susanjarmanMarvellous Mum – Susan Jarman

Susan Jarman is a mother of 2, who started her own business – Blossoming Cooks. An enthusiastic cook with a passion for teaching, Susan enjoys sharing her love of cooking and nature through her fun and educational classes.

Family members: Husband Ross, James – 3, Thomas -1

Sum up your business in a sentence:

Cookery and nature classes which aim to foster a young child’s natural sense of wonder for the world around them – each 90min class has a specific nature theme which inspires both the cookery section and then the energetic outdoors activities!

What did you do before starting up your business?

I was a Biology teacher in a secondary school and I taught 11 – 18 year olds!

When did you start your business and why?

The idea came to me last Autumn when I was thinking about whether to return to teaching in a school just yet (following the birth of my second child, Thomas, in the Spring) or to try something a bit different. My children are still very young and this is a great way to still be around for them as much as possible and yet use the skills and passion I have for teaching and Biology! Also, it’s very rewarding to be able to include my children in my work as I try out all my ideas and recipes on them first!

The best part of your day / running your own business?

When I see how much the children are enjoying creating wonderful goodies in the kitchen and also seeing how my ideas turn out in the garden – there’s lots of fun outside and they don’t even realise they are learning about nature!

And the worst?

That’s easy – all the cleaning and washing up afterwards!

How do you juggle running a business and family life?
I can practise my ideas with my children and they often accompany me on shopping trips to the garden centre! I do lots of admin and preparation in the evenings after they are in bed and I’m lucky to have a great husband who is extremely supportive ☺

What challenges have you faced?

Coming up with new ideas for each lesson – which parents can re-create at home – is challenging but it’s great when inspiration strikes! Also catering for a variety of dietary requirements is challenging but it’s also really fulfilling to be able to include everyone in the classes.

Your biggest success?

It’s lovely when the children overcome their nervousness and actually pick up a worm for the first time! Also all of the great feedback I have had!

What business tip/advice would you offer new mumpreneurs?

Think of a new way to utilise whatever skills you have!

Business dream?
It would be great to reach more people so lots of children could benefit from combining cooking and nature. Maybe a franchise or even a book!

What are you listening to at the moment?
Nursery rhymes in the car, mostly!

What’s your favourite tipple?
Anything pink and sparkly!

Your simple pleasure?
Taking the children for a walk in the woods!

Favourite film?
Any Sci-Fi/Horrors like Aliens or The Terminator!

Favourite book?
Lord of the Rings – JRR Tolkein

Tell us a joke?
What did the Biologist wear on his first date? Designer jeans!

Website: www.blossomingcooks.co.uk