Monday Mumpreneur with Antonia Chitty
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.
If you're a mumpreneur, chances are you've heard of this week's featured business mum. She won 'Inspirational Business Mum of the Year 2009' - this was the same year she published a book and had her third baby ( can you see why she won the award!!!) If you're not already connected with her online then make sure you come and say 'Hello' here .....
Your name: Antonia Chitty
Your website: www.becomeamumpreneur.com
Brief description: A site to help mums get ideas so they can earn from home
How many children do you have? Daisy, 9, Jay, 5 and Kit, 2
Where do you live? Bexhill, East Sussex
PC or Mac? PC
Tell us about your business
Running my own business has changed my life – I have control over when I work and what I earn, which makes an enormous difference to the family. That has given me a real passion for helping mums take control and create their own flexible ways to earn. Via www.becomeamumpreneur.com we help hundreds of mums learn about smart ways to make the money they need to boost the family income AND still enjoy time with the family. It isn’t about promoting any one particular business opportunity: instead our eCourses equip mums with the skills to work out what makes a good business idea – and what doesn’t!
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
I went back to work after my daughter was born and felt like a round peg in a square hole: the lifestyle I’d enjoyed before just didn’t work, and I was paying nursery fees and spending too little time with Daisy. A life coaching session with Suzy Greaves opened my eyes to working for myself, I took action and pitched some articles to a trade magazine and my freelance career started!
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
My biggest challenge is always knowing when to say no! I love saying yes to new projects and can always see possibilities, but there are only limited hours in the day.
How have you overcome it?
I now work with Erica Douglas in partnership (www.aceinspire.com) and she is incredibly clear headed and will ask me questions to help me work out which projects are worthwhile.
What’s been your proudest business moment?
Becomeing ‘Inspirational BusinessMum of the Year’ in 2009, just after I’d brought out The Mumpreneur Guide book AND in the year that I’d had my 3rd child.
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
I’ve got a pretty good wind down routine each night, and enjoy using lovely skin creams and body products: I work hard during the day and enjoy some pamper time and relaxing with a good book each evening.
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
Probably a cashmere jumper from www.brora.co.uk
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite flowers: Irises
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
Do your sums! Work out the costs of your business and the hours you’ll need to invest. Too many of us spend time working on what turns out to be an expensive hobby! If you’re unsure about this, join the free 30 day ‘Mumpreneur in a Month’ eCourse at www.becomeamumpreneur.com
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.
You’ve Got one of my favourite mumpreneurs today Heather. Antonia is easy to work with and she tells you the facts straight up.
Tha Mumpreneur Guide was my first book when i started my journey and it so comprehensive.
Pamela
I’m so glad that you figured out how to spend time with your children and work. It is fairly hard for moms to balance life and it sounds like you’ve done a wonderful job at this. Congrats!
You’re a rose amongst the thorns, Antonia!
It’s refreshing to meet someone who isn’t setting out to buffoon mumpreneurs or those who have a sincere desire to work from home. Many of us have had the wool pulled over our eyes way too many times in the past. Some of us lost our life savings as a result of being misled or lied to by some hype-y so-called guru.
You’re helping to set mumpreneurs on a successful path and you’re being totally transparent about how to reach that destination.
I’ve been on your email list for a while and I have nothing but respect and admiration for your work.
Thanks for being YOU!
Melanie