lou corp shot colourName:  Louise Webster

Family members: Andrew, Finlay (5), Mila (2)

Previous career:  Founder of Rare Communications, a PR agency specialising in the kids

and parents sectors.

Name & description of your business: Beyondtheschoolrun.com is an online destination

of inspiration for parents seeking to go ‘beyond’ being a parent, either making use of

their existing skills or provoking them into taking a new direction, whilst not compromising

the time they choose to spend with their children.  “From the parent to the person”

What gave you the inspiration to start your own business:  

I realised just how much untapped skill and potential drifts away from the school gate

every morning. My overall vision for Beyondtheschoolrun.com (BTSR) is to show how one social group can work together to make a positive difference to the nation. I believe that, collectively, the smallest contributions can make the greatest change and maybe just maybe amongst this hidden pool of talent we might just uncover the next great mind, innovator or creator!

How did you go from having an idea to getting the business up and running: 

Small steps and the collective expertise and skills of the mothers I knew. 

How do you juggle running a business and family life:  I work when I can and have increased my working hours as my daughter (now 2) has grown.  I found initially 1 hour a day worked for me and have now increased to 3 days a week up until school pick up.  

What’s the best & worst thing about having your own business? The best thing about running your own business is the freedom to be yourself and not conform to a company culture and create something new that never existed before. The worst is no technology support! 

Where would you like to be in 5 years time?  The ultimate online destination for parents seeking inspiration, ideas & opportunities to go beyond the parent to the person – as well as a platform to share talent & skills to make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of others.

What one piece of advice would you give to other mothers hoping to start up their own business?  Small steps, big vision.  Follow your heart & intuition, not other people’s opinions.

 

BTSR is a FREE and simple service so register NOW for updates and information – you never know where the journey might take you! Website address: www.beyondtheschoolrun.com