Balancing business and home life

How three women overcame the obstacles faced during lockdown to continue smashing their business goals

Last but by no means least in our series, which speaks to three entrepreneurs who have either launched or sustained their businesses during lockdown, we hear from Kate Khullar. Kate is Chief Craft Officer of the happiness project, Little Dot Loves. Little Dot Loves believes everyone can craft, and promotes calm through creativity. It also offers monthly craft subscription boxes, which are suitable for all ages and abilities. Kate also works with local schools, independent craft and designer markets, festivals, hosts individual parties, and runs a weekly social Makers Mob in North London.

How has your business changed as a result of Covid-19?

I used to run face to face workshops and events every week, as well as a kids craft club twice a week. During lockdown, I had to stop all of my work – which had a very negative impact on my work and revenue. I decided to start a monthly craft box, which would create a more regular income and focus on the client base I already had. I moved my kids craft club online, and that was a really positive aspect of lockdown. I delivered kits by hand each week, and then we all joined and made arts and crafts together. It reminds me, there is always hope, as long as you look for it.

How have you stayed motivated during lockdown?

My business is centered around the belief that everyone can craft and promotes calm through creativity. My kids group (Jr. Makers Mob) kept me motivated, the energy and creativity they have is infectious. Seeing confidence grow, and the way they use materials is inspirational. I also belong to a Facebook Community for women entrepreneurs, and we all leaned on each other! Sharing stories, challenges and kind words always helps and supports! I am lucky to have found a group who raise up women’s voices and empowers me to make good choices, and trust my instincts.

How do you balance running a business with other priorities?

I have a family, with two children of school age. During lockdown, managing the balance was very tough. I would work mainly in the evenings, and doubted myself a lot. I think this was because I was doing too many things, and not being able to focus in a structured way. Now everyone is back at school, I finish most of my work in the school day, and then can focus on the family. I treat this like I would manage two jobs, and try not to cross them over. It is tough, you have to set boundaries and stick to them!

What are your top tips for young people keen to start their own business?

1. Research, research and research again! It is really important to understand what problem you are trying to solve with your idea, and if it is viable. Know your customer – who are they, what do they like, how old are they, what do they want? Write a Business Case – it is not just fancy words, it helps keep you on track and not get distracted. All of this might take time, that’s OK. Time is your friend

2. Learn some basic accounting software, or excel set-up, track all incoming and outgoing costs. You have to understand your profit margins, and track all costs.

3. Keep it simple. Allow your initial idea to keep you focused and shine through, put your energy into one thing. Time for add-ons and new ideas later along the line.

4. Remember ‘No’ is a full sentence. If it is not right for your business, or your instincts are not feeling it, you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone

5. Trust yourself, you have got this far, you can go further. Self belief is a really powerful tool!

6. You succeed or you learn, being an entrepreneur is not always easy, and changing your path is necessary. It’s OK to change, you grow and you learn! Stay awesome ♥️