Name & Bio

Linda Enever

Is loving life as a work at home mum to a beautiful baby girl and has created www.familycapers.com.au a community to assist families at all stages in life in a supportive and caring environment. Family Capers offer support through an excellent Professional Support Panel, Articles, Business Directory, Jobs Board, Forums and more. We are a place for everything family!

What is your business name and your website url?

Family Capers

www.familycapers.com.au

How long have you been in business?

11 months (including planning time – 3 months since launch)

What made you decide to start your own business?

After 10 years in the corporate recruitment sector, I wanted to offer families a place where they would be welcomed no matter what age their family is and what parenting style they use. Family Capers is a caring and supportive community that focuses on having fun and quality time with your family. To help WAH parents we have created the Family Capers Department Store so they can have a customised link to an online presence without a huge outlay and get the advantage of the high traffic volumes coming to Family Capers.

What strategies do you use to keep yourself motivated?

Planning keeps me motivated; I am a business plan and to do list person. Plans can adapt and change but with a husband who is a Business Mentor, I cannot break the planning rules. The Family Capers Community also motivates and inspires me as we have a fantastic team and our members are just amazing mums, dads, uncles, aunties, grandmas and grandpas.

Do you have a current product or promotion running?

Have a Heart – Supporting Backpacks for Aussie Kids

Family Capers is pleased to announce that $2 from every VIP membership bought between now and Valentine’s Day, will be donated to:

Backpacks for Aussie Kids

http://www.backpacks4aussiekids.org

http://www.familycapers.com.au/VIP-Club/how-to-join.html

What makes your business/products unique?

We are a place for the whole family providing information, resources and support – personal and business – in a caring non judgemental environment

How do you keep the balance between family and work?

This is an area that I have to keep working on….I love the time with my family, yet I am so passionate about Family Capers and the community, I sometimes end up with too little sleep.

The weekend is family time and when ‘Miss C’ sleeps or plays, is when mummy works. However, she (Miss C) is an excellent networker and is looking for a briefcase of her own at 9 months.

Do you have any advice for new WAHMs?

Plan and research your business. It is not an overnight income generator, but if you work hard, it can work in time.

Schedule family and business time. Your children will love having you work at home if you engage them in the process too.

Dream the dream and then go out and achieve it!

Most of all – if you need help, ask!

Bio

Turnaround times and efficiency are what makes Erin Dawson and her business Dawson Documents– Virtual Assistant leaders in the administration field.  Based in Perth, Western Australia, Dawson Documents- Virtual Assistant provide administration services worldwide.  Having a Diploma in Business and over ten years administrative support experience Erin is passionate about helping small businesses grow.  Erin enjoys using her excellent communication skills and superb attention to detail to support and encourage like-minded entrepreneurial women, particularly Work-At-Home-Mums (WAHMs), through her application of sound business administration support to achieve their business goals.

Erin believes that having the passion to do what she does best shows through in all of her work, onto her clients and their customers.  She is vibrant, fresh and young – qualities that allow her to bring new ideas to her clients and ensure she is flexible enough to meet their quality and turnaround time needs.  Her passion for business extends to her newly launched Letters from Santa business, which she manages in tandem with Dawson Documents- Virtual Assistant.

What is your business name and your website url?

Dawson Documents – Virtual Assistant.  http://www.dawsonsocuments.com.au

How long have you been in business?

Almost 2 years

What made you decide to start your own business?

I was at home after just having my son and was asked to do some work for someone. I had come from an Admin and HR background so could do the work no problem. I then looked more into it and saw there was a profession for what I was doing. It was called Virtual Assistant, and here I am.

What strategies do you use to keep yourself motivated?

My clients keep me motivated. I have different projects and work coming through all the time so it keeps it interesting. Working around my kids, at home is also a huge motivator.

Do you have a current product or promotion running?

For January, all new clients that come on board with Dawson Documents, book 1 hour, get 1 hour free.

What makes your business/products unique?

The fact that I can assist a business from my home office. It is easy for the client, I reduce their stress and costs and increase their productivity. The client is just paying for the work completed and time it takes. No leave, sick or holiday pay. It’s just so simple.

How do you keep the balance between family and work?

You just do. It all seems to fall into place and work fantastically for us. I work around the kids and other activities we have planned, and it just works. Of course, prioritising comes into it sometimes and having a supportive husband also helps.

Do you have any advice for new WAHMs?

I would say, “Follow your dream”. If you have an idea, go with it and see how it goes. You might surprise yourself! You will never know unless you try, and if it fails, then don’t give up. There is more than one way to do everything!

Bio

My name is Lisa Kavenagh. I often wonder that myself with the times I wish I could find a clone. I am, though, a very proud mother of 4 darling boys ranging from 13years through to 19 months. A wife to an amazing man! But, very proud of my achievements of building Overall Being. Past times and hobbies, when I get free time, would be enjoying moments with family either ‘chillaxing’ (as my 13 year old says), sharing a latte or a nice cold chardy or sav blanc whilst enjoying a BBQ with friends/family. I love the beach, markets, Natural Therapy/spiritual world, movies and holiday times. So, I suppose you can say, I am fairly well rounded with likes.

