MUMPRENEUR INSPIRATION WITH STACY WESTHEAD

This week's mumpreneur inspiration comes from calligrapher and stationer, Stacy Westhead.

She's just like you and me and she's ready and willing to share with us her motivation, her challenges and how she takes time to nurture herself.

If you’re looking for inspiration, then our featured business mums show you what’s possible.

Hi Stacy, Welcome to Mum's Got A Business ...

Tell me about your children:

I have Amelie who is 5 and Orlaith who is 2. They are both fiery red heads who are Disney mad (you can often find me reenacting Frozen in. my kitchen with them!)

Where do you live?

Epsom, Surrey, UK.

PC or Mac?

Both! But I prefer the mac for design work. 

Tell us about your business

I’m a calligrapher / stationer working from my home studio. In ’normal’ times I provide bespoke and semi-bespoke wedding stationery for couples (anything from invitations, orders of service, place cards, menus, table plans, place cards etc), create prints for the home and I also teach calligraphy to those looking to learn.

Calligraphy is so calming and relaxing, and it’s fantastic for mindfulness which I think is why I tend to get lots of busy / stressed Mums on my courses! Since lockdown started, I’ve started selling calligraphy kits for people to learn from home, and running virtual workshops via zoom which have been great. 

What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?

I started learning calligraphy when I was on maternity leave with Amelie, and I was instantly hooked. I realised that I’d really missed doing something for me, and I want to be able to share that with others. To get to a point where I can build a business from it is a total bonus.

I think it’s really important that I do something that I love and am passionate about, and to show my children that it’s something they can do too (I grew up thinking that work was just something everyone hated!).

I’m also very motivated by getting a better work / life balance - being able to take more holidays, be there for drop off and pick up. That’s the aim anyway!

What’s been your biggest challenge in business?

Selling myself. I think I’m very ‘British’ in that regard, I really cringe when I have to promote myself or my work. But, I am getting better! 

How have you overcome it?

The lovely compliments I get from customers or students really help build my confidence, and now I have a pretty decent online review footprint, I can use those reviews to back myself up. 

What’s been your proudest business moment?

I became an approved supplier of calligraphy workshops for wework, and just before lockdown had started doing semi-regular sessions across their London locations. I have also been booked to do some live event calligraphy with some high end brands, which was amazing!

What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?

Progress over Perfection.

What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?

Apart from calligraphy 🙂 I am trying to get into meditating but find it very hard to shut my brain off. I like to run when I get the chance, and watch a trashy Netflix show. 

What was the last treat you bought for yourself?

I bought myself a macrame wall hanging kit, to adorn one of the walls of my new studio when it’s built. But it’s TOUGH!

Favourite colour

Changes all the time, but at the moment I’m very into mustard.

Favourite flowers

Not technically a flower but I absolutely love Eucalyptus. 

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

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself, and don’t compare yourself to people with no kids. I know some super-women can do everything but most of us can’t, so be kind to yourself. 

Where can we find out more?

Check out my website: https://socalligraphy.co.uk/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socalligraphyuk/

Now it's your turn:

Tell us in the comments how Stacy's story has inspired you on your own mumpreneur journey.

Think your mumpreneur story will inspire our community?

It doesn't matter if you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, your journey can help and support others. Pop a comment below or come on over to the contact page and let's talk.