Precious Memories website at http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/
Black Eyed Peas is blasting out on the radio, as I sit in the kitchen writing this with my youngest daughter who is eating baked beans for lunch. No-one could ever describe life at the Hickmott home as normal. This morning began with Savana throwing up (so no need to call the office to say I can’t come in), a list of emails to do, laundry, tidy the house, food shopping and completion required on a proposal for a huge corporate company to which I am visiting the head office after the weekend. To say I have learnt to juggle is an understatement, but would I change my life?– quite simply “no”.
Since I became a mum 7 years ago, I was in the fortunate position to stay at home when my daughter Bailey was born. However, I was not one to sit and twiddle my thumbs, so taught myself to create 3d casts. At the time, it was for family and friends but as time passed, my hobby became a business, which today exceeds all expectations. I am constantly asked “how on earth do you do it?”, I do not have any magical answers, it is sheer hard work requiring endless amounts of energy, and I have certainly learnt to juggle my time as a mum, wife and business owner. But in summary I would say some of the key aspects are:-
Time – Management:- As a mum I ensure that I have quality time with my girls and work just has to wait. There have been times when plans have changed, but I have always talked things through with my girls and at 3 and 7 they are incredibly supportive. When I first began creating casts the nature of the job allowed me to do this with the girls around and this is a significant factor in why so many mums are now joining the company. Without fail they go to bed by 7 pm every evening and are brilliant at doing so. Routine was key and from an early age I have never had any problems at bedtime with them. I then know I have time to do my emails and telephone calls and have a glass of wine!
Support:- Having a good support network is key, sharing taking and collecting the girls from school with my husband and other mums. Within the company, they have my support as well as the support for each other.
Multi-tasking – I am often doing 3 or 4 things at the same time without realising it. The moment you become a mum you learnt to adapt often using one arm as you carry your baby in the other. Buy the shopping, whilst confirming a booking on my mobile, and watching your child does not run off to the sweet aisle. Being able to adapt naturally has helped me to juggle my daily life.
Flexibility:- Throughout life I have always had an open mind and when you become a mum your life is turned upside down. The ability to adapt in different situations is so important and I love the fact that I am now in a position where I can offer a job which offers flexibility for others.
Work :- No matter how good the deal, there are always cons. These include being constantly busy and telling myself there is only so much time in a day, so set myself realistic targets. I remain very grounded and take each day as it comes knowing that without a certain amount of self- belief, the business would not be where it is today. Against all odds in the current climate, I am thriving and feel very honoured to now be in a position where I can offer an attainable low cost entrance fee back into work helping a large group of frustrated mums to find a way out from a mundane job, encouraging them to build on their creative skills in a job working around their family.
Products Offered by Precious Memories:-
Head Office based in Aylesbury which creates unique keepsakes for adults and children including:-
3D Casts of hands or feet in various luxury materials in frames or with mounts
2D Impressions of hands or feet set in beautiful frames with client photographs
Unique silver jewellery set with imprints from adult or child fingerprints, footprints or drawings
These are sold, produced and delivered by a network of franchised mums operating across the UK.
Current positions available within the company:-
Jewellery Makers £100 plus VAT wendypw@preciuos-memories.co.uk
Jewellery Agents £150 plus VAT contact janu@precious-memories.co.uk
2D Impressions £1000 plus VAT (half amount paid up front other half in commissions) info@precious-memories.co.uk
3D Cast Artist – £1250 plus VAT (half amount paid up front other half in commissions) info@precious-memories.co.uk
http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/
telephone 01296 399280
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