Monday Mumpreneur with Amy Forrest from Embroiderised

On Mondays we feature a mumpreneur just like you and me 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.

This week’s mumpreneur inspires us to build relationships not competition and says there is enough business out there for all of us. Well said . . .

Your name: Amy Forrest

Tell me about your children:

I have a little boy called Max, who turned 2 in September. He is my World! He is incredibly witty, intelligent and funny and I burst with pride everyday knowing I am his mummy!

Where do you live?

Edinburgh, Scotland. Lived here all my life and love it!

PC or Mac? 

PC, I have never even used a Mac!

Tell us about your business:

My business is called Embroiderised. I embroider baby items such as bibs, fleece blankets and hooded towels to give them that personalised touch. They are very popular for new born gifts. I also sell personalised wooden signs which are great for gifts, Christmas presents and family keepsakes.

What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?

I always wanted to have my own business, apart from knowing it would be something crafty I couldn't quite put my finger on what I wanted to do. When my son was born he was given a few personalised gifts and I instantly knew that was what I wanted to do; make a keepsake that can be kept forever, something no one else will have as each child is an individual.

I was on maternity leave and I felt that this was the best time to launch it while I had some spare time. Babies are hard work, but they do sleep a lot so this was a great time to pin point suppliers, market and then launch it. I started up in February 2013 and I was and continue to be blown away with the response and orders that come through on a weekly basis. I wanted my items to be good quality but not to be too expensive.

All items I supply are under £15.00 including delivery. I also wanted to support other British businesses and quickly decided that Embroiderised would back the "Made In Britain" Campaign.

What’s been your biggest challenge in business? 

I mainly trade through my Facebook page and find that quite often posts, offers or competitions I put up may only be seen by a small percentage of my customers.

How have you overcome it?

I have paid to 'boost' some essential posts but found that if i try to get people to interact on a post the numbers seeing the page increases dramatically. This is also nice to do as I then get to interact with my customers and can therefore give a very personal service. I am working on a website which I am aiming to launch in the new year as well, after I get through my very hectic Christmas season!

What’s been your proudest business moment? 

It's hard to pin point just one to be honest. I absolutely love getting pictures of my items being worn, along with lovely feedback from the customers. I was very proud when I sent my 10th order to Australia! I love getting repeat business, its a great indicator that people are happy with the service and products I am supplying.

What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?

'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' A very dear friend wrote this in my husband and I's wedding book and I have loved it ever since. A light-hearted way of telling you to find good in any situation that is thrown at you.

What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?

I love spending time with my family, we enjoy being outside, so a nice long walk with them is when I feel the most relaxed. There is nothing better in the world than watching you child running about laughing and loving life, makes my heart melt!

What was the last treat you bought for yourself?

Some new winter boots, they are so cosy!!

Favourite colour:

It has to be red. Red is associated with energy, strength, power, determination and desire. I think this sums me up. I always put 110% into anything I do, in order to get the best results.

Favourite flowers

I really like daffodils! They are a sign of Spring and that the warmer months are on their way. The garden always starts to come to life when they pop up!

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

You will learn as you go! Looking back when I first started I had no idea of postage costs not to mention tax return forms! I have built up good relationships with fellow crafty businesses, I have found this to be an invaluable asset to the success of my business. People in small trade businesses want to help each other, that's the beauty of being involved with them and not in large business chains. There is enough business out there for everyone so building relationships not enemies is essential.

Come and find out more about Amy and her business by connecting on social media . . . 

Facebook :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Embroiderised

Email: embroiderised@live.co.uk

Website: Launching soon!

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.