Mummy&Roo

These days it seems self employment is becoming more and more common with the rise of online selling abilities, rep businesses and the 'Boss Babe' movement. I'm all for anything which makes people feel more empowered and able to handle their own business, no matter what size. I've been in this game for 6.5 years now, although much more so in the last 2 or 3 and I thought I'd share some of my thoughts and experiences on self employment. These are personal to me, relate to my business (small printing & craft business) and life, and are unfiltered, you may not agree with them but that's okay you don't need to. Do not expect help and advice; but don't assume people won't offer There is no sick pay or sick leave, if you aren't working, you aren't earning Not all businesses are the same, don't tell people how to run theirs It's okay to be jealous, just don't let it effect how you work 2 similar businesses do not have to b...

When I tell people I work 2 jobs or that I work 7 days they often say the same phrase after I've explained I run a craft business, that phrase is "but it's not like real work", Sometimes they follow it up with things like "because you're at home", "because you enjoy it" "because you work for yourself" etc etc and they're right! It's not like real work I don't get a day off, hell I barely even get an evening off I don't get to go home from work I work late into the evening when I have to (I just finished and it's past 10pm) I am ALWAYS thinking about work I'm not paid a wage, if people don't buy I don't get paid If people aren't happy with the product it costs me money I have no company There's no HR department There's no sick pay, holiday pay, time off There's next to no company benfits There's no salary or hourly wage There's no escaping the boss The list goe...

I'm cheating a little bit this week and I'm writing my feature Friday on Thursday. That's only because I'm going on holiday Saturday so will probably be running around like a lunatic tomorrow trying to find something I've forgotten until the very last minute. This weeks Feature business is: Pretty Little Style Pretty Little Style is a friend of mine who makes the most amazing hair accessories. She mostly makes them for children but I have previously seen her make adult ones too. I have watched her business grow over the last few years from an idea to save her money to a massive business with loads of fans and followers. She can make bows to any colour brief and has made us bows to match outfits for multiple special occasions, I've also known her make bows to match dance costumes, school colours and more. My latest bow set including matching bow sets for Roo and her big sister Amelia for holiday. The girls haven't seen them yet but I know they're...

I've decided every Friday I will talk about some of my favourite small businesses which I have been enjoying that week. As this is the first week it will be slightly larger and will include a few of my favourite businesses. Scarborough Scribbles etc Scarborough Scribbles is the creation of the amazing Jenny. Everything is designed from her own imagination and is the put onto a hand drawing, digital design, cross stitch, clay model or more. Jenny is incredibly talented and incredibly humble. In the last 6 months I've had several items from her including a hand painted card, a digital design for a get well card and I'm getting a keyring soon which I will share a picture when I receive it. Scribbles is still a fairly new business so stop by, check it out and maybe have a little shop. If you don't see what you want drop her a message, tell her Mummy&Roo sent you. www.facebook.com/scarboroughscribbles  Loonicorn Loonicorn is the brilliant shop run by the even ...