Tales of three less conventional mumpreneurs

If you were asked what a ‘typical mumpreneur business’ would be, you might say something related to babies or toddlers, perhaps selling clothes or handy inventions designed to make mothers’ lives easier

Although there are many mumpreneurs who start such businesses, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Women who need to combine the demands of looking after kids with contributing to the family income start a wide range of successful ventures. Intended not only to challenge misconceptions, but also to inspire others, here are a three ‘less predictable’ mumpreneur businesses…

The pet hotel

As the name suggests, Small Furry Hotel is an animal boarding facility that specialises in temporarily looking after pet guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and other small furry friends. It was started in 2006 in the New Forest, Hampshire, by mother of two, Madeleine Fear.

“I’ve owned rabbits for more than 20 years,” she explains. “I attended agricultural college and have a BTEC in equine studies. I’m studying an advanced diploma in canine behavioural management, but plan to top this up to a BSc in animal behaviour next year. Our high standards have gained us many recommendations and we’ve boarded pets from as far a field as West Yorkshire and London.”

Before starting her own business, Madeleine worked in media sales. “I came up with my business idea and just went for it. The fear of having to leave my babies and go back to work spurred me on. What do I love best about it? My work-life balance is much better, plus, I’m doing something I love – I get to play with small furry animals all day,” she smiles.

The online alternative health guide

Lucy Batham-Read is founder and managing director of loveursoul and she is passionate about helping people to find the information and support they need to keep their minds and bodies healthy. The mother of three, who lives in East Sussex, believes that more people are turning to complementary therapies because “the traditional route is unable to provide all the answers”.

So how did she come to start her business? “I ran a software house before I had my children and until my daughter was nearly four I helped IT companies with their sales and marketing. I then took five years out before spending two years learning about complementary therapies – as well as gaining the confidence to go back to work on my terms.

“I found myself helping so many people to get answers about their health that did not relate to the NHS, so I decided to set up a website containing real information that people can relate to.

“I love working for myself and I love having ‘a bit of me’ back, too. It’s great to feel on top of things again. If you follow your instincts you will often take the right path, but sometimes we all need some guidance.”

The freelance fundraising service

Heather Stewart is a mum of two who lives with her husband in East Lothian. “I started Activate Fundraising in 2008 after being employed as a fundraiser for more than 13 years. It’s the best career decision I’ve ever made. Relying on your own resources to win work is incredibly motivating.

“When starting up, I only needed a laptop, mobile phone and printer in my home office and I used savings to help me keep afloat for the first few months. My husband produced my business cards and then it was up to me to spread the word. Within two months of leaving my previous job, I landed my first contract and I haven’t looked back since.”

Three days a week, Heather pays for childcare and is lucky enough to get the odd bit of help from her mum who lives close by. “Often I work in the evenings and occasionally at weekends, but I’d rather do that than miss their important events or only get to see the kids at bedtime.”

Very special thanks to Antonia Chitty of the Family Friendly Working website for help with this piece. Her site contains a wealth of useful information.

• Read our feature on famous mumpreneurs and how they made their millions.
• Please add your examples of less conventional businesses run by mums to the comments section below.