Tell us a bit about YOU and your family (where you are based, single / married, number of kids, etc)
Laura Randall and Kim van Wyngaard are wives, mothers, friends and business partners. Both have little girls – Laura’s daughter Britt-Lyn is 2yrs and Kim’s daughter is 19 months. Our girls are the reason as with many others, for us wanting to build our own empire. Laura is based in Ruimsig and Kim in Meyersdal , and our business, online.
What is the name of your company and when did you start your business?
Mums Inc gave ‘birth ‘ in May 2010.
What inspired you to start your own business?
The feelings of guilt that are given birth to when you have your baby – guilty for not working and guilty for working led us to wanting flexibility – we couldn’t find it so we created it. The struggles we had during our pregnancies helped us start Mums Inc – we supply MUCH NEEDED preggy PJ’s , worn during pregnancy as well as after birth (Bellie Basics), 100% organic cotton baby clothing (Piccalilly) and we conduct makeovers for moms – a little me-time for moms post birth to help you recover, revive and refresh by re-discovering the outer you through skin-analysis and make-up hints and tips! (Mom to Me makeovers) Mom to Me Makeovers also does 2 hour make up application technique workshops in the comfort of your own home with you and your friends – we sort through your makeup bag, helping you decide on the good, the bad and the ugly!
What are the challenges you face or have faced being a working Mom and how have you overcome them?
Having a little one knocking on your door when you are trying to get started is hard and you feel guilty all day! And then again working into the early hours of the morning means no adult time either. There are many sacrifices to make in the beginning, but keeping the larger picture in sight is what keeps us going! We want happy, healthy and well-adjusted girls and this can be achieved if mom is available.
What is the hardest part or have been some of your struggles starting your own business?
Time management is the biggest key. Juggling full time jobs in the beginning with starting our own business has been challenging. We have spent the first 6 months feeling the market and making sure we have a product that we are proud of. Being solely responsible for all aspects continues to be challenging and requires you to put on different caps at odd times of the day and night!
How do you balance your business and your family?
As our husbands or families help out with babysitting, we try to be very structured and plan well in advance – that means getting out the diaries and planning our meetings and to-do lists very carefully! We also try to plan in family ‘fundays’ where we spend time together without discussing work.
What or whom has been the greatest support for you and your business?
Our husbands – there have been many nights and weekends spent planning, designing, marketing, presenting to ante natal classes etc etc, and without the willingness from them to take over homely duties, Mums Inc would not have a face! Support from Tina Otte’s Birthing Centre has been invaluable to our business and has allowed us to spread our wings this year! It is always good to have guidance from those in the know! Also, having a partner allows you to have bad days and keeps you striving to do your best!
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing! We take the good with the bad and both feel that without challenges we will never grow. We have learnt so much in the last year and are grateful for every opportunity and success that comes our way. We continue to take each day as it comes and try to be there for one another when the going gets tough.
What advice can you give other Moms out there who are starting a new business?
You need to decide what you are doing it for – is it for money, flexibility, time with your little one ? This is what will motivate you. Be prepared to not take home a salary! Scary but real! Our little ones grow up so quickly, so make sure you spend good quality time with them through all the madness. Be brave. If you can’t be on your own, find someone to help you up when things are tough – your support base must be in place!
If other Moms would like to keep in touch, how can they contact you?
Website: www.mumsinc.co.za
Call: Laura 083 454 3599 OR Kim 082 887 6789
Email: info (at) mumsinc.co.za
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