What is your business name and your website url?

Overall Being ~ http://www.overallbeing.com.au

How long have you been in business?

I have developed Overall Being since back in 2003, but took a few moments off whilst having two extra darlings. In 2009 I began again as I needed something to occupy my brain.

What made you decide to start your own business?

I love having the freedom whilst being at home. Putting all my eggs into one basket so to speak, with what I love and then offering them to others.

What strategies do you use to keep yourself motivated?

I meditate quite regularly and keep a postitive outlook.

Do you have a current product or promotion running?

For the fans of my Facebook group, they receive regular ’specials’ and this varies from month to month.

What makes your business/products unique?

I feel the Overall Being name says it all. It offers a range of products in the one spot. Someone once said my products are like a ‘Circle of Love’.

How do you keep the balance between family and work?

I am very organised and have become quite good at multi-tasking. This and also my frame of mind helps me each day to overcome any obstacles that I may encounter. Think positive!

Do you have any advice for new WAHMs?

Think positive! Have a dream and always believe in yourself. Treat each client as if they are your first and last.

Bio

I originally trained as a Visual Artist/Photographer with the intention of pursuing a career in advertising but was unfortunate to graduate during the “recession we had to have” when there were very few of these sought after positions available, especially for young graduates without experience.

I found myself working as a portrait photographer and, within a very short time, managing a portrait studio in Melbourne. I worked in similar roles as a photographer, manager and photographic trainer in NSW and QLD before taking time off to travel and then eventually, returning to University (eight years after the completion of my degree) to complete my Diploma of Education.

I worked for eight years as a Visual Arts/Photography/Digital Imaging teacher in NSW high schools and then eventually began my photo restoration and retouching business after a move to Melbourne with my family. I am a WAHM to two gorgeous children and I also operate a second small business; “Little Critters” www.littlecritters.com.au creating customised art and keepsakes.

What is your business name and your website url?

Pixel By Pixel ~ Photo Restoration and Retouching ~ www.pixelbypixel.com.au

How long have you been in business?

I have been in business for four years.

What made you decide to start your own business?

My family made the move from Sydney to Melbourne in 2005. I had intended to return to teaching once settled, but soon discovered that my four years of University training and eight years of teaching experience in NSW high schools were not recognised in Victoria and I would be required to work for a salary equivalent to that of a first year graduate which was almost $30,000 less than what I was earning in NSW. Without family in Melbourne to assist with babysitting and a lack of desire to enter a workforce where my skills and experience were not valued, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to begin my own business, develop my passion for restoring photographs and experience life as a WAHM.

What strategies do you use to keep yourself motivated?

In the short time that I have been operating my business, my photo restoration skills have been widely recognised within the Genealogy community in Victoria. I am often invited to speak and provide workshops at expos and conferences and for special interest groups. This keeps me “on top of my game” plus gives me the opportunity to get out of the office (my spare bedroom) and share my love of photo restoration and retouching with others. It’s a great feeling to be admired by others and this motivates me to continue to learn and to keep abreast with new technology.

I also teach photo restoration at a local college and I have become a member of our local women’s business network. Sharing experiences and knowledge with other women, many of whom are also WAHMs, is inspiring.

Do you have a current product or promotion running?

I like to support other small businesses and provide very competitive rates for deep etching of product photographs for catalogue and web publications.

For new clients, I offer a free trial. Simply email up to two images to carol@pixelbypixel.com.au and I will colour/exposure correct plus deep etch your two images, free of charge.

What makes your business/products unique?

There are quite a few online businesses ow offering digital photo restoration (many located offshore) but no other in Victoria (that I am aware of) who maintain a public face and promote themselves via public speaking engagements and education programs. This has been my point of difference with the photo restoration side of my business.

With my photo retouching, I like to work closely with my clients and am very fussy with aspects such as exposure and colour correction. It is vitally important when selling a product online to provide an honest visual representation of the product. I take the time to liaise with my clients during the retouching process to ensure that colours are as true-to-life as possible and the image “does the product justice”. If I don’t get it right the first time, my clients know that I will persist until it is as good as it can be.

How do you keep the balance between family and work?

I wish that after four years I could say that I have a healthy balance between family and work, but I still struggle with this, especially during busy times of the year like the lead-up to Christmas when there are not only more work orders, but also more social events to slot into my already busy calendar. I would love more hours in the day!

I have a seven year old and a two year old, the latte of whom is often very demanding of my time. I work whenever I can, which mostly means during the evening after my children are in bed. I utilise occasional care three times a week and have a very supportive husband who is great with washing up and laundry.

I have learnt not to stress about how tidy my house is and most importantly, I have learnt to say “no”.

Do you have any advice for new WAHMs?

