A calmer way of life for Successful Mum Camilla

Read Camilla’s story…

What is the name of your business and what does it do?

Stable House Meditation. We teach an effortless meditation technique and offer day/weekend retreats at our beautiful home in rural Kent for further learning and deeper experiences.

How did Successful Mums help you?

I attended the Business Start-up course funded by Bexley for Business. It helped me to focus my mind to write my business plan. Jane reminded me that I have a good foundation, I’m 2 years in, with a website, some social media presence and a loyal following of clients. The workshop covered some fantastic business tips.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I learned this technique 8 years ago and felt the transformation instantly. It marked the start of a couple of years of changing job (chef, gardener, teacher) and changing home (Hackney, Cornwall, Australia).

I then found myself back living in my childhood home, training as a meditation teacher was a way to integrate my new life and my old one. It has also helped heal old wounds and made me a much better daughter/sister/mother!

Another benefit that I didn’t predict is that it has helped me build a great community of like-minded people in my local, quite rural area.

What challenges did you have when starting a business?

At first, it was confidence, that what you know is valid and valuable. As that has grown, the challenge is now to be strategic – for example valuing your time and knowing when to pay someone else to help. Getting an accountant has been a great success this year, but paying for a PR person and some advertising haven’t seemed to be so useful. It is a constant learning journey!

What does personal success mean to you?

Achieving the balance between meeting my income needs and gaining personal satisfaction, as well as meeting the needs of my baby and household. Bringing happiness to myself at the same time as others: what I teach is such a positive life-changer and people who want to learn are always interesting.

What is the most challenging thing about working for yourself?

Cash flow! Juggling paying for child care in advance whilst waiting for invoices to be paid.

What is the most rewarding thing about working for yourself?

Flexibility. Knowing I can choose to spend a day with my baby and family if I want.

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

Do it! Failure is a step to success, and what a great way for the next generation of boys and girls to understand and expect women to be successful business leaders, fulfilled and equally valued in the workplace. I would also like to be able to see my son in his school plays in the future…. hard when you are a full-time teacher!

What work-life balance tip do you have?

Meditate! I don’t know how anyone copes with parenthood without it. Schedule a bit of time every day, when you pause and take a breath. Leave the housework and put yourself first – have a coffee somewhere nice, drink that whole cup of tea, take a walk or bath. Do that first and then your batteries are charged for the day’s demands.

Find out more about Stable House Meditation by visiting their website, here or checking out their Facebook page.

I have an app (for Apple and Android) to help get people started – a simple timer that will guide you in and out of meditation. You can alter the length of ‘closed eye’ time you want! Search for SHTimer or send me an email .

Book your place on our Business Start-up course and start your business journey, find out more HERE.