Stella Antoine, 33, mum of two talks about setting up her family run online retail store for babies, Stellina Baby (www.stellinababy.com).
Job title: Creative director Profit in first year We are still in our first year of trading having launched in October 2007, but we anticipate to break even in the first year which is great.
What was the motivating factor for staring your own business?
The birth of my 1st child and a baby boom amongst my friends inspired me to create a luxury baby clothes collection.
What are the best bits about working again?
Being in touch with old contacts and getting my creative side running again!
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been you highs and lows so far?
Starting up a company presents lots of difficult challenges, particularly when trying to establish a new brand into the market. However, there is great satisfaction in seeing something go from a sketch on paper to a finished product. Positive feedback from customers has also been lovely to hear.
What is available to mothers now that you wish you had access to when your family was young?
The power of the internet is phenomenal -?also the business support which is now available specifically for women entrepreneurs. Business Link for London has been particularly useful in helping me start up the business in terms of providing case studies and relevant downloadable docs.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood?
I am very fortunate as my children are being looked after by my mother in law, which gives me the chance to work without the added worry of leaving them in the care of strangers. Working from home also allows me to be more flexible in terms of childcare and spending valuable time with my children which is very important in their development.
What has been the high point along the way?
The satisfaction of seeing our hard work shaping into a brand.
What is your worst experience along the way?
In trying to build a new brand, we have invested a lot of time and money. It is frustrating and a little scary waiting to see the benefits of that investment. Thankfully, however, the feedback received to date on the quality and diversity of the Stellina Baby range has been positive which is a good start and I am excited about the future. We have a lot of exciting new ideas and plans which we expect will help build our brand.
Any tips for expectant mums, or mothers who feel that you can’t have a successful career and a happy family at the same time?
You must really believe in what you do and as a new mother it is amazing what resources you discover in order to balance family life and work.