Clever Mamma Profile: Bluewood Studio

This week I have the pleasure of introducing you to Clever Mamma Heidi Helyard from Bluewood Studio. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, Heidi is a super-talented Graphic Designer who manages her business with two gorgeous littlies to keep her company.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... I am a graphic designer with over 13 years experience, graduated with a Bachelor Degree (1st class hons) from UNSW and have worked in cultural institutions as well as corporate studios. I specialise in print design, including logo, stationery, brochure, document and book design. I am obsessed with typography and fonts.

2. How did your business begin? It began a little over 8 years ago when I started to get hammered in the corporate sector. It was brutal. I was about to get married and had my eye on the prize of wanting children and really wanted to work from home. I went from the full-on corporate job to a magazine job which was terrible, so three days out from my wedding, I quit with the intention of going freelance through some agencies while I built up my client base. I ended up not having to do on-site freelancing as I obtained some clients quite quickly. This was in 2003. My daughter was born in 2007 and my son was born in 2009.

3. The bits I love... Not having to put up with other annoying people in an office (can you tell I've worked with some doozies?). Working around the kids and not having to put them in daycare super early in their lives.

4. The bits I not-so-love... When clients don’t understand about being flexible and hearing kids in the background. Fortunately not too many of those. When I REALLY want/need to get on with work and I can’t because of the kids.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Don’t be afraid or feel guilty about getting help with the kids. I have done a mix of in-house babysitter/nanny, Family Day Care (even just half a day!) and now pre-school with my daughter. If you are working you usually need help with the kids!

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Coffee (for the wake up) and cake (for the sugar).

Thanks for stopping by the Clever Mamma blog Heidi! It's been great getting to know you and your business a little better. If you would like to find out more about Bluewood Studio, be sure to sneak a peak at the listing on the CM Directory. You will find more details plus a link to Heidi's website where you can view her amazing folio and also download a free 'Pigment to Pantone' 2012 calendar. What are you waiting for, go on... hop to it!

Clever Mamma Profile: Diamondlites (an independent PartyLite business)

This week we have another fabulous Clever Mamma in biz for you all to meet. It's Kim Wood from Diamondlites, an independent PartyLite business specialising in scented candles and exclusive decor.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... PartyLite and I met in 2003 via a lot of recommendations form a very dear friend to truly have a look at what PartyLite had to offer.. Once I had tried the candles, I was in love with the smokeless burning, the awesome fragrances and the value for money burning results... there was nothing left of anything once completely burnt!! I was sold!! - it was awesome to come home, snuggle up with a cuppa, enjoy the fragrances and soothing candle light every night without having to clean up dripped wax or dig wicks out of pillars!

2. How did your business begin? I moved down from Brisbane in 2002 and found myself in a dreadful spot of being utterly "broke" with an out of work husband, 2 teens and 2 cats to feed. A year later after trying the candles and loving them a girlfriend suggested I join the company to make extra money rather than pursue an additional job. As I was already working 60 hours for less than $600 in my pocket and had just been offered the option of working an additional 12 - 14 hours in a hotel to boost our finances - I was happy to consider opening a PartyLite Account in addition to what I was currently doing, but could not afford to either "pay or pay back" any type of "kit"! I was delighted to learn that there was no investment or "payback" and I could take Partylite on a test run! So I approached 6 people to be Hostesses in exchange for free candles and/or accessories of their choice. I was really nervous but it turned out to be the best decision I had ever made. By doing 2 shows (3 hours each) per week over 3 weeks, I had earned more than $800 and I was in heaven - we had more money for less effort and time away and I made new friends!

3. The bits I love... I love the "gifts" of the heart that PartyLite brings!! I was able to quit my 60 hours a week and continue my PartyLite career around my family commitments, share the gift I had been offered and taking people with me on a journey that has delighted, uplifted and provided many other Mums with income, recognition, growth and rewards like bonus payments, free product and international "free" holidays WITHOUT taking the focus off the family!!

4. The bits I not-so-love... I honestly cannot think of any.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Before I looked at PartyLite, I was thinking of taking on another job with no flexibility, adding another 15 hours a week out of the home away from my family, for less money again was not an ideal. I discovered that being a "Clever Mamma" surrounded the needs of my family whilst having the flexibility and control of my working hours! It was easy to invest a little time each week to create less "away time" and still earn a full time income with very part time hours in a fun and rewarding atmosphere, doing something I loved and being able to "pay it forward" to other "Clever Mamma's", so they could enjoy the same rewards.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Both! They are equally lovely shared with someone who is wanting to "take control" of work, income and family needs.

Thanks for stopping by the Clever Mamma Blog Kim. It's been great getting to know you and your business better! To find out how to contact Diamondlites, just sneak a peak at the listing on the Clever Mamma Directory, where you'll find more info, a link to the website and direct contact details. Another great business run by a mum! Stay tuned for even more amazing mums and their businesses!

