Hello everyone, I'm glad you found your way to my post. So what is the story?
I'm hitting the big 4-0 in 2 years, have 2 girls (a 4yo and an 8mo) and the desire or voice inside me urging me to 'make something of myself' has never been louder, as if my past work experience working for big corporate companies like Coles Online, or widely-known Australian favourite jewellery label Samantha Wills, or being stay home mom multi-tasking every single day isn't significant enough to account for something. The truth is I've always had a big entrepreneurial spirit, and finally after birthing Eve, and with my husband's support, I decided to go for it.
It isn't easy setting up a new business, especially when you are digging into your own savings, but the rewards will be worthwhile they say. Perhaps, but I will never know unless I try, set things in motion, and take action. So for moms wanting to work on a side hustle, regardless of whether you already have a cushy job (or not!) or currently a stay home mom, below is a list of things that I did at the beginning that may help you:
1. Be clear on what that side hustle is (service or product). Is it solving a problem, what is the value add?
2. Stay committed to your decision, but flexible in your approach.
3. Do your market research. Keep a record of notes. Google Sheets is my go-to for easy access no matter where I am (I could be stuck in a car with a sleeping baby and still work).
4. Create a budget sheet before you spend any money. Again Google Sheets.
Other things that I did:
1. Join a community or group of like-minded individuals wanting to succeed and help you succeed. I joined SheMentors, a mentoring network & community for women in business late last year 2021. had the privilege of connecting with some beautiful people, including my talented and lovely product photographer, Chloe Gibbons. If you are after a family photoshoot in Melbourne, she's your girl!
2. Attend workshops. There are literally hundreds of free workshops and webinars you can sign up for to educate yourself on topics that will benefit the course of your start-up journey. Power Retail, Shopify, and Australia Post are some good ones to start with. If you're really into Ecommerce and looking for something that brings tremendous value, I'd suggest looking at Ecom World Conference. It is also through this platform that I got to connect with some amazing business owners and received some generous and useful advice.
Some things I'm still working on myself:
1. Staying in my own lane. Being authentic. It is such a temptation to look at what competitors are doing and trying the same formula. It doesn't just apply to business, but to our own personal growth as well.
If you like what you've read, or simply would love to share your own experience, feel free to leave me a note. Remember to be kind always.
x
