Every parent knows how expensive a new baby can be. If you’re a first-time mum, the excitement of it all can mean going over budget and spending on things that you’ll probably not use a month into new parenthood. That’s where Gemma Johnson’s idea for a pre-paid debit card comes in…
Name: Gemma Johnson
Age: 33
Children: Teddy, nine months
Job title: Co-founder and CEO
Company: babeecard.com
What was the motivating factor for starting your own business?
When I was pregnant with Teddy, it quickly became apparent how expensive babies were. I was worried how I was going to pay for it all when I went down to maternity pay. Having worked in the prepaid card industry, I realised that I could help other mums manage their money better by creating a card for them. It was knowing that I could help out lots of other mums just like me that was my motivation.
What are the best bits about working again?
Having a baby can be quite an isolating experience. I live in a tiny hamlet of around 8 houses and used to commute to London every day up until 7 months pregnant. Working every day has enabled me to keep my mind active, challenge myself and build a future for my son.
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been you highs and lows so far?
It?s very easy to feel guilty when you have a young child as it seems you can never give them enough of your time. I have to balance the demands of running a business with the needs of my son. Occasionally it leaves me very drained and also feeling guilty.
Launching a business in the financial services sector has also had its tough moments as it?s a male dominated industry, I am trying to reshape how Financial Services are perceived and also encourage women not to be frightened in taking control of their finances. It can be challenging trying to educate an audience that is already feeling vulnerable to make the first move in restructuring their family finances.
The highs have certainly been worth it, getting our first customer, experiencing first hand just how much the savings make a difference and of course, being short listed for the MasterCard Prepaid Card Awards for 07/08. If we win, that will surely be the icing on the cake.
What is available to mothers now that you wish you had access to when your family was young?
My family is young and will be growing again hopefully this year. If a card such as BaBeeCard had been available to me when I was pregnant, I could have saved a small fortune.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood?
For me, it?s about balance and not being too strict on your working hours. If my son needs a cuddle he?ll get one but equally if I need to make an important call then I make sure I am in a position to do so.
Juggling motherhood and work can be difficult sometimes but no-one ever said having a baby or running a business was easy. The rewards after a hard days work are worth it, just a small smile, a wet kiss or a big cuddle make the stress disappear and you realise that tomorrow is a new day – filled with new opportunities for both of you.
What has been the high point along the way?
Setting up my business when five months pregnant knowing that at the birth of my son I would have created something for my family and people recognising that the idea is a good one.
What is your worst experience along the way?
Attending meetings just three weeks after having an emergency caesarean.
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?
You can have anything you want, it?s up to you to balance the pros and cons of every situation. There will always be consequences for not going back to work and consequences for going back to work.
If your child is happy and gets the nurturing it needs then that to me is the key point, from there whether you work or stay at home is secondary.