13 November 2006
NZ Women's Weekly
An article in the New Zealand's Woman's Weekly about being a
Work-at-Home-Mother (WAHM) running a website business from
home. Read below for the full story....
By Rebecca Milne
"Relying on Breastmates
Mum-of-one Frances McInnes has created a booming booby business
since quitting her job to become a full-time mum two years ago.
"At antenatal class, the teacher showed us some breast pads that mothers can use
to help absorb breast-feeding leaks," Frances says. "And when
I started breast-feeding, I realised how important the pads
are.
"I've always been into craft and, being an environmental
engineer, I decided to make my own natural and reusable breast
pads, instead of the disposable pads already on the market."
The 27 year old put her skills to good use and made merino wool
breast pads. The result was comfortable, affordable,
reusable, natural breast pads - and they became an instant hit with
her friends, family, and antenatal class.
After giving birth to her son, Angus (now 2), the new mum became
more passionate than ever about her product. So, with a $50
budget and no previous business experience, Frances bought a domain
name and a small amount of wool. She uses the spare bedroom
of her Auckland home, to tirelessly sew the range of merino wool
and hemp breast pads, as well as designing and running her
Breastmates website. Frances broke even after just one month,
thanks to her DIY attitude.
"Its ironic that I created this business in order to stay at
home with my son, but it has made me so busy that I have very
little spare time," Frances says. "I try to fit the
business around Angus so I usually sew the products after he has
gone to bed, until the wee hours of the morning.
"I receive feedback from Plunket, midwives and breast-feeding
support groups, who love the pads because they are reusable and
natural.
"The response from mothers has been fabulous," she says.
"I love being able to promote breastfeeding in New Zealand and make
people more aware and accepting of it."
Frances' husband Bruce has been a great support. "It's
nice because he works hard all week and I stay at home but I can
still contribute to the household," says Frances.
"He has even offered to do special breast fittings!" she
laughs.
The Breastmates website (www.breastmates.co.nz) has around 3400
visitors per month, and Frances is now supplying her products to
four overseas websites too.
Frances is so confidents, she's thinking of entering Breastmates
on TV One's business finance programme Dragon's Den next
year. "I can talk about breastfeeding without blushing now,"
she says.