Hilary Irving, 41, turned her back on a successful career in law to go into business with her husband, Derek, so that she could get the work-life balance she needed. The former solicitor tells motherswhowork.co.uk how she now manages life as a mumpreneur and what life is like now she?s her own boss.
Tell us a bit about your company
CozyMole (www.cozymole.co.uk ) is an online retail business specializing in high quality, practical, outdoor clothing and equipment for children and other family members.
What was the motivating factor for starting your own business?
To gain a healthier work-life balance and to develop a business that stemmed from our love of the countryside and many outdoor activities e.g. walking, cycling.
What are the best bits about working again?
I only took about five months maternity leave so have never been away from the workplace for a long period of time. Although I enjoyed the challenges of my previous job I now have the flexibility to choose the hours I work to fit around my family, having made some dramatic changes not only in my job but also moving to North Yorkshire it was important that any role allowed me to participate much more in our new community and to be able to do some simple things like picking my daughter up from her new school which has been tremendously important to her and was something that I had been unable to do on a daily basis previously.
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been you highs and lows so far?
Highs have been the support and enthusiasm received from our suppliers to CozyMole, we were initially nervous about reactions to our plans as neither Derek or I have any retail background but this has proved unfounded and we have established some great working relationships with our suppliers, who in general seem to have been impressed by our approach.
One of our main aims for CozyMole is to provide a superior level of customer service to that which is typically found elsewhere, including fast delivery, advice on products, no quibble returns etc. The feedback received to date has been brilliant (some of which can be seen on our Testimonials page), it?s a great buzz to know that we are doing things right and that going that extra mile is appreciated!
Lows have been readjusting to working from an office at home which can be a little isolating having previously worked in a very busy lively office also as there are only the two of us to do all of the tasks associated with the business the hours required can get a little crazy, but that?s the same with all new businesses and it?s a positive to be so busy so soon as we have only been ?open for business? for seven months.
What is available to mothers now that you wish you had access to when your family was young?
The internet is a fabulous medium for support and advice for mums on all sorts of child related issues which has mushroomed in recent years. Recent legislative changes have also made a big difference to working mums to allow a request to be made to an employer for flexible working – this has helped so many working mums to continue with their careers whilst balancing the needs of their families.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood?
I think it’s important to recognise that it simply isn?t possible to do everything perfectly, but by being well organised and prioritising where required, I find I’m able to meet the demands. It also helps to have the great support I have from friends and family.
What has been the high point along the way?
The satisfaction of seeing CozyMole already starting to thrive, and seeing the potential to be self-sufficient in our own business.
What is your worst experience along the way?
When one of our first suppliers went into liquidation and we lost some money owed to us. Thankfully, this was only a small amount but in this current economic climate it pays to keep aware and do your research in the area of the retail market we operate in.
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?
I think that it is possible to lose confidence and forget that you have a lot of great qualities and valued opinions if you have been away from the workplace for some time so find those support mechanisms that will reinforce the positives and if you feel that it?s time for a new lifestyle change then I would say have the courage of your convictions and follow that dream.
