Our latest participant in our entrepreneurial mums feature is Keeley Edge from Fleet in Hampshire, who runs the UK and Ireland franchise for Simply Colors, makers of personalised clothing for children. She’s mum to Oliver, two.
Why I started my business: After selling my previous business before Oliver was born, I wasn’t really looking for a new business but I think it was in the back of my mind. Oliver received a personalised hoodie and t-shirt from his auntie who lives in Spain for his first birthday. I loved them and looked Simply Colors up on the internet as I wanted to buy some t-shirts as gifts for friends. I was really surprised to see that they were not yet in the UK, so I jumped straight in as this was too good an opportunity to miss! I could really see the potential.
Toughest Challenge: Working around my two year old! When I started he slept for two and a half hours a lunch time which gave me plenty of time, with evenings to work. But he soon dropped any daytime nap! It’s easier now as he goes to pre-school 3 days a week but as we continue to grow I often work in the evenings until midnight – it’s a good job I love hard work and deadlines!
What I enjoy most: Working around my two year old! As much as I enjoy work I love being around my little boy. It’s so amazing to see how much he changes and learns day by day and working with Simply Colors allows me to be able to be a mum and spend valuable time with Oliver. I also really enjoy attending the Baby Show’s three times a year. It’s a very busy 3 days as we make personalised clothing to order on the stand and customers take their t-shirts home with them – our stand is always crazy but we get to meet our customers face to face, which is great!
My advice for someone thinking about starting their own business: Look in to all the details thoroughly and if it really feels right – go for it! I don’t think you should go into a business thinking about how much money you want to make (of course you need to have budgets and projections); go into the business to make it as successful as you possibly can and everything else will then follow!
Check out the other mums that we have featured so far. If you’d like to take part, get in touch at features AT bambinogoodies.co.uk
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