Monday Mumpreneur with Becky Pearce

Every Monday we feature a mumpreneur who’s ready and willing to open up their lives to us.  They share with us their motivation, challenges and proudest moments in business and they also tell us how they take time to nurture themselves. It’s lovely to have them here at Mums Got A Business and we hope you enjoy connecting with them too.

I'm delighted to introduce you to this week's mumpreneur.

I love anything crafty and I really admire those who can create a business around their craft.

I met Becky online and loved reading her blog.  I love how she's created the ideal enterprise to fit around family life.

Name: Becky Pearce

Your website:

http://redbirdjewellery.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/redbirdjewellery

http://www.folksy.com/shops/redbirdjewellery

Brief description of blog:

Contemporary jewellery designer and maker; living, learning and writing about it.

How many children do you have?

I have 2 girls, Chloe 6 and Eve 3

Where do you live?

I live in a little village nestling under the north downs in Surrey.

PC or Mac?

PC (but I'll be going for a mac next time!)

Tell us about your business

I've always been a crafty type, and have tried all sorts of crafts from card making to upholstery, and a few years ago happened upon a beading class. After an hour I was hooked and have been making jewellery ever since.  I currently make contemporary silver and copper jewellery, as well as fingerprint and personalised jewellery, which I mainly sell online.

What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?

I loved my job as a research manager for a large publishing company, but I was trying to squeeze a full time job into part time hours. Something had to give, and I decided while the kids were small I would take a “career break” and spend some more time with them, and also spend a bit more time on my jewellery “hobby”. I wrote a little about it on my blog here...

before - http://redbirdjewellery.blogspot.com/2009/12/two-weeks-to-go.html

after- http://redbirdjewellery.blogspot.com/2011/01/bye-bye-2010-hello-2011.html

I can honestly say it was the best thing I ever did, my littlest now goes to pre-school 4 mornings a week, and that's the time I manage to get some jewellery made and into the shop. We're all a lot happier and less stressed these days.

What’s been your biggest challenge in business?

As well as the huge amount I keep learning about making jewellery, I also have to engage my left brain and keep track of costs, market my goodies properly, keep a good stocklist, maintain supplies....aaaaaah the multi-tasking that comes with working for yourself, and having to seek out the info you need, rather than having your boss give it to you is a major challenge.

How have you overcome it?

I'm still trying!

What’s been your proudest business moment?

I love it when my work is featured on a blog, magazine, or website, and I am so proud when people come back for more items, or come to the shop because their friend has spread the word! The satisfaction that I have done a good job and made something that people will keep and possibly hand down  to the next generation is amazing.

What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.  ~Confucius – because it's so true!

What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?

I love to make jewellery, and I actually do find it relaxing, it's the other parts of running a business that I get tangled up in. This year though I'm trying to make more time to relax once the kids are in bed, and I made a resolution to read more..... I've not done well so far!

What was the last treat you bought for yourself?

Some very posh (read expensive) make up from a very posh make up shop – which makes me feel grown up (I'm 37!).

Favourite colour: Red

Favourite flowers:

I'm a big flower fan, and love most flowers.My youngest's middle name is Lily because I have always loved them.

What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneurs?

Don't rush to get your new business out there, take a bit more time to research and organise yourself. Step back, and reassess - do it properly! It will save you lots of time in the long run!

Fancy featuring as one of our amazing mums? Drop me an email over on the contact page and I’ll be in touch.   And remember to drop by every Monday to welcome our latest profiled mum.