Minor Edition - Ipshita Chatterjee

My name is Ipshita and I design children’s dresses (2-6 years), using ethically sourced fabrics from India. I have a four year old daughter who has inspired me to start my business Minor Edition.

I grew up in a very creative family and so it was no surprise when I finally started my own business. My mother has her own boutique designing clothes that are individually hand-painted by her, for the last 30 years. All my childhood outfits were all handmade by her.

I think the tipping point was when I wanted a birthday dress for my little girl, that was both unique and affordable. It made me think that there must be other mums like me who are looking for affordable pretty dresses in different hues other than pink. When my daughter was about two years old, I decided to give up my long career in science and launch my own business. I have always enjoyed stitching and designing clothes ever since I remember, and this transition seemed natural. I travelled to India for inspiration and first-hand knowledge.

Few months later, Minor Edition was born - out of a love for beautiful textiles, bright colours and quirky mix and match of colourful fabrics, buttons, lace and other trimmings.

I work around the school hours since my little one has started school in September 2011. I do work till late nights or early morning and weekends, to catch up.

My business allows me to be creative and be my own boss. I can conveniently schedule all my work. I can manage a work life balance to a great extent. I have learned to start and run a business and love networking and social media as well. I am starting to enjoy the return and the satisfaction when the dresses sell.

There is nothing negative about my job because I love it and I am very passionate about it. I sometimes miss the office banter and evening drinks, though. The positives are way too many to actually even mention those.

The greatest fear of ‘what ifs’ before starting a business is a major obstacle that we all face and it must be overcome. If you have a talent or a good idea, it is important to do a market research however small and then have the courage to make a head start. It is also very important to be passionate about your business, believe in it and be proud of it. We all know that hard work and persistence always pays off. My greatest challenge till date is to work around very limited resources and that is where creativity (using social networking, offering your expertise in return to theirs like photography, web designing etc) helps.

 Website: www.minoredition.co.uk

Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/pages/MINOR-EDITION/354791904037

Twitter: @minor_edition

Zest Payroll Solutions - Claire Meredith

A while ago I wrote this piece for another blog: www.joannedewberry.co.uk so I thought I'd share it with you.  It's about a typical day here at Pennies 4 Parents and Zest Payroll HQ and the juggling act of running a business with 2 teeny "helpers".  I hope you enjoy it.

A Day in the Life of Zest Payroll Solutions

I don’t need to set an alarm clock anymore. 

I have one of 3 wake up calls:

●  Teeny Man (15 months) crying for his morning milk

●  Little Man (4) jumping on the bed

●  Little Man shouting “I’ve done a poo poo” at the top of his voice from the

    bathroom (this is not my preferred way to start the morning!)

So, with that it’s up and at it, desperately trying to get all 3 of us dressed and fed by 8.30.  For some reason the 20 minutes from then is always put on fast forward in a jumble of shoes, coats, choosing today’s must have cuddly companion and a suitable random object for today’s colour table at Pre-School.

With little man safely deposited, Teeny Man and I head home for a play.  If I’m really lucky, he will start to show his “I’d actually quite like a little nap please, Mummy” signs and I’ll swiftly settle him down and head to the Zest Payroll Solutions’ “office”.  I love that term!  My “office” consists of the computer desk and a multitude of shelves tucked away in the corner of the dining room.  I long for the day the boys can share a room so I can claim the spare room as my own.

I may have an hour to get my head into work mode.  With running payrolls for small/medium sized businesses and parents employing nannies, I am lucky in that the main bulk of work comes in during the last 2 weeks of the month as pay days are usually at the end.  There’s always other things to be working on though, be it marketing, making phone calls or doing the accounts and I’ve just started a new blog for parents too (www.pennies4parents.blogspot.com) so writing for that takes up lots of time.

 

After the Pre-School pick up and feeding the hungry monkeys, I sometimes have a little time after lunch to “pop back to the office” if I need to, while Little Man plays and the Teeny Man naps again (I am lucky having a very energetic baby who wears himself out a lot!).  If it’s something major I need to do, I’ll set Little Man up with some Play Dough or other dining table top friendly activity so that I can keep an eye on him and it’s actually rather nice to have someone to talk to.  Being a WAHM can be pretty lonely.

More feeding, bathing and story telling and it’s back to work for the evening.  This is when I most enjoy working – a couple of hours to really get stuck into it without any distractions (Daddy’s in charge then!). 

