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No, not more political talk. I’m getting ready to be shadowed by another business owner, as part of the LEAD course I’m doing.

The 10 month programme, (which I wrote about a while ago), consists of a number of areas.

LEAD course participants, February 2010

We’re now moving on to the part where we all pair up and shadow each other before actually exchanging places for a day in a few months time. (No, he won’t be doing bra fittings!).

Yesterday I was really excited, and came home buzzing. Discussing the shadow and exchange with John, from Jam Publications was interesting and challenging – learning about someone else’s businesses, whilst trying to explain my own. We’ve got a lot in common, but we also do things quite differently. I think I can help support his online business development, whilst he can help me focus my business on the areas that I’m skilled and experienced to deliver. Today? Well, I’m not so sure. continue reading…

Today is officially my business year end. I always have to plan it around school holidays, and as we go away tomorrow for a week, it seemed as good a day as any to count stock.

Yes, exactly. We have to count ALL our stock. Everything. Maternity bras, nursing bras,

One of the many styles we've counted today

mastectomy bras, plus size bras, sports bras, soft cup bras, briefs to match bras, breastfeeding tops, breastpads, nursing nightwear…..exactly – EVERYTHING! We even have to go into those boxes that have come back from shows with all the bits and pieces in, like bra extenders, sort them, and count them – a job that always gets left!

It took the full day, which was expected. But I’ve found, for the first time since I started bras4mums, stocktake day has been a very inspiring. continue reading…

We all talk about “having too many balls in the air”, “keeping all the plates spinning”, or simply, “having too much to do, and too little time”. And we think of it as negative.

What's important to us?

But why not turn it around and look at all the positives that our busy lives can give us? I’ve had one hell of a week (and I don’t usually use language like that!), but I’m still here with my house, family and business, so what have I got to complain about? continue reading…

I’m looking forward to the end of 2009 and the start of a new year. I’m not wishing my life away, but 2009 has been horrible, and 2010 will be better by far.

2009 saw my business with major cash flow problems, which haven’t left yet, but have eased. I had to get rid of a member of staff last January, but have managed, by the skin of my teeth to hold on to the other one – without whom I’m sure – I wouldn’t have been able to carry on trading during the year.

Mum on QE2 June08 - her final cruise

2009 saw my Mum finally lose her 10 year fight with ovarian cancer. Even though it was quite quick in the end, and she had prepared us all for it, it doesn’t make it easier when it finally happens. Everyone was lovely, but I do feel that I’ve only started grieving properly in the last couple of months. Maybe I haven’t allowed myself the time before then with keeping Dad going, doing Dad’s finances for his business, and keeping mine ticking over. continue reading…