Mother's love of creating for her kids inspires little business

Mother’s love of creating for her kids inspires little business

This week Cas spoke to creative entrepreneur Tanya Markham about small pleasures and how they inspire business dreams.

Tell us a little about the person behind the business?

I am a stay at home mother of four who makes things my children love with the theory that others will loves them, too.

And now a little about the business itself?

I make hot chocolates, laundry powder and small crocheted gifts, such as coasters, scarves and coffee cuffs.

How did you come up with your business name?

I’ve been using the name InfoxicatingLady for over 10 years, based on a pun regarding foxes. It seemed a natural progression.

What made you want to begin a WAH business and how did you get started?

I realised that with three children aged 10 and under, I couldn’t get a “conventional” job. I looked at a few home based businesses, but didn’t like the start up cost. Making and selling things has allowed me to create without a large start up cost.

What inspires you to keep your business going?

My children. I want them to know that no matter what your circumstances, you can always do something to make yourself feel worthwhile.

How do you advertise your business and which methods have proven more successful?

So far, I have not been advertising except by linking my business Facebook page and my personal profile.

Do you have a current best-selling product or service? If yes, tell us about it.

My scarves. Each of my scarves is made to specification in colour, type of yarn (acrylic, alpaca wool, sheeps wool, etc) and form.

How do you juggle your family and your WAH business? Any tips for other WAHPs?

With great difficulty. My only advice is to make sure that everyone knows that certain things are off limit to everyone else if necessary for your business, and to make time either each week or each day to do something for it.

And finally, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a WAH business?

Research carefully, and make sure you do something that distinguishes your product or service from others.

Other comments?

I recommend Support a WAHP to other WAHPs because I understand that networking is a wonderful way to create business traffic, both for yourself and others.