To succeed, you must be passionate about what you do.

Recognise your strengths and your weaknesses and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.

Don’t forget the reason why you have chosen to become a WAHM. If working from home means you are spending “less” quality time with your children than you did when you were working full time, then perhaps it is time to take a step back and re-evaluate your business and your family plan.

Find a business network in your area (or online) and network with like-minded business people who will inspire and motivate you.

Find your unique selling point and build your business around that “thing” that make YOU special.

Bio

My name is Anne-Marie Kane. I am a mother of 2 boys aged 9 and 3, so life is never dull here! I live near the water on the beautiful Central Coast of New South Wales. We share our home with a golden retriever and 2 very lazy ragdoll cats. My background is in finance and human resources specialising in Frontline Management.

What is your business name and your website url?

Shaniqua ~ http://www.shaniqua.com.au

Roskan Consultants ~ http://www.roskanconsultants.com

How long have you been in business?

I have been in business for just over one year with Shaniqua. Roskan Consultants began in early 2009.

What made you decide to start your own business?

I started my own business because I wanted to spend time with my young family. I love being able to participate in preschool and school activities with the boys. Owning my own business is a great learning curve and I have met so many wonderful, supportive people along the way.

What strategies do you use to keep yourself motivated?

When I started my business I had a vision of what I wanted my business to be like. I wanted to succeed so I wrote down my goals and a plan of action to accomplish them. When I reach a goal, I feel re-energised ready to take the next challenge. At times it can be hard, so I take some timeout for a day and return refreshed.

Do you have a current product or promotion running?

Mention WAHM Biz Success when you make a purchase from Shaniqua and you will receive a free gift.

What makes your business/products unique?

I cater for all ages and love my customers to look and feel great wearing our jewellery and accessories. I have enjoyed sourcing, designing and creating the handmade pieces in the collection.

My love of jewellery and accessories is evident in my latest pieces – custom hair accessories and jewellery to match First Holy Communion dresses! We have just held open house days and girls brought their dresses along and were able to match their accessories. The days were a huge success and we were complimented on our excellent customer service!

How do you keep the balance between family and work?

It can be difficult at times but working from home lets me organise my time to suit myself. I found it very demanding at first, but now I have a routine so my days run fairly smoothly. I am able to participate in school activities with my children, which I love doing. Most importantly, family comes first!

Do you have any advice for new WAHMs?

It takes passion to start your business. If you have a dream, follow it. Believe in yourself and you will succeed. If you are not fully committed to your business, your business will suffer and may fail.

I would advise any WAHM’s to join forums and network! I found some fantastic online communities with members who support each other and are only too happy to provide helpful advice.

Bio

My name is Anne Maybus. I am a mother of 3 teenagers so life is swinging along subject to the whims of their hormones. I live in rural Victoria and love it. We are bossed around by our dog and fat cat. I have a background in Human Resource Development specialising in personal development and change management. I have also trained as a colour and style consultant.

Now I create web banners and write articles/blogs for other businesses. I work directly with women in home based and small businesses. I enjoy helping them reach their full potential personally and professionally.

What is your business name and your website url?

Clever Streak – www.cleverstreak.com

Banner Bitz – www.bannerbitz.com

How long have you been in business?

I have been in business for a few years now, with various online businesses.  Banner Bitz began in 2007 but Clever Streak only began during 2008.

What made you decide to start your own business?

I originally started my own business because I wanted to be home with my kids while they were at primary school. I enjoyed it so much that I have kept at it even though my youngest has just started high school. I love the independence of it as well as learning more and more about business. There is always something new to pick up.

What strategies do you use to keep yourself motivated?

Some days it can be really hard to stay motivated. I need to get out and away from the desk for the day. Go and do something totally different and I find that my batteries are recharged. I also like to attend short courses or business info sessions (online and off) because they always give me some new ideas and new energy.

Do you have a current product or promotion running?

If you mention WAHM Biz Success when you make a booking with Clever Streak we will create a free 125 x 125 banner for your website or blog.

What makes your business/products unique?

Our creative attitude shines through in all that we do and ensures we provide the most flexible solutions to your business needs. We can write everything from poetry to reports! We also offer standby rates. Book your work in ahead of time and we give you a discount.

How do you keep the balance between family and work?

This can be very difficult but the beauty of being able to work from home means that I can juggle my time to suit myself. When you first start out in business, it can be very demanding and it seems to be the most vital thing in your day. That is how it felt for me. I soon settled down and the needs of my family always come first.

Do you have any advice for new WAHMs?

I have two pieces of advice that I always share. Firstly, don’t take on any business that you aren’t interested in or totally passionate about. You will be living and breathing business for a long time and if you aren’t fully committed to it, you will lose energy really quickly. It is the best way to start out as a business failure!

Secondly, I advise WAHMs to join forums and networks. It doesn’t matter if they are online or in your community, but you will need advice and support at some stage and this is the best place to get it. You are never alone when you belong to a network.