Monday Mumpreneur with Liz Gaffney

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'm delighted to introduce you to this week's featured business mum, a lady I've had the pleasure of spending time with in a very creative environment. She is so passionate about her craft that she inspires those around her to follow their own artistic dreams.

Your name: Liz Gaffney

Your website: www.heartfeltbyliz.com

Brief description: Felted textiles to wear and tuition

Tell me about your children: I have 5 children Jane 33, Roisin 22, Lawryn 20, Conor 18, Kieran 13

Where do you live? Dalmally ,Argyll, Scotland

PC or Mac? PC ipad tablet

Tell us about your business:

I started my business in 1996 because I wanted to able to stay home with my children. In 2012 I moved business and home to Argyll .It was a mammoth task to move a studio crammed with 15 years of collected treasures. We are slowly settling in and making our mark on this beautiful Victorian railway station that has become home and studio/shop. I am very inspired by the lovely landscape here and find I am creating work in the colours that surround me.

What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?

Being a busy Mum for many years I felt I was losing my own identity and I loved being able to make things for my own children. Others saw the work and wanted to buy it and I realised it could be a growing business .

What’s been your biggest challenge in business?

Balance is the biggest challenge, balance of work load, family and lifestyle. Balance of teaching and creating. Teaching earns definite income but my passion is to create.

How have you overcome it?

Being aware of it helps greatly and understanding that there are times I just have to get on with the opportunities life gives me.

What’s been your proudest business moment?

Two possible proudest. One is when I was chosen to create felted book covers for Prince Charles Highgrove Florilegium book and being selected to represent Scotland in Philadelphia USA with my work

What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?

Felt is very forgiving, felt never fails.

What do you do to relax or nurture yourself ?

Lots of walks in the beautiful countryside here, taking photographs and writing.

What was the last treat you bought for yourself?

An ipad...having your own business can justify many indulgences.

Favourite colour: Purples and blues but it changes with the seasons

Favourite flowers: I love all flowers but lilies if I was to buy flowers

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

Mother moments are tiny snatches that seem never long enough, use mother moments and things you believe impossible can be achieved.

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.