Marvellous Mum Joely Higton shares how she has followed her dream of being a fantastic mum and persuing a fantastic career. Joely runs Ambience Buckinghamshire, a personal and unique styling service which turns weddings and celebration inspirations into reality.

MMJoely• Which part of the Chilterns do you live? Chalfont St Peter

• Family members: My partner Mike 42 and My Daughter Vivienne age 6

• Sum up your business in a sentence: Ambience Buckinghamshire is a unique and personal styling service designed to turn my clients wedding and event inspiration into a reality.

• What’s your career background? Once I graduated from university having studied Criminology and Politics I worked for seven years at New Scotland Yard.

• How did your career change after becoming a mum? In my previous job roll I was commuting into London, it became harder taking on the job of commuter mum, relying on childminders and the reliability of the underground, being away from home all day and not getting back until late. I believe you can be a fantastic mum and pursue a fantastic career, a career mum, follow your dreams, but it can be very hectic.

• What first inspired you to start? After a number of years juggling commuting into the city, school runs, after school clubs, play dates and the responsibilities of being a mother I decided it was time to try and juggle my hours better, to have more time at home with Vivienne. I had always been interested in art and design and a part of me always wished I’d studied such things at university. It was time to leave The Police and more importantly be at home more as a mum and follow my dreams. I started my business in September 2015, I work from an office at home and am happy to say I collect Vivienne from school every day, no childminders, I balance work and home.

• And how did you move from idea to actually taking your first business steps? I held my breath and took a great leap of faith. The unknown is always daunting, especially self-employment, but I was adamant that once my decision was made I was going to make it work. I sat down, created my business plan, got out there and pushed hard.

• What skills or experience from your career do you use in your business? The line of work I previously worked in needed key interpersonal skills, the ability to listen and run with ideas, I have found this runs through my day to day life in business, the ability to be personable and approachable is key. In the previous months I have built up strong relationships with other local suppliers, talented florists, gorgeous venues and photographers to name a few.

• Who is your target customer and how do you find and market to them? Designing and styling weddings and events targets every age range. My target customer is generally brides and grooms between the ages of 30 and 55 who dream of presenting the wedding from their dreams with friends and family. I find my clients through wedding fayres, my website, facebook page, word of mouth, networking with other business owners and local media.

• What are the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in starting your own business? With all new businesses the key to success is getting your business known, building up confidence and reputation, every small success is a great personal achievement. The biggest challenge has definitely been getting recognised.

• Your biggest successes to date? My biggest success to date has to be working with and guiding some wonderful brides on their journey to their big day. It really is fulfilling receiving positive feedback and great thanks from them.

• What’s your vision for your business? To be original, on trend and innovative, to come up with new and fresh design ideas to wow my clients and make their special occasions affordable and unique.

• What has most surprised you about yourself in starting your business? I am more confident than I thought I ever was, when your start something moving blind you have to dig deep and be confident and not give up at the first hurdle.

• How do you juggle running a business and family life? Having my office at home means that when I’m not with clients or styling an event I work from home, I do the school run, homework, clubs, supper and the bed time routine, it’s lovely. I sometimes have to work into the evening though.

• What advice do you have for other mums who want to start a business? Go for it, be sensible and wise, plan well and enjoy the balance of both business woman and motherhood.

• How do you relax? I love to exercise.

• What do you love most about where you live? I have been able to join a local rowing club and learn to row, something I have always wanted to do. I also love being close to the country side.

• What’s your favourite tipple? I love a glass of prosecco.

• Your simple pleasure? A rare hour with a book or quietly listening to music.

• Favourite film? Definitely Interstellar

• Favourite book? The five people you meet in heaven.

• Website: ambiencevenuestyling.com

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmbienceBuckinghamshire/