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MumsClub Name: Love Maternity
Real Name: Clare Hales
Age (or age range): 32
Children’s ages: 1 and 1 one in Oct.
Business Name: Love Maternity
Business Contact: Clare Hales
What are the key features of the products or services that your business offers:
Maternity Wear for every budget and occasion
Why should customers and clients use your services?
We are independently run and we pride ourselves on customer service and our 'personal shopper approach' along with a fantastic selection.
When & how did you start up in business?
Dec 2006 when my little boy was 7 months old after struggling to find stylish maternity wear when I was pregnant.
How did you decide what business to go into, and what was your motivation?
As above plus my priorities changed and I wanted to spend more time at home as my previous job involved a lot of travel.
What were the most challenging aspects to setting up?
Juggling it with motherhood, The doubtful faces of people when I told them what i was doing followed by the confidence crisis... and giving up a 45k job plus car and expenses!!!
What has been your biggest business achievement?
Managing to open a business as we are sliding into a recession and still being here 2 and a half years later to tell the tale..
Have, or do you do anything out of the ordinary to benefit your business?
I think the most important thing we do which is very different from what you get on the high street is offer every customer a personal shopper style service which makes them feel special and sets us apart from our high street competition.
What stage is your business at now & what are your plans for the future?
We are just over 2 years old and business is steady but I would like to grow it to the next level whether that be increase shop or website trade.. or both!
How do you manage to juggle your business with family life? Has it been challenging?
Very... take every day as it comes and don’t get disheartened by plans that don’t happen. Always ask yourself what is the worse that can happen and put the answer into perspective...
Has online networking, specifically with other mums, benefited your business?
This is a first for me and part of my 'growth plan'
What resources do you NOT have now that might make your life easier?
Someone to ask opinions, share ideas and moan when things are tough, Some advice on how to promote my business without it costing a lot as I have learnt the hard way advertising doesn’t work.
What advice would you give another mum considering starting her own business?
Go for it but be aware it will be a challenge but a very rewarding one it it comes off.. It also gives you an identity other than just x's mum!
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