Amanda runs a website and forums that are focused primarily on mums.

Amanda tells why a non-judgmental outlet for mothers, Real Mums, was sorely needed!

 

Amanda, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

 I was a member of a business forum for another (now shelved) idea – my first foray into online forums. I needed an outlet for my parenting – one that was non-judgmental, honest, non-pretentious, and, most of all, FUN! It came out of my own needs, really.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

 Mostly just my own desperate need for this sort of thing – nothing was about, I NEEDED it, so I created it.

Where did the name come from for your business?

 Originally, it was going to be called Bad Mums (badmums.com.au) because you were allowed to talk about things that were considered ‘bad’ (wine and babies, apparently, don’t mix!) and discuss taboo subjects honestly … then I figured “that’s not bad – that’s reality!” And realmums.com.au was registered.

What would you say makes realmums.com.au different to other similar businesses out there?

All parent support forums offer support in one form or another – and for certain people. We’re different because we don’t have a parenting ‘philosophy’ per se, we’re very focused on Mum, rather than the kids, and we allow you to make mistakes, have foibles and not be “the perfect Mum”, without judging. Mostly, we are open to and encourage honest discussion about the bad days – and its all ok.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

My initial web designer and host didn’t deliver! It took 12 months. Income has been another challenge. Having two toddlers and studying at uni was the easy bit.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

Um, all of it! It was supposed to be a bit of fun, a forum and an outlet for my writing whilst I completed my degree and “got a proper job” … it’s grown and developed so much, and still is. Watch this space.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

The members – they’re a fantastic bunch and keep giving me inspiration. The fact that I can get a decent coffee whenever I want (I make it J), being here for my kids and the creative outlet.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

Business Mums Network and Business Women Unite. And, of course, my own network of Mums on the site.

What are your future goals for realmums.com.au?

To provide more resources for Mums, have some books, a bigger team. Oh, and to make a proper living from it.

 What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

Go fot it. Research what’s out there, and make sure you really do have something different. Go with your gut .. always go with your gut, and be passionate about what you do.