vZ5l8  (maybe not motivational in the conventional sense – but it’s a great energiser to get me started in the morning!!)

How do you keep motivated?

Oooh, that’s a tough one – not sure I manage that all the time (does anyone?) The main thing that keeps me going with my business though is the sure & certain knowledge that I couldn’t do all I do for my boys in any other way. Neither could I use the best of my skills for people who are likely to get the best benefit from it, i.e small businesses who can’t afford to have someone doing their paperwork on a full time basis. I’m hoping that one day I can expand enough to give other people the chance to do work with me on the same basis, without having to set up on their own – that’s a good reason to stick with it now. Feel free to use that verbatim, or whichever parts you feel are appropriate.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I seem to spend quite a lot of time at the boys’ school, helping out on the PTFA and as a Parent Governor, and I’m also a Beaver Scout Section Assistant. When we’re all away from school and work I love spending time with my hubby and the boys, and visiting my family and friends back in Birkenhead. If I have any time left I love listening to all kinds of music, reading and going to Zumba classes!

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Getting used to working alone most of the time after having the camaraderie of a large office, and also working at home with all the distractions that entails! I attend local networking events when I can, and I’m also finding that social networking helps to alleviate the potential feeling of isolation to some extent.

Which people have inspired you most in your life?

My late parents – they were the most hard working people I ever met, and would always go out of their way to help people even if it wasn’t convenient to do it. Those are the qualities I hope I can replicate.

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AngelVirtualAssistantLtd

Twitter http://twitter.com/AngelVALtd

Linked In http://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieangelvirtualassistant

Blogs http://angelvirtualassistant.blogspot.com/

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/jackieangelva/

https://plus.google.com/100154301792659137319?prsrc=3#100154301792659137319/posts

http://www.youtube.com/user/AngelVALTD

Website   http://angelassistant.co.uk/

Email address enquiries@angelassistant.co.uk

The Mother Factor #EpicBizMums – Kate Beddow

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Big welcome to Kate Beddow owner of Growing Spirit Kids 🙂Image

Kate is the first mum to launch our #EpicBizMums Blog posts and she has given us a very inspirational interview.

Kate please introduce yourself!

“Having trained and worked for years as a Primary School teacher I knew that when I had my own children I didn’t want to go back to work and leave my children with someone else. When my daughter was born 8years ago I registered as a childminder so I could stay at home with her but then when she was 3yrs old I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour which gave me a condition called acromegaly. It was a very scary time and I was told I would always be physically deformed and in pain, and worst of all, that I couldn’t have any more children. In Nov 2007 I had successful surgery and my physical features began to return to normal and the pain was instantly removed. Six months later I conceived Daniel and the rest was history. I have always had a natural healing gift but going through all that made me even more determined to use natural healing techniques to keep myself well. The more I trained and the more I learned the more I knew I needed to share this with other people and help others to stay well. Having worked as a healer for nearly 3years I realised last December that I needed to focus on working with children, it is what I have always wanted to do but was never brave enough. So in December 2011 Growing Spirit was reincarnated as Growing Spirit Kids and I have never felt more comfortable or happy in a job. I thought healing was my perfect job but healing and children is my idea of heaven!”

Brief description of company

Kate Beddow is a children’s healer and holistic life coach. I use a combination of hands on and hands off healing as well as informal art therapy, life coaching and counselling techniques to help everyone from pregnant women through to teens. I also offer online classes and workshops for parents and families to help with holistic parenting issues, to help Mums to rediscover their own inner goddess and help families to relax and grow together.

What is the main aim of your business?

Happy, healthy and calm families!

What was your main motivation to go into self employment?

Being able to work flexibly round the children but also to be able to create the company I wanted rather than fitting someone else’s pattern. What I offer is unique, as far as I am aware and it is my own personality and experience which makes it what it is.

What word of advice would you give to mums who are thinking about becoming self employed?

Make sure you choose a concept you really love because you will be working every spare hour you have!

What is your favourite song that helps motivate you? The Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston

What do you like to do when you are not working?

Housework!  No seriously, I don’t do housework! I love spending time with my children, walking on Cannock Chase, spending time with friends and family, painting, singing, yoga and meditation.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? Juggling family time and work time, I now make myself turn off my laptop by 8pm 5 nights a week, however I do still have clients coming on an evening so I am making an effort to stop working earlier to spend time with my husband and also relax and switch off before bed.

Which people have inspired you most in your life?

My husband, my children, my parents and my good friend Lisa Williams.

Keep in touch with Kate

Facebook  – http://www.facebook.com/GrowingSpiritKids

Twitter – @Growingspirit

Blogs – www.katebeddow.co.uk/blog

Website – www.katebeddow.co.uk

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If you wish to star in your own #EpicBizMums Feature please send us a request on our website www.themotherfactor.com

Five steps to becoming #EpicBizMums

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We are creating a buzz for all #EpicBizMums!

Why?

In the time I have run my business I have met so many women with a story behind starting their business. Each story has strength, passion and a go getting attitude behind it that I cannot keep these stories to myself for any longer.

#EpicBizMum is a special area on our blog where we interview a different business woman each week while she shares her advice, successes, mistakes and knowledge for you to learn from.

How can you support us?

