Michelle Williams abandoned a successful career in IT marketing to set up her business, in an attempt to gain more flexibility over her home and work life.
A single-parent of two active boy?s, Michelle tells us how she, along with business Partner, Victoria Casebourne, juggled home and business to develop The Keepsake Consultancy, which turned over more than ?100,000 in it?s first year. Not bad for a ?50 investment…
What work did you do before you set up your company?
I spent 15 years in IT marketing in a job which I had no passion for.? I was desperate for a change.? Ideally I wanted a business of my own, which would be fun and rewarding? but would also allow me more control over my home and work-life.
How did you fund the business?
Victoria and I are extremely proud to say that we started our business with a small investment of just ?50 each, which enabled us to generate sales of over ?100,000 in our first year – with no finance or investment.
Financial Results in first year:
Sales Turnover:? ?102,000
Gross Profit:? ?67,000
Operating Profit:? ?16,198
What was the motivating factor for starting your own business?
I started the business initially as a hobby alongside my job in IT.? However, following the end of my 19-year marriage, which left me with the sole financial burden of the mortgage, bills and raising my family I was forced to ensure that the business became a success!? It was a great motivator and an absolute necessity!
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The huge sense of personal satisfaction! Running your own business is a challenge ? but an extremely rewarding one! No day is ever the same and you constantly learn new things. Most of all, as our business involves helping other women set up in business, I get a real buzz from helping other women realize their potential.
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been you highs and lows so far?
The highs are helping other women to fulfil their dreams – and realizing the success of all of our hard work! The lows are the inevitable problems that any business is likely to face along the way.? However, I believe it?s important to learn from any problems that arise.? I never view such obstacles as a reason to give up – but a chance to find solutions that will help improve the business and make it stronger.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood while running a business?
Starting a business as a single-parent is not easy!? However, I am lucky that I can tailor my working day to ensure I am always there to take my children to school and collect them at the end of each day. I would never want my status as a single-parent or business Woman to compromise these ideals.? The downside has been many late nights and early starts to ensure I can fit the demands of the business around my Children.
I admit, it?s been exhausting and challenging ? but definitely among my proudest achievements!
How has running your business impacted on your relationship with your partner and children?
Unfortunately, my 19-year marriage broke-down before the business got off the ground.? However, the realization that I would be solely responsible for my family?s security really spurred me into action. I needed to ensure that I could afford to keep my children in their family home and provide them with all of the things that I felt they needed and deserved. Someone once said that ?Necessity is the mother of Invention.?? In my case this is completely true!
My relationship with my children has remained really strong. It is important to me that I am there for them at the start and end of each school-day and to spend time with them during the holidays.? The freedom that comes with running your own business has ensured that this has been possible.
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?
Everyone?s circumstances are different, but if I can do it as a single parent ? then there is hope for everyone! I think it?s really down to attitude and how much you want something to succeed.? However, it?s really important to have balance – to separate your home and business life and ensure you make time for your family.? Equally, I think it?s important to be good role models to our children and show them that you have to work hard to achieve success.
