Meet some of Sydney’s finest mumpreneurs

22 Sep Meet some of Sydney’s finest mumpreneurs

If you received our September newsletter you will have read that Mara was unfortunately not one of the top 100 AusMumpreneurs, whilst that was disappointing we are thrilled to have been nominated and have discovered some fantastic businesses throughout the process.

Today we would like to introduce you to just a handful of the outstanding ladies that we have met.  These wonderful mums have made it into the finals and we want you to learn more about them.  We caught up with these fabulous mums and asked them a few questions, we hope you enjoy this insight into these successful AusMumpreneurs.

Leanne from Cozy Dozee.

click the image to vote for Leanne in the AusMumpreneur awards

Cozy Dozee is a gentle head support which helps correct your child’s neck posture, improve their sleep quality & comfort & helps reduce your stress levels & distraction while driving. 

Your best tip to being organised for family life?
We have a little shoe rack at the bottom of the stairs.  The boys shoes are kept there so we can find them quickly when it’s time to go.  One of my favourite tips, that made life a lot easier, was deciding that I would always put my eldest’s things on the left and my little one’s things on the right. So that goes for face washes/sponges, toothbrushes, making dinner / breakfast, it makes things quick and easy and less for my brain to have to remember!    I announced the “system” to the family and grandparents and it works really well. 

Your best organising tip for business success?
Nice folders that you enjoy filing into and that bring some colour to your office and a clear desk always helps.

Favourite quote?
Ooh tough question!  How about favourite quote for family and favourite for work 😉
“It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” – L.R Knost This sums up my core .
“Luck is preparation meeting the moment of opportunity” as Oprah said “If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.” 

Ikea or Pottery Barn?
Ikea – just wish there was one a bit closer.

Officeworks or Kikki K?
Oooh I love both!! I love Kikki K, but at the price, I try to keep it for the odd special things and for splashing out on presents.  So I’d have to say Officeworks for all the staples. 

How many photos on your smart phone right now? 
I’m always bagged out for this but, 2395 and I just cleared out the videos to make more space!!! Ha ha

Are those photos backed up?
Probably ¾ of them 

Do you believe in Fairies?
Are you suggesting that they aren’t real?!  I love the magic that fairies bring to our lives and I am guilty of dressing up with fairy wings and glitter when going to themed girls birthday parties – why should I miss out!  I ALWAYS leave sparkles and fairy sprinkles from the tooth fairy for my big boy and I’m really not sure how I’m going to break that news to him!

Claire from Confetti Fair 

click the image to vote for Claire in the AusMumpreneur awards

Confetti Fair is Australia’s only boutique party fair that showcases independent retailers in cakes, florists, sweets, dessert tables, styling, planning, stationery, décor, products and photography.

Your best tip to being organised for family life?
To be honest because I have to (try to) be so organised in my work life I tend to leave my family life to spontaneity. I wake up in the morning, see what mood my little man is in and then decide on the spot what we are going to for the day. There is only him and I so it doesn’t take much for us to just pack up and go. The only time that I have a schedule with him is bed time, he absolutely must be in bed by 7pm, if I miss that time then he doesn’t go to sleep properly.

Your best organising tip for business success?
Hire a PA who is super organised lol. I am fantastic at organising others but when it comes to myself I am a bit hit and miss, so the best thing for myself and my business was to hire someone who was super-efficient and extremely organised, I can delegate things to her and keep being creative and growing the business.

Favourite quote?
I don’t know about a favourite quote but one that sticks in my mind whenever someone asks me that is “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” hahaha not sure if that is one to promote as being my favourite but it certainly sticks in my mind.

Ikea or Pottery Barn?
Ikea! I am one of those crazy people who go to Ikea to browse (never, ever, ever on a Saturday though!) My step-dad had a panic attack in Ikea one time and rung me to find out how to get out of there as I knew all of the short cuts…. Oh dear, I really just might go there too often.

Officeworks or Kikki K?
Can I say Bunnings? I love stationery, but having a graphic design background I can make my own stationery, but I do love Bunnings, and always walk out of there with so many more items than I went in for.

How many photos on your smart phone right now?
582 normal photos and 187 screenshot photos, I use it as my visual diary – if I see something I like I screen shot it.

Are those photos backed up?
Good question, they are meant to automatically save to Dropbox… I really should check that…

Do you believe in Fairies?
Always have, always will.

click the image to vote for Caroline in the AusMumpreneur awards

Having spent the last 10 years building a career as a Project Manager in London, I decided to pursue passion over corporate after the birth of my first son. I launched Attipas ergonomic toddler shoes in Australia in Sept 2012 after discovering this unique product abroad and haven’t looked back!

