Success Story: Its An Attitude

Our latest Success Story is yet another example of a savvy Mum finding inspiration through the journey of motherhood and turning her small idea into big business.


Meet Joanna Barclay. This is her story: 


A couple of years ago, after relocating to Dubai from Hong Kong (a true expat !) I wanted to find a career which would allow me to work from home so I could spend time with my 2 children, but also to find a project that was not only enjoyable to start on, but something a little ‘different’, something where there was a niche in the market place. A girlfriend and I put our thinking caps on and after quite some time and a lot of ideas (which were thrown in the bin) later .... I happened to be looking in my daughters wardrobe and came across a beautiful bright pink cashmere hat that was given to her at her birth. It is one of the few items that I kept and is still so gorgeous, soft and remembered with such fondness. From there, we decided that that was it ! We would embark on building up a small brand focusing on baby wear which was not only of the highest quality but also in an array of really fun, exciting bright colours – very different to the ‘high street’ baby pinks and baby blues. The products were to be true keepsake pieces which could be handed down from generation to generation. And so, Babatude – Babies with Attitude – was born !

Since starting Babatude, we have come across and discovered that there are many more amazing, imaginative and daringly independent designers out there whose products are far too distinctive to be considered for the mainstream retailing industry. Designers who like us feel that the market is far too restrictive and predictable to cater for those who dare to be different!

So in May 2012 along came Babatude Boutique ! We decided to team up with some of these incredible artists and talent from all over the globe and offer our clients a wider selection of bespoke new discoveries from both ends of the price bracket. It’s been a crazy, busy past 6 months as we have hand-picked and invited each individual designer to join our Boutique which takes an incredible amount of research (research, research and oh, more research !) to ensure that we have the cream-of-the crop on our site ! Unfortunately we haven’t been able to meet most of the artists purely due to the distance factor - if only I could do a field trip to see our wonderful brand, Mi Cielo in Hawaii ! - we have and continue to grown a terrific relationship with them, which really makes this role so enjoyable.

The hours are long and it is hard work and thank goodness for a Blackberry. It hasn’t always been easy to figure out the way forward to market our site (and believe me, I’m still learning !) I mean, who really knows about SEO, PPC, Affiliates and Analytics ??!

Whilst I wouldn’t say I’m a guru in any of those areas, I’ve certainly spent a lot of time on Google learning about them !! However as the site continues to grow each week, each month it all makes it worthwhile. Ah yes, and I still get to see the little monsters when they come back from school too !!

Joanna Barclay
Director,
Babatude Boutique

---

Babatude Boutique
Name: Joanna Barclay
Email: joanna@babatude.com
Website: www.babatude.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Babatude.Childrenswear
Tweets: https://twitter.com/#!/babatude1



Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Mumprenuers,Success Stories

Finding Your Niche: A Success Story

So often, success comes to life when we take matters into our own hands. Today's Success Story Mum found her niche under these exact circumstance utilising her creative nature to make products for little girls.

What started as a creative effort, a hobby, to give her young daughter some original style has since unfurled into a budding new business venture.


Meet Mum of two, Melissa Russell. This is her story:

---

Hi my name is Melissa and I am the creator of “My Little Miss”.

I am currently a part-time administration manager and a mother of two beautiful children ages 9 and 4 trying to launch her new business that is still only very small.

How It All Started...

I started designing hair accessories for my 4 year old due to the lack of originality in off the shelf designs and of course having a flair for design, creation and originality always helps.

Family and friends were continually seeing the designs and asking me where I brought them from and all of a sudden I found myself with a pile too large and starting selling them to friends, then to see if others liked them I created my face book page and soon started selling at local markets. My hobby soon became more of an addiction and I was continually coming up with new ideas.

The Challenges Faced...

It can be very daunting trying to set up your own business especially when you already have so many other important things going on in life as well as a little one running around the house but as well do as super mums we continually push ourselves and strive to be the best at everything, and I believe if you enjoy what you’re doing then you will find your own way to make it work.

I found a lot of advice via the Internet and from my dear friend who had just launched her new business on how to exactly go about things. It didn't stop the nerves though!

It’s important to note that I wouldn’t be in the position I am currently without friends and family continually being there for me and offering me advice and in general just being there when I need.

I am just starting out so things are just coming along at a nice pace that works in well with home life, maybe eventually when the kids have grown up it may become something larger but for now it’s generating enough income and what I enjoy the most out of this is seeing the smile my hair accessories put on the faces of the mum’s, dad’s and children wearing them.

