Fab Women

Name: Louise Plunkett



Age: 31

Family members: Louise , Ryan (daddy), Zach (8) and Theo (2)

Previous Career: Civil Servant

What is the name and nature of your business?

The business is called Sweet Pea Parties. It is an online store selling beautiful and traditional party supplies, including a wide range of eco friendly cotton and paper party bags, traditional party bag fillers, decorations such as gorgeous bunting and garlands, candles, tableware and gift ideas.

What inspired you to start it?

I felt that there was a real lack of choice when it came to party supplies. Every shop seemed to have the same things, and mostly in plastic! I wanted to extend the current trends for vintage and retro style into the party supplies industry, offering a more eco friendly alternative, and create a site where people could buy everything they needed to create a beautiful party all in one place. I had felt a real urge to go back to work after having 2 years off with Theo, but I didn't want a job that took me out of the house all day. I had worked part-time after having my first son, but I felt side-lined, and there was no chance of ever being promoted whilst working part-time, so starting my own business from home seemed like the perfect option.

How does it fit in with family life?

Its always a challenge! My eldest son, Zach goes to school and my youngest son, Theo goes to nursery 2 days a week which gives me a chance to work uninterrupted. I have to work most evenings after the boys are in bed, but I'd much rather do that than miss out on picking them up from school and things like that. I can always adapt my work to fit in with them, which is why I decided to set up my own business in the first place. Luckily my partner, Ryan, also has his own business and works from home, so we tend to juggle the children a fair bit between ourselves. Some days I really feel up against it, too many tasks and not enough time, so then its a case of prioritising, and in this house that normally means the ironing pile comes last!



Biggest learning curve so far?

Everything takes longer than I thought it would. When I had the idea for the business I thought I'd be able to get it out there within a few months. It actually took me 8 months from the initial concept to the launch of the site. I spent a lot of time researching, sourcing products, and designing the site. Also, realising that my energy is not finite. I used to think I could just keep going and going, but I've realised now that occasionally I just have to rest and wind down with a bit of TV or a book, and put the lap top to one side!

Most positive experience?

Probably getting my first order! It was great and I got lovely feedback in my first week that inspired me to carry on and confirmed that all the months of working towards it had been worth it. Also I almost sold out of my entire stock of paper party bags in the first month! This proved to me that I had been right in thinking people were looking for something a little different.

Where would you like to be in five years time?

I would like to have extended my ranges much more into all aspects of parties, including things like Christenings and weddings. The business grows all the time as I'm always getting new ideas for things to add, so I'm confident it will continue to grow over time and really evolve, but still maintain the original charm.

What advice would you give to other mothers hoping to combine motherhood with a new business idea?

Spend as much of your free time as you can researching your idea. Even 10 minutes a day all adds up. Accept as much help as you can, and just go for it! There's never been a better time for mums in business. The amount of support out there from places like www.mumsclub.co.uk, twitter and facebook is astounding. I really have discovered a whole world out there that I never knew existed before, mothers are finding a new way of working that works for them and their families.



http://www.sweetpeaparties.com/