Carrie is my fifth mum to feature on Mum-Preneur. She runs a small business from her home, sewing unique clothing and accessories. As if being mum and mum-preneur wasn’t enough Carrie also helps to care for her father in law which you all know is something very close to my heart. I have a great respect for carried work ethic and drive, and the fact that I can’t sew to save my life makes her a legend in my eyes.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Carrie Langley and I’m thirty-three years old. I am married and mum to three girls aged thirteen, eight and to. I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks since I was eighteen. I adore vintage furniture but I don’t own any except an old cantilever sewing box. In fact I love quite a lot of vintage things… hair styles, furniture, fabric, etc. I think I was born in wrong era! My dream is to own a large fabric and haberdashery sore, possibly with other craft supplies too.
Carrie and her beautiful family
Tell us about your business
My business is Auntie Carrie & her Crafty Corner. I chose the name because I have lots of friends whose children call me auntie. It began in April 2013, but unofficially it began when my youngest daughter became obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine. Its nigh on impossible to find girly clothes with him on so I decided to make some. I bought fabric and up cycled duvet covers, pillow cases and she was thrilled with her girly Thomas outfits. I enjoyed it so much I started to make other things such as cushion covers, knitting needle holders and crayon rolls. I now make tutus and clothing, hair accessories as well as many other wonderful things. I take custom orders too and it never fails to surprise me what people come up with.
Why did you choose to start up your own business rather than getting a regular job?
I chose to set up in business due to a number of reasons. I enjoy sewing and designing my items. I want to be a stay at home mum and I don’t want to lose earnings on child care; I care for my father in law during the day so need to be near at hand. I am a qualified teaching assistant and that is what I did until I became pregnant with my youngest. I do hope to go back to it one day but at present I needed a job that I could fit round our family and the busy life we have, but also one that I get pleasure from. I decided to be brave and register with HM Revenues and Customs as a sole trader and that was it the business went live.
Car Rolls
How do you juggle your time between being mum and business woman?
Juggling time can be very difficult, I tend to do paperwork, cutting out and ordering of supplies in the daytime and I sew at night. It can be very hard if one of the children gets ill. I can make hair accessories in the day but I don’t like to have the sewing machine out when my youngest is running around.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job has to be the reaction from customers when they receive their items. I have some amazing pictures customers’ children wearing my clothing and tutus.
A gorgeous strawberry dress (this makes me want a girl)
How do you stay motivated?
Staying motivated is a problem sometimes. A lull in sales, being tired, ill or just a bit fed up can slow me down. My hubby keeps me motivated. He is very supportive and believes I will succeed. My children keep me going too because I am doing this to give them a better life and to show them that with hard work you can achieve your dreams.
What is your favourite quote?
Favourite quote…hmmm. “To try and fail is better than not trying at all” or “believers are high achievers”
How do you manage to squeeze in any time for relationships and social time along with being mum and mum-preneur?
Relationship time… What’s that lol? I have a very understanding hubby, who more often than not goes to bed early. I don’t work on Tuesday night as its Brownie and youth club night and I don’t work Saturday night so I can spend time with my family. This doesn’t always happen if I have a rush on though.
What are your biggest day to day challenges?
My biggest day to day challenge for the business is financing it. I have so many ideas I can’t afford to make them all. I have looked into help and grants etc. but in most cases I am just too old. I don’t want to take on loans as I don’t want it to affect family finances.
Dungarees
Do you ever feel guilty about being a working mum and giving your time to something other than your children?
I do feel guilty sometimes especially if I am really busy. But I remind myself that I am doing it to, hopefully, one day be able to give our family finances a boost.
What items can you never leave home without?
I don’t leave home without my iPhone; I would surely die if I didn’t have it. A tape measure is a must too. Oh and at least three lists of things I am looking for.
What are your top mummy must haves for mums on the go?
My top mummy must haves are wet wipes, tissues, a few toys, spare undies for my youngest, a pen and paper, plasters and snacks. Kids need very little to be entertained, we play I-spy when we are out and if we are on a bus I will draw with my youngest to keep her occupied or we watch out of the windows.
What do you do to unwind?
To unwind I sometimes watch a film or read but I am generally sewing or knitting. I am currently making a hexagon paper piece quilt for our double bed and I am half way there in sewing the fabric to the hexagon papers. I also have a cardigan on the needles for my youngest.
What are your guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasures are probably the same as above plus chocolate and peanuts.
And finally… Do you have any tips or advice for a mum who is thinking of becoming a mum-preneur?
I am quite new myself but believe in yourself and your products, give good customer service and customers will come back and maybe even pass your details to friends.
Another adorable dress by Carrie
Head on over and visit Carrie on the Auntie Carrie & her Crafty Corner Facebook Page or stop by and visit her on twitter or on pinterest
Don’t forget to stop on by to the Four Parts of the One page
Instagram username: Laura4Parts
If you would like to feature in Mum-Preneuer then head on over to my Facebook Page and send me a message 