Please stop by My Little Miss-Accessories on Facebook for quality handmade original hair ties, headbands, barrette clips, crochet headbands, snap clips, alligator clips, clip holder,s necklaces and bracelets.

---

My Little Miss-Accessories
Name: Melissa Russell
Mobile 0439 649 991
Email: mylittlemiss@hotmail.com.au
Website: view
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/My-Little-Miss-Accessories
Location: Wodonga, Victoria
Service Area: Australia



Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

Its A Mealtime Revolution: A Success Story

They fidget, the fuss. You know how it goes, you try to assemble the family for a sit down meal, the TV off and a little old fashioned conversation. Maybe its at breaky or a more traditional Sunday meal. Maybe you are dining out and just want to see all four of your little ones' heads above the table. But try as you might, the floor is always a mess, those wriggling little bodies that twist and squirm their way--wont sit still!

Fret no more! Today's Success Story Mum has cracked the solution with her clever dining booster seats for young ones.


Meet Mumprenuer, Jo Turner. This is her inspiring story:

Jo Turner is the inventor and ‘Mumprenuer’ behind Toosh Coosh Enterprises. After many years in the corporate world, Jo decided to follow through on an idea she had back in 2007 so she embarked on the Toosh Coosh journey. Committed to providing practical solutions to assist the needs of children.

---

How it all started...

The concept of my core product the “Toosh Coosh” was born out of frustration when my children were not able to sit at the dinner table correctly to eat without making a big mess. You only need to look around at any family restaurant to see parents with the same ordeal. As a parent, I saw the need to find a child-friendly seat that was portable, practical and accessible to all families. 


After doing some research I was not able to find a suitable product on the market so my son and I had a revelation: we should design a support seat for older children 3-8yrs making it a ‘coosh for your toosh’ -  designed by kids for kids. 


We wanted something simple that could also be used in cafés and restaurants as they only provide high chairs these days. Many parents share my frustration and resort to using makeshift solutions like pillows and cushions that really don’t work. It also had to be stylish enough to look good at home and funky to appeal to older children – after all booster seats are for babies!

So after a few challenging years I’m thrilled to have finally launched Toosh Coosh.

It was important for me to engage certain parts of the community so I am pleased that Wesley Packaging Services assist me with my distribution needs. Their involvement is particularly important to me as I have a sister with disabilities who worked in a sheltered workshop for many years.  I am very proud to have their support and feel that my customers will value their participation in delivering a quality wholly owned and Australian made product. 
Finding a manufacturer in Australia was no easy task but my perseverance paid off.

Find out why parents and kids are raving about Toosh Coosh and check out our new innovative soft portable booster seats for children and change family mealtimes forever!

Jo Turner,
Dedicated Mother and Wife,
Multitask Master & Small Business Owner

---

Name: Jo Turner
Email: info@tooshcoosh.com.au
Phone: 02 8001 6569
Mobile: 0412 000 057
Website: www.tooshcoosh.com.au
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/TooshCoosh
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Toosh-Coosh-Kids-Support-Seats
Service Area: Australia

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

Sitting on Pins & Needles: A Success Story

Meet Sarah and Becci of Pins & Needles. This talented duo started making handmade dolls and bags for their children, and before they knew it, Sarah and Becci had the beginnings of a home-made business  spring to life.

It just goes to show you how amazing us Mums are! Our previous talents are never lost in motherhood, if anything, becoming a stay at home seems to bring out the best in us!

---

How It All Started...

Pins & Needles is only fairly new, created in July 2010. We started out making a doll for Becci's 2 year old daughter, which soon turned into a whole family. The extended doll family then made it into friends and families homes until we had no one else to make them for.

We were having such a great time creating the little ladies that after much prompting from friends and family decided to try and sell them online.

Not knowing if anyone else would like them, which was scary!! We put some for sale on Facebook and haven't looked back! We have met some many lovely people who have been encouraging and supportive and have helped us along the way making our Pins & Needles journey a great experience.

Working from home has been great. Sitting at the table sewing and having your family around you, allowing you to still being part of all that is going on around your home makes you feel like you arent missing out on anything. Although finding the balance between work and home life can sometimes be tricky when your work is always there with you and calling your name! Sometimes it just means leaving it through the day and getting a couple less hours sleep at night.

All in all though we are having a fantastic time! We are excited & proud to think how many little girls will be opening their gifts on Xmas day and receiving a Pins & Needles doll! And we are looking forward to what lies ahead for us.

If anyone is thinking about becoming a WAHM it is hard work but the rewards definately worth it!

