Name: Anne Dhir
Age: 34
Children: 2
Business name: Calin Bleu, www.calinebleu.com

How did the idea for your business come about?
I made a wraparound sling to carry my little girl when she was born and soon, I was making them for dozens of women I met at postnatal yoga, breastfeeding group, baby massage groups. Within a year, Calin Bleu was born.

How did you fund it?
Apart from the initial layout of a sewing machine and a couple of cash advances, the business has been funding itself so far.

How do you manage your business with childcare commitments and running a home?
It's the hardest thing about working from home. I work mainly when the children are asleep. Now is a good phase: my toddler is in nursery school in the morning and the baby sleeps all day. I'm organising things for the day when he stops napping!

What is the best thing that has happened to you as an entrepreneur so far?
We went Christmas shopping last year and bumped into a mum with her little baby all snuggled up in her Calin Bleu sling.

And the worst?
Apart from mail strikes and finding reliable suppliers? ... it has to be hearing my 3 year old daughter saying sternly to her doll: "sshh I'm on the phone, you have to play quietly"

What would you do differently if you could turn the clock back?
I would do even more research and groundwork at the start, it makes things so much easier later on.

Any tips for mums who are considering setting up a business?
Run!

• Make sure your partner is on board, it's a commitment for the whole family.
• Buy the fastest and best tools that you can afford (computer, sewing machine...). Your time is precious so you have to make the most of it.
• Outsource to people when they have an expertise you don't have. You will save time and ultimately money.