Lilly Von Pink blogs at www.lillyvonpink.blogspot.com. She is a 27 year old married Mummy of one who set up her own business back in 2008 so she could be a stay at home Mum and bring up her son. Here is her story and some hints on how to do the same. Over to you Lilly...
A Vintage Mumpreneur
In February 2008 I had my son Dylan and was enjoying being at home with him on my maternity leave and the thought of going back to work was so far from my mind.
But we all know how quickly it ends and I made the decision to leave, I had been toying with the idea of starting my own business as I have always made my own clothes and been a crafter. So I decided to just do it and the hours and distance were too much so I took a part time job while I worked out my next move and to keep the money coming in.So my first move was working out what my business was going to be, so I went with something I was into and worked around my skills. I'm really into the 1950's vintage rockabilly look and one of my main skills is seeing and jewellery design so Lilly Von Pink was born. I have always made stuff for myself and my boy so I used that as my starting point.
Important steps:
When I started my first step was making prototypes of my designs and see what worked and what changes could be made.*Tip - Give them to family and friends to test and give you feedback
Second start small, I sold my items on the likes of Ebay, Etsy and Folksy (the last two are perfect for hand made goods).
Next test the market: I used the likes of Facebook to see how people reacted to my products and maybe a few sales.
Now it's time to get serious and seek advice.
- Draw up a business plan
- Look at www.businesslink.gov.uk for help and advice with aspects of business
- Check out the local council (there's a lot of funding for women and business)
I received help from the Prince's Trust (they have an age limit) and my local council runs a course to help you build business plans and have lots of contacts for you to use when setting up all for free.
- Meet with the bank and open a business account
- Sort a book keeping method out (important for filing taxes)
- Register with HM Revenue and Customs as self employed
- And the fun part , picking your business came about from my vintage persona, being I am my own brand and I am my business.
- Three years on I now have three businesses which are evolving all the time, there has been many ups and downs and lessons learnt along the way but I couldn't be happier.
A wiggle and a wink
Love
Lilly Von Pink x
Lilly's Links
Pin up & rockabilly inspired goods for the glamour girl in us all
Retro and rockabilly clothing for your little hell Kats & Kittens
Vintage Pamper Parties for glamorous girls