Sarah & Becci
Pins & Needles
For All Things Handmade

---

Pins & Needles

Name: Sarah & Becci
Email: pinsandneedles@hotmail.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Pins-Needles
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Service Area: Australia

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

Offering A Helping Hand: A Success Story

Today's Success Story Mum was a career gal through and through before she fell pregnant with her daughter. Used to corporate life, she reckoned she'd be back at the daily grind within a six month period, but to her surprise, she found the joys of motherhood to harder to give up than she anticipated.

Only now that her daughter is nearing school age, has Mum gathered up her years of experience in the work force to form her own business, an idea that had been brewing for some time.



Meet Mum of one, Leanne Stevens. This is her inspiring story:

---

Hi, my name is Leanne and I'm the director of Emergico, a boutique Migration Agency which specialises in providing an end-to-end service to people relocating to Australia.

How it all started...

My introduction to motherhood was quite late - I didn't have my daughter until I was 41. Before that I'd racked up 23 years of corporate life, mainly in the health sector, working as a paramedic, both in clinical roles and in management. I'd also had a few entrepreneurial ventures, having run a couple of businesses before. I was pretty much a full-on career person, and I'd studied 4 degrees including an MBA.

In 2006 I was working as a senior level manager in ambulance, when I was approached to co-ordinate an international recruitment campaign for paramedics from the United Kingdom. It took almost a year in total, and in that time I went to London twice, interviewed dozens of prospects, attended a major Exposition where we showcased our organisation and our jobs on offer; completed the recruitment process; and set up a special agreement with the Department of Immigration to enable us to sponsor visas for the applicants. I helped all of the applicants to apply for visas; then worked hard to make sure they had enough information before they arrived; and that they settled well into their new life.

It was pretty full on, but very rewarding, and I enjoyed seeing what a difference I had been able to make to so many British families, who were finally able to realise their dream of moving to Australia. What many people don't realise is that Australia has some of the toughest immigration laws in the world, and a permanent residency visa is highly sought-after.

I was pregnant in 2007, and I worked in an Executive level job right up to 38 weeks gestation. I fully expected that I'd be bored after a few months at home, and that I'd be dying to get back to work once the baby didn't need so much of my time - at the absolute outset I thought that would be 6 months!

And Along Came Baby...

In September, I gave birth to Sylvie Eloise - 2580 grams and 50 cm - and I don't need to tell you that life changed forever! By 6 months, I was a different person, and there was no way that I could even contemplate leaving her with anyone - let alone going back to work! Strangely, "my-career-is-my-life" had moved aside and given way to "I-never-knew-mums-had-so-much-fun".

I knew I didn't want to put the uniform back on and have my daughter in care so early, but I did want to do something meaningful and stimulating as well. So I went back to university again, and completed a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law, part time. This gave me the qualifications to become a Registered Migration Agent. I also developed up a business plan for a new business, Emergico, which would provide an end to end service for migrants, from recruitment through to relocation.

Unfortunately, Emergico was launched just as the Global Financial Crisis hit, in 2008. Sharemarkets plummeted, banks were bailed out, and the world was nervous. Overseas recruitment in some sectors literally stopped overnight, as business confidence plummeted and employers stopped committing to long term strategies, not knowing where it would all stop. So the best laid plans did not quite get off the ground at that stage.

While I didn't give it up, it's fair to say it went "on hold" while I spent more time with my daughter and focussed on some other things.

Since then, however, there's been a turn in the Australian economy at least - and we're now in the midst of an unprecedented resources-fuelled boom, with labour shortages everywhere. The immigration industry has never been so busy.

Leanne with daughter Sylvie

With a fair bit of hard work during the last year, Emergico has blossomed into a boutique agency which deals with a range of clients, from individuals to businesses. Since I have a strong background in recruitment and Human Resource Management, I'm able to provide a "value-added" service to my clients, in terms of helping them with their whole international recruitment strategy.

How does this fit in with being a Mum? Well it's actually not too bad! Much of my work is done at night, when Sylvie is asleep - one of the side effects of dealing with people on the other side of the world. Lots of emails come in at night, and contact through the website. I do my best to keep a routine, and every weekend Sylvie has "Mum and Dad time", where we all do "family stuff" together.

I couldn't imagine not being a mum, and I couldn't imagine not having a business. It's the best of both worlds. Working for myself gives me the freedom to say when I will spend more time with Sylvie, and when I will focus on the business. Being a Paramedic for 23 years, it always gave me immense satisfaction to be able to help people who were sick or injured. Now, being a Migration Agent provides a different sense of fulfilment. It's so rewarding to meet interesting people in other countries who have a dream to live and work in Australia. Working with them to achieve that dream, and knowing that I've helped them to a better life, is just great!

