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What did you do before coming up with your business idea and how was it making the transition?
I have juggled many various roles before becoming an author, coach, business consultant, speaker and mentor. My roles have included: teaching, banking, working in maritime, retail and odd jobs such as call center roles.
Making the transition was challenging as it’s almost impossible to match giving up a steady income to having none initially, but I knew that in an effort to focus and build my dream, I had to make the move and that’s exactly what I did.
When did you launch?
Bamboo & Fern the book was launched August 2014 and the services were rolled out after that. I continue to services as the business I am in is ever changing.
How did you get started?
I started with the book and through the story a number of clients’ started coming to ask me to talk to them about issues in their own lives, libraries asked me to do Black History month and then talks came before I knew it I was on radio, TV and in the papers.
What’s your favorite thing about running your own business?
I love the fact that I can work in my Pyjamas all day and see my kids more. The fact that I save £200 on travel and isn’t stuck in peak traffic daily has given me back 5 years on my face that said, I work some long hours at home , some days I do 14 hours but I love it.
What’s the thing you least enjoy about running your own business?
I dislike some of the distractors at home and the fact that you can’t predict your income.
What has worked well about your business?
My biography has opened a number of doors for me in speaking and coaching that has really worked well as I speak on the topics in my book they aren’t made up, they are what I went though.
What’s been your biggest business mistake? How did you deal with it?
I waited trusted someone with money to sort something out for me regarding my business. They never delivered, I was really hurt and didn’t talk to them for a few months, but then on reflection looked at the relationship we had over time and reconciled. I still didn’t retrieve the money and that left a dent in the young business.
How do you fit in work with the family?
It’s such a hard juggling act , I wouldn’t lie , it’s hard to get the balance right especially with kids, so I find myself doing late evening walks with my son , or just taking my daughter for a date at Starbucks . We try to have dinner together as that helps to catch up with everyone. I set time aside for the family as work can consume you and family is important as they are who support the cause. At points I will just sit in my bed, with the laptop while the kids are in it to watching television. There is a feeling that we are all connected then. We try to take frequent holidays when we can afford it where all is switched off and its family time.
Are you working towards a financial goal for your business?
Who isn’t right? I would like to turn over sufficient that my family is very content and I can give back to my charities.
Would you ever give up your business to do something else?
No I wouldn’t give it up, the fulfilment and passion I get from working for myself is priceless.
Do you have an exit strategy?
Yes if it come down to not doing well, I will bring partners in but I wouldn’t run away.
Have you had your ‘I’ve made it’ moment? Tell us about it. If not when do you think it will come.
I have had my I’ve made it moment not necessarily in a monetary format but in other aspects e.g. When I first saw the cover for my book , featured in the Financial Times, Guardian, made Fashion Fair Finalist for Author of the year (International Women’s Day 2015) , interviewed on a TV programme back home that only the intellectuals or people who are seen as having accomplished something go on . Those were some of my yes moment coupled with earning my MBA.
Where do you hope to be in five years’ time?
I see myself some place hoy hosting my own TV programme, with a successful business and a household name.
If you can offer a discount or special promotion for Family Friendly Working readers, please write it here:
I have a 10% discount for new coaching clients’, 20% discount on speaking engagements that include family settings, churches etc. .For Christmas if I am emailed the code XMAS14 then there is a discount on my book hard copy for over 5 copies and over. In addition the ecopy is discounted currently.