If you’d asked me this time last year where I thought I would be, it would never have been running my own business.  Although I’ve been doing self-employed business support work part-time since 2013 I’ve never really classed myself as a business owner.  Sounds silly I know.  I was just dabbling in it, making a bit of pocket money while being employed part-time.  I never thought I’d have the courage and confidence to give up my salaried job and do it for real.  Fast forward a year and that’s exactly what I’ve done.  I’m a fully-fledged business owner! Celebrating my first proper year in business.

Has it been easy?  – no not at all.  Being self-employed in any sector is well quite frankly bloody hard work.  It’s like being on an emotional roller coaster.  One minute you’re up and on top of the world, next minute you’re down, wondering where your next client will come from and how you’ll pay your bills.

Do I regret it?  – hell no!  Being my own boss means I’m in control of my own destiny.  I can work with the clients I gel with and decline the ones that I don’t.  I can decide whether to grow the business or stay a one-woman band.  If I want to take the afternoon off, I can.  If I want to fit my business around my children and their lives, I can.  I don’t need to ask anyone for permission.

So, for all of you out there wondering if you can do it.  My advice, bite the bullet.  If I can, you can.  Yes, I’m still learning, I don’t think I’ll ever know everything about the business.  I still have wobbles.  I don’t think I’d be human if I didn’t.  For the most part, it’s been amazing.  I’m looking forward to many more years to come.  I love helping women in their businesses, watching them grow and knowing I’m a part of helping them to achieve their dreams is amazing.   I feel like I have the right balance between work and family life and I love helping others achieve that balance too!

Raise a glass and celebrate with me.  Here’s to all the working mums in business, may you all achieve your dreams!