Why did you become a franchisee?
Little Voices perfectly combined my desire to run a business with my wanting to provide opportunities for my children to be surrounded by positive influences, to involve them in music and drama (because of all the benefits they bring), to be accepted, and ultimately know that there was someone who believed in them and would support them to achieve their goals.
How does being a Little Voices franchisee fit in to your busy family life?
As a mum of 5, Little Voices has provided me with an opportunity to work from home so that I can be around for my children.
And excitingly, I’ve been able to get my children involved in the business as they’ve grown. They’ve loved helping out with things like delivering flyers and cupcakes to schools, being part of the end-of-term report pack production lines, and helping with music and prizes at community fairs.
Work/life balance is never easy for a working mum, but I got into the habit of using my time effectively. I’d schedule making calls and sending emails when my children were taking their naps; and arrange visits, run errands, or deal with any sensitive issues while they were at school. It’s amazing how focused you can be when your time is fairly limited!
What advice would you give someone who is having a baby and wanting to diversify and run their own business?
There’s never a perfect time, but if you’re determined, it’s definitely achievable! I think it’s about working smarter, not harder. You need to find ways of being as productive as you can, without working yourself into the ground. You need to find your own balance and priorities for what brings about the best outcome for you and your family.
