At home with Nature with Successful Mum Caroline Gaster
What is the name of your business?
Accessorise My Garden
What does your business do?
I sell gardening accessories, mainly fair-trade, from interesting countries like India, Thailand, Peru, Scandinavia and the list is growing.
How did Successful Mums help?
It was a refreshing business course. I learnt so much about how to start a business and really gained personal confidence. There were engaging guest speakers including accountants, social media experts and so much more. I would highly recommend the course to other Mums who are thinking of working for themselves.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I started off as a gardener and got fed up with trying to earn money in the bad weather. So during the winter months, I started selling gardening accessories.
What challenges did you have when starting a business?
There were quite a few.. firstly the weather! Trading outside in the cold and wind. Getting to grips with social media, setting up a website and growing the business online. Also trying to source affordable and interesting products.
“Go for it, but remember, it takes time to build a profitable business”
Caroline
What does personal success mean to you?
Growing my small business into a successful on-line business.
What is the most challenging thing about working for yourself?
Committing the time needed to grow your own business whilst bringing up my family.
What is the most rewarding thing about working for yourself?
When I receive comments on how delighted my customers are with their products and how they enhance their garden.
What top tip do you have for other Mums thinking of starting a business?
Go for it, but don’t expect to make a profit straight away, it takes time to build a business.
What work life balance tip do you have?
Ensure you take some quality time out for yourself! It’s very important! I have taken up yoga and I love it.
You can find out more about Caroline’s business on her website.
Do you have a business idea you want to pursue? To gain clarity and focus for self-employment like Caroline, why not book our fully-funded Business Start-up Course. Find out more details HERE.