Monday Mumpreneur with Rachel Bradley

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.

Our message is “If we can do it ~ then so can you!”

I'm delighted to introduce you to this week's mumpreneur who proves how successful networking is (and you all know how much I believe in networking) when faced with the challenge of re-locating the business.  I also love the balance Rachel and Jon have in their business as they both excel in different areas of expertise ~ this makes for a great partnership (I speak from experience here). Enjoy ...

Your name: Rachel Bradley

Your website: www.jonbradley.co.uk and www.jonbradleyweddings.co.uk

Brief description: I write the blog and keep our websites updated on all Jon’s photographic assignments. Our work is fantastically varied so it can be anything from corporate head-shots  catwalk shows at London Fashion Week, press launches and events, right the way through a stunning weddings.

Tell me about your children: Harry is 10 and George is 7. They keep me very busy but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Where do you live? Wokingham, Berkshire UK

PC or Mac? Mac (x about 5 in this house).

Tell us about your business:

I work as the support team to my husband Jon Bradley who is a commercial and wedding photographer. Jon’s always been a photographer, right back to the film and dark rooms days. Things are a little different now, much more office and computer based and so that’s where I come in! Jon’s work is very varied. Clients range from leading brands based in London to more local clients looking for marketing images for websites and social media.

What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?

I love working for myself. Even before marriage and kids, I worked from my tiny (and I mean tiny) flat in North London as a freelance PR. I like the freedom that comes with it but I also like the drive you have to have to make it work. I feel more in control of my job than if I worked for someone else. I've not worked in a corporate environment for such a long time. But I love doing it for myself, motivating myself and getting results for myself. It’s so rewarding. I'm also a Virgo and so terribly organised, which obviously helps!

What's been your biggest challenge in business?

Moving to a new location. We were based in London for such a long time. Then several years ago we moved to Wokingham. Although Jon still travels into London on a weekly basis, we are really focused on getting new business locally.

How have you overcome it?

Networking, networking, networking. I love it! It’s great to meet so many local business owners all out there doing it for themselves and willing to help others along the way. It’s so motivating and inspiring.

What's been your proudest business moment?

Getting out websites sorted out, once and for all. For many years we had a static website that needed a web designer to update. So obviously, within about a month it was totally out of date. We’re in the image business and so have lots of gorgeous images we want to share. Getting the website under my control was a big challenge. I worked through a site map, literally drew the page layouts and then worked with a website designer (Jonny at 10 degrees - www.10degrees.co.uk) who help me put it together. We are delighted with the results and now have not just one but two websites that we’re really proud of.

What's your catchphrase or favourite quote?

Nothing poetic or profound I'm afraid. It’s simply “Once it’s done, it’s done”. It doesn't need much of an explanation but I like to just get on with it, even the things I dread (accounts!), and then they’re out of the way. I say it not just to myself but to my kids all the time (usually when I'm trying to get them to do their homework!).

What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?

Reading. I just love books and am often found at the library, having a coffee and a browse. I've tried spas and just get bored but a good page turner gets me every time.

What was the last treat you bought for yourself?

A lovely rose coloured chunky jumper from Cara in Wokingham. Looks great with my new boots and it was in sale too!

Favourite colour: Yellow

Favourite flowers: Freesais. They smell beautiful and remind me of my mum.

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

Even if you’re working alone, you don’t need to be alone. Get out their and meeting other mumpreneurs for a coffee and a chat. So often they are motivating, kind, happy to share and willing to help. It’ll make all the difference.

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.