Life as a Work At Home Mum is hectic, but I love being around for my boys and wouldn’t want it any other way!

www.zestpayroll.co.uk

www.facebook.com/zestpayrollsolutions

www.twitter.com/zestpayroll

Phoenix Trading - Kate Jowsey





Like many people, I first came across Phoenix Trading, when I was given a gorgeously wrapped present with matching card and tag.  Whilst admiring the quality and matching design I enquired where it came from and the world of Phoenix Trading was revealed.

I toyed with the idea of becoming a trader shortly afterwards, but decided it was not the right time for me, so I just became a customer.  Two and half years later, I decided to quit my job to spend time with my young daughter and suddenly realised that this was the perfect opportunity.  My Phoenix journey had begun.

So I am now a self employed Independent Phoenix Trader, selling high quality exclusive greetings cards, gift wrap, stationery and accessories.  Phoenix Trading does not sell on the high street, only via traders like myself.  Wherever possible they support the British print industry.  All greetings and Christmas cards are printed in the UK and in fact around 95% of all their products are UK produced.  In May 2011 Phoenix Trading were also delighted to win the “Company with Heart” award from the Direct Selling Association (DSA).

There is no hard sell, customers generally love our products.  I sell in a variety of ways; via brochures, coffee mornings, home parties, fundraising events, mail order via website, fetes, fayres etc…

Over time, I have become sponsor to a team of 7 other traders, each of whom I help and support when needed as they build their individual businesses.

Generally I work around 5 – 10 hours a week, this is usually done in a few 2-3 hour chunks, either in the evenings, at weekends or whilst my daughter is at pre-school. Although some of it can be done whilst she is playing happily next to me.

There are many things I love about being a Phoenix Trader – the quality and range of products (of course!), the friendly support and advice available from other traders/head office, the simple approach and the number of lovely people I have met.

But what I love most of all is the flexibility.  If for instance my daughter is ill, I can just drop everything to be with her.  It just fits around (and into) our life.  There are no targets you have to meet each month, and if you need to take a few months off for any reason, then you can just do it and pick Phoenix up again when you are ready to do so.

I’m approaching the end of my 2^nd year as a trader and my business has grown steadily, despite the current economic climate.  People still seem to buy cards, perhaps they are just cutting back on the gifts?...



Phoenix has recently revamped the Business kit and it is now better than ever at just £30.  You can sign up and be instantly in business within a week.  You can unpack the box, take your samples and brochures next door and make your first sale.  I got my first order the day after my box arrived.  When you sign up, you also get the chance to buy a special offer pack of stock. There are 3 to choose from at £50, £100 and £150.  The bigger the pack, the bigger the discount. 

So, is it something you like the sound of?  The business kit comes complete with a 30 day action plan to get you off to a great start, and you also get a free website which you just need to activate before you can spread the word to everyone you know.

In essence, Phoenix has a simple, but tried and tested approach, you work it consistently and it builds your customer base and your business. 

If you would like to know more you can get in touch either via my website or via my Phoenix Facebook page – both listed below.

Kate Jowsey – Independent Phoenix Trader 24389

**Statutory Notice** Do not be misled by claims that high earnings are easily achieved. It is illegal for a promoter or a participant in a trading scheme to persuade anyone to make a payment by promising benefits from getting others to join a scheme.

Promoter – Phoenix Trading, Unit 6, 307-309 Merton Road, London, SW18 5JS

Company Website – www.phoenix-trading.co.uk

My website – www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/katejowsey

My Phoenix Facebook page – www.facebook.com/katejowsey



Usborne Books - Jan Olive

My journey with Usborne Books at Home started in May 2009 when I met a lady selling the books at a fair in Taunton.  She had a huge banner that was advertising for Book Sellers which grabbed my attention.

At the time I was working for an insurance company and looking for an escape route.  She gave me a pack of information to take away and read…… one coffee later (ok and a slice of cake!) I was hooked.

I was aware of Usborne books as my son had enjoyed the Farmyard Tales when he was younger but I didn’t know that Usborne also had a Party Plan division.

As an avid reader I loved the thought of introducing young children to books and as Usborne offer a flexible opportunity I decided I could fit it around other commitments.

When you join Usborne Books at Home you pay just £38 for the Starter Kit which contains approx £120 worth of books, carefully selected from across the range, as well as all the business stationery you will need to start your own party plan business. Our catalogue contains over 2000 titles for children from birth to teens.
As an Usborne Organiser, you can sell Usborne books at home parties, toddler groups, in schools and throughout your community.  I started with my own party at home first and it snowballed from there.
Organisers  earn at least 24% commission AND you will have access to FREE and discounted books for yourself.  Once you have done your first party the Starter Kit is yours to keep and you work as much as you like; there are no sales targets.

