Monday Mumpreneur with Lisa Roberts of Babyblooms Gifts
I'm delighted to introduce Lisa Roberts of Babyblooms Gifts as our featured Monday Mumpreneur. She's just like you and me and she's ready and willing to share with us her motivation, her challenges and her proudest moments in business and also tell us how she takes time to nurture herself.
If you’re looking for inspiration, then our featured business mums show you what’s possible.
Hi Lisa, welcome to Mum's Got a Business ...
Tell me about your children: I've got two sons, Sam 17 & Lewis 15
Where do you live? Near Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire
PC or Mac? PC
Tell us about your business:
Babyblooms, the baby gift company was launched in 2005 and first introduced Bouquets of Babyclothes to the UK. Since then, the range of gifts has grown to include Luxury Hampers filled with gifts for both Mum and Baby, Christening gifts and our fabulous new personalised gift range.
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
Complete conviction that the business idea I had would succeed, combined with the desire to fit work around my young children. I wanted to work but was determined not to miss any milestones events, sportsday, assembly or school play
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
Moving home, family and business from Berkshire to Gloucestershire without experiencing a break in the Babyblooms service, or our next day delivery option.
How have you overcome it?
I always plan for the ‘worst case scenario’ - that way you will be prepared if things don’t go as planned. We gradually moved stock and furniture over a number of weeks and had the potential to operate from both locations for about a week, so we had contingencies in place. But the final switch over took place over one very very busy weekend.
What’s been your proudest business moment?
At Babyblooms we always go over and above to ensure that our customers are happy. In my view, customer satisfaction is the single most important thing in business. We never forget that we are responsible for conveying our customer’s sentiments and love on what are ‘life changing’ events.
What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?
'If you keep doing what you've always done, you’ll keep getting what you've always got' - W.L. Bateman.
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
Currently I am repainting and redecorating my house (inside), This may sound a bit odd, but It is actually quite therapeutic and is a complete diversion from work and does actually relax me. Being able to quickly see the results is very gratifying. It is also time to myself, to think with just the radio for company, none of my family dare interrupt me for fear of being allocated jobs!. Being a dirty job, it always warrants a long, hot bubble bath afterwards too! Otherwise, making time to spend with my girlfriends, a good catch up and lots of laughs is the best tonic!
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
A kindle Fire. I love reading and have had a kindle for years, but decided it was time to upgrade. I read every night and I always like to have at least three books lined up ready to read. If there’s one thing guaranteed to put me in a bad mood it is finishing a book and not having the next one lined up!
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite flowers: Roses
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
Research and plan. Always consider the worst. My business plans include my own targets and objectives (which are usually very ambitious) and then the alternative scenarios, which show the implications of achieving 80 per cent, or just 50 per cent, of those targets.
Also, even if it is a separate room, keep your business separate from your home and family time. Make sure there is a physical door that you can shut on it.
To find out more about Lisa and her business, visit her site:
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Think your mumpreneur story will inspire our community? Drop me an email over on the contact page – and I’ll be in touch. Or let me know in a comment below.
