Marie Ekerholm, 44, of Freya Designs set up her business as a knee-jerk reaction after giving up her role as a chartered accountant to care for her son who had severe allergies. She tells motherswhowork.co.uk how she has juggled the business and her children’s – Andreas 14, Elin, 11 – hectic schedules…and making ?10,000 profit in the first year.
Company: Freya Design, www.freyadesign.co.uk
What work did you do before you set up your company?
I qualified as a chartered accountant with a big accountancy firm and worked as a financial controller for a small Swedish company based in Twickenham. However my son developed severe eczema and allergies so I had to stop working to look after him. It was at that point when I realized that I had to find a job where I could be flexible and close at hand.
How did you fund the business?
The business has grown organically ? all profits have been reinvested and no money has been borrowed from outside.
Profit in first year: ?10,000
What was the motivating factor for staring your own business?
I have always enjoyed being creative and wanted to somehow combine the artistic flair with my financial background. The main motivator was to be able to work and look after the family, to be able to see my children growing up and to have a big part in their upbringing.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
You are forced to learn new things everyday, whether it is to do with logistics, marketing, photography, export etc.
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been you highs and lows so far?
The highs are all the amazing feedback I get constantly from my customers. The lows have been the problems you are faced with when trying to expand and you have to rely on outside help, to be let down and then manage the resulting chaos.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood while running a business?
I would lie if I said it is easy, but I think the key is to take your time with the business and look at it long term – let it evolve and enjoy the learning process. Take advantage of the flexibility of running your own company and take time to listen to the needs of your family and the business, be prepared to slow down the pace when your kids need you more.
How has running your business impacted on your relationship with your partner and children?
My husband is very much involved in the business, even though he has a full-time job in London ? he has produced and is maintaining the website for me. I believe the children have benefitted from me working from home. I am here when they come home after school and can take them to their activities (my son is a national athlete and my daughter is a drama enthusiast!). As a mother you always feel you spend too little time with your children, but I think it is important to be a good role model ? for them to see that you need to work hard to achieve success.
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?
The choice is very personal and everyone?s circumstances are different, but I do think it is possible. You need a supportive partner who is willing to share the domestic responsibilities. It is absolutely essential to never lose sight of the financial viability of the business.? Be passionate about your business but remember to ask yourself if you are doing it as a career or a hobby ? a ?lifestyle business??
