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BizAssist.co.za  News
A Mom Inspired
By: Sarah Billimore
Date: 2009/07/29
Home-based entrepreneur Wendy Hinson on balancing motherhood and her web-based start-up, KIDSFORAFRICA.co.za
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Capetonian Wendy Hinson’s ‘other baby’, KidsForAfrica.co.za, is fast becoming the new virtual hangout for expecting moms, dads, parents and caregivers. What began as a way of meeting a need developed quickly into a successful, lucrative business.
The website, which launched in September 2008, provides visitors with a vast amount of useful information and links to products, services and events, while also offering advice and feedback from a licensed paediatrician. Wendy plans to add a forum and a shopping cart soon.
“I was mum to a seven-week premature baby, and struggled to find advice I needed. I realised that if I couldn’t find things, other parents were probably struggling to find them, too,” explains Wendy when we ask about the idea behind KidsForAfrica.
With an undeniable passion to see the idea through to fruition, it took just two months before the site was ready to be launched. “I met with a wonderful web designer, who designed my logo and branding for me, and then developed my site on Joomla – which means I can do all my updating myself,” she explains.
After only a few minutes with this incredibly warm ‘ubermom’, you realise that, for Wendy, developing a successful business model is merely the cherry on the top the cake. Her happiness is in the life she and husband Paul have built together, and now share with their 4½ year-old son, Zack.
Naturally, our first question for Wendy is "How do you manage to balance motherhood and running your own business?"
I did find running www.KidsForAfrica.co.za a bit difficult whilst I was working a full day. However I am now going spend more time during the day on this business, and make the evenings for quality time with my son.
What growth have you experienced since launching KidsForAfrica.co.za?
I see www.KidsForAfrica.co.za going from strength to strength each and every day. The growth has been wonderful, [and] it will evolve with ideas and information requested by our community. Seeing ‘New User Registrations’ come into my inbox at the rate of a few a day really excites me!
What did the start-up of your business cost?
The cost was mostly the cost of setting up my website, buying a laptop, setting up ADSL and doing some advertising. I estimate [that at] about R80 000 at this stage.
How long will it take to recover your initial investment?
I think I have covered my initial investment already.
What are the biggest launch challenges you faced since starting your business, in terms of attracting customers/clients and getting finance?
Advertising is expensive, and I now need to take the next step, getting my business cards and leaflets out there even more.
Where do you see yourself and your business in two years' time?
I see KidsForAfrica on the lips of all parents and caregivers as a resource they turn to whenever they look for information – they have book-marked my site for easy reference and registered for our newsletters!
Would you recommend starting your own business?
Absolutely! It is such a thrill to do something you love and are passionate about, and to see it grow.
How many hours per day do you work?
About two hours per day up until now – but in the future it’s going to step up to 4 hours a day.
What is the business worth now?
I’m not entirely sure …
One “wish list” item?
More time in my day J
Something to live by?
Believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to. I believe that Marianne Williamson was correct when she said “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure”.
For more information, contact Wendy at info@kidsforafrica.co.za or visit www.KidsForAfrica.co.za
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