Getting Creative With This Mumpreneur

by Claire on Friday 06 April 12.

When Liz Cairns came across The Creation Station franchise she knew instantly that she this was a huge turning point in her life. I spoke to Liz about life as a mumpreneur and her big plans for the future.

On getting creative…

*"The Creation Station is a children's arts and crafts Class and "Arty Party" business for children aged 6 months to 11 years. I run Baby Discovery Classes suitable for babies from about 6 months to 14 months, Little Explorer Classes for pre-school children aged approximately 14 months to 5 years, and Family Fun Holiday Sessions for children aged 1 - 11 years. I also carry out event work and provide fabulous children's "Arty Parties".

On taking the leap…

"Before I had my son Jamie, I was a Licensed House Manager operating large venues with large teams of staff. When Jamie was born, I returned to South Ayrshire from London, and settled down to family life. When Jamie was 2 years old I wanted to go back out to work, and I took a job working part time in an office. I became extremely unhappy in that job and wanted to set up something on my own that would make the best use of my skills. I stumbled across The Creation Station Franchise when looking for possible business opportunities. My own son Jamie (now 5 years old) loved arts and crafts, but there was nothing really around locally that could provide regular arts and crafts classes in a similar vein."

On going with a gut feeling…

"I felt instinctively that these types of classes would be well received by mums in the local area. I spent time researching franchising and what it would be like to buy and operate one, assessing whether there was actually a gap in the market for this type of business, researching the actual franchisor and then working on a business plan to take to the bank. I got help and advice from Which Franchise in Glasgow, and from our local Business Gateway in Ayr."

On the best parts of being a mumpreneur…

"There are loads of good reasons for being a mumpreneur. You are in control of your own working day and week - I am able to take my son to nursery every morning and be there to pick him up. I fit my working hours in around the things we do, meaning we still get time for things like play dates and swimming lessons. You are also completely responsible for the success of your own business and can set your own goals and targets. At the end of the day, you are doing something you want to do."

…and the worst…

"Sometimes it's hard to get the time to fit everything you want to achieve in around family life, so you have to be well organised, structured in your approach to certain aspects of the job and above all a good time manager."

On hopes and dreams…

"My short term goals are to get the business well established and profitable, with a good reputation for creativity and quality. I would like to be more involved within the local community, inspiring children to achieve their goals, and also helping other mums who want to start their own business to make their goals a reality."

On encouraging other mums to go into businesss…

"Don't be afraid to go for it. Get as much advice and help as you can. There are lots of free advisory services out there to help you put your ideas into reality."

You can keep up to date with Liz and her Creation Station franchise on Facebook and her website.

Liz is offering a 9 week block of classes for the price of 7, beginning the week commencing 23rd April. If you live in South Ayrshire and are interested in getting creative with your little one, contact Liz by email on lizcairns@thecreationstation.co.uk or by phone on 0844 854 9115 and quote STORKUP.

There are 40 other Creation Station franchises throughout the UK - find your nearest one on The Creation Station website.