Lacking business and marketing skills, mum of 2, Yasmin needed some direction and clarity about what to do next…Read her story about how she made it happen with Successful Mums.

Can you tell me a bit about you and your business…

I’m a remedial and pregnancy massage therapist through home visits. I understand the strain in the early years of becoming a parent and my massage service offers massive physical and emotional support for new mums and dads.

How far had you come with your idea (if at all) before you came on the Successful Mums course?

I’ve been massaging for 20 years and up until I had my second baby my business was very small and more like a hobby/casual second income and this suited my circumstances.  I had a few clients on my books and my massage work was part-time alongside my other full-time job in the charity sector.  When I had my second baby I decided that working for myself was the best option and I decided to grow my massage client base up to a proper business with a proper website and business cards! 

What part of starting /developing your business were you ‘stuck on’?

I’m a procrastinator and a worrier. I lacked business marketing skills, I lacked direction and I had no plan – Successful Mums really helped with all of this!

What made you decide to set up your own business?

Before I had my two kids (now 10 and almost 8) I was working in the charity sector and when I returned to work after my firstborn everything felt wrong.  I wanted to be with my son as much as I could and I stopped enjoying work.  When I had my second baby I quit work altogether and became a childminder just so that I could be with my kids full time and still have a good income and this worked perfectly.  We had wonderful visits to farms and having picnics in the park but when my kids started full-time school I was torn again – I was spending less time with my kids again because I had other young children who needed my attention as well as my own.  When both of my kids were in full-time school it was time to grow the massage business!

How did you hear about Successful Mums?

I’d been growing the massage business with a more serious approach for about a year and I started to realise that word of mouth promotions just wasn’t enough anymore.  A good friend of mine suggested I get in touch with  Successful Mums, which turned out to be the icing on the cake for me!

What was your experience of the course?

Successful Mums is an amazing place, bringing like-minded mums together.  I made a brand new set of friends and mentors who are all “successful mums”.  Both the Successful Mums team and the women I met are VERY supportive and inspirational.  Successful Mums gave me focus but most of all, the team and the people gave me confidence.

What is the best thing about being your own boss?

The best thing about being my own boss is that I can be with my kids full time and this just feels right for me.

What have been your biggest challenges?

Lack of confidence,  poor time management skills and lack of planning skills, thankfully Successful Mums gave me all of this!

What’s been the most important thing you’ve learned along the way?

Don’t do it alone.  If you’re like me and you need a little push along the way, if you need reassurance and direction you really need to reach out for it.  There’s so many other women who have been in your shoes and who are willing to give you guidance and support.

How is your work-life balance now you’re running your own business?

My work life balance is excellent. I’m so lucky to have a job that fits around my children. I tell people I’m a full-time mum and business owner.

What one piece of advice would you give a mum in your position who’s thinking of starting their own business?

Reach out for support don’t do it alone, find a mentor and get in touch with Successful Mums!

You can find out more about Yasmin’s business here Yasmin Massage Therapy.

If you dream of being your own boss, our business training can turn your ideas into reality, click here to find out more!