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MumsClub Name: millybee
Real Name: Camilla Braidwood
Age (or age range): late 30’s
Children’s ages: My daughter is 1
Business Name:Milly Bee
Website: www.millybee.com
What are the key features of the products or services that your business offers:
Milly Bee sells affordable, contemporary fine art prints for your little one's nursery, bedroom or playroom.
Why should customers and clients use your services?
We offer top quality fine art prints at affordable prices. We have an extensive range so you are sure to find something you like. We also do bespoke pieces.
When & how did you start up in business?
We officially opened in Aug 2008, but getting Milly Bee going took several months of planning and development.
How did you decide what business to go into, and what was your motivation?
The idea to start up Milly Bee came to me following the birth of my daughter when, as an alternative to wallpaper friezes or stickers, I tried to find tasteful and affordable artwork to decorate her nursery. Disappointed with the poor selection available, I decided to make my own. I later made prints for friends who were having the same difficulty.
It was also around this time that I read a couple of articles in a parenting magazine on other mums who had been inspired by their children to start up their own home based businesses. That gave me the idea to start an online gallery.
What were the most challenging aspects to setting up?
Finding the time to do everything! Like most WAHMs, I do all the marketing, website development, financial management, procurement, product development and order fulfilment!
What has been your biggest business achievement?
Succeeding in getting all my Christmas orders out - despite only having the use of one hand (as the other is recovering from surgery).
What stage is your business at now & what are your plans for the future?
Milly Bee is still new, so the priority now is raising our profile and growing our collection.
How do you manage to juggle your business with family life? Has it been challenging?
As an online business, Milly Bee fits quite well into our family life. I try to ensure that the business does not impact on the time I spend with my daughter as she is my priority while she is still so little. So things that have to be done during regular office hours get done during nap time and everything else gets done in the evening. It is challenging but rewarding too.
Has online networking, specifically with other mums, benefited your business?
Sites like MumsClub are a great resource. The mums are very supportive and very willing to give advice/feedback and also to share resources.
What resources do you NOT have now that might make your life easier?
A self cleaning house!
What advice would you give another mum considering starting her own business?
Research your idea well. Make sure it something you will really enjoy. Make use of all the free resources available start up businesses. Network with other mums in business - they are usually more than willing to share ideas and give advice. Be confident in your abilities – many of the skills you develop as a mother (such as multi-tasking, dealing with difficult little ones, time planning) are all skills that will transfer very well to running a small business. You’ll be amazed at what you can do if you put your mind to it.
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