Meet the Mumpreneurs: Four entrepreneurs smashing the work/life juggle!

Juggling the joys of motherhood with running your own business can be a tricky balancing act - but these local ‘mumpreneurs’ have cracked it. Louise Cummings meets the fab foursome

Jess Smith is mum to Stanley, eight, and Martha, four, and transforms children’s clothes into beautiful keepsakes at her business Rainbow Remakes

My inspiration

Rainbow Remakes was launched in July 2021. I was sorting through the children's outgrown clothes (they were two and five at the time) and deciding whether to put them away for a keepsake or pass them on. It seemed a shame to box up these beautiful garments that held so many memories. Martha was our 'Rainbow Baby' so many of her clothes were bright with rainbows. This inspired the business name. I decided to donate five per cent of sales to the wonderful Petals charity, keeping the rainbow connection.

I worked for over 20 years in the arts industry for a local art gallery so I had a good idea of how to get things moving.

What I make

Bunting seemed to be the best starting point because it is simple to make and pleasing on the eye. It can be used as an everyday decoration in a nursery or child's bedroom or brought out for a special occasion. Every piece is unique and sometimes I base my designs on a pattern or colourway, other times I just go with the flow. I also make Christmas tree decorations and 'rag wreaths'. Commission pieces from fabric and clothing passed on from my customers are a big hit and I’ve shipped orders all over the world, the furthest being Australia! I LOVE knowing that something lovingly made in our cottage on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border is being cherished so far away.

Why I love being a ‘mumpreneur’

I grew up in a home with the constant sound of a sewing machine. My mother spent much of her time making costumes for local productions. We wanted the same for our children; to have the flexibility to take on as much or as little as I wanted, giving me priority time for my family. I’ve even gained some customers on the morning school run!

Find out more at rainbowremakes.co.uk or email Jess on hello@rainbowremakes.co.uk, Follow on socials @rainbowremakes

Emma Kenny, is mum to 10-year-old Lucy and runs her own wellbeing studio - Emma Kenny Massage Therapies - in Cambridge

My inspiration

I celebrate the 20th anniversary of my business this year. Reaching my third decade in this incredible profession is a huge privilege. I love massage therapy even more today than I did when I started my initial training and the inspiration is always my clients.

What I do

I own a wellbeing studio in central Cambridge. My style of massage aimsto soothe frayed nervous systems and is deeply relaxing whilst being effective at remedying everyday discomforts. I am an aromatherapist, reflexologist and love facial massage.

The team of therapists who work with me are skilled in many types of massage therapy from pregnancy massage to sports massage.

Why I love being a ‘mumpreneur’

I love being my own boss and I’m proud to model being an entrepreneur to my daughter.

Emma Kenny Therapies is at 19, The Courtyard, Sturton Street, Cambridge. Visit emmakennytherapies.com

Cate Bartram is mum to six daughters and one son, aged 1 to 17, and runs female empowerment business BooBeeCo in Thurston

My inspiration

I’ve been a parent since 2006 and I thought I’d got it all sussed until I gave birth to my sixth baby in late 2019 and I didn’t recognise myself. Shortly after, with the pandemic compounding our isolation, I knew I needed to find ‘me’ again. I missed the companionship of having a village of women around me and was having feeding issues with my baby. So BooBeeCo was born in 2020. I am now a proud Breast Health Educator, Matrescence Advocate (running womanhood support groups, through the Circle of the Nourished Soul), Babywearing Sling Consultant (with the amazing Suffolk Slings), artist and potter, and training to become a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, which all fills me with joy.

What I do

I’m fiercely devoted to championing breast health and body neutrality, creating a space where women can embrace their bodies exactly as they are. With in-your-face designs such as my Tassel Tees, Ultimate Tit-Tees and handmade boob pots you can’t help but acknowledge the importance of breast health and bodily acceptance. I also create accessories including jewellery, key rings and bags.

A huge part of my business is my iconic Build A Boob Pot Workshops which provide education, mindfulness, connection and laughter. I run them at Joy Connection in Bury St Edmunds (where you can also buy my products) and cater for private parties. It’s a safe space to get hands-on with clay and learn how, when and what to check when it comes to breast health.

Why I love being a ‘mumpreneur’

I adore the flexibility it gives me. Obviously being a mother is my priority but I needed to recognise and nurture the sense of self I felt I was losing. I want my children to grow up in a better, more caring world and I know that for this to happen I have to be the change I want to see. I want to show my babies that we can achieve anything as long as you work hard and follow your heart.

Find out more and shop at boobeeco.com or email hello@boobeeco.com

Debbie Bongiovanni has a nine-year-old daughter, Abi, and runs FuturePresentsNow in Stowmarket, creating beautiful clothes for children and adults

My inspiration

I started making clothing and accessories just after my daughter was born, nine years ago. As Abi was such a great baby, I had a bit of time on my hands. I couldn’t find any clothing that I absolutely loved for Abi and I got my mother-in-law to show me how to use a sewing machine and the business took off from there. I looked into fabrics and then purchased an overlocker and sewing machine and FuturePresentsNow was created!

What I do

I make baby, children and adult clothing including matching outfits and accessories. My collection includes leggings, dungarees, jumpers, hoodies, dresses, headbands and more. I’m based in Stowmarket and work from home but my Facebook page is where I sell my items and I’m currently creating a website.

Why I love being a ‘mumpreneur’

I love the fact that customers can choose the fabrics they like which I then make clothing from - and the children get involved and choose what they like. I get customers coming back to me time and again as they get complimented from what I’ve made them!

Shop Debbie’s handmade pieces and find out more at facebook.com/futurepresentsnow