Name: Rebecca Susca
Age: 32
Children: Thomas
Job title: Founder of Precious Imp Prints, www.precious-imp-prints.co.uk
Company: Precious Imp Prints
What was the motivating factor for staring your own business?
I set up a successful mobile phones business with my partner, Paul, which we ran together for eight years until I left to bring up my son, Thomas.
Although I loved being a mother, I started to get ?itchy feet? in September 2005 and wanted to take up a new challenge. I searched hard for a business opportunity that would work around my son and found the perfect thing with Precious Imp Prints.
What are the best bits about working again?
It is a great challenge for me and gives me a different kind of self achievement. The extra money coming in is also a big help.
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been the highs and lows so far?The biggest high for me has been setting up a successful company which brings in a good income to support my family.
The lowest points are when I am sat working until ridiculous hours at night and haven?t been able to spend too much time with Thomas. I know that this will all change as the company grows and we are able to take on more staff to help out with work levels. It is just a little difficult for now.
What is available to mothers now that you wish you had access to when your family was young?
I would have liked to have had Thomas fingerprint cast in silver when he was a tiny baby. It would have been nice to preserve the memory of how tiny his finger was (this is what my business does, creates fabulous, tasteful family keepsakes that will earn a permanent place on your body or mantelpiece ? not in your loft).
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood?
It is very hard and I couldn?t do it without the help of my husband. Juggling a successful business and a toddler can be very difficult but Paul does help out a lot and I just keep telling myself that it won?t be forever.
What has been the high point along the way?
The highest points are when someone signs up for a franchise, having bought products from you in the past. This gives you satisfaction in knowing that you pleased the person with the product you made for them and that they love the products and service my company is providing.
What is your worst experience along the way?
I don?t think that there is any experience that I have had that I could say was particularly horrible. I always try to look on the positive side of things and any situations that I find bad, I just learn from and never repeat. This always then makes me reflect on the bad times positively.
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?
Just keep smiling! It is very difficult trying to have a successful career and a happy family life but it can be done with enough grit and determination. I think the biggest secret is not to look around and compare yourself to other people. Live your life (no matter how hard or trying) to the best of your capabilities and enjoy every day.
