1000 Mums Making a Difference

www.1000mumsmakingadifference.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

1000 Mums Making a Difference is a rapidly growing group of Gold Coast Mums who are passionate about taking a pro-active role in our health and the health of all our families. We focus on raising awareness about artificial colours, flavours and additives in food and chemicals in everyday products that mums (and dads!) provide for their families, through educational talks we offer in child care centres.

2. When and why did you start your business?

My friend and fellow mum, Vanessa and I started this business two years ago because we have had first hand experiences with artificial, synthetic ingredients and chemicals that have caused problems with our own children and in Vanessa's case, with herself as well.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with of your business?

The greatest achievement by far, is being able to impact positively on many other families and really 'make a difference'. Great friendships have been made as a result of the support network that we offer to other mums and I know that many of these will be lifelong friendships!

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

The greatest challenge is educating parents on being pro-active with their health and the health of their children. Unfortunately, we live in a very reactive society where we don't take action until there is a problem. We continue to instill in parents the importance and very real need for action towards prevention and maintenance of good health by the lifestyle choices we make NOW.

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

Creating relationships with the Directors of each Child Care Centre and communicating with them regularly about what we have to offer and listening to feedback so that we can develop other educational talks to assist in raising awareness. More recently we have added new talks from a Registered Nurse and Homeopath to help educate parents and teachers in child care centres.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

Distributing flyers with information about us and what we offer - people deposit 'junk mail' straight into the bin!

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

We have the opportunity to passionately present information and solutions that we live and breathe ourselves each day and have the opportunity to make a real difference in other people's lives.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

Julie Eady is a mother and business owner that inspires us. Her interest in food additives came from a family history of allergies and she wanted to prevent her children from having similar reactions. Starting with a personal interest her passion grew and she has a website, book and is instrumental in petitioning food manufacturers to remove artificial additives that may cause harm to children. She is another 'mum' who is out there really making a difference!

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

To continue passionately getting the message out there to parents to help them choose additive free foods and safe products for their homes and make a difference in the health of our children now and for future generations.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

Create a business that you are passionate about and would do anyway even if you weren't getting paid. We love what we do and are inspired by the people that we meet every day!

Visit us at: www.1000mumsmakingadifference.com.au