An interview article at MumsonTop about being a "mumpreneur"
2007
Featured Mum: Frances McInnes
Tell us a bit about yourself and your family:
Hi, I'm Frances. I am an arty person and love doing paintings,
murals, mosaic, pottery, garden sculpture, renovating furniture,
knitting, dying wool, and fibre craft! I have trained as an
environmental engineer and am a "modern greenie" by way of nappies,
recycling, conservation and all things eco.
I have a very supportive and understanding husband who after five
years of marriage is getting used to my energy levels and contast
ideas and plans. He's beginning to understand that when I say "hey,
I've got an idea…."it means that I will do find a way to do it, and
that I'll get totally obsessed until it is finished. I'd like to
think that my motivation rubs of on him a little.
We have a gorgeous two year old son, who is simply the light of
our lives. Being his mum has made me such a better person! Angus
has added a lot of noise, fun, laughter and dance (particularly to
Wiggles songs) to our household.
Tell us about your business and how you came to set it up:
Breastmates was initially started when I developed reusable wool
breast pads for myself when Angus was born. I started by selling a
few on Trademe and had a really great response. It took a lot of
time, research, feedback and trials (which my engineering skills
came in handy for) to develop the breast pads and the brand, but
now I have a product that is being used by thousands of mothers
around New Zealand and Australia.
I created the brand and the website myself too - which has been
DIY and a huge fun learning curve.
After two years of hard work Breastmates has developed into New
Zealand's Specialty Breastfeeding Store. I have a full range of
products on my site such as breast pumps, nursing pillows,
clothing, maternity bras and natural remedies, along with my
founding breast pads.
It is so awesome that I can provide these products to mothers
around the country. I get lots of phone calls and enquiries from
mums that urgently need products and need a little care to find
what is right for them. I hadn't planned it, but its so awesome and
inspiring being able to promote breastfeeding in a positive modern
way for women, and helping them out at stressful times.
What are your five-year goals?
Continue growing the Breastmates brand, both within NZ and
offshore. Finish renovating the house. And hopefully have another
baby (cross your fingers for us please!)
What is the most difficult thing about being a Mumpreneur?
Separating work and home life, and taking time off. We took an
overdue family holiday to the Coromandel last week. Luckily I found
the Out-of-Office Assistant for my emails, so it was easier for my
to switch off my mind while at the beach and not to think about it.
It was nice to be out of contact for a week, and by taking the time
out. I came home refreshed and full of ideas - and hundreds of
messages waiting for me. I think next time we take a holiday I'll
consider employing a real life assistant to help a little!!
What is the best piece of advice you would give to a woman looking
to become a Mumpreneur?
I've got a couple of pieces of advice:
- Firstly do something that you are passionate about and the rest
will follow.
- Research your idea and confirm there is a market
- Start small. (I actually started with only a $50 budget and
have grown since there - but that's probably another story)
- Finally the best piece of advise is to get an answerphone, and
don't answer the phone if your kids are screaming in the background
- its not a good image!