Tell us a little about the person behind the business? I am a part-time teacher, a licenced Kindermusik Educator, new business owner and a Mum to one lively 22 month old boy! I am also returning to study after some time off to be at home with my son, and have just one subject to go to finish my Grad. Dip. Psych., so a very busy few months ahead!
And now a little about the business itself? I teach Kindermusik classes for babies, toddlers and children from newborn to the age of 7 years. Our classes each week include singing, playing instruments, dancing and story-time. It is a wonderful way for parents and children to spend a morning and we all have a good giggle as well! It’s really like a musical play-group! Early exposure to music helps children to learn and develop in so many ways, and as a teacher I can see the benefits over the long term, including improved reading and maths skills, greater concentration and enhanced social skills.
How did you come up with your business name? The way a dragonfly hovers and darts with such speed and energy, the bright blue colour that makes it stand out from the crowd – the image to me represents being unique, creative, curious, and child-like. All the qualities that I hope to share with others through my classes and my choice of products in my online store. The word studio represents my goal of having a business that offers a range of creative classes and products for children and their parents, including Kindermusik and hopefully one day extending to art classes, relaxation classes or other creative ideas.
What made you want to begin a WAH business and how did you get started? I have been an employee for a long time, and always wanted to branch out and have my own business. I had the opportunity to stay at home when my son was born and during this time I found out more about Kindermusik, studied and received my license and really started from there! Having a teaching background and years of music behind me, made Kindermusik the perfect choice for me, and allows me more time to spend with my son, and I am learning so much everyday! The online shop gives me an opportunity to share some great products that I have found - I always choose products that I want to buy for my little boy, or that I think will help me be a better, more organized parent.
What motivates you to keep your business going? My strong belief in the power of music to improve our lives and enhance our children’s development, to give them the best opportunity and the best head-start to their school lives. The Kindermusik curriculum is just so well researched, and it’s fun to teach!
Do you have a current best-selling product or service? My most popular Kindermusik classes are “Village” (for babies from newborn to 18 months) and “ABC Music & Me” (for toddlers 2 to 4 years), and my best selling product is AromaPlay Clay – the 100% natural, gluten-free play-dough that is scented with aromatherapy oils.
How do you advertise your business and which methods have proven more successful? As I am just starting out I am trying to do as much as I can with as little as possible! I have had great results so far through Facebook with such wonderful support from this site – (thank you!) and from networking with other local businesses. I also have a stall booked for the Mackay Babies & Kids Market in August, I was at the first market this year and met lots of great people. This time I will have my range of products on sale too and will be taking bookings for Kindermusik classes for next term.
How do you juggle your family and your WAH business? Any tips for other WAHP’s? I work when my little boy is asleep and have learned to work very quickly!! I have a different task for each day of the week – like a school timetable really – I find that really helps me focus. I also try to have an ‘end-time’ each night so I don’t stay up too late!
And finally, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a WAH business? When you know what you want to do – go for it! Don’t worry about how much you are making, just enjoy the ride!
Website: http://www.studio-dragonfly.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/studio.dragonfly
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