Mum-of-three Helen Bristol, 41, had three very dribbly babies. Tired of them wearing traditional bibs all day long, she decided to design a bib that looked more like a fashion accessory – and then grew her business idea, Skibz (www.skibz.co.uk).
Making ?10,000 profit in the first year, she knew she’d made the right decision, and now that her children are a bit older – 11, nine and six, she has a business that fits in with her family.
What was the motivating factor for starting your own business?
I had really dribbly babies. Their clothes were soaked all day and of course, that made their skin sore too. ?Old-fashioned? bibs weren?t absorbent and comfortable enough to wear all day and they looked pretty awful. I knew I had the skills from my ?pre-children? career to make something much better.
What are the best bits about working again?
Using my creativity and being with ?grown-ups?. I think most mothers can identify with that after being a ?stay-at-home? mum for a while, no matter how rewarding that can be!
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes ? what have been your highs and lows so far?
Highs
- It gives me such a thrill when I get compliments about Skibz from customers.
- Repeat orders boost my confidence ? it?s like, ?They want more? Yes! They really do like Skibz!?.
- What is available to mothers now that you wish you had access to when your family was young?
- Skibz. Honestly! You?ve no idea how many clothes were spoiled by all that dribble!
Lows
- Finding the cash to start up the business was pretty stressful.
- Wondering whether others thought it was a good idea. Starting the business was such a big step and I suppose I needed a boost to my confidence. Luckily, I had great support from family and friends.
- Working all night is hard for me. But when there?s no avoiding it, I just get out the coffee pot and get on with it. I think that having three children has given me good reserves of stamina when it comes to sleepless nights!
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood?
Working from home means I can work during the night if I have to, which helps to balance work and family life. I need to be very organised, so I write everything down ? my notebook literally goes everywhere with me!
What has been the highest point?
Seeing Brooke Shields and Courtney Cox in a magazine with their babies wearing Skibz.
What is your worst experience along the way?
My van and Sat Nav broke down in the middle of London on the way to a baby show and a policeman shouted at me. I just sat there and cried!
Any tips for expectant mums, or mothers who feel that you can?t have a successful career and a happy family life at the same time?
- Involve the family in your work wherever possible ? my son was one of my models.
- Don?t feel guilty for doing something that satisfies your need to be creative and successful. Being a mum isn?t all about making sacrifices – we need to be happy, too!
