The Small Business Festival is happening next month in Victoria and Frankston City Council is getting involved by holding four ‘Mumpreneur’ workshops for mums (and dads!) who are considering setting up their own small businesses. These workshops, which will be held at Functions by the Bay (Frankston Football Club), will provide those considering starting their own business from home some tools to help get the ball rolling! The sessions will run over four weeks and are just $20 each. They will cover the following topics:
Wednesday 8th August – 9.30am to 11.30am
Mumpreneurs: Making a profit from your passion
Make your dream of running a successful home-based business a reality.
Wednesday 15 August from 9.30am to 11.30am
Mumpreneurs: Increase your visibility
Discover the keys to traditional marketing including how to create customer orientated marketing messages.
Wednesday 22 August from 9.30am to 11.30am
Mumpreneurs: Money Money Money
Learn the basics of record keeping, how to determine your selling prices and explore profitability and cash flow.
Wednesday 29 August from 9.30am to 11.30am
Mumpreneurs: Plan your pitch
You will be provided with a business plan template to develop your business idea.
Oh and guess what? You can actually bring your kids along to the sessions for a play while you learn!!! When does that ever happen!! We are thrilled to be working with Frankston City Council as official ambassadors for these ‘Mumpreneaur’ events and can’t wait to gain some extra knowledge for Mama loves to share!
In light of Frankston City Council’s upcoming “Mumpreneur” Workshops and our love of supporting local women in small business, for this weeks More than a Mama we speak to not one but three amazing Frankston business owners (many of whom are a familiar face around town!) and all of whom are kicking goals and inspiring others to push harder and be better!
KATE FENNESSY – PAPER BOAT DIGITAL
Web: https://paperboatdigital.com/
Insta: @paperboat_digital
Facebook: www.facebook.com/paperboatdigital
MLTS – Tell us about your business.
Kate – My business is called Paperboat Digital, and I specialise in social media branding and management for businesses. I called it Paperboat because I believe your content is like a paper boat you lovingly craft and send off on its way – you never know how far it can go!
MLTS – What inspired you to get started?
Kate – Like a lot of mothers, I wanted to get out of the 9-5, and the daily commute, and work from home. That was the motivation. Also I wanted to challenge myself and see what it would be like to do things my own way, be my own boss. I think I’ve always had that desire in me.
MLTS – What are the biggest challenges you come across being a small business/self employed?
Kate – Oh, wow. Where do I start! The stress is much bigger than I anticipated because you have more to do, more responsibilities, more decisions to make and less support. No matter what happens, what goes wrong, it’s down to me. Cash flow is also a bit tricky when you’re relying on people to pay their invoices on time! And also just the classic challenge of finding time to work ON the business rather than IN it. That’s probably my biggest challenge at the moment.
MLTS – Do you have any tips for other mums who may be wanting to start their own business but perhaps don’t have the confidence to do so?
Kate – Self-belief was one of my biggest hurdles, and I look back and see that I was more than capable. For me, confidence comes from experience. Experience comes from having a go, taking a risk. So just start, just have a go. Back yourself in those key moments and then pat yourself on the back for what you achieve or learn, including mistakes. Treat yourself like a friend – what you say to a friend? You’d say “Go for it!”
MLTS – Name your top 3 places to go in Frankston.
Kate – I love One Pear Tree cafe opposite Officeworks on Nepean Hwy. Robinsons Bookstore is my happy place. I love bookstores and that is a particularly good one. And finally the beach for my morning walk! Just seeing (and smelling and hearing) the bay gives me a clear head for the day.
LISA MEDHURST – LISA’S LACIES
Web: https://lisaslacies.com.au
Insta: @lisaslacies
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisaslacies/
MLTS – Tell us about your business.
Lisa – Lisa’s Lacies is Australia’s only specialist retailer and manufacturer of lingerie, clothing and accessories and we are so proud of our exclusive Australian Made Lisa’s Lacies range which is aimed at women size 16-40+. We manufacture right here on site in Seaford and have been operating now for 25+ years!
MLTS – What inspired you to get started?
Lisa – I personally struggled to find elegant, flattering lingerie for my size 26 curves so, (as you do!) I resorted to designing and making clothing and lingerie for myself. It was then that I realised just how amazing it felt to have lingerie that fit and felt sexy, so I decided to start making garments for other plus size ladies. What was borne from a personal need, quickly turned into a passion as word got out about my products and curvy women came from near and far to purchase! I had to employ a seamstress, source suitable fabric, lace and elastic products and before I knew it – Lisa’s Lacies was born!
MLTS – What are the biggest challenges you come across being a small business/self employed?
Lisa – I find that the biggest challenges are time and guilt. Time (or lack of it!) as there is always a million things that you need to do and guilt as I don’t feel that I get to spend enough time with my son (who has just started high school) and sometimes when I am spending time with my family, my mind is else where when it shouldn’t be… it is very difficult to try and manage both.
MLTS – Do you have any tips for other mums who may be wanting to start their own business but perhaps don’t have the confidence to do so?
Lisa – I would say to definitely do as much research as you possibly can. Starting a small business is similar to making the decision to have children. You always make excuses like, I need more money or I need more time, or I need to be better prepared and have more knowledge… but the truth is you will never have enough money and you will never feel 100% prepared, so just jump in and do it anyway! Just be determined and have passion and do what you love, and you will be fine.
MLTS – Name your top 3 places to go in Frankston.
Lisa – The beach of course, Frankston and Seaford are so lucky to have such amazing beaches. Lisa’s Lacies (lol!) and I love dining at Ginseng.
EMILY ROSE HARPER – BRAZILIAN BUTTERFLY
Web: https://brazilianbutterfly.com/salons/14-brazilian-butterfly-frankston
Insta: @emilyrose_harper
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrazilianButterflyAustralia/
MLTS – Tell us about your business.
Emily – I own Brazilian Butterfly in Frankston. We are a specialist hair removal salon specialising in Brazilian waxing, laser hair removal, spray tanning and more! We have been on Wells Street for more than 10 years!
MLTS – What inspired you to get started?
Emily – I saw an opportunity when my place of work after four years was up for sale and just decided to go for it! It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
MLTS – What are the biggest challenges you come across being a small business/self employed?
Emily – I would say one of the biggest challenges I have come across is cashflow in a business that is somewhat seasonal. Our peak is September-Feb and although through the rest of the year we are still quite busy, there is a drop in revenue through winter and it can be tough on a small business.
MLTS – Do you have any other tips for other mums wanting to start their own business but perhaps don’t have the confidence to do so?
Emily – Find a mentor, maybe its someone who you pay to work with or maybe another local business owner who you look up to, ask them out for a coffee and pick their brain! Join some business Facebook groups, there are a lot of great ones out there where you can ask for ideas or seek inspiration from other women who were once in your position. And lastly, just do it, jump! There will never be a right time and you will never feel ready, but you figure it out along the way!
MLTS – Name your top 3 places to go in Frankston.
Emily – Eeny Meeny – coffee!! THE BEST in Frankston hands down, I’m there a little too regularly! Pregi central – one for the mummas! Shelly the store owner in absolutely amazing and always so helpful, it’s my go to for baby gifts and I was a frequent visitor during my pregnancies! And last but certainly not least, the Cake cottage! Cupcakes, freak shakes, need I say more? And if you have a few too many you can pop in next door to Shelly for some maternity stretchy waist jeans!
Mama loves to share are proud official ambassadors for these events and look forward to seeing you there!