Good quality, reliable childcare is at the core of a working mum’s life. So when Jennie Johnson, founder of Kids Allowed found it impossible to find any, she decided to set up nurseries nationwide to help other mothers in the same postition. With astounding success, and ?1.95 million later, she tells MothersWhoWork.co.uk how she did it.
Name: Jennie Johnson
Age: 36
Children: 2
Business name: Kids Allowed Limited
Profit in first year: NA ? turnover ?1.95 million
How did the idea for your business come about?
Through my own personal experience as a working mother requiring childcare for my own children and not finding anything that met my needs for highest quality, flexible childcare.
How did you fund it?
It took 18 months to get the project funded. We need a total funding package for 5M, we got this through a combination of the bank, SFLGS and a private investor
How do you manage your business with childcare commitments and running a home?
That an easy one for me! Once Kids Allowed was up and running, it answered by own childcare needs ?
What is the best thing that has happened to you as an entrepreneur so far?
Lots of great feedback from working parents who say that Kids Allowed is wonderful and has made their families life much easier.
And the worst?
When we occasionally get it wrong. It is impossible for any business to be perfect, but at Kids Allowed we do strive for perfection. When we make a mistake, the most important thing is to reflect on what you could have done better and learn from it. And endeavour to share those lessons learnt so mistakes are not repeated and your practice is ultimately improved.
What would you do differently if you could turn the clock back?
Nothing
Any tips for mums who are considering setting up a business?
Do something you are passionate about, research the market well, be realistic about just how much of your time it will take and keep the passion!
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