Name: Jennifer Irvine
Age: 32
Children: Lily, two, Jasmine, 10 months and another on the way
Job title: Founder, The Pure Package, the London-based gourmet food delivery service – the diet delivered to your door.
Profit in first year: Our turnover has been increasing every year. In our first year, turnover was just under ?200,000. In the past five years, The Pure Package has evolved into a multi-million pound business.
What was the motivating factor for starting your own business?
I launched The Pure Package as I wanted this type of service for myself. A service of this sort didn’t exist in London, and we were the first of its kind. I wanted to help people achieve their health goals without the hassle of preparing, shopping and managing portion control themselves. I’m really proud of The Pure Package as we have helped thousands of people achieve their personal health goals.
What are the best bits about working again?
Life is all about being balanced but it can be tricky to get the balance right. I’ve found that being able to switch from being mummy to entrepreneur refreshing.
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been your highs and lows so far?
The highs and lows are often intertwined. One of the low points we experienced was that when we first launched, I couldn’t anticipate the demand and couldn’t supply enough. I had to create a waiting list which was really disappointing for me to not be able to help more people. But ironically, this experience also demonstrated that I absolutely set up the right business.
What is available to mothers now that you wish you had access to when your family was young?
I grew up on a self sufficient farm in West Cork, Ireland, which is where my love for ethical and high-quality food began. But there are things that I would have wished I had access to – convenience being one of them. Because The Pure Package is all about convenience, I guess you could say that I’ve slightly rebelled against the way I grew up. But I haven’t left my ethics behind me because what my company offers is convenience with a conscience.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood?
Combining a career with motherhood and being happy means that you have to manage your own expectations of what you can do and achieve. Being able to get things done is often the result of letting other people help you. I’ve found that surrounding myself with a fantastic team is the secret.
What has been the high point along the way?
One of the biggest highs is hearing the successful outcomes of individual clients and knowing the role that The Pure Package has had in helping them reach their health goals. Another high point was winning the Harpers Bazaar Entrepreneur of the Year 2007.
What is your worst experience along the way?
When I was pregnant with my first child, Lily, I was attacked while going into my home. It was a very traumatic experience and left me with a broken leg and finger as well as being very shaken. In those first few weeks while recovering, I didn’t have to think about eating well or trying to cook as my meals were delivered every day. The experience forced me to take a step back and trust my team.
Any tips for expectant mums, or mothers who feel that they can’t have a successful career and a happy family life at the same time?
The best thing you can do is be realistic in your expectations. You need to identify the lifestyle you want and choose a career which supports it. If you are thinking of starting a business then make sure it is something you will enjoy. It is important to do something you love and something that will enhance your life; this is not a time to swim against the tide. I love food; it’s my passion, so I built my business on that.
It is also important to consistently address your work-life balance. There might be times you need a support system to keep your life running smoothly – never apologise for having help.