Conny Fraser – Baby Grow Clinic

Tell us a bit about YOU and your family

I am 38 years old. My partner Sam is 40. We have 2 kids, a girl Mia – 2 years and a boy Ben – 5 years and a fluffy white dog called Poppy. We live in Oranjezicht Cape Town.

What is the name of your company and when did you start your business?

Baby Grow Clinic. It is a well baby clinic in the city bowl, where I teach antenatal classes by night and vaccinate, consult and weigh babies by day. I took over the business 5 years ago and made it my own.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I am a registered nurse and midwife – BC (before children). I worked in high pressure environments, like ICU’s and theatre, and post having baby, I decided to use my degree but in a baby friendly way – what better way than running your own baby clinic.

What are the challenges you face or have faced being a working Mom and how have you overcome them?

I have had to keep my business on a manageable scale eg :not being able to be an active midwife or doula as the unpredicatable hours are not suitable for family life. Like most working moms, my biggest challenge has been trying to find a balance between work and family and trying not to neglect either.

What is the hardest part or have been some of your struggles starting your own business?

I have been very lucky with my business. I was the new young kid on the block, so instilling confidence in my clients that I was more than capable at doing my job. Also focusing on marketing to allow my business to grow and trying to establish my name in the industry.

How do you balance your business and your family?

I have now moved my business to home, so I can be closer and more hands on with the kids, also I have reshuffled my hours, so I can work when they are at school and try and spend quality time with them in the afternoons. We all try to spend at least 2 hours alone at night as a family.

What or whom has been the greatest support for you and your business?

My partner Sam without a doubt, he is someone I look up to on many levels, but especially on a work level – he has encouraged me emotionally and also has been a great financial help when needed.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing.

What advice can you give other Moms out there who are starting a new business?

Focus on your marketing. Don’t worry about competitors and never speak badly of them – if you are good at what you do, it’ll show. Stay positive.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us that I may have missed?

Add a generous helping of personal touch, it makes working more fun and everyone likes to feel special, no matter what industry.

If other Moms would like to keep in touch, how can they contact you?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BabyGrowClinic/
Web: www.babygrowclinic.com
E-mail: conny (at) babygrowclinic.com