I joined in June 2009 and by that October had become a Team Leader by introducing other people to the opportunity.  Last year was my first full year and was amazing – I even won the annual travel incentive and spent a brilliant 5 days in Iceland with 26 other Usborne winners. 

 

 

I now have a team of nearly 40 lovely Organisers from all around the country and I love helping them build their own businesses and seeing them reach their personal goals.  Some join to raise money for a particular event – holidays, Christmas, weddings and others are looking to give up work to spend more time with their families.

This is not a get rich quick scheme - it does require a level of commitment and hard work, but it is incredibly rewarding.  It is now my full time job although I only spend about 20 hours a week on it so it feels more like part-time because I choose when I work! I even managed to go to college two days a week for a year to pursue my other love – painting.

You don’t need sales experience but a PC, printer and a car are necessary.

You can read more about Usborne Books at Home on my website:

www.mojobooks.co.uk

If you are interested in starting your own Usborne at Home business or have some questions please contact me, I would love to hear from you.

I also have a Facebook Page which you can find at Mojo Books at Usborne at Home where I post events and competitions and keep “fans” notified of Special Offers.

Truly Madly Baby - Ailsa Mcintosh

Hi, my name is Ailsa, a mum to two under 5’s and a Consultant Manager for Truly Madly Baby and Truly Madly Kid.

Truly Madly Baby & Kid is primarily a party plan company, set up to give mums like me a chance to start their own business around a lifestyle that suits them and with a low start up cost.  We sell a wide range of products from baby to older children (age 10).  There are too many products to mention, but the range includes items for learning, essentials (like the not so nice potty training), gifts and toys, from brands such as Kidorable, Trunki, Zoobies and much more.  The main thing to highlight is that most of these products are not ones you find on the high street or in supermarkets. They have all been specially chosen to ensure a varied and exciting range yet remain at affordable prices.

With it being a Party Plan Company then I would go into people’s homes or venues and demonstrate a variety of products, show the catalogue and give advice, a bit like a personal shopper!  It’s not all about parties though.  I go into baby and toddler groups, go to events, anything that I think will help build my business.  The good thing is, it is my choice.  There is no pressure on me from Truly Madly Baby, I can work as much as I feel is right for me and my family.

I came across Truly Madly Baby as I was looking into Party Plan Companies to earn some extra income.  I looked into every Company and I mean every Company but wanted it to be one where I loved (and used) the products, one that was affordable for customers and one that was not target orientated – only the targets I set myself.  I happened to be invited to a Party myself around the same time and sat looking at the catalogue thinking I must have that, that and that.  I thought if I think like that then maybe others would too!  I joined up within 2 days of that Party.

Truly Madly Baby is set up to be a low cost start up.  I genuinely believe they understand that us mums, especially if not working, do not have large outlays to pay.  It is only £20 deposit to join. Yes, I did say £20.  For that you get your kit, stationary and all the support to get you started.  Of course, there needs to be some commitment to meet the rest of the cost of your kit (£300 sales) but as long as you are willing to put the effort in, it is more than achievable.  What it does mean is that you can potentially start your own business for £20 and where else can you say that?

As there are no monthly targets, I work as much as I want to build up my business.  On average I would say 2-3 hours a day, usually when the kids have gone to bed.  Sometimes this will be in the form of going to a party, sometimes it is time spent working with my team, on recruitment or looking for new potential customers.  What is important to me, is that I still get to be a fulltime mum, which makes me very lucky.

Like any business from home, when the kids are around so much it can be hectic and there are things that would be good to do during typical ‘office hours’.  It has meant that I need to be a lot more organised and though I know I am a long way off, I am getting much better at it.  Also as there are no targets I have to keep setting myself little goals to achieve or I think it would be quite easy to have too much time off!  More importantly, I get to talk about products I truly believe in (no pun intended) plus my children have got some great free products as a result of my achievements too!  It doesn’t really feel like work either as I have so much fun and meet so many people.  I know that might sound corny, but it’s true.

So, if you are sitting there reading this thinking I can do that then get in touch with me!  I always share my experiences honestly as it is important that you are able to make well informed decisions.  My top tip is if you have any questions then ask them, no matter how many.  It is important to know as much as you can to make the right decisions that suit you and your lifestyle.



www.trulymadlybaby.co.uk/ailsamcintosh

www.facebook.com/pages/Truly-Madly-Baby-Kid-Fife  

Twitter: @tmbailsa