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!