Amanda Flanders – Dream Business

What is the name of your Business?

Butterflies & Dreams Events

What does your business do?

I provide Event Management and Party Planning.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I’ve always had the desire to have my own business, but haven’t previously had the right idea or been in a good position to do it. On returning to the UK as a single mum, after living in Greece for 8 years, I was actually put in a good position to finally try my own thing.

I chose event management because I had previous experience in Greece and I wanted to ‘make people happy’ and take away any stress and worry of having to organise a party or event.

I also wanted to work the hours that suited me so that I could spend the maximum amount of time looking after my daughter.

How did Successful Mums help?

The course helped me gain focus on what I needed to do and the advice and support they gave me, was a great boost and encouragement that I was doing the right thing.

What challenges did you have when starting a business?

I knew how to do event management, but running a business involves so much more and I had to learn so much and am still learning now. My main challenge has been time! Not having enough to do everything whilst trying to have a good work-life balance.

What does personal success mean to you?

Personal success to me is succeeding in following my dreams and running a successful business. Being the go-to person to organise an event or party and showing my daughter that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough.

What is the most challenging thing about working for yourself?

Not procrastinating, keeping your self motivated and not being distracted.

What is the most rewarding thing about working for yourself?

The most rewarding thing is the sense of achievement.

What top tip do you have for other Mums thinking of starting a business?

Just do it, you lose nothing from trying.

What work-life balance tip could you give?

Accept that it will be difficult and there is no secret to work-life balance, you just have to take it day by day and do the best you can. Don’t let the mummy guilt or work guilt get too much.

Dreaming of starting your own business? Why not book on to our Business Start-up Course and turn your dream into reality. Find out more HERE.