Lyndsey Young, 41, comes from a family of entrepreneurs so when she had her two children she knew the flexibility running her own business could give her…and then Count On It was born…
Company: Open Design and Communication, which produces Count On It (www.count-on-it.co.uk) food freshness labels
Job Title:? Director
What was the motivating factor for starting your own business?
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I always knew I wanted to work for myself and although I have been successful in full time employment, I always felt I could be achieving and getting more satisfaction if I owned the business. Also what drove me was knowing that whatever idea or plan I came up with, I alone could decide whether to ?go for it?, rather than having to have it approved ?by committee? or having to wait either because of time or political constraints. In addition, having the flexibility to organise my day as I need to, i.e. starting after the school run, being available for school activities, means I can enjoy the best of both worlds.
What are the best bits about working again?
I love the challenge, setting goals and then figuring out how to get there. I love the fact that every day is different, that I am in charge of my own destiny and that if I see an opportunity I can decide whether or not to pursue it. I also like meeting new people, mastering new skills, developing new ideas and then getting positive feedback is the ultimate reward.
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been your highs and lows so far?
The highs have been getting an order from Lakeland only three months after the product first went into production. They unanimously agreed they wanted to take the product on after receiving a speculative sample in the post.
Another high has been getting a glowing endorsement from Amanda Holden, who has used them when preparing meals for her daughter, and also being featured in BBC Easy Cook, Your Home, That?s Life and Cook Vegetarian magazines, to name a few, has been thrilling ? especially when Count On It was featured alongside Jamie Oliver?s Red Nose Day cook book.
Getting positive reviews from customers always gives me a buzz ? it?s a great feeling to know that my product, the idea I came up with, is being used up and down the country and that people are recommending it to their friends and family.
The lows have been working really hard for an order and then it falling through at the last minute has been frustrating, also if somebody comments that the product isn?t a good idea, that can be a little hard. But the reality is the old adage ?You can?t please all of the people all of the time?, sometimes it is the case that it wasn?t right for them, or it could be that it just wasn?t the right time for them (in which case I file the details with a note to return to them at a later/more opportune time). Most negative situations can be turned around into a positive one and it?s with that in mind we learn and move forward.
What is available to mothers now that you wish you had access to when your family was young?
As my children are both still very young, I don?t really consider I have missed out on anything particularly, I have a hugely supportive husband who has helped me whenever I need it and I have found online networking to be really helpful, business/working mum forums particularly.
The only area that I have found frustrating is getting regular one-to-one advice and support, either from business advisory agencies or meeting other business people – being a? work at home mum can sometimes be very lonely. To address this issue I have set up my own Business Mum support group and organise monthly meetings where we discuss our business issues and give each other help and support. These are a fantastic outlet as not only do we support each other, we also pool ideas, resources and celebrate each other’s achievements.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood?
Without a doubt, being a work at home mum is all about juggling and compromise, the bonus of being able to be at home with your children or available for the school run, means there are times when your working day doesn?t finish until the early hours. I am fortunate that I have the unfaltering support from my husband and this has ensured that I have been able to take the concept of Count On It from the drawing board all the way to the high street retailer within such a short space of time, whilst also being there for our children.
Our children understand (particularly the older one) that sometimes mummy has to have some quiet time upstairs in the office to work, but then when other mummies are still at work, we can play in the garden or have a walk to the park. My eldest is very interested in the business, so much so that he asked if he could be in an advert for our product ? subsequently we have filmed him talking about Count On It and it has been posted on our website.
What has been the highest point along the way?
We have been getting interest from the United States and also just recently securing another deal with Betterware.
Knowing that a concept I came up with is now going global is thrilling, each week brings a new surprise. I have everything I could ask for, a happy home life and a successful business and this is only the start.
What is your worst experience along the way?
Receiving less than favourable feedback, sometimes it can feel personal as Count On It is my idea, not just something that I am selling on somebody else?s behalf. However the reality is with everything in the world, what one person loves, another loathes and it will always be this way. I just take on board the feedback and see how I can either make it better or use it to my advantage for the next time.
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?
My tip would be do what works for you, as long as you are sure what ?success? and ?happy family life? means to you, you will make the right choice. Being a work at home mum isn?t everybody?s cup of tea, it can be lonely, tiring and very changeable. Yet, saying that, I am far happier doing this, than I ever have been working in a large organisation. This means I am less stressed and a much happier mum around my children.
Finally, just remember you are human, you cannot be all things to all people all of the time, sometimes you?ll be the red-hot saleswomen at the expense of the housework sliding, but as long as you and those most important around you are happy and well ? it’s all good.
