Monday Mumpreneur with Elaine Whalen
Every Monday we feature a mumpreneur who’s ready and willing to open up their lives and their business to us.
They share with us their motivation, their challenges and their proudest moments in business and they also tell us how they take time to nurture themselves.
If you’re looking for inspiration then our featured business mums show you what’s possible.
I'm delighted that Elaine is sharing her experience with us.
Her business has only been going a few months and she is able to give us an insight into what it's really like at the very beginning. I know she is going to be a big inspiration to others.
Name: Elaine Whalen
Your website: www.sparklessandart.co.uk
Brief description:
My website tells you all about Sparkles Sand Art, what it is and what we offer. There are lots of photos too!
Tell me about your children:
I have a daughter Molly who is 9 and a great help at my events!
Where do you live? East Boldon, Tyne and Wear, UK
PC or Mac? PC
Tell us about your business
We provide a new and exciting craft activity for children! Sand art is ideal for all abilities from ages 3 and upwards. No artistic skills are needed to produce amazing works of art! I started the business just a few months ago and the interest has been phenomenal! We can be found all over the North East at parties, events and weddings. We also provide sand art activities for groups such as Brownies and Rainbows.
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
Probably the same as most mum’s, my family. My daughter and her friends love sand art, that’s all the motivation I need!
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
Time management. I work 4 days a week and run Sparkles Sand Art which is a real challenge.
How have you overcome it?
I haven’t! The housework just doesn't get done!
What’s been your proudest business moment?
I think firstly when my daughter said to someone; “ Why don’t you set up your own business, like my mammy has!” and also having people contact me to ask me to provide activities at charity events. Knowing that people are actively seeking me out is amazing!
What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?
You don’t know until you try!
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
I like walking and drinking wine, although not at the same time!
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
My daughter has just informed me that it was a bag of mini crème eggs!
Favourite colour: Purple
Favourite flowers: Roses
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
If you have an idea but you’re not sure if it will work, just try it! If it doesn’t, then at least you will know you tried, and won’t spend your life saying “what if...”
Also don’t be afraid to change what you are doing and try different things. It’s ok saying never give up, but if something is obviously not working, there’s no point throwing money away on it. There’s no shame in moving on.
Fancy featuring as one of our amazing mumpreneurs? Drop me an email over on the contact page – and I’ll be in touch. Or let me know in a comment below.
