Victoria Dixon is a mum of 2 and set up her business of Enhance Me when looking for something to do that allowed her to be at home with her 2 young children. She uses digital imaging software to alter pictures of your children to create a unique and individual portrait, something special to treasure forever.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Prior to launching my own business my main job was in Administration but having studied a Degree in Art & Design I felt that this really quashed my creative juices! Initially, as a hobby, I had played around with image-editing software on my computer, and later I did a few free portrait enhancements for friends, who had requested that photographs of their children be transformed into fairies. These friends had such a positive reaction at the final result that I decided to dip my toe in the water and put the service online. Very little financial outlay was required – I had everything I needed! I didn’t even need to pay for a website – I was able to create and build my own website, with the assistance of a very helpful and patient husband who had worked in web design. When the website went live I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I was surprised at just how quickly the orders came flooding in. I can’t even begin to describe how thrilling it is to find people who like and want the work that you do!
What have you learnt about yourself since you became self-employed?
I am extremely good at multi-taking!! I would however be the first to admit that I am easily distracted – though I have always known that! I am a twitter addict too but this has opened many doors for my business which is great. The main thing I have learnt though that if I can really set my mind to something and feel passionate about achieving it – I will.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I think it’s a challenge in itself trying to be a Jack of all trades, I feel like a Mum, a cook, a cleaner, an admin assistant, a creative queen……….the list goes on…..thank goodness women can multi task!It is so tricky juggling the business with being a Mum. I find I have to work most evenings and because I do everything I have to be really organized. My most challenging period of time is always the approach to Christmas. I always panic slightly at the prospect of trying to juggle so much work with caring for my children.
What has been the best thing about being your own boss?
Being able to make my own decisions regarding the business, not having to run ideas past anyone and just having the freedom to be as creative as I want with it.
Who has given you the support to succeed?
My husband has been wonderful – he created my website for me – he helps to motivate me if I feel I am struggling with anything. He also helps a lot with the children allowing me time I need to devote to the business. My parents in law have been fantastic at providing childcare. My friends are great too – at times helping with childcare but mainly for just putting up with me speaking about my next ‘Big idea’!!
What are your plans for the future?
My daughter begins school after the summer this year so that will allow me more time (if my son still naps) and I am hoping to have a go at running my business full time for a while to see what I can do with it when I am able to devote more time to it. I want to attend the Mumpreneur Conference this year as I have been nominated for an award ‘Best Online Business’ and this will give me the opportunity to put a face to all the names of the women I have come to know via various networking forums. I also have some new products/services that I am hoping to launch this year that I am very optimistic about!
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring ‘mumpreneur’ what would it be?
Believe in yourself and your abilities to achieve your dreams – keep yourself positive and motivated, and support yourself to succeed. If you have yourself to believe in, then nothing can stop you.
As a special offer to all Mum’s The Blog readers Victoria is offering a 10% discount – quote ‘MTB 0410’ when you place an order. The offer will expire at the end of May. Visit www.enhance-me.com for some ideas and inspiration.
[...] are excited to launch our new end of week giveaway – Freebie Friday! And our prize comes from today’s featured mumpreneur Victoria Dixon, founder of Enhance Me, who makes beautiful personalised custom portraits from customers snapshots, [...]