Could you start a business while starting a family?
The UK is in the midst of a mini baby boom. Statistics have projected that skyrocketing birth rates in the last decade will result in a large number of families with young children. The difficulties of continuing to work while caring for a child are well documented. However, many people are increasingly turning to a unique alternative – starting their own business and being successful working parents.
We had a chat with some of the businesses we have backed who have balanced starting a family with starting their own business. We talked about why they chose to start up and what advice they would give those looking to follow in their footsteps.
Start a business because of the sense of achievement
With the backing of a Start Up Loan, Joe and Carly Taylor founded trail mix producer Real Handful while raising their kids.
For Joe it was the sense of achievement that made it worthwhile. He describes the pleasure of running a start up.
“I don’t feel like I ‘work’ anymore because I love what I do.”
Joe and Carly aren’t just loving being their own boss in the present, they recognise that the success they are seeing now can be a great opportunity in the future too.
“Our business can provide for our kids and give them as many opportunities as possible.”
Start a business because of the flexibility it provides
Katherine Foot also decided to make a career change after having kids. For her it was the flexibility of being your own boss that was valued.
“I needed something which would give me what I needed, whilst I was able to give my boys what they needed.”
Her response was to start Glowbeads which produces glowing bracelets. Starting her own business meant getting rid of the old, rigid, work structure. Now Katherine can manage her business as a working parent and can still spend quality time with her kids, especially around school holidays.
Start a business because your child can be your inspiration
Karen Boyd, founder of fresh pizza making kits Pizzado, highlights how, as a parent, your kids can be the inspiration for your business.
“It was the fun my son had with friends when he was younger that gave me the idea for Pizzado and [he] has certainly had plenty of input into the product and its development!”
Without her children’s input Pizzado would not be where it is today.
Likewise, Cantina Burrito creator Hiatt Jackson regularly taste-tests her delicious Mexican products on her kids. One burrito she produces has even been designed around their tastes.
Having your child involved in your business can inspire your business to grow and help you to live the life you want to.
