Rebecca explains how Two Homes, the only free resource website of its kind, helps families manage this stressful time.

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

When I separated from my son’s father I was committed to trying to doing the best that I could so that my son went through as little pain and suffering as possible. At the time I often felt like my world had been turned upside down and I searched for information and tools to guide me and help mange the process.

During this tough time everything changes and sometimes it’s hard enough just getting through the day let alone trying to manage my new parenting arrangements. As a tech savy mama I searched for an efficient way to help me communicate with my former partner and keep him up to date on information about our child – in an easy, no fuss way. I was shocked that nothing was available and immediately started to think up ways that I could build my own system.

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

I was driven to set up www.twohomes.com.au because I truly believed that I could add value and help other separated families. My passion for the area quickly grew as I became more educated on the topic and realised how big an issue this was. With over 50,000 families separating each year and over 1.1 million kids in Australia living with separated parents I instantly saw the importance of what I wanted to achieve.

Where did the name for your business spring from?

The Two Homes name came about as a result of a fantastic brain storiming session with a group of parents who all had experience of working through the issues of separation, divorce and parenting.

How is Two Homes unique?

Two Homes is Australia’s only free online resource that provides Australian single parents with information, tools and resources that guide and empower them to do what ever they need to, to help them and their children through this difficult time.

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

The hardest part of my journey has been the time it has taken to get our online organiser up and running. We are now up to our 3rd set of developers and this all takes a lot of money, time and energy. Sourcing capital to fund the software development was also extremely challenging, for some reason institutions were not that keen to back a single mum with a passion to help other parents

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

Initially my goal was to create an online tool that would help manage my parenting arrangements. However, during this process I realised that I was not alone in the frustration I experienced in trying to find out what I needed to do during the separation and divorce process. It was clear to me that there was a real need to provide separated parents with information, resources and services, all in one place. Consequently, www.twohomes.com.au was born and is now the core foundation of my business.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

I love receiving positive feedback from separated parents and professional organisations who work with separation and children issues daily. I get a real buzz when someone lets me know that we have had a positive impact on their lives.

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

At present I don’t belong to any formal networking groups. However, being an online business I believe in the power of social networks and groups and utilise the power of LinkedIn, Twitter and online forums and groups daily.

What are your future goals for Two Homes?

Next step for Two Homes is to provide separated families with the ability to connect and support each other through online communities.

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

Make sure you’re passionate about what you’re doing, as there will be tough times! It’s during these times that you will need to dig deep and draw strength from your belief and dedication to your business idea.

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.

Michelle Fiddian has a passion for making first aid for children easily accessible for parents and carers.

Michelle makes vital first aid training fun and engaging with Little Aid.

Michelle, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
Basically my experience wasn’t allowing me to work small hours around being a mum. Then there’s the passion I have for the topic (baby/child first aid) as there wasn’t much around to cater for this need. After I started getting less hours being a casual where I worked, I needed to figure out how to get an income, working no more then around five hours a day, but making it worthwhile. I initially thought about teaching first aid at local community centres, then the idea grew into starting my own fully fledged business.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?
The more I thought about it, the more ideas I had! The sky seemed to be the limit. Plus I was able to work around the kids commitments so it seemed I would have the best of both worlds.

Where did the name for your business spring from?
It was hard to think of something that made people think of first aid in the title, but Iwanted it to be relevant for all “little” people– that is– babies and children. After thinking of a few ideas, Little Aid was the winner.

How is Little Aid original?
Little Aid’s core values include convenience (we come to you) value (we’re the most affordable around, with a small minimum number) quality (each and every course is a quality course, not just a lecture, not information overload, just helping each individual understand what to do in the event of an emergency) and FUN (yes, we try to make a serious topic enjoyable, and I’m proud to say I’ve been told I succeed!)

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
Having the confidence to take that leap of faith and go out on my own. After that, building up clientele.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
Yes. I’ve just celebrated Little Aid’s first birthday and there are many things I didn’t think I’d be doing yet, like selling products, working on my own line of products, and looking at ways to branch further throughout Victoria and interstate. Also, I thought I’d be doing regular courses through community centres, but instead have found other avenues such as private courses in the home, maternal & child health centres, fundraisers for places such as kindergartens.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
The fact I’m truly doing something I enjoy– I’m passionate about first aid for kids and helping others understand how easy this can be once you know how. I enjoy being able to cuddle little babies whilst their mums practice valuable skills. And I enjoy earning a decent living around my other commitments, after all, I’m a mum first!

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
There’s a few online avenues that have been extremely helpful such as Business Women Unite and more recently, Australian Baby Guide. I’ve tried Twitter but I’m not 100% sure how it works to be honest. Once I do I’m sure this will be an extremely valuable networking tool.

What are your future goals for Little Aid?
To have Little Aid in other states, eventually I hope to be Australia-wide. To have our own line of products (such as bandages) for sale not only through courses and online, but in other relevant stores. All of these are works currently in progress.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
Do your homework. Research where to market, who your clientele is, and know your competitors. I believe you must be passionate or it will turn into yet another “chore” – you must enjoy what you do. Don’t expect rewards overnight. But if you’re patient, the rewards truly are great. There’s absolutely nothing like running your own business. Aside from having kids, this was the best decision I ever made, I’ve never once looked back and I’ve never been more proud of my achievements!