Leanne Stevens,
Registered Migration Agent

---

Name: Leanne Stevens
Email: migrate@emergico.com
Website: www.emergico.com
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/Emergico
FB: http://www.facebook.com/Emergico

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

Budding Boutique Online: A Success Story

Motherhood does not always come easy. Some women struggle to fall pregnant, others face challenges after the birth with post-natal depression, coping with the severe sleep deprivation and the sudden, life change that accompanies the joyous moment of welcoming a baby into our lives.

Today's Success Story Mum has faced some difficult times before carrying a beautiful little girl to term. On the other side of her ordeal, she found light and happiness again, along with the urge and inspiration to begin a new business venture. Her daughter was born healthy in March, and thus the popular online boutique, Daffodil Lane was conceived.


Meet Mum of one, Jessica Rogers. This is her inspiring story:

---

Hi, My Name is Jessica and this is my story, from wife, to Mother and now business woman.

It starts well before Daffodil Lane was even a thought. After finally getting married in 2010, we were ready to start a family straight away. However, being told I wouldn’t fall pregnant due to P.C.O.S and Endometriosis we knew it was going to be a long road. After going to the doctors we were waiting to arrange an appointment with a specialist, the night before we had to go and have tests done on the 12th of July 2010 I did a positive pregnancy test, a mistake I was sure. I told my husband but suggested we not get to excited. I did another with the same result, we decided to sit on it for a few days and not tell a soul... YEAH RIGHT! I couldn't even look my mum in the eye she knew something was up!

When I came home early from the next day she asked what was up – I told her I think I had a bug, and she looked at me and said “are you sure your not pregnant” “NO” I quickly replied, followed by “OK, yes but don’t tell anyone I told you! “ Tears flowed and within about 1.23 seconds mum was on the phone to a friend whose husband was a obstetrician to make an appointment to be sure.

Well sure enough it was true we were pregnant! Due date the 16/03/2011. I was working almost full time (between 30 and 35 hours) and time FLEW. Before we knew it, it was Christmas I was huge and we were getting a little excited we had made that crucial 26 week mark and passed with flying colours. Before we knew it I was 35 weeks pregnant finishing up work and can you believe it moving house. In 38 + degree heat and an oven on 250 degrees celcius inside me it was hot and my “nesting” was well over due, within 1 weekend and a full day Monday, and of course the help of my family, we were unpacked and settled in – EVEN the nursery! Nerves began to set in, are we ready? Is everything going to go ok, Oh goodness, I have to give birth!

Due to being a high risk pregnancy my local obstetrician had passed me onto the hospital a little over an hour away, they didn’t want me going into labour away from them so the decision was made to induce. My induction date came and went (thank goodness they delayed it). A second delay and an appointment the day after my due date finally gave us a set date of Sunday the 20th of March. OUR FIRST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! On Monday the 21st at 11.44pm our beautiful little Alyssa was born, 3.395Kg, 50cm long and completely perfect.

Thinking back, the next 6 weeks were are a blur. Lots of nappies, tears (from everyone) and long nights thinking I was crazy, but then the amazing happened. I woke up and the sun was up. It wasn't 1am; it wasn't 3am; it wasn’t even 6am, it was 9.30am in the morning! A full 12 hours sleep, more then I had had in the previous 7 weeks put together I was sure! Night after night it kept happening and before I knew it I could climb mount Everest! Or even better consider starting my own business!

---

How the business started...

My daughter's birth month inspired me.

So the research began. Already being a shopaholic I was in my element, researching suppliers and wholesalers, makers and crafters. I even got my mum to teach me to applique! I even convinced her to crochet for me---she had no idea what she was going to be in for! We were off and racing, a few more months passed and a few dollars had been spent. We had stock, we had a name, now what? After starting my Facebook page and inviting my friends, things grew from there. We began inviting more and more people, participated in some charity auctions and slowly our name got out there.

There were and still are lots of late nights, lots of long days, and lots of triumphs and trials. My little new born turned into a little baby, and my little baby began crawling before she was even 6 months old! Getting into everything and climbing up furniture means I can no longer leave the room and know she will be there when I get back. Finding a balance between Wife, Mother and business woman is tough. It is easy to put the baby to bed and go into your work room and not come out until 2am. Meanwhile, your husband has been left on his own every night for an entire week and is feeling a little unloved himself. It is then easy to spend so much time with him, work gets behind and you end up with twice as much to get done!

