Please tell us a bit about the nature of your business...
London's first fully-flexible, Ofsted-registered nursery with integrated workspace for parents and children under two. Born of a passion to support families, we help bridge the gap between work and life.
What inspired you to start your business?
The idea for Cuckooz Nest came from personal experience after I struggled to find affordable and flexible childcare when returning to work. Realising that, in a city where 1 in 7 freelancers are working mums, I was not alone.
What was the most challenging aspect of building your business in the beginning?
Everything!
Finding the right building, securing planning permission, finding the right staff to run our nursery, getting Ofsted registered...thankfully it was all worth it.
If you were to launch your business again, would you do anything differently?
Give ourselves more time!
What keeps you motivated?
Seeing how much we are helping people. Seeing my daughter thrive in the nursery around other children. The opportunities that are coming our way to grow the business and being able to support more working parents!
How do you balance work and family life?
With difficulty!
My husband is amazing, same for my business partner. Both let me rant when I need to and make this all possible. Obviously Cuckooz Nest helps me too.
What’s your proudest business moment?
When the BBC asked us to comment on a story about the rising costs of childcare and then being featured on the news, TWICE! To be taken seriously means a lot to me.
What’s been your most successful form of marketing and/ or brand awareness?
Word of mouth.
Do you have any positive habits or routines that you feel have attributed to your success?
I think being able to separate work and life. I work pretty long hours in the week, but the weekends are family time to be with my daughter.
What's your favourite business app/ tool/ book/ podcast etc?
Lean In :-)
What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs just starting out?
Find a mentor. Speak to as many people as possible to get advice before you do it and understand what a commitment it is.
If you want to get in touch or see more of Charlie's adventure, head over to her website or social media:
Cuckooz Nest
Instagram @cuckooznestLDN
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