Fiona and Carol’s venture allows parents to pay off theme park tickets and school holiday entertainment.

Fiona tells why their one-of-a-kind business appeals to frazzled parents at Boredom Busters.

Fiona, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
My business partner Carol had the problem of not having funds available during the school holidays to entertain her kids. The idea sparked from there.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?
I had just come out of preschool Christmas holidays and remembered my years growing up and how mum used to juggle the finances so that they’d stretch. I had also read consistently on online parenting forums about kids driving their parents crazy and how expensive entertaining the kids during holidays were so I knew that there was a definite market for the business.

Where did the name for your business spring from?
Brainstorming over dinner and drinks between us and our husbands.

How is Boredom Busters original?
There is no other business out there that allows customers to pay off their school holiday entertainment. We’re a unique solution for parents!

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
Getting the website up and running.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
No not yet but the marketing and advertising direction certainly has changed and wasn’t what we were anticipating.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
That I feel alive and challenged! In previous employment I had felt like I was on auto pilot and just going through the motions of life. Now it couldn’t be further from that and its great. Although frustrating at times, it has all been a positive experience.

Working from home and juggling working life and family has its moments but I’m glad that I have a business that at present can quietly tick away during the school holidays whilst I spend time with the kids.

Visiting the venues is pretty good too and also doing field research trips. Who would have thought that we could visit these entertainment venues, meet with management representatives and be able to claim a great day of fun on business expenses?

I have loved all aspects of running the business and even the not so nice things have been great for learning and growing from.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
A few online ones that I’m a member of but I don’t post that often. Have found that WOM (word of mouth) is the best networking you can get– mums having a chat with a cuppa.

What are your future goals for Boredom Busters?
To continue to grow in both featured venues and also customers. To expand the business to have employees and a little office.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
Never underestimate the power of networking and women do it better than anyone else. Utilise it!