Bev registered for our enterprise course during the pandemic after being furloughed – not only did she complete all her business goals, Bev believed it was the lifeline she needed during that time.
“My name is Bev and I have recently moved to beautiful Cudham (just outside of Biggin Hill) with my husband Nick and three children Josh (12), Ben (10) and Rosie (7) and our ‘pandemic puppy’, Molly the cavapoo!
I originally trained as an Arts and Museums Management Trainee with Swindon Borough Council. I spent a number of years working as an Arts Development Officer, organising outdoor events and touring arts for the Vale of White Horse District Council. I then moved back to London and settled into the music industry to follow my childhood passion!
I worked as the Education Manager at Wigmore Hall and as Head of Education for the Philharmonia Orchestra – one of the UK’s greatest orchestras! After spending many years organising workshops, concerts, talks and projects for schools, I decided that it was actually time for me to start delivering the sessions, rather than just doing the admin! So trained to become a secondary school music teacher. After 15 years of a being part-time classroom music teacher whilst bringing up my young family, it was now time to think about starting my own business but had no idea where to start.
I was so scared to jump into the unknown and felt so overwhelmed! I had never started a business before so had a lot of questions, should I be self-employed or a limited company? How do I create a business plan? How much should I charge for my time?
I had heard great things about Successful Mums and had seen the fully-funded Enterprise course advertised. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to work alongside experienced coaches and develop my ideas. As I was only working part-time, I could not afford to pay for a course or do a full-time course so this was an incredible opportunity for me, so took the leap and registered.
“I really enjoyed learning from our coach, she was so inspiring and encouraging, she was always there with advice to help you shape your ideas. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her and you really felt that she believed in you and what you were trying to achieve.“
Bev
It ended up being so valuable to me, I’d started the course during the pandemic when I had been furloughed from school, so it gave me a reason to get up in the morning! Attending the webinar sessions, group meetings and working with other mums on our coursework, really was a lifeline for me during that time.
I really enjoyed learning from our coach, she was so inspiring and encouraging, she was always there with advice to help you shape your ideas. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her and you really felt that she believed in you and what you were trying to achieve.
Following the course modules and having regular webinar sessions, gave you the impetus to crack on with getting the business going, it provided a framework from which to start and gave us all the important legislation guidance and details for growing a business.
By completing the course I was able to progress through the different aspects of business development in more of a controlled manageable way and definitely think I was calmer and more focused than if I had tried to do it alone!
Since completing the course, I have reached all my business goals! I have written a complete business plan and cash flow forecast, designed a Facebook page and Instagram account, I have created my logo, made a welcome video, and am now a whizz at using Canva! I would never have achieved any of these aspects if it had not been for the dedicated time that I gave to the course.
If I had to explain the course to my friends, in just 3 words, they would be focused – inspiring – brilliant! If you are thinking about starting your own business, I urge you to sign up for one of the fabulous opportunities at Successful Mums and JUST DO IT, you won’t regret it!
So here’s a little bit about my business, Woodland Mindfulness which offers meditation and mindfulness activities through nature. I visit local woodlands across the Bromley and Croydon borough, working either 1:1 or in small groups, I encourage people to take a gentle walk in ancient woodlands to engage with their senses in the natural environment and develop their nature connection.
This mental and physical space can develop a greater sense of well-being, improve concentration, reduce stress, and generally a happier and healthier you.
I have run summer holiday workshops for 8-11-year-olds alongside Country Karma and am looking to develop mindfulness programmes to take in to local pre-schools. I also work as part of Nuthatch Retreats offering ‘walk and talks’ and mini-retreats for staff wellbeing.
I can be found on Facebook and Instagram via @WoodlandMindfulness or contact Bev McGarey at ”