This week we’re speaking to Steph who is a member of our Social Mums Leicestershire Facebook group. She talks to us about what inspired her to start her business and a great social media tip she has picked up.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
I’m Steph, I live in Northwest Leicestershire with my husband Matt and our 2 year old daughter Billie. I’m a really messy person, but hate working in a messy environment so have to have a tidy before I start work. I also love gardening, this is my way to relax, unwind and de-clutter my mind. This year I’ve turned out back garden into a mini allotment!
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS?
I trained in contour Fashion (lingerie) but consider myself as a crafter/seamstress. It’s really just a way for me to continue doing what I love ‘Making’! I hand make gifts (everything from children clothes to wall art)! I take commissions for my makes and also teach craft based workshops, both for children and adults.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
Before I had my daughter I worked as a retail manager. It became apparent that the work/life balance of my role wouldn’t suit our family lifestyle. So I made the decision (with the support of my husband) to be a stay at home mum. However I can’t sit still for five minutes and so I began to turn my hobby into a business. I can work around my family, which was my number one priority.
WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS DO YOU USE AND WHY?
I use Instagram and Facebook. Instagram because it’s predominantly a visual platform and the majority of my work needs to be shown via imagery. I use Facebook as a multipurpose tool. Selling my work and show casing what I do.
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
Time vs Content. Staying relevant and featuring in peoples feeds requires consistently frequent posts. This is difficult for me because I’m the main caregiver to my daughter and my makes can sometimes take me weeks to construct and complete!
WHAT IS THE BEST SOCIAL MEDIA TIP YOU HAVE PICKED UP FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Video content increases interaction on Facebook significantly. I hate the sound of my own voice and in the past have just stuck rigidly to photograph and text posts! I posted my first video a couple of weeks ago and will definitely be doing more!
WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND MOST USEFUL ABOUT BEING PART OF A SOCIAL MUMS FACEBOOK GROUP?
I love the facts and figures posted by our Social Mums Pro. I think they can be really useful for making you think about things you wouldn’t normally do/post! It’s also nice to connect with other mums in a similar situation that are in your local area.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
