In this edition of our small biz Q&A for Podengo, we speak to one of the member’s of our online business community Eureka – Hannah Love, founder of Yummy Baby Group. Having worked for herself for the last 14 years Hannah’s journey has been an interesting and inspirational one.
As a registered paediatric nurse and qualified Infant nutritionist, Hannah has utilised her skills to offer a unique and invaluable service, helping parents to sleep train their little ones. She’s a modern-day superhero. After all, well-rested babies mean well-rested parents (I remember those sleepless nights all too well). Read on to hear how Hannah turned her passion into the business known as the Yummy Baby Group.
Thank you for taking the time to join us today Hannah. We’d love to hear all about Yummy Baby Group but first, to help us understand a little more about how you got there, can you tell us about your working life leading up to your business?
I left school and worked in care (nursing homes and a dental nurse). From there I went to uni to become a paediatric nurse. I then nannied for pro golfers and spent 10 years flying around the world in private jets and staying at 5* hotels. Hawaii, South Africa (sun city) and the Masters in Augusta were my highlights. I was very fortunate with my Nanny positions. I then became the principal Paediatric nutritional therapist and weaning specialist for private companies, NCT, National nutrition clinic.
How amazing to be able to see so much of the world with work. So from there, you went on to create Yummy Baby Group. How would you describe what it is you do?
I help babies sleep well. In fact, in all areas of parenting. I ALWAYS knew I wanted to work with babies. It’s all I’ve ever known. When I was 5-10 years old I had a nursery in my room, I spent all my money on my dolls nappies and food. I just wanted to be a mummy and help other mummy’s. Yummy Baby has made that possible.
At what point did this become your business? Or when did you officially launch?
14 years ago I started Yummy Baby Group and have been working for myself ever since. More recently I did a course (one to many) to change my business from 1:1 to one too many! I am growing a Facebook community, offer online courses and have launched 3 semi-passive sleep courses. It’s going well! (It grew) completely organically. Daryl (my husband) built me a website when I was pregnant with our first. People just wanted to pick my brains, I got recommended, again and again, and again. It just snowballed. I doubled my takings each year. It went from being a hobby to me earning far more than I could from nannying or nursing. I fitted it around my children, I didn’t need to pay for childcare. I was at the school gate each day.
How would you describe a day in the life of running YBG?
I am on call 24 hours for the mum’s I work with, as I reduce my 1:1 this is changing. I usually have a consultation, or two in the day, I do a couple of lives into my main groups, write some social media content, I answer lots of emails but mainly it is texts and replying to diaries. That’s in-between kids, dog, house, afterschool clubs and lots of cooking!
Tell us about your office space…
I’ve been working from home (or bungalow, or caravan) for 14 years. When the pandemic hit my husband ‘needed’ an office. The playroom was converted and we have 2 desks in there. I work from my bed, sofa, dining table, garden (anywhere but the office!)
What have you found the most challenging and what do you find most rewarding?
The most challenging would have to be not having any maternity leave. I see parents having 10 months off. I was answering emails on the way to the theatre and texts in the car on the way home 24 hours after each c-section. I took on new families within a week of having a baby and was on call 24/7. I remember parents calling me at 3 am about their baby or toddler (they had no idea I had a baby!) just after I’d got my 3 week old settled! It was tough. Oh and not having a holiday in 10 years (well we did but I worked every day). I have even taken calls on Christmas day a few times.
Most rewarding has been being able to be here for my children (although I get mummy guilt) being able to work from anywhere in the world. Being my own boss, being able to fit (juggle) it around family life. Most of all the testimonials and knowing what a huge difference I’ve made to so many families.
Are there any parts of your business that you delegate to others?
I have an accountant. More recently I’ve been changing the way I work and I’ve got Gemma and jess on board to Copywrite, and my husband is doing LOADS to help me now with my new venture with online courses. He does broadcasts, the course membership areas and loads more. That’s only been in the last 6 months.
Thank you for taking the time to share your small business venture with us, Hannah. If anyone would like to learn more about the sleep training courses and workshops Hannah has to offer, you can click here for more information.
Podengo are not affiliated in any way with the above businesses. Nor, do we receive any affiliated fees if you decide to book or use the services of the above businesses. We are simply providing a spotlight for fellow small businesses. If you would like us to feature your business in our blog, please contact hayley@gopodengo.com