We also began weekend markets, which usually means Saturday is prep day and Sunday is market day. A 5am start and 5pm home time is the usual. Sometimes longer hours are needed. Some days are wonderful and some leave you deflated and flat. It is then that I jump onto Facebook and see my beautiful likers leaving me sweet messages and everything seems OK again.

I must say, the beautiful customers, and amazing business women that I have met along the way make it even more worth it. I have developed some incredible friendships with complete strangers, woman who’s faces I have never seen and voices I have never heard, yet I know them so well I tell them more then my own friends who I see face to face! We each share a common thing, we each aspire to run a successful and loving business.

It is a sacrifice, for both myself and my family, but it is one I hope to be worth every late night and early morning. I have never had a “job” I would call a career and I have never had one I have loved as much as I love running ‘Daffodil Lane’. It is my heart and soul, and I am working very hard to create a store that everyone will love for a long time.

You can currently find us at www.facebook.com/daffodillane and hopefully come this Christmas find us online at www.daffodillane.com.au ! That’s right we are working on a proper website!

So, That is our story, and can you believe it is all in less then two years? What an insane ride we are on, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Daffodil Lane is only 3 going on 4 months old but I hope one day to have my sign say ‘Daffodil Lane’ est 2011 and people still loving what we bring you in 100 years time, when I am gone and my family are carrying on our legacy. If you are going to dream, you should always dream big!

Regards,
Jessica Rogers
Daffodil Lane

---

Name: Jess Rogers
Email: daffodilLane@hotmail.com
Phone: 0411 281 574
Website: www.daffodillane.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/daffodillane
Service Area: Australia & Worldwide

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

The Beauty of Breastfeeding: A Success Story

Let's face it, when it comes to breastfeeding in public there are those Mums who are quite confident in letting all hang out in order to nourish bub---and good on 'em---but for the rest of us who might be a little bit more self-conscious, there is a solution.

Today's Success Story Mum has a product that helps breastfeeding Mums discreetly feed their babies with a clever blend of function and style.


Meet NSW Mum, Bec Grange. This is her inspiring story:

---

Hi, I'm Bec, owner of Pretty Well Covered - stylish and discreet breastfeeding coverlets.

How it all started...

Pretty Well Covered was launched in 2009 by a close friend of mine. It was established out of the need for Australian mothers to have a stylish, discreet and comfortable breastfeeding cover to wear.

I purchased the business in December 2010. I'm a mum to two gorgeous boys aged 4 and 19 months, and I love the opportunity to work from home. I do my best to spend quality time each day with my boys and restrict my work to their nap time and the evenings.

Pretty Well Covered coverlets are perfect for the Australian climate and come in a variety of colours and sizes---there will even be a new range launched shortly! Our breastfeeding covers are made from lightweight and breathable fabric and allow you to maintain eye contact while feeding in a discreet way.

The design allows coverage for your post baby tummy as well as back and sides! Pretty Well Covered coverlets available in several colours and sizes. Please see our webpage or Facebook page for the latest stockists.

Regards,
Bec Grange
Owner

---

Name: Bec Gange
Email: prettywellcovered@gmail.com
Phone: 0401 137 476
Website: www.prettywellcovered.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/prettywellcovered
Location, Sydney, NSW
Service Area: Australia & International

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

From Ribbons & Bows: A Success Story

When frustration and inspiration meet head on something wonderful can happen.

This week's Success Story Mum was led to great success when she discovered the marketplace was lacking in the right accessories for her stylish tot. Not surprisingly, she took matters into her own hands and got creative. The result not only gave her daughter more style but landed Mum in the thick of three new business ventures.

Meet busy Mumprenuer, Jodi Cornell. This is her inspiring story:

How it all started... Once my first baby was born, Alysa Grace, I found it hard to find hair accessories to perfectly match her outfits. I started making clips to compliment her outfits and was constantly receiving requests to make others for mums searching for that something special for either themselves or their little ones. That’s when my first label “Alysa Grace Designs” was born, specialising in hair clips and accessories.

We were soon expecting our second bundle of joy, Charlise Sierra, and as to not have sibling rivalry, we were soon coming up with a new label for handmade baby goods. “Charlise Sierra Creations” came together easily and complimented our already booming business very well.

With things getting super busy, we took the leap into business and “Little Bit Lush” became our store. Which now stocks a stylish and modern mix of handmade and manufactured goods (including our 2 labels and many more).

