| Making it look easy |
 Increasing numbers of women are struggling to combine a career with bringing up children. Kim Kimber tracked down three friends who have each been successful in setting up and running their own business whilst also managing a home and family.
Fact fileName: Heidi Lambert Age: 37 Children: Three (aged two, six and nine) Business: MD, Heidi Lambert Communications Ltd Up and running: 11years Hours: On average 30 hours a week Heidi Lambert epitomises the superwoman, running a successful PR company whilst bringing up her three children. Having set up her own business in Brussels, when her first child came along Heidi commuted with the baby on a weekly basis. She continued to travel regularly after the arrival of the second but when the eldest started school, it became much more difficult and Heidi decided to build up a more local clientele. “The children are my first priority and I have always worked around their agendas,” stresses Heidi. “I always do the school run but dread an important client choosing that moment to phone me. I work during school hours and at night when the children are in bed so that I can spend time with them. I have adapted my business around their needs.” As a highly motivated and successful businesswoman, Heidi is well used to organising her time effectively and admits that it is more difficult at home. She says: “At work you are more in control, you can tick boxes and move on. At home, there is always another meal to prepare or the washing to be done.” Whatever the difficulties, Heidi enjoys working and feels that it is important that her children realise that she is more than just a mum. She says: “Speaking personally, I would be bored at home without another outlet but I appreciate that this kind of life would not suit everyone.” Top Tips: Plan your timetable for each day and be realistic about what you can achieve. Work out how much help you need (ie cleaners, childcare). Learn to say ‘no’. Accept that you will never please everyone. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Heidi Lambert Communications Ltd, tel: 01245 476 265. Fact file Name: Fiona Mason Age: 40 Children: Two boys (aged eight and nine) Business: Set up The Curtain Barn Up and running: Four years Hours: School hours + one evening Fiona Mason combines running her own business, producing quality bespoke curtains and blinds, with caring for her children. When she started a family, Fiona continued working and employed a nanny but quickly realised that the nanny was having fun with the children whilst she was left doing the ironing. Deciding that it was time to reassess, she started her own curtain-making business. Fiona began by working from home on the kitchen table but found that there were too many restraints. She says: “In truth, I found it too distracting at home and felt that I was only playing at working.” Renting a workspace away from home seemed a sensible solution. “Work came in gradually and I built up the business slowly,” says Fiona, “but as I became increasingly busy I was able to employ another lady to help me.” Having outgrown her existing premises, Fiona moved again, converting an old farm building into an impressive showroom with a large working area. The Curtain Barn specialises in making high quality products from expensive fabrics. Fiona says: “I pride myself that our workmanship is of the highest standard which is appreciated by our customers and reflected in repeat business and countless recommendations.” Fiona has no outside help, cooks all the family meals and even manages to fit in cutting the grass occasionally. “I couldn’t do it without the support of my partner and good friends like Heidi and Rose,” she says, “we help each other out.” Although work is essential for her own self-esteem and financial independence, Fiona’s family come first. She says: “When I am with the children I like to have fun. I want to give them the message that you should work hard and achieve as much as you can but it is important to play hard too.” Top Tips Keep a detailed diary. Make sure that you have the support of family, friends and your partner. Be flexible. Keep work/life balance. The Curtain Barn, West Bowers farm, Woodham Walter, Little Baddow. CM9 6RZ. Tel: 01245 227090 Fact file Name: Rose Garbutt Age: 39 Children: Two Business: Consultant – Enjo Cleaning Products (Chemical free cleaning system) Up and running: Three years Hours: Five to fifteen each week Rose Garbutt took on the task of introducing the British public to Enjo, a revolutionary new cleaning system, whilst bringing up her young son and daughter. Rose first discovered Enjo products on a visit home to her native Australia. She says: “Everyone was raving about this new cleaning system and I was intrigued. When I discovered how good it was I decided to try it out here.” Enjo is an Austrian company and Rose bought a franchise and set up a direct selling company in the UK. She says: “Women today don’t have a lot of time for cleaning and this system is easy to use, cheap, effective and environmentally friendly.” The system consists of a series of fibre gloves that attract dirt like a magnet and will even remove mould and limescale from the bathroom. Rose says: “This is something that I believe in totally and I enjoy introducing a product that is so good to other people.” Rose is very much a “hands on” mum and only works during school hours. She has recently handed over the running of the company to business partners and now works purely as a consultant. She says: “I am passionate about what I do but I also want to have time for my family.” Top Tips Make sure that it is the right time in your life. Learn to prioritise. Good time management is essential. Be passionate and focused – it’s not about the product but the person behind it. For more info contact Rose Garbutt on 01245 227 208. |