Mama Moo

www.mamamoo.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

Mama Moo is an online store that will make wooden toy and children’s accessories shopping a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The products on offer at Mama Moo are chosen for their quality, educational value and of course, their funkiness. These products are designed with your precious ones in mind, making them perfect for Mini Moo.

2. When and why did you start your business?

The business was started when I won the battle of "3rd day post-natal blues" - when my son was around 15 months old. Due to the need to stay at home to take care of my son, and the frustration of long queues, unsatisfactory customer service and inability to find unique children toys and accessories at brick and motar shops, Mama Moo was born.

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

I have never started or owned my own business, never ever dreamt of it. All my life has been in the corporate sector, doing projects and working for someone else, not to mention the crazy hours and high energy "feel", which I used to love. With Mama Moo, I have been able to put my family first and fit everything else around it, without compromising the demands and much needed care of my boys (my son and hubby), allowing me to feel good being a mother and also keeping my mind and hands active - best of both worlds, which I never thought I could achieve.

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

Appropriate outreach programs, marketing and advertising wisely are always challenging. Having a good eye when choosing stock - must put myself in the shoes of my customers and what would they like, rather than just stock what I, personally will like.

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

Word of mouth - a very powerful tool. And not to be afraid to market for yourself, making yourself known to the target market.

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

Paying someone else to advertise for you by simply listing in their directories.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

The flexibility and even though it's an online business, I still get the much needed human (adult) interaction when and as I craved for.

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

Definitely all other mums out there who are also running a business from home. And of course all other mums who are working full/part time as well. So basically all mums - everyone juggle so beautifully in their own ways!

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

Bringing in a couture line for Mini Moo's, girls and boys. Have been to too many kids parties where different girls wore the same outfit!

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

Plan, plan and plan. Think global and be aware of what's out there and what you have to offer. It's scary and fearful but embrace it and have plans to address the root cause of the fear as well. Always have an exit strategy in mind too!

Visit us at: www.mamamoo.com.au