Clever Mamma Profile: DCD

Our fabulous Clever Mamma this week is the very talented Dannie Cincotta from DCD. Based in Melbourne and mum to a beautiful boy, Dannie can help provide creative and affordable design solutions for your business and personal needs. From corporate branding to novelty designs and canvas art - DCD has it covered!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... I come from a creative family and have always had a pen/brush/mouse in hand, so it was only natural that I got into design. I am married to a brilliant man and have a 19 month old son who melts my heart everyday (when I'm not pulling my hair out, haha). I am a qualified graphic artist and after having worked in various types of studios over the years, I decided to start DCD.

2. How did your business begin? I was hesitant at going at it alone at first, always asking myself 'what if?' But most of my family are self employed and I knew it was right for me. When I fell pregnant, I realised I wanted to always be available for my family and spend as much time as I could with my son, so working from home allowed me to have the best of both worlds, to do what I love and be a full time Mum too. I prepared everything for DCD during my pregnancy, so that I could jump straight into work soon as I was ready. When my son was 3 months old, my Hubby found a couple of design jobs for me, which turned into a handful. So, with one hand rocking the bassinet, the other on the mouse... DCD was up and running and with great thanks to a supportive and understanding Hubby!

Having a home studio is perfect for DCD as I have 24/7 access to work, so clients know I can get to anything urgent, quickly. I can get dinner ready while making PDFs and my son knows I'm always around for him. Majority of jobs are branding (logos, stationery, promo material), invitations and photo restoration. Canvas art is becoming quite popular too now, they make great gifts for family and friends.

3. The bits I love... The freedom of working from home and multi-tasking, own hours and schedule, knowing that I'm not just a mum, that I'm contributing to society, being able to help clients and give them old fashioned service.

4. The bits I not-so-love... Paper work!, clients that take their time to pay, sometimes having to start work after midnight.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Don't leave for tomorrow, what you can do today... I live by it!

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Coffee and chocolate cake, and coffee, and coffee...

So for any help with your graphic design needs Dannie is the one to call! You can find her details on the DCD listing on the Clever Mamma directory as well as further info about her services. Thanks for spending some time with us Dannie and letting us get to know you and your business a little better :)

Clever Mamma Profile: 3eightone

This week say a big Clever Mamma hello to the very talented Carmelina Heberle from 3eightone. Based in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, this creative business mum offers graphic design services across a wide range of industries, and with two gorgeous littlies is certainly kept on her toes as well.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... I am a graphic designer and owner of 3eightone, I have two beautiful babies Ava 4 and Max 18months. My graphic design business covers all facets of print design from branding and advertising to wall prints and birth cards. My work and clients span several industries including the arts, retail, health and training. When our handsome little man was born in 2010 so was my online business 3eightone junior. My print and card collections have been inspired by our gorgeous little girl and her love of type, words and pictures. I also work part time as a graphic designer in the corporate world whilst running my businesses. My future goal is to run my businesses full-time. My business gives me the opportunity to do what I love, design and hopefully in the near future being more flexible for my beautiful family.

2. How did your business begin? Owning my business and doing what I love doing and being there for my beautiful family is why 3eightone exists.

3. The bits I love... Running my own business which is creative and innovative and results in happy clients.

4. The bits I not-so-love... Finding the right balance between work and family life.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Follow your dreams, Stay positive, Enjoy what you do, Believe in yourself.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Earl grey (sometimes cake!)

Thanks for stopping by the Clever Mamma Blog Carmelina. It's been great getting to know you and your business better! To find out how to contact 3eightone, just sneak a peak at the listing on the Clever Mamma Directory where you'll find more info, a link to the website and direct contact details. Another great business run by a mum!

Clever Mamma Profile: The Edge Coaching

This week say a big Clever Mamma hello to the lovely Debbie Marks from The Edge Coaching! Based in Melbourne's south eastern suburbs, Debbie's business helps mums create a lifestyle that works for them.... plus even more! Keep reading to see how this clever mamma can help you.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... Hi, I'm Debbie and I'm a Mum of 2 little boys. I also run The Edge Coaching which specialises in helping empower Mums to create a lifestyle that works FOR THEM, not just works. I provide Mums with the time and head space to think about what they really want in life and work with them to set goals, break down obstacles and turn their dreams into reality. My clients range from Mumprenuers trying to balance it all, Working Mums and Mums who have lost their mojo after having kids and want to find it again! I work with individual clients and I also run lunchtime and day long workshops for organisations based around the Programme I've written to help support Working Mums in their pursuit of career and family.

2. How did your business begin? My business started after I realised that working as an IT Project Manager was not fulfilling my values as a Mum and Professional. I retrained as a Business Coach and then realised that there wasn't enough support out there for Mums so have specialised in an area close to my heart and many others!