My experience in retail sales, management and business was now combined with my passion for creating beautiful goodies and the love for my precious angels.

The juggling act of being a stay at home mum of 2 under 2 and running the 3 businesses is surprisingly very manageable. I am lucky I run on all engines with very little sleep, have an excellent support system of friends and relatives and a barrage of people who are happy to help out with the business whenever I need it. We rely heavily on routine and are very thankful we have 2 very good little helpers at home with us all the time – they are my inspiration and my source of drive to succeed.

With business booming we now have 3 online stores, home based shop which is open via appointments, stockists across Australia and plenty of international customers loving our goodies! Custom orders are always welcome (nothing gives us more pleasure than making sure our customers get exactly what they are looking for).

Regards,
Jodi Cornell
Owner/Designer

---

Name: Jodi Cornell (owner/designer)
Website 1: www.alysagracedesigns.com
Website 2: www.charlisesierracreations.com
Website 3: www.littlebitlush.com
Facebook 1: www.facebook.com/alysagracedesigns
Facebook 2: www.facebook.com/charlisesierracreations
Facebook 3: www.facebook.com/littlebitlush
Service Area: Australia & Worldwide

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

Some Products Sell Themselves: A Success Story

When you are out and about, sometimes there's that special something that just catches your eye and upon closer inspection has you thinking why on earth didn't I think of that? 

In most cases, the concept is usually quite simple, always clever and measures great impact whether it be its functionality, design, or visual appeal. This week's Success Story Mum has definitely come up with that special something and found her inspiration through a very unlikely item--a plain, boring black pram.


Meet savvy Mumprenuer, Lauren Southern. This is her inspiring story:

---

How it all started...

Babychic Designs started after I fell pregnant with my little babychic. After living in the UK for 2 years I was looking for a pram that was truly different. I searched high and low for the pram of my dreams and whilst I fell in love with many, my budget just would not stretch to some of the prices. I finally found a pram that had the functionality I wanted and at the price my hubby liked. However it was plain black, nice but lacking something special!

So I engaged my much loved mother-in-law and asked to borrow her ancient Toyota sewing machine, as I wanted to make a cover for my pram. Finally after many days of sewing I had made a pram cover! Once my little angel Sienna Elizabeth arrived I was walking around the shops and got stopped endlessly asking where I got my pram from... and so I started up babychic designs, allowing other mums to customise their pram and be the chicest mum & bub around.

Business Profile
Babychic Designs was launched in 2010 and is a premium designer brand that specialises in turning prams from ordinary boring black into extraordinary chic designer prams!

Babychic Designs design and manufacture unique a range of chic Pram Covers, Pram Liners and matching accessories that allow mums to have the designer pram they have always wanted. They also source handy products that make mum’s life easier when she’s out & about with bub like the Babychic Pram Hooks and Babychic Denim Pram Organiser.

“All our pram covers & matching accessories are designed here by myself and are sourced globally. We try where-ever possible to keep the environment in mind with everything we do - we use a lot of bamboo which is said to be one of the fastest plants in the world and can be grown with limited pesticides, we also try where we can to have our marketing materials printed on recycled card, we also encourage our customers to reuse our packaging sleeve for precious baby keepsakes like cards etc, when they are finished with it it is also recyclable.”

Babychic Designs can now be found in a number of retail outlets along with a number of online stores. You can also buy directly from www.babychic.com.au!

We hope you enjoy our babychic designs as much as we do!

Cheers
Lauren Southern
Designer & Director

---

Name: Lauren Southern
Email: info@babychic.com.au
Phone: 0411 281 574
Website: www.babychic.com.au
Twitter: twitter.com/babychicdesigns
Facebook: facebook.com/babychicdesigns
Blog: www.babychic.com.au/blog/blog.html
Service Area: Australia & Worldwide

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

Don't Spit The Dummy: A Success Story

Its amazing what great inventions and ideas are born out of sheer frustration. More and more Mums across the globe are coming up with some pretty darn clever ways to make life in the chaos and turbulence of motherhood a lot more simpler and easier on themselves---and bub.

This week's Success Story Mum found her inspiration trailing after her young children. Amid her frustration, a bright idea suddenly clicked and a new business venture blossomed.



Meet Danae Howard, busy Mum of four. This is her inspiring story:

---

How it all started...

As a busy mother of four children, I understand the stress and hassle of constantly picking up baby's dummys, teddies and blankets, as well as loosing their bottles and other every day items. Hi I am Danae, I created Dummy Tied, which I absolutely LOVE.

