British Parent Bloggers

by Littlemummy

This was an interview I did in 2006 when I had an acute interest in women who started their own businesses after becoming a mother. I still think it’s as interesting today as it was then and feel it deserves another outing here at British Parent Bloggers. If you have a post on blogging or parenting that you think deserves a second shot with a new audience please email me at erica.littlemummy@googlemail.com.

Helen runs her own business ‘Helen Broadhead’s Designs’ at www.helenbroadhead.co.uk, where she designs and paints childrens furniture. Here I have asked her some questions about her business in the hope that we can all gain a better idea of what it’s like to run your own business.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

A friend asked me if I could paint a toy box for them in a design to match their childs bedroom, I was only 16 at the time, but gave it a go and it worked fantastic. Nothing more came of this at the time. I continued to study at school and then went onto study at college and university. After leaving university I was at a loss of what to do. I tried many jobs, managerial and other and it wasn’t for me. This was when I decided I would own my own business and its just gone from there. I created my own website at first, but soon discovered this wasn’t ample for my business and had one designed for me. I’ve never looked back since, my business has gone from strength to strength.

What was your main motivation for starting your own business?

I was at a loss with jobs, I knew I didnt like working for other people and then got pregnant. These all combined were enough to push me into doing this. I had no knowledge of running my own business, but I knew this was right for me. I didn’t want to have to return to work after I had my baby and to have to rely on childcare, this wasnt an option for us.

Did you need to raise any finance to start your business?

I didn’t raise any finance, I started with absolutely nothing. It was very hard at first as very penny I earned went back into the business, also my partners income was funding it too. Slowly as things progressed it became a little easier. My business is proof it can be done with no money to begin with!

How many hours a week do you spend running (creating for) your business?

Most of my time is taken up with running the business. I work extremely long hours and it is hard work, however it is very rewarding and I feel worth it in the end. I have no spare time with looking after a baby and running the business, but its something I love.

What strengths do you think it takes to run a successful business?

I believe you have to be very commited and it takes an awful lot of strength and willpower. You need to be commited as, in effect it will take over your life to begin with, it is a constant battle to become established and this takes time. You have to be strong to fight through all the negativity and knock backs to begin with. If you can fight through this, your business will grow and grow.

Have you done any courses or learning programmes with regard to your
business?

Apart from studying art and design at university I have had no formal training or qualifications. There are lots of accounts and business courses out there, business link is a good place to start, but I decided to start from scratch knowing nothing and learn as I progressed. I basically taught myself!

What does your typical day consist of?

A typical day consists of making sure the children are ready to begin with, I then check my emails as these easily build up and become overpowering. I then do some painting in between playing and looking after my son. After tea is when I really begin to work. I will then paint and work until at least midnight to catch up on the time lost during the day. At busier periods I will be up early too - before the children to catch up on work. At weekends I spend a full days working as my partner is home to look after the children.

Do you have any advice for mums or dads considering starting their own business?

Be strong, if things look bleek to begin with, fight through this and continue, things will become brighter and you will see the light as you continue to work at your business. Its always harder to start with - maybe the first year or so.

You can visit Helen at www.helenbroadhead.co.uk