Monday Mumpreneur with Jackie Kulak
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.
I love reading about business mums who are passionate, tenacious and full of self belief. This week's featured mumpreneur shows us how to follow your dream against all the advice . . . just love her story and her inspiring wisdom for new mumpreneurs.
Your name: Jackie Kulak
Your website: www.cutegraffiti.com
Brief description:
Cute Graffiti is a British children's clothing brand, available from birth to seven years.
Tell me about your children: Toby (5) & Finn (3)
Where do you live? North London
PC or Mac? Always a Mac!
Tell us about your business
Cute Graffiti is an exciting new children's clothing brand. Launched at the Bubble London trade show in January this year.
Currently stocked in 9 independent shops in the UK. And all styles are also available on my own online shop.
I am very excited that soon Cute Graffiti will be available to buy in Paris, Germany and Japan!
All my designs, which are inspired by street art and graphic design, are hand drawn using bold colour palettes and then screen printed here in the UK using the finest quality inks.
The collection comprises of baby body suits, T shirts, racer back vests, baseball tops and hoodies. And is available from birth to seven years.
All garments are ethically produced & perfect for little rebels!
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
My main motivation was being able to work from home and spend as much time as possible with my kids. It also helps that I am doing something that I am incredibly passionate about.
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
Time management, I don't think I had any idea how much of my time Cute Graffiti would consume. It can be challenging looking after two very energetic boys, a one year old Labrador, keeping the house in order and running a business!
How have you overcome it?
I have an incredibly supportive family, they all help out. And my husband is amazing.. he helps a lot with the day to day things when I am busy packing orders and writing endless emails!
What’s been your proudest business moment?
When Cute Graffiti was featured as 'a brand to watch' in an editorial feature in a magazine! I waited a month to get my copy.. when it arrived, I almost kissed the postman! Then danced round the house like a crazy person! It's a pretty great feeling to see that people like what you have worked so hard to create.
What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
I love nothing more than a quiet dinner and a glass of wine with my husband.
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
I am a bit obsessed with shopping for my kids, so to be honest, I can't remember the last nice thing I bought for myself.. hmm perhaps I will go shopping tomorrow.
Favourite colour
Grey (I am resisting painting every room in my house a different shade of it!) I love sunshine yellow too.
Favourite flowers: Peonies
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
I really do think anything is possible if you want it bad enough.
Believe fiercely in what you are doing, and don't let anyone tell you it won't work. One of the first people I went to see for advice in the children's wear industry basically told me the competition is too strong, and not to bother. That just made me want to do it even more!
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.
