Mum Of 3 Launches 3D Printing Company - Now It’s Making £250k
- Hayley, 37, left a fast-paced PR job to launch a business after having a baby
- She capitalised on the fidget spinner market initially and sales snowballed
- By finding niche markets her 3D printing business has continued to grow
- Now the company has reached £250k in revenue
- Hayley shares her 6 tricks for entrepreneurial success
Staying motivated to get a business off the ground can be tough at the best of times, but one inspirational entrepreneur has managed to make her company a success while juggling being a mother of 3.
Hayley Bassett, 37 from Fleet, Hampshire who is mum to 4 year old boy/girl twins and a 7 year old son, told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk: ‘I was working in the fast-paced world of PR, constantly travelling and juggling demanding clients.
‘When we found out that we were expecting our first child, I knew deep down that I wanted to prioritise being there for my family.
‘I was working as an Export PR Manager for a gaming company, which was a demanding and fulfilling role.
‘However, the desire to have more control over my time and be there for my baby was more important.
‘Maternity leave seemed like the perfect opportunity to step back from the hectic corporate world, but I also wanted to explore a path that would allow me to contribute to our family's income. That's when the idea of starting my own business started to take shape.
‘I wanted to create something that would give me the freedom to work on my own terms and be present for my family.
‘I made the difficult decision to leave the stability of a traditional 9-5 job behind and dive headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship with WowLondon.
‘As luck would have it, my husband had recently purchased a 3D printer as a hobby. It was around the same time that fidget spinners were becoming incredibly popular.
‘I saw an opening to combine the growing trend of fidget spinners with our 3D printer, and I knew we had the potential to create something unique and profitable.
‘We became one of the first sellers of fidget spinners on eBay, and that allowed us to quickly gain traction and start racking up sales.
‘Once we entered the market through this avenue, our business gained traction surprisingly quickly.
‘The demand for fidget spinners was at its peak, and we were able to ride that wave. Within a few months, we started seeing a significant increase in sales and a growing customer base.
‘It was an exciting time that fuelled our motivation and solidified our belief in the business. Of course, in those early days, sleep was a luxury I often had to sacrifice!
‘One of the most challenging phases we encountered was at the start of this year. With the economic downturn and the general uncertainty surrounding the global situation, people became more cautious with their spending.
‘It was a difficult time for many businesses, including ours. However, we quickly adapted our business strategies and explored alternative avenues to offset the impact.
‘One such avenue was the market for teachers' gifts, which proved to be a profitable opportunity for us.
‘By diversifying our product offerings and tapping into specific needs and occasions, we were able to navigate through the challenging period and eventually see sales pick up again.
‘In this year of our business, we experienced remarkable growth, generating revenue that is nearing a quarter of a million pounds.
‘We are reinvesting a significant portion of our profits back into the business to fuel its expansion and development.
‘We were operating out of a single converted garage, but we have very recently moved to a new work premises to increase our team and printer capacity.
‘I employ three other members of staff; plus I have a designer I use ad hoc for some external projects.
‘One of the biggest obstacles I had to overcome was my own self-belief. Leaving the stability of a full-time job to start a business from scratch was a massive gamble. Doubts and fears crept in, questioning whether I had made the right decision.
‘However, I knew that if I didn't take the leap and pursue my entrepreneurial dream, I would always wonder "what if?"
‘So, I had to push past the self-doubt, embrace the uncertainty, and trust in my abilities to make this venture a success. It was a leap of faith, but one that I'm grateful for every day.
‘There are several factors that ignite my passion for the business. Firstly, witnessing the incredible growth and progress we've made over nearly 8 years of trading is incredibly fulfilling.
‘From starting out as a small operation in our garage to reaching hundreds of thousands of customers across platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, it's a testament to the hard work and dedication we've put in.
‘Secondly, the satisfaction of having happy customers who continue to support our store and return to purchase from us is a constant source of motivation.
‘Lastly, being a mother myself, I'm passionate about showing my children the rewards of hard work and determination.
‘I want them to understand that with perseverance and the right mindset, dreams can be achieved.
‘I draw inspiration from various sources. Firstly, I find immense inspiration in other mothers who are running their own businesses. Seeing their resilience, determination, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities is truly motivating.
‘I understand the challenges and sacrifices they have faced to reach that point, and it encourages me to keep pushing forward.
‘Secondly, my family is a constant source of inspiration. My mother, who worked tirelessly as a single parent and overcame significant hurdles, is someone I deeply admire.
‘Her strength and unwavering dedication to providing the best for my brother and I continue to inspire me to this day.
‘Lastly, my children are my biggest inspiration. They are the driving force behind everything I do. I strive to create a better future for them and instil in them the values of hard work and perseverance.
‘Though they may be too young to fully grasp the concept now, I hope that one day they will look back and understand why I do what I do.
‘My advice for those looking to start their own business is to embrace the journey and never give up.
‘Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster ride with its fair share of ups and downs, challenges, and uncertainties. It requires perseverance, resilience, and a strong belief in yourself and your vision.
‘Here are a few key pieces of advice:
‘1. Stay focused and passionate: Starting a business is a demanding endeavour that requires unwavering focus and dedication. Stay true to your passion and let it drive you through the inevitable hurdles and setbacks along the way.
‘2. Embrace flexibility and adaptability: Business landscapes are ever-changing, and being adaptable is essential. Be open to adjusting your strategies, exploring new opportunities, and evolving with the market to stay relevant and meet the needs of your customers.
‘3. Build a strong support network: Surround yourself with a network of mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and supportive individuals who can provide guidance, advice, and encouragement. Their experiences and insights can be invaluable throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
‘4. Take calculated risks: Starting a business often involves taking risks, but it's important to make informed decisions based on thorough research and analysis. Assess the potential rewards and risks before taking any major steps and be willing to step out of your comfort zone when necessary.
‘5. Seek feedback and learn from failures: Feedback, both positive and negative, is crucial for growth. Actively seek feedback from customers, peers, and mentors to gain valuable insights into your business. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and use them to refine your strategies and improve.
‘6. Use doubts and scepticism as motivation: There will always be doubters along the way. Instead of letting their scepticism discourage you, use it as motivation to prove them wrong. Believe in yourself, your abilities, and the value your business brings.
‘Starting your own business is an incredible journey filled with both challenges and rewards. Stay committed, maintain a positive mindset, and keep learning and growing.
‘With determination, hard work, and a little bit of luck, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a reality.’
Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, said: ‘Hayley has worked hard to build a flourishing business that not only makes her happy, but supports her family. Best of luck to her!’
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