Mums That Mean Business Featuring Fiddle De Dee

Each week we have been featuring lovely Mum’s who juggle daily life whilst working from home. It gives us a little insight as to what it’s like to start up your own business. May it help you discover new products that might take your fancy, or give you some inspiration if you are thinking of starting a business too.

This week we have Celia and her business Fiddle de dee.

1. TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOURS.

My name is Celia and I run Fiddle de dee Jewellery. I live in West Yorkshire with my husband Andy , 14 month old daughter Nellie and our 2 cats, Leo and Rory.

 

2. WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR HOME BUSINESS?

I had already decided to be a stay at home mum before Nellie was born. When she was 7 months old, I decided that I needed to start doing something for me and came up with the idea of fiddle necklaces as Nellie loved playing with mine.

3. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, WHEN YOU STARTED, WHAT YOU MAKE ETC

I started Fiddle de dee Jewellery in April 2016 after many weeks of research into materials and suppliers and testing different ways of making necklaces. It is very common for babies to want to pull and chew on necklaces. My necklaces are both pretty to wear but also made with baby safe wood, silicone and crochet beads that have been CE tested so they are safe to be chewed and played with. I still can’t believe how many I have made! I have standard designs that I make but I also offer a custom design service to match up to a special outfit or sling.

I sell through my facebook page and also through a website called Yes Bébé which is a one-stop shop for ethical baby and child items ranging from clothing to nappies and a massive collection of Waldorf and Montessori inspired toys.

My next step is to roll out matching bracelets which are almost ready and to start designing my sling clip range! I’m also going to be doing an evening course which will help me build my own website.

 

4. WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL DAY LIKE?

I’m up with Nellie at 6am and Andy goes to work at 7am. We are usually out of the house by 9.30am to whatever activity we are doing; we like our singing group, playgroup and going for walks to the park with friends. When Nellie goes for her afternoon nap, that gives me chance to do a bit of housework and catch up on messages from customers. Once Nellie is in bed, I can then start work and usually work from 6.30 until 9pm most nights. If I’m not working then I’m usually out swimming or watching Game of Thrones!

5.WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER MUMS CONSIDERING WORKING FROM HOME?

I would say just go for it! I was scared when I started especially when I invested money to get the business going but if you are doing something you love and believe in, that’s half the battle won.

Be prepared to do a lot of research into the market including testing various materials and suppliers. I was itching to get designing and making but soon realised that a lot of ground work has to be done first.

Great advice Celia and what a lovely business you have. Thank you for sharing it with us.

You can connect with Celia and Fiddle de dee on

Facebook

Yes Bebe