Monday Mumpreneur with Sarah Sparkles
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.
With such a magical name, how could I not want to get to know this week's mumpreneur. And she really does 'SPARKLE' ~ if I was doing it all over again (having babies, that is), I'd want her with me. I just love that she never gives up ~ even when the going gets tough. May I introduce you to ....
Your name: Sarah Sparkles
Your website: www.birthmate.co.uk www.facebook.com/Birthmate
Brief description: A community for women who want to inform themselves of their choices in childbirth. We sell Moby wraps Tummy Tubs & Huggalugs too!
How many children do you have? 3 tiddly peeps: Lula aged 9, Daniel aged 3, and Caelan aged 1
Where do you live? Northants, UK
PC or Mac? PC - linux run!
Tell us about your business: I support women who are having difficulty in getting the birth of their choice, or who want more information on birthing in general. I also loan hypnotherapy CDs to ladies who can't afford it. I connect mums and doulas ( birth attendants).
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
I have been in business for 9 years - I sell pre- loved clothes along side this. Initially it was a means to an end then it grew and I loved being at home with my daughter - I have always been a big participant of the birth community and have always advised women of their rights in an informal manner. This year I decided to bite the bullet and go for it - it's not quite ready yet but our facebook page is an active one.
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
Raising awareness of how important it is that we are respected and nurtured while pregnant and birthing, trying to help people understand we are designed to give birth.
How have you overcome it?
By carrying on mixing with other birth workers and talking gently and providing beautiful examples of every day women having every day births.
What’s been your proudest business moment?
So far - not giving up on a client who has struggled with a baby with many issues - it would have been easy to give up on her when we hit brick walls.
What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?
Screw it! let's do it!
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
Read, have a long bath or get out into the garden
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
Ooooooooo - a new handbag - nothing extravagant, just caught my eye ...
Favourite colour: purple
Favourite flowers: Lillies
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
To listen to your heart. If you can't solve an issue don't be afraid to say "we'll sort this tomorrow".
Keep your word - so never promise a customer something that is impossible!
To set aside child time everyday without fail - even when you're knackered you can watch a film together cuddled up.
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. And remember to drop by every Monday to welcome our latest profiled mum.
