Name: Charlotte Pritchard
Age: 39
Children: Olivia, seven years old
Job title: Director
Company: www.jewel-garden.co.uk
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What was the motivating factor for staring your own business?
A passion for jewellery, frustration at not being able to find beautiful and ethical jewellery on the high street and a desire to work more flexibly.
What are the best bits about working again?
I’ve never really stopped – I took a break for six months when my daughter was born.? I enjoy using my brain and my creativity, and I’m doing something I have a real interest in.
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been you highs and lows so far?
Highs – getting featured in Grazia magazine, managing two successful Glamour Evenings where we had more than 70 ladies turn up. Our first Christmas (2007) was good in terms of sales, seeing the traffic to the website and sales increasing month on month.
Lows – managing the finances, having to manage every aspect of the business myself, including the tiresome postage and packing, and not having enough hours in the day.
What is available to mothers now that you wish you had access to when your family was young?
I think there are more social networking sites available now – I would have liked to talk to other working mums more when Olivia was really little.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood?
I tried to find the best childcare I could so that I knew Olivia was happy and being taken care of while I worked.? I also rely heavily on my parents’ support – my mum and dad have been brilliant (especially as they are still working as well and have busy lives).?
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What has been the high point along the way?
The initial launch of the business was definitely a high point – it was very exciting! We had a launch party to celebrate. Being my own boss and not having to answer to any one else – e.g.being able to go to school plays and assemblies without having to ask for time off work, and taking holidays when I want to.
What is your worst experience along the way?
I always find it very stressful when Olivia is sick and has to miss school – I then worry about getting work done, but I have to remind myself that I wanted to work flexibily so that I could be around at times like that.? I also find it hard to switch off completely when on holiday as I worry about leaving the business.
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?
1. Ask for help when you need it – the support of your family and friends is very important.?
2. If you have a great idea go for it – if you don’t you’ll always regret not doing something about it.
3. Maintain a sense of humour – things will go wrong at times but at least you can look back and laugh at it one day!
4. If you work from home it can be isolating, so make sure you get out of the house – arrange nights out with friends, meet for coffee with other working mums, and basically try to build a network of people in a similar situation to yourself.