Welcome back to Self Employed Mum. Thanks for visiting!
Our latest profile is one particularly close to our heart. Brenda and I (Natalie) have been friends for almost eight years and I have been amazed at how much her life has changed in just over a year!
Brenda writes The Green Familia blog which focuses on light green living but has her finger in several pies now which includes running her online store and distribution, Artlight Design out in Spain selling toys and practical products for parents. She’s based between Spain and the UK and mum to three, 17, 12, and 10.
Why I started my business? After years of being a SAHM, and having overseen my families move abroad, I knew that I had to shift my life in a new direction.
Computers were not really my thing, I had only really got into emails and Facebook after moving away from friends and family as a tool for keeping in touch. When my good friend Natalie was looking for contributors for her cool blog Bambino Goodies, last May I thought why not! So I hooked up with her and gave it a go, and very quickly realised that I had found a new love, something that would stimulate my brain, make each day an education. So after many months of working with Nat and her team, and learning a helluva lot, I decided to branch out for myself.
Toughest Challenge? I have two – Time and the inability to say NO! Time I think is one that every working mum has, trying to find the balance between, the kids, hubby, home, work, friends and give each the required time to nurture and grow is hard, but one that keeps me on my toes and presents a daily challenge. The ability to say no is my other weak area. As a person, I am a natural giver, rather than taker and as such I find it difficult to bring the word no into my working life, but it is one which I am working on, because if not you do get taken for granted and your efforts are not appreciated.
What I enjoy most? The meeting of new and interesting people. There are so many wonderful people out there and the explosion of blogging and social media makes it so much easier to find these people and I love doing business this way. It is not about dog eat dog, lets try and share a bit of love by helping each other out. Whereas before I blogged I had no real affinity to my shopping patterns, now when I need something, I am more likely to use one of my newly found blogging friends online shops for my purchases than go elsewhere.
My advice for someone thinking about starting their own business? You need to be passionate about it. You need to research the market you are thinking to enter and you need to have people around you who can support you mentally. Also get to grips with social networking, it really is one of the best ways around to help promote any new businesses and the people working in it, like Alison and Natalie are all really superb people.
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What an excellent interview. You have really captured the essence of Brenda.
I have recently met Brenda through Twitter and then in real person. She is an inspiration and a support.
I am thrilled to have met a wonderful mum and business woman. Expect great things from her!
Brenda is one of my dearest and longest friends since I moved to London. I’m loving being a part of her journey and I know she’ll continue to go from strength to strength! Expect great things indeed!