Dummy clips have been a life saver for me as a mother of young children, and so my business idea blossomed when I decided to share my personalised dummy clip idea with other Mums. I originally started making clips at home and for my friends but then before I knew it, it demand was huge.

I started a page on Facebook and it has really taken off from there, I do markets, shopping centres and have just opened up my own website. Everyone loves the different ribbons and individuality my hand-crafted clips offer each child, rather than having the same old boring plastic chain from a supermarket!

I usually try to do a lot of my creating at night when the kids are in bed or on the weekends when hubby is home and watching the kids. I’ll admit however, it’s not all bells and whistles though, its hard work juggling the family schedule plus my business, but I love it and I would not give it up.

I love talking to other mums and getting all the lovely feed back on how helpful my products have been. It makes it all worth it.

Danae
Dummy Tied
Owner/Manager/Mum

---

Name: Danae Howard
Email: Danae@DummyTied.com.au
Website: www.dummytied.com.au
Products: www.dummytied.com.au/products-and-price-list.html
Facebook: facebook.com/DummyTied
Blog: www.dummytied.com.au/blog.html
Location: Perth
Service Area: Australia & Worldwide

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

From Stitches & Seams: A Success Story

Sometimes we never know when inspiration will strike us or where it will lead. Its magical and mysterious but always seems to carve the pathway to great things.

This week's Success Story Mum found her inspiration with needle and thread in hand and out of a little craft project came a sensational business of gorgeous hand-crafted creations.


Meet Sydney, NSW Mum, Amy Costin. This is her inspiring story:

---

How it all started...

My name is Amy, I am the WAHM behind Giggleberry Creations - fabric bunting banners handmade with a giggle.

Giggleberry Creations is now 3 and a half years old and a growing small business I am very proud of. It all started after searching for a fun and unique way to decorate my daughters bedroom. After playing around with some left over fabric from a quilt my mum had made my little girl I came up with a bunting banner I was thrilled with. As the old story goes, I then made bunting for my nieces and nephews and before I knew it I had people from all over asking if I could make some for them. I officially opened my Etsy store in April 2008 and had my first sale within a few hrs of listing my first item (what a buzz that was!).

Over time I have learnt so much about online selling, networking, blogging, marketing, sewing and doing it all while being the stay at home mum that is my number one priority and passion. Sleep times are VERY productive around here and having no TV in our home helps allot as I love to unwind at the end of he day after kids are in bed with the hum of the sewing machine being the only thing that can be heard in a quiet house. Being my own boss means I can choose my work load to fit my family and our routine even if some days that means no Giggleberry work at all and just a day of walks to the park or building cubby houses under the dining table with the kids to rejuvenate!

---

Name: Amy Costin
Email: giggleberrycreations@gmail.com
Phone: 0410 783 239
Website: www.giggleberrycreations.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/giggleberryamy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/giggleberrycreations
Blog: www.giggleberrycreations.blogspot.com
Location: Sydney, Australia
Service Area: Can post our handmade items to anywhere in the world.

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories

Sell or Trade: A Success Story

Let's face it, just because we're home raising our children doesn't mean the career part of our psyche automatically shuts off. For many of us highly skilled, organised divas we were a great asset to our employer--and we still are!

So, it comes as no surprise that despite our commitment to family, these skills and our inner drive so often transition us into overnight Mumprenures.


Meet Lauren Kropp, Mum to Sharni, 2 and Bodee 10 months. This is her inspiring story:

---

How it all began...

Bosh is the beginning of both my 2 children’s names combined. We had a girl first then followed with a boy, knowing that our family was complete after the birth of Bodee I looked around and realised that I didn’t need a lot of our ‘pink’ baby items anymore. I started listing a few items on Ebay and other similar sites but all took a percentage of my earnings. You don’t actually realise how expensive it is to get your family ready for a baby and I was hopeful of being able to sell some items to make a little money back. By the time the other sites took their ‘cut’ the amount that I was making wasn’t worth the time it took me to list the item for sale! This is where I gained my inspiration in creating Baby Bosh.

I was on maternity leave from my position as a Business Development Consultant when the idea came to me and to be honest I really wanted to work from home to be with my children as the cost of day care for 2 children full time is very expensive. I was however nervous that I would miss my ‘adult’ conversations …..but I took the risk and resigned from my job.

