The rise of the mumpreneur

Find out how these successful women became mumpreneurs and how you can start up your own business from home too.

Mumpreneurs are launching a new generation of start-up businesses and redefining the way women work today.

In 2011 the term "mumpreneur" was added to the Collins English Dictionary, and according the Australian Bureau of Statistics, home-based businesses are now the fastest-growing small business sector in the country.

Research undertaken by BankWest last year found that women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men, often part-time while raising children. And recent research by Kimberly-Clark has shown that a whopping 70 per cent of

Australian women have considered pursuing a business idea since becoming a mum.

Better options
So what's the incentive to take the leap from a regular paycheck to becoming a mumpreneur?

For many women, it's a practical choice. With the rising costs of childcare, women are being forced out of the employment market because they simply can't justify going to work every day.

The flexibility of working from home is another massive bonus, says Peace Mitchell, co-editor of connect2mums, an online community for mothers with a dedicated space for mumpreneurs.

"It's a massively growing industry," says Mitchell. "We currently have over 10,000 members and that's a real reflection of mums wanting to have that flexibility in their lifestyle," she says.
Support networks
Connect2mums launched the AusMumpreneur awards in 2009, and there are conferences running this year in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Big corporations are showing their support for mumpreneurs too. Last year Huggies ran a "Mumspired" competition, with five lucky mums receiving a grant of $20,000 to help fund their business idea.
Chance of success?
With almost 50 per cent of small businesses folding within the first five years, making the decision to become a mumpreneur should not be taken lightly.

It's vital to do your research thoroughly, create a plan, and put your support networks in place before you get started, says Mitchell.

While the advantages include flexibility and pursuing a passion, there's also late nights and financial uncertainty to deal with.

However, for those who do make a success of it, the rewards can be substantial. Anita Lincolne-Lomax, owner of Babes in Arms – the Australian distributor of the ERGObaby line of baby slings and carriers – runs a multi-million dollar business while raising four children.

She also won the AusMumpreneur award last year and has appeared on Sunrise and in print media nationwide.

"She's really living the dream," says Mitchell. "It's very inspiring."
Leanne Cooper
Mum to Zach, 9 and Samuel, 5 and director of Cadence Health www.cadencehealth.com.au

"After graduating with a nutrition diploma I was offered two teaching positions, one of which was the initiator for the business I now have, offering distance and online health and nutrition courses.

"I returned to teaching after having Zach but I soon realised something had to give. I quit teaching because I knew the business had great potential and I could be more flexible.

"I rebranded my business in 2003 and worked hard to ensure a wide distribution network, as well as focusing on differentiating it from the competitors in the market.

"The business grows year-on-year and I've now taken on part-time staff and outsourced much of the administration.

"One of the best things I did was to create an office space away from our living space, psychologically it really helps me to shut off.

"When things are sailing along at a normal speed I manage a reasonable balance. However, when it's busy my balance goes out. I have to remind myself I can't do everything."

Leanne's top tips on becoming a mumpreneur
1.Remember the first four years are likely to be for the love of the business, not money.
2.Avoid re-hashing what others are already doing successfully.
3.Write down your priorities to keep them clear in your mind.

Five of Australia's most famous mumpreneurs

• Carolyn Cresswell of Carman's Muesli www.carmanskitchen.com.au
• Janine Allis of Boost Juice www.boostjuice.com.au
• Sue Ismiel of Nads www.nads.com.au
• Natalie Bloom of Bloom Cosmetics www.bloomcosmetics.com.au
• Anita Lincolne-Lomax of Babes in Arms www.babesinarms.com.au

Do you know a successful mumpreneur, or are you one?

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