'Water' way to start a business!
Natalie, one of our Dubit Family Panel members shares how she has combined having children with starting her own business. Starting a business is never easy but Natalie explains how she juggles work with three children and how the business started.
I never imagined this time last year that I would be where I am now. I was working as a Probation Officer in London with two children which was hard but when the third arrived the stress and cost of childcare became too much and I decided to follow my dream! I have been teaching swimming for 8 years now and over this time I have seen learnt what makes for a good swimming lesson. Teaching for many different establishments I saw excellent teachers/schools and the other end of the spectrum too. The past 8 years experience has resulted in
www.totalfitnfun.com. The time investment has been the greatest. Spreading the word has been a real trial but due to my good name already I have steadily built a customer base.
As a Mum and a swimming instructor I recently discovered one of the most amazing and innovative products I have ever seen from French company Splash About. I purchased my first baby wrap for my teeny 3 year old girl (they are recommended to 30mths but she is petite!) - most of her swimming lessons were spent shivering due to her size and because of her inability to relax in the water (as she was freezing) she was not swimming as well as I would expect for her age and amount of lessons. On the first lesson that she wore her baby wrap - she swam for the first time with her feet off of the pool floor (with a woggle but this was a mega achievement for her). Wearing the wrap not only helps your child to feel warm they are also firm fitting and so give a 'secure' feeling much like being wrapped in a blanket.
The second benefit came when she left the pool - usually she would run to me to be wrapped in her towel. That week she left the pool happy and smiling and walked to the changing room in just her wrap! I was amazed. No more changing room cold! When I removed the wrap she was toastie underneath. Her legs and arms were cool but her trunk was really warm! I was so impressed that as soon as I got home I contacted Splash About and now I sell their range on my website and all 3 of my children wear their products. With fantastic ranges including 'keeping warm' and 'learn to swim' range all boasting the added bonus of UV protection they are perfect for hotel pools, garden pools and paddling pools, outdoor swimming and beach wear as well as in the swimming pool!
The business further evolved recently whilst organizing my Son's 6th birthday party. I wanted something different and special so the swimming pool parties idea was born. I am currently in negotiation with more local pools to offer services around my local area. We are also offering 'crash courses' in the school holidays to combat boredom and learn a skill at the same time. Check out the website
www.totalfitnfun.com for details on all of our services and products!
Working for yourself or running a business from home is very satisfying. Sometimes I am working away and one of my children will ask for a hug and I can stop and oblige, with a free tickle thrown in, and get back to work later. The flexibility is immeasurable and even though it has been hard work it has also meant I can continue to watch my angels grow at the same time as my business.
Totalfitnfun.com is offering all members of the Dubit Family Panel some fantastic special offers:
* SPEND £40 and get a randomly chosen free fun swim hat worth £3
* SPEND £60 and get a free randomly chosen pair of goggles worth £6
* SPEND £100 and get free delivery and a fun swim hat!!! (why not gather an order at your swim group/toddler group/school)
* ORDERS over £100 will attract an exclusive discount. Please contact me for details.
Just quote DUB09 when placing your order!
In response to the Royal Mail strikes, any order of 2 or more items will be sent via courier. If ordering one item only we will send via Royal Mail but will follow their advice at all times to ensure as smooth a service as possible, with updates to our customers at all stages of delivery.
Totalfitnfun.com Based in Hertfordshire (but bordering Essex and expanding into Essex in the near future). Call Natalie Pryor on 01992 625 188 or email sales@totalfitnfun.com
Natalie
Natalie Pryor
Totalfitnfun.com
We'd love to hear if this story inspired you or a review of Fit'n'Fun products, so please email me at Rachel.gough@dubitlimited.com