For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
What I love most about being a business owner is that it has fitted around raising a family so well (once I learned some patience!). It has given me an outlet for creativity and connection with people. One of my biggest joys is being able to help children and their families with something that is sustainable, practical and makes such a difference to a child’s confidence and caregiver’s stress levels. I also have an excuse for a collection of sewing machines and fabric. 😊
On the downside are the usual struggles of being largely a ‘one man band’ until recent times! Working long hours to get orders done, managing tight finances through difficult years and having times when the responsibility of doing everything can be overwhelming. My Christian faith has been the steadying factor through these times. I know I’m meant to be doing what I am doing and that someone bigger than me is in control.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
My head! Sometimes I have a business challenge that feels overwhelming for weeks or months. I tend to procrastinate on difficult problems but eventually I’ll get the courage to start and get over the hurdle.
On a very practical level, a huge challenge that had an amazing outcome was when the sponsored child that Big Kids Pants supported through Tear Fund faced a devastating loss and we set the goal of helping his family buy a small business so they could become financially more secure.
What seemed insurmountable for our small business became a reality when our sales more than doubled in the space of two weeks and we were able to fulfil the reality of owning a small business for our sponsored child’s family. What a blessing.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Helping more families to switch from disposable products to reusable products is an ongoing focus. It’s totally possible with the right products to save money and reduce waste. We provide free custom fitting of our pants and ongoing advice to help this become a reality for families.
I would love to able to help more families who walk a difficult journey such as those with children with medical needs causing incontinence, grandparents raising grandchildren and foster carers.
Another long-term dream is to have Big Kids Pants humming along so efficiently that I have time to share my wonderful space (and sewing machines) with like-minded people. Collaborative creativity can do amazing things in a community!
Head over to the Big Kids Pants website to find out more and to browse their range of products. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