Your best tip to being organised for family life?
Always put your family first! I always make sure my kids and family come first, regardless of the task at hand. Having this at the forefront of my mind actually allows me to achieve great amounts workwise, as when I have downtime from the kids (naps, post bedtime, occasionally during the day) I work in a very productive manner. It’s amazing how much more productive you become when time is of the essence! In order to achieve a harmonious work-life, I find that designating time to the kids, work and partner are extremely important. Sticking to these designations is the key to balance! A sneaky holiday, movie or dinner out doesn’t hurt either!

Your best organising tip for business success?
Find something that sells itself! When I first brought Attipas to Australia, I knew I was onto something big. I was constantly being approached in the street by mothers asking where I’d bought the ‘interesting shoes that my son was wearing’ from. In that moment, I pondered that if I alone was being asked at least once daily about Attipas toddler shoes, what would happen if a thousand wearers were being asked daily about Attipas shoes? Fast forward nearly 2 years, and we have sold over 15,000 units nationally, largely through word of mouth and Facebook (mothers tag their friends when they see a Facebook ad, which creates virality). We also stock to over 30 retail outlets nationally, which is on the increase. Having a good head for numbers and setting / sticking to budgets also helps.

Favourite quote?
If you put your mind to it, you can achieve it.

Ikea or Pottery Barn?
Ikea all the way!

Officeworks or Kikki K?
Officeworks! (Can you can tell I’m very ‘functional’?)

How many photos on your smart phone right now?
1041

Are those photos backed up?
Yes, on the cloud

Do you believe in Fairies?
Yes. In Fairytales of course!

Deb from Bop Along Buddies

click the image to vote for Deb in the AusMumpreneur awards

Bop Along Inflatable Animal Bouncers have been designed to aid children in the development of Balance, Co-ordination, Core Strength and Self Confidence through regular simple play. The standard range features no removable parts as well as a number of unique safety features making the range suitable for children 0 – 6 years of age. The 2014 range now also features an XL version that is suitable from 6 years and up. The range has superior quality that has meant that the toys are suitable not only for indoor use but also suitable for use on most outdoor surfaces providing versatility for parents wanting to offer different play options to their little ones. With safety in mind the range is made from a special child friendly material that contains no dangerous chemicals, toxins or heavy metals. They also exceed all current Australian toy standards. With the ability to be applied to occupational therapy needs the range offers the unique ability to assist in the areas of development for conditions such as cerebral palsy. Each Buddy is packaged with instructions and small a pump ready for hours of bouncing fun.

Bop Along Buddies are the fun way to teach, learn and play.

Your best tip to being organised for family life?
I would have to say in this house it is the use of a BIG calendar and also to do lists. My hubby and I regularly discuss the calendar and put everything on it asap so that we know in advance when we have events for home and work, when either is travelling and what our months are going to look like. We work together as a team. If i cant do something then he does. The to do list is available for both to add and change and we work through the jobs as quick as possible. I use schedules to keep on top of house hold tasks and to make sure that we both know what has and hasn’t been done each week.

Your best organising tip for business success?
I use To-Do Lists, Prioritising and a diary both paper and virtual so that everything is available not matter what situation and I never miss anything. I prioritise everything that comes across my desk for work into immediate, high priority, asap & by end of week. This helps me keep on top of the work load but them also allows me to judge how much “time” i have per day for work, home duties and the family. I normally work in short stints through the day when bub is in bed and then when the kids go to bed. But do complete immediate tasks as soon as they crop up. Also as soon as the next year diaries are out I have one and start filling it in. I rely on my To-Do book to write everything down as i get the task and then cross off as done. I also have schedules for household jobs like mopping, changing beds etc that is flexible to a degree but this just makes sure if i’m flat out someone else in the household or even my mum can help to get it done when needed.

Favourite quote?
Always reach for the moon even if you don’t make it you’ll end up on top of the world and in the stars.

Ikea or Pottery Barn?
This is hard I love both. Love the bargains at Ikea but the accessories at pottery barn. But I might have to say Pottery Barn.

Officeworks or Kikki K?
Kikki K, love a good journal

How many photos on your smart phone right now?
961

Are those photos backed up?
Yes to the HD & the Cloud.

Do you believe in Fairies?
Yes and we have a Lil Fairy Door too. I’m waiting for the housecleaning fairy to make an appearance to help me out. 🙂