What I love about Becky’s journey is that her business has evolved … like mine in fact. That just because the first idea didn’t work out, you can try again.
Today is a guest post in my Business Startup series. The series aims to share stories from business startup mums; stories that will inspire other mums to start their own business; stories that will give you confidence that YOU can do this too.
To find all the stories use Business Startup Story in the Categories drop-down.
If you have a business startup or career change story to share, I’d love to hear from you. Click here to contact me. I am always delighted to receive guest posts on this subject, 500-800 words.
This week’s story is from Becky Linot, Techie Genius, Kansas VA.
Student teacher to techie genius via boutique sewing
What prompted you to start your business
I started on a journey to create my own business purely out of necessity. When I was pregnant with my first child, I was student teaching and developed high blood pressure and had to pull out until after he was born. But once he got here, I couldn’t bring myself to leave him! And we couldn’t live just off of my husband’s salary alone.
I was determined to figure out a way to make money and stay at home with him at the same time.
My mom taught me how to sew, so I created a boutique sewing business called ‘Miss Munchkin’s Designs’. I did well and the business was growing, but I realized something… I don’t like sewing that much! I enjoy occasional projects, but every day… not so much. And then a few months down the road… rinse and repeat. I had another business that never really got off the ground making purses.
In between, I worked for Apple doing technical support for computers from home. That was a really cool job with great benefits, but the schedule was not flexible and they require you to work at Christmas, which wasn’t ideal for me and my family.
But one way or another, I was determined to figure out how to successfully operate a business, make money from home and be available for my family.
Tell us about your business now
I’ve been in this business for 2.5 years. I’m a virtual assistant by trade, but I specialize in helping other business owners with the technical needs of their businesses. This ranges from formatting and sending newsletters and blog posts to building online courses for my clients’ product launches.
What do you love about having your own business?
The flexibility is definitely my favorite thing about my business. Each of my clients know and understand that I am a mom and have a family that needs me and it’s fabulous. I don’t have to have my shift covered to go on a field trip or make an unexpected trip to the doctor.
What are the challenges?
Sometimes it is difficult finding some distraction free time to work. Fortunately, I’ve always been one to have music on, talk to coworkers, etc. while working, so it’s not like I need complete silence. But sometimes when I’m working on a really involved project, I’ll stay up late or get up early in the morning so I can focus.
What do you wished you’d known at the start?
How to structure a business and package my services. This is still something I’m figuring out. It was hard to break out of the employee mindset and realize that I’m truly working for myself and I set the rules :).
Your top tip for other mums thinking about starting a business
Create your business around something you enjoy. I tried (twice…) to get businesses off the ground doing something I really didn’t enjoy, but I knew I could make money if I pursued it. With every business, there’s a chance of burnout, but it happens a lot easier when you don’t enjoy what you’re doing!
Your favourite inspirational quote
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. ~ Dolly Parton (Loved this one and it’s making its way into the #WhatSheSaid collection)
How do you look after yourself?
I am a sleep sacrificer and I did to the point when my first was a baby that it caused me some major health issues. Now, I’m careful to make sure that I am getting enough rest. I’ve got a 3-month-old at home who is thankfully a good sleeper, but we still have nights where I’m up several times. When that happens, I make sure to take it easy the next day and take some time to rest in the afternoon if I can. Even if it means just putting the computer and phone away and catching up on some Netflix.
How can we find out more about you?
Website: www.thekansasva.com
Savvy business tips: blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thekansasva
Thank you Becky!
Nice post, especially like the part about setting up the business doing something you’re passionate about.
Yes and there’s a difference between passion because it’s a hobby and passion that makes it right for a business.
Great post! I learned years ago between passion that supports your family and finances and a hobby that you spend your free time enjoying to relax.
Yes there’s sometimes a big difference between the two.