Setting up a business and being a mum ??? :)

[MamanFlo]

Hi Mums :)
I am considering setting up a retail business (children clothing !) but I am also a mum of a 1 year old baby... I am wondering if I will be able to cope and give all the attention my daughter needs. Just to spice things up, there is a slight chance that I'm pregnant with baby number 2 (which might postpone my start up plans...)
If you're own your business, I'd be happy to hear from you and your experience. How is your day ? Are you happy with your job and the balance with family life ?
thanks !

flo

good question, MamanFlo! I've recently set up my own business, \link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=1930&threadid=178538\The Baby Feed Wheel} having had no previous experience in this sort of thing. I have a 3 yr old daughter, and do find it difficult, even though (or maybe because!) I'm working from home.
However, I am thoroughly enjoying what I do,although the mornings when dd is at nursery are definitely easier!

I'm just doing it (handmade cards and related crafts) and I have a 2yo and 20wo. I'm knackered, but it's fun. Do it!

Hunkermunker, I've been reading your thread with interest. Good for you on the stall setting up thing!
I think a big part of setting up a new business is that initial first leap into the unknown. After that you are sort of swept along, iyswim.
(by the way, previous link was to my small business ad here on mn, in case it seemed like I was putting in a sneaky link )

I'd seen them before, BTB and meant to say - they're lovely. If my stall takes off, can I order some from you?

I have been encouraged by the feedback I received today, and also from the minuteman press chap who did my signage laminating on Tuesday (left it till the last minute ). He took my details and said he'd put business my way as they sometimes get people asking for one-offs and it's not worth setting them up to print really.

If I'd thought about it logically, I'd never have done it. I'm toying with applying for a huge craft fair, but am not sure I'm up to it. Might though - nothing like leaping in the deep end for making you raise your game!

Exactly hunkermunker, - take a deep breath and hold your nose!!

Aw,and thanks Hm -I do trade rates!!
Ooh, and Mamanflo, I'm reviewed in this months childrenswear buyer mag - a match made in heaven!

betty : very smart your product ! I will definitely order it for my sister and best friend who are expecting for November :)

I have a very precise concept in mind, aimed mostly at little girls, but at the moment I will keep my mouth shut ... until I have my plans and funding set up. Might be a while though before I realise my dream (especially if I keep going on with my baby2 plans ;) ) ... not to mention that I live in France at the moment and want to set up this business in London where DH lives.

I was considering setting up a retail website, but I'd just love having a real shop and see people coming to browse and discover my products... I hope "cheap" childcare will be easy to find (yes another mad idea of mine !) .

thanks a lot for your answers ! Other opinions are of course welcome !

[email protected] !

Thanks MamanFlo!
There have been a couple of threads recently about setting up businesses, and people have linked to some very good websites for organisations providing support and advice. Being in France might make it trickier, but if you used a London address you should be able to tap into resources such as business link, Princes trust (has an age limit tho') and others.

I've set up a small business recently, it's web based at the moment. I have a DS who will be 3 in September and goes to nursery one morning a week. I do find it gets very hard going though and find I end up saying "Just off to the toilet for a minute" whilst I have to sort something. I do feel he's been getting a bit neglected. It will be much better when his nursery have more space for him. It has been a lot of fun though (in a weird kind of way) and there's nothing like the satisfaction of seeing something you have set up yourself and knowing that any profit (eventually I hope!) will go in your pocket and not line someone else's.

I have already looked up on business link, a brilliant website. I'll look up for Princes trusts and these threads... DH is just finishing his MBA so I hope to use his finance skills the best way possible :) . I am meeting with the clothes designer tomorrow... I am really just at the start of it, but exaclty like Kitty said, I am so excited about getting the rewards of my own job and not count on a lousy boss to tell me that I am good at what I am doing :)

How about the National Childrenswear Association? I don't know what sort of organisation they are, but they might also be able to offer help and advice.

I think you will need childcare. I have worked from home since both my children were a few months old, but would not consider doing so without childcare. I wouldn't get enough done.

betty : I'll definitely look up for this, especially to check if my store concept has already been done somewhere in the UK :)

thanks !

flo

Yes, actually, reading MI's post - you will need childcare, I don't get enough done :o

kittypickle - halfterm, when dd didn't have nursery was pretty much a write-off, work wise!

I have attempted to go ahead with a bricks and morter shop but found it much easier to stick with trading online for now. Rent, rates and everything else just cost too much.