Monday Mumpreneur with Georgi Rollings

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!”

How wonderful to find a business expert who can help and advise you who really does understand your business and lifestyle choices.  Often we feel that they don't really appreciate our situation, but this week's featured mumpreneur really knows what she's talking about when she says "I know how you feel!"

Name: Georgi Rollings

Website & blog: www.starfishaccounting.co.uk   http://blog.starfishaccounting.co.uk

Brief description: Website gives some information on my business and the services that I provide, and my blog is primarily accounting tips and advice, plus a handful of more personal posts.

How many children do you have: Twin girls, Isobel and Natasha, both 21 months

Where do you live: Maidenhead, Berkshire UK

PC or Mac: PC but saving up for a Mac!

Tell us about yout business: I set up Starfish Accounting last March, and I provide accounting, tax and bookkeeping services to women in business and microbiz, together with business advice without the jargon. As a mum running my own business out of my home around my children I understand a lot of the issues other mumpreneurs face, and I am genuinely passionate about being able to help women in a similar position to me to run their businesses more effectively, saving them time and money.

What motivated you to become a mumpreneur: Before my girls were born I had a high pressure corporate job with a lot of stress and long hours. I knew that wouldn't fit well with a young family, and I wanted to be able to spend as much time as possible with my girls while they are still little. By setting up my own business I've been able to be really flexible with the hours I work, and with help from my parents I've only just had to start the girls with a childminder two mornings a week.

What's been your biggest challenge in business: My biggest challenge so far has been to find sufficient structure and focus to decide where I want my business to go, and how to get it there. Its much easier to let myself get overwhelmed with how busy I am, and just to concentrate on getting my client work done, but I have to force myself to take the time to sit back and plan.

How have you overcome it: I'm still overcoming it - I am just starting with some business coaching and I hope that the extra accountability will help me to prioritise my planning and business development time. I'm also getting myself some help with some of the admin, and have acknowledged that it doesn't make sense for me to try to do everything myself.

What's been your proudest business moment: I exceeded my self-imposed first year target within the first 8 months, despite thinking that I'd set myself too aggressive a target - and part of the reason was through word of mouth recommendations which means a huge amount in a service business.

What's your catchphrase or favourite quote: Life's too short

What do you do to relax or nurture yourself: Curl up in an armchair with a cup of tea and a good book - or if I have the time then book in for a facial which really lets me just zone out for an hour.

What was the last treat you bought for yourself: An iPad 2 which is both fantastically useful for business, and great for online shopping! That and a gorgeous winter coat from Phase Eight.

Favourite colour: Blue

Favourite flowers: Daffodils

What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur: Don't feel that you have to do everything yourself! Sometimes its better to get someone else involved to free you up to do what you do best - and you may find that getting experts involved at an early stage can save you from making some expensive mistakes.

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.