1.      COMMENT – Read and share your views on the blog posts

2.      SHARE and SHOUT – Share the posts with anyone you feel can benefit from it

3.      HASHTAG and RETWEET – Retweet on Twitter and use our hashtag #EpicBizMums and also retweet other #EpicBizMums tweeters

4.      APPLY – Contact us if you wish to be featured on #EpicBizMums

5.      NOMINATE – If you know anyone who you feel is an #EpicBizMums email us to nominate them to be featured

What you will get from supporting #EpicBizMums?

  • Tried and tested advice
  • Support
  • Inspiration
  • Laughs and tears
  • Lessons
  • Ideas
  • Knowledge

We are launching on Wednesday 27th June so make sure you are subscribed to our blog http://wp.me/18J5r to read it as soon as it is posted.

Sally Pettitt

A nomination with a difference

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Last week the lovely Charlotte Pearson from Strategic Consultant & C and Mummy Fever nominated me for an award with a difference. I was very excited when I saw the tweet from her to say I had been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award.

Charlotte has been a part in my success with The Mother Factor and her support and kind words have helped me excel. She amazed me with all her energy and patience to organise a whole conference by herself.

Charlotte launched Mummy Fever not so long ago and her first event proved very popular. Mummy Fever will spread across the UK so watch this space!

The Mother Factor has been run for over a year now and is my pride and joy. We started off offering coaching to new pregnant mums and then grew into a hub where mums can come for any support and advise they needed when at a crossroads in any point of parenthood. If you choose to return back to work, stay at home or start up a business we have a course or programme for you. Our Business Success Circle is now taking bookings for September which will be our fourth group.

Now, in order to receive this award, I must tell you 5 things you probably won’t already know about me and then nominate 5 others who then need to do the same. So here are my five….

1)    I also run Receptive Mind which I launched just after I had my child. The business is focused at companies small to medium sized businesses who need support in sales or leadership training.

2)    I have a huge passion for photography and love photographing landscapes, plants and of course my little boy.

3)    I love to Zumba! Exercise is fabulous for me as I always feel really good after a dance or jog.

4)    In order to achieve what I have now I had to get over a huge confidence problem I’ve had all through my life and when I had Sean I knew I had to do something about it. It was hard but I can confidently say I am now a confident person.

5)    My little sister is my biggest support and I have no idea what I’d do without her. She has had to be the big sister on a few occasions and has always been there for me and my son at a moment’s notice.  She got married this year but I still remember her as a little girl.

These are my five nominations

1)      Francisca Burgess

Fran won my competition when I spoke at The Business Mums Unite Conference run by Charlotte Pearson. We have been friend ever since. Fran is an amazing mum with two sons and very cute twin girls. Her blog is called Teens ‘n’ Twincesses, because she does really have her hands full.

2) Louisa Baker

Louisa runs a company called Dyna Girl which is an online business selling lots of pretty items. I’m a big fan of her SupaSoles, you have to check them out! If you love your heels you’ll appreciate a pair of these. I met Louisa at a networking event she hosts and she is a very supportive mum in business, you can read about her meetings in her blog.

 

3)    Kate Beddow

Kate runs Growing Spirit Kids and is just getting ready to launch her first e book. Her blog has lots of advice and is a very interesting read

4)    Julia Bramble

When I first met Julia I remembered her as “the lady who tweets” because of seeing her so often on Twitter first. She is an excellent Social Media Consultant and has supported many small businesses. Her blog, Bramble Buzz. Is always a good read and provides so much information for you to apply in your business.

5)    Sophie Brookes

Sophie runs Little Shoots Tutoring and her blog, Learning from the left side, is packed full of fun learning tips and games. Her methods have proven very successful with my son and I have no idea what I would do without her support.

Nominees: In order to receive the award you must link back to me nominating you on your blog and list 5 facts about yourself that your readers probably won’t already know and then nominate 5 more people.

Can’t wait to read what you share with us all.

Sally xxxx

A week of ‘firsts’

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What an awesome week it’s been of firsts! A full week of new experiences as a mum and a business owner.

Our first ever networking launch

This is an event I have been procrastinating about running for over a year now and after clients asking me too and there being a demand a date was set.

We started at 10am in Evans House in Pinner. The room was laid out as I wanted it and the smell of coffee and cake was there to welcome the networkers. The event had been fully book for a week before the event so we were expecting a full house.

As people started to arrive you could hear the buzz around the room as conversation flowed and connections were being made.

We had an excellent speaker booked, Nishit Kotak, who’s talk was titled ‘SEO 2012 – The Impact of Social Signals, Local Search and Mobile Websites on your search rankings’ and it was filled with practical tips that for us too immediately implement to result in a positive impact on our search results on Google.

I must give a special mention to Jo Banfield Shaw for supplying our yummy cakes for the delegates.

Our next meeting is on the 20th June in Pinner, Harrow.

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My boys first tooth falling out

This was so funny! Little man had a birthday party after school so I dropped him off and walked home as his friend’s house was not far. After a couple of hours I went to pick him up and was greeted with a grinning chap and a gap in his teeth. “My tooth’s fallen out and I can’t find it!” he said proudly. There was a search party looking for this tooth where all the children were playing but no it couldn’t be found. The Tooth Fairy still visited though.

The first full week of glorious sunshine this year

A good week was finished with an evening of being outdoors with a deserving glass of Pimms! Perfect!