
When mum-of-four, Lisa Warner,38, made some question cards to help her family discuss things rather than arguing across the dining table, she had no idea that she had started a business idea. Now Fink Cards (www.finkcards.com)? is earning her money and helping other families to communicate – or that she would go on to win O2’s Female Entrepreneur of the Year on the back of it. She tells motherswhowork.co.uk how it all started.
What work did you do before you set up your company?
I stayed at home with my children for over 16 years, in that time I did various part time work including childminding, cleaning and care work. Three years ago me and my husband brought a struggling business from a neighbour, it was a crazy decision and for two years I threw myself into the business to try and change the inevitable outcome; I had to deal with staff, debts and suppliers – as well as find new customers and bring in work, it was an intense learning? experience. We had made huge improvements but unfortunately it was too late, the decision was taken to close the business. It was a costly experience both financially and emotionally but it changed me considerably.
How did you fund the business?
I borrowed money from? my husband’s company to fund the first print run.
Profit in first year
Nil – All profits were reinvested to launch our new products.
What was the motivating factor for staring your own business?
My family were my inspiration.? 10 years ago when my children were young our mealtimes were hectic, I made some question cards to get us talking rather than arguing at the dinner table. The cards transformed not only our mealtimes but the way we communicated as a family – I realised just how important that was when my children became teenagers. I had seen how my home made cards had helped my children become confident and sociable young people and wanted to share this with other families.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I enjoy the freedom it gives me, I can be flexible in the hours I work but I also enjoy the responsibility – there is no room for blame when you run your own business, the buck stops with you.? It may sound daunting but it’s actually empowering because if something isn’t going the way you want you can change it!
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been you highs and lows so far?
The highs have been winning the O2 Female Entrepreneur Award and the wonderful feedback from families who love our products.? I wasn’t taken seriously by some people when I first started, people would assume I was making greeting cards and be quite patronising.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood while running a business?
I think a sense of humour is very important, especially with teenager children. I recognise that my time is very precious, at work I am very focused on what I want to achieve, at home I know what matters and what doesn’t, for example in our house eating dinner together matters and ironing doesn’t.
How has running your business impacted on your relationship with your partner and children?
I thought starting my business when my children were older would be easier but my children were used to having me a home. They are quite outspoken if they think I am spending too much time at work, it was also a big shock to my husband when I first started working. We talk openly and honestly about how we feel and it has helped everyone to? adjust, I? know my family are immensely proud of what I have achieved.
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 you have to create your own rules, know what works for you and? your? family, don’t be afraid to do things differently. Remember you are in control of your life, no one else, and if you don’t like the way something is going – change it!