I wanted to create a website that allowed Mums to sell their items and retain ALL of the funds. Being a mum is the toughest, most time consuming job there is so I wanted to make the process quick and easy as we just don’t have spare hours in the day to spend listing our items. Baby Bosh is also more than a sales website; we also have the ability to TRADE items with other users. How many toys does your one year old have that they don’t use anymore? Why not trade these with other Mums in a similar position….everyone wins! Especially your 1 year old!

Baby Bosh does not take any funds for the sale, listing or trade. Rather than just have the sole feature of baby items we also offer additional services such as tips/ideas, ‘what’s on’ events calendar, promotions, competitions, a public forum and much more. Every feature is FREE.

Baby Bosh was only launched in August this year and to be honest is keeping me extremely busy! As we don’t actually make money I rely on Mums to spread the word! Come check us out when get a “spare” moment!!!

---

Baby Bosh, Online Classifieds
Lauren Kropp, Founder
Web: www.babybosh.com.au
Find On Facebook

---

Do you have an inspiring story to share?
How has motherhood paved your pathway to a new business idea or venture? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Us

Read more »

Posted in: Stay At Home Mums,Success Stories

Organising The Chaos: A Success Story

Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood more and more stay-at-home Mums are finding themselves on the verge of creating a new service or product in an effort to make the raising of their children a little healthier, safer and easier. Quite often this happens by accident in a moment of maddening frustration or after a noticeable void in the marketplace. The following success story is of one such Mumprenure...


Meet Robyn Amott, Mum of two. This is her inspiring story:

---

Bless this Mess was established in 2011 and is owned and run by me, Robyn Amott, aka the ‘Go to Girl’. For me, starting my own business came about a few years prior to its launch. As a stay at home Mum to two gorgeous pre-school aged girls, Bless this Mess came about through a desire to return to the work force. I was seeking a role which encompassed not only what I do best, but more-so what I love to do!!

I had, quite coincidentally, been made redundant from my job when I was only a few weeks pregnant with my eldest daughter, and therefore did not have a job to return to.  A career had always been very important, rewarding and motivational for me in life, and I could not imagine ever being a stay at home Mum.

I made a small return to the workforce after 12 months - wow how on earth had I managed to stay at home for almost 18 months- I didn't know.

Soon after, I fell pregnant with my second child.  Once my youngest daughter arrived I suddenly realised that I was capable of being a great stay at home Mum there was no point in fighting the role any longer.  I always had a project on the go to keep me entertained and my children enjoyed the benefit of many activities outside of the home and play-dates with friends, we have a great life balance.

Over the four years, I‘d already been at home, there was now a lovely hum to this role that suddenly seemed to fit.  So I stopped fighting the urge to escape and enjoyed all the benefits being a stay at home Mum held for both the children and me.

During this time the career title of Professional Organiser had come up in conversation with a friend, and I knew this was the role I aspired to, the perfect career. I am blessed with a natural flair for organising and have an amazing attention to detail.  A skill that has been of great benefit and reward in my personal, professional and everyday life.                        

My first memory of organisation is that of sorting and labelling my sisters clothes draws at approximately 9 years of age, who knew, back then, I’d one day be turning this skill into a career.

So I began to research what it took to be a Professional organiser and how to go about setting up my own business and constructed a business plan.  All this then sat on the back burner, but was always fresh in my mind, as I continued on with raising my gorgeous girls.

I found the hardest part was deciding on a name for my business.  Everything I liked was already taken, or I could obtain the business name but not the domain name.  Eventually a colleague of my husband’s came up with the name ‘Bless this Mess’.

So now I had the name, and as my eldest child was approaching primary school age, it seemed like the perfect time to put all my research and dreams into place.

Businesses take some time to get off the ground, and whilst I still have a younger daughter at home part time, I felt now was a good time to start.  The plan is that by the time my youngest daughter begins school my business will be recognised within the market place.

The greatest benefit of this role is that it still allows me to be a stay at home when I need to be.  So I can still help out at school, keep the house in check and ensure I have the opportunity to both enjoy my children, whilst they are still children, as well as having my own sense of identity in the world that's not about everyone else.

It’s still early days but I know I can make a success of this business simply because it encompasses everything I love to do.  I’ve also done my research along the way and attended courses to gain further knowledge of the industry I am entering into.  Being passionate about this role is what will ultimately drive its success for many, many years to come.
~ Robyn Amott

---

Bless This Mess Organising
Robyn Amott, Professional Organiser
Mobile: 0407 757 466
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BlessthisMessOrganising

---

Do you have a great story to share?
Tell us how you became a successful Mumprenure. Contact us.

Read more »

Posted in: Success Stories