For many people, owning your own business and being your own boss sounds like the stuff of dreams. And although in many ways this certainly is the case, it’s no secret that running a business takes a lot of hard work, especially when you throw kids and a house renovation in the mix.
We spoke to Victoria Fulford, owner of Simply Clean, about how she launched a business while looking after three kids all under 17 months.
RESCU: How did your initial idea come to be and what were the first steps you took to make it a reality?
Victoria Fulford: I was at home with 3 children under 17 months a dog and a house renovation in full swing when I had an idea. I was watching the floor sponge being used to wipe our baby’s feeding tray and I won’t even tell you where I found the toilet sponge…
I knew which sponge I used for the floor and what I used for the toilet but no one else did. I was grateful for the help, but so sick of hearing myself explain which sponge should be used where.
So the challenge was working out I could find a way to tell everyone which product to use. The solution? Let the product speak for itself.
And the idea was born to colour code and print on our sponges.
RESCU: So the idea was born. Now how did you go about making it a reality?
Victoria Fulford: Step one was to research and test. Now I had the idea it was time to get a team together to figure out how, who and where to make them.
The transformation from the first sample to our actual product is amazing and a little embarrassing. We had many prototypes made and our product is relatively simple!
Once we had the prototypes we then needed to see if family and friends actually used the kitchen sponge for the kitchen and the toilet sponge for the toilet. The answer was a resounding YES…and it has been said to have saved marriages and relationships, even our children (eldest, now 4) now understand which sponge or cloth to use for the floor or the kitchen bench.
After that we started pitching to potential retailers.
RECSU: Was it a long process?
Victoria Fulford: It took us 11 months from idea to the reality of securing our first order with a nationwide chain of 40 stores. This commitment from our buyer gave us the courage to put our money where our mouth was and we took a calculated leap of faith.
We are now 2 and ½ years into our venture and we have distribution through Australia and New Zealand in approximately 900 stores.
RESCU: Owning a business is tough work – especially when you have kids to look after! How do you juggle all your obligations?
Victoria Fulford: It’s a balancing act, as I’m sure most other working mothers can relate to!
At the end of the day, my family is so important to me – but so is my business – and I have to put in 110% to succeed in both. You’re not always going to be the perfect mother or the perfect businesswoman and juggling both makes it that much more difficult but I think if you’re determined, patient and can see the bigger picture, you can do it.
I honestly think that when it comes down to it, having to wear those different hats throughout the day actually helps in the long run. I like to think I’m setting a good example for my kids, that they can go after their dreams and not to be scared to do so. I consider myself very fortunate to have the challenge and stimulation of a business that also allows me the flexibility to enjoy my children. None of which I could achieve without a talented capable team and a supportive family.
RESCU: Any advice for women wanting to start their own business?
Victoria Fulford: Starting a business is never easy and it is never the right time but it is fun. When the going gets tough, which it regularly does our mantra is “if it was easy everybody would be doing it.”
Just keep paddling for the wave and remember that if you are not falling over now and again, you are not trying hard enough. You probably have a great idea too and are wondering why someone else hasn’t thought of it. Well, truth be told, they may have thought of it but it is up to you to make it a reality.
