Hustle and Juggle with Katie Stopher
Name:
Katie Stopher
Email:
jazzhands@pipsqueaks-performing-arts.co.uk
Facebook:
Twitter:
How long have you been doing the Hustle and Juggle?
Too long! About 10 years!!!
What is the Juggle to your Hustle?
Children/Family life vs running the business.
Tell me more about your business?
Pipsqueaks Performing Arts offer quality and fun classes and parties for children aged 6 months – 11 years. We’ve been building very successfully for 6 years and have recently decided to franchise the business out – so even more Justling to be had!!!!!
What is your Hustle and Juggle story?
There have been many moments of the good, the bad and the ugly of my Hustle & Juggle I remember when my, now 7 year old, was at preschool and I’d be teaching, he’d be dropped home by a childminder, have lunch in front of the TV usually something pulled together in minutes while I was taking calls for birthday parties and after school clubs booking and trying to get more business in via social media. I remember trying to sound professional with CBeebies blaring out in the background and chants of ‘I need a wee wee, I need a wee wee’ was proving more and more difficult.
I’m lucky that the nature of my business is around family life so, I decided to be proud of running a business with a growing family and one day, it was ok to say “Sorry for the noise, my 3 year old doesn’t do professional!” And now, aged 11 and 7, they are learning but there are times they STILL don’t DO IT! “sigh”
What’s your message to anyone reading this to inspire them to keep going and remain visible?
I needed to grow my business to ensure it was sustainable and it has grown to the point that I have a model that I can sell as a franchise. I have spent the last year keeping focussed and the support of family and friends has helped. I will say to anyone thinking of starting a business or early on in the process KEEP GOING!!
Don’t be judged by anyone else, if you have to Hustle & Juggle in your pjs on a Sunday morning the so be it, be proud of everything you achieve and remember if you are a parent – working for yourself means you can get to school assemblies, sports days and be there for the school run.
If like Katie you are Hustling & Juggling and would like to share your story with others please find out how you can do so here. I would love to hear from you.
Lastly if you are ever feeling like giving up please remember Fay’s advice – It is a journey, it won’t happen overnight but as long as you keep moving forward then you will get there!
If you need a daily reminder then visit the Justle™ shop for mugs of inspiration and join my “Buy A Mug, I’ll Give You A Plug” campaign!
Love, Dee
xx