3. The bits I love... I love being able to do the Kinder morning teas without feeling guilty, I love the creativity that my job now entails when I'm writing a programme or creating an exercise for a client. I love being passionate about what I do and helping Mums realise they can do it all, it just sometimes needs tweaking!

4. The bits I not-so-love... Doing the accounting stuff!

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Ride the ups and downs of being a Mumprenuer, remember why you chose this lifestyle in the first place.

6. Now the important stuff, Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake? Have to say Devonshire Tea after living in the UK for a number of years and having some divine ones there!

Thanks Debbie. It's been great getting to know you and your business a little better. To personally say hi to The Edge Coaching head over to the listing on the Clever Mamma Directory. You'll find more information and even some direct contact details.

Clever Mamma Profile: Outsource Virtual Assistant

This week I'd like to introduce you to business mum Sandra Wright from Outsource Virtual Assistant. Based North West of Melbourne, Sandra is kept on her toes with three beautiful kids aged 13, 11 and an almost 2 year old, running a home based VA business PLUS she has just launched a new networking business called Savvy Mums Business... sounds perfect for the Clever Mamma community!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... My name is Sandra and I am a multi-tasking mum of three beautiful children. I have two boys aged 13 and 11 and a 19 month old daughter. I am running a home based business as a Virtual Assistant. But I am not any Virtual Assistant - I tailor my services around the client’s needs and offer flexible and personal service to them. I find this keeps the loyalty both ways and I end up forming not only a business relationship with them but also I end up being someone they can rely at on any time; whenever they need it to help them get through their work load. As well as this, I also save them time and money when they outsource the work to me.

2. How did your business begin? I have always worked full time, even when I had my two boys, and missed out on so much time being with them. When I was pregnant with Alana, I wanted to try and work out a way that I could be at home more and be there for all three. So I came up with the idea of being a Virtual Assistant and starting up my own business. After my daughter was born, I pretty soon started researching and setting up my business and within 3 months, landed my first client. And as they say, the rest is history, as I then became more motivated and determined to grow and succeed in my business. And I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of my husband and children and family. I now want to grow my business to the stage where I can help other mums do what I do and give them the opportunity to work from home as well. This is something I am very passionate about and determined to succeed in.

3. The bits I love... I love the balancing of work/home life at home and now being able to be there for my children, as well as the flexibility of working from home. In regards to business, I love watching my business grow all the time and I love going to networking events to help promote my business and meet like minded business people. That’s why I think this site is such a great thing.

4. The bits I not-so-love... I can honestly say there are no bits I not-so-love. I am enjoying every bit of juggling family life and growing a business.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Don’t lose focus and motivation. Starting a small business is not easy and takes up a lot of time, but it is worth it! Also, I highly recommend networking – take it from me it helps your knowledge and business.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Well, I love both scones and cake, but only drink tea and hot chocolate.

Thanks so much Sandra for popping in and letting us all get to know you and your business better. To find out even more about how Outsource Virtual Assistant can assist with your admin needs, and tailor a solution that's perfect for you, check out the listing on the Clever Mamma Directory. And if you're in Melbourne be sure to check out Sandra's latest venture Savvy Mum's Business, a networking event for business mums where kids are welcome! Find details here on the Clever Mamma Blog. Be quick as bookings close this week!

Business Mum Event: Savvy Mums Business, Melbourne

I'm always more than happy to support fellow mums in business and help out where I can... So when Sandra from Outsource Virtual Assistant (one of our very own CMs!) approached Clever Mamma HQ to help her spread the word about her brand new mums in business networking event, I jumped at the chance. It's not always possible to find a babysitter, but an event where kids are welcome makes a busy mammas life that little bit easier! See below for full event details. I'll be there so be sure to come and say hi!

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> Are you a mum?

> Do you own a business or are you wanting to start one?

> Do you want to network with other like-minded mums, where children are welcome?

If you answered YES to all of the above then you need to be part of this unique networking group.

Networking is about sharing knowledge, experiences, ideas, resources and opportunities to people you connect with. Business people who form connections at networking events look to each other for advice, and create a support system for each other. This group allows Mums in Business to network and connect with other Mums in Business, share experiences and build relationships. And children are welcome!

Monday 7th November, 2011

10am-12pm

The Nursery Cafe, 1060 Mt Alexander Rd, Essendon

Cost: $12 per person, includes morning tea for you and your child/children
RSVP: Wednesday 2nd November, 2011 (via email)
Email: sandra@outsourceva.com.au (please include how many children will be coming, if any, for catering purposes)

Don't forget to bring business cards to hand out and for a chance to win a door prize!

For more information about this event, please visit www.outsourceva.com.au or contact Sandra on 0439 388 842.