Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nakita Attard Vassallo, Founder of the Mama Manual, located in Mgarr, Malta.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a time strategist, and I help busy mums ditch the overwhelm, simplify life, and get stuff done. My expertise lies in kitchen productivity: batch cooking and meal planning are my best tools. We have several products: a bestselling book, online courses, and a meal planning membership. We operate under the brand name 'the Mama Manual.'
Tell us about yourself
I used to be a highly disorganised mum who was stressed, overwhelmed, and unhappy. One day I decided it was time to make a real change, so I started to declutter, organise, set up a schedule and rhythms in our everyday life, and simplify overall, and the results were astounding. Literally, my life changed. Several years down the line, I was inspired to help other mums do the same because I knew that my journey would have been so much easier if I had someone to help me. My book 'the Mama Manual - How busy mums get organised' and my blog were launched, and the brand was born.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's being able to run a successful business without putting in extra-long hours and still making the time for everything, including myself, friends, and family.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Switching off mentally. I find myself thinking about work a lot. It's natural because I have a passion for it, but I feel I should be doing a better job of it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Set up systems early in your business. This makes scaling much easier and helps you with productivity.
- Hire before you're ready. It takes time to find the right person, and also, it takes time to learn to be a good boss. Once you need the help, it's so much tougher to find the confidence to delegate, and you'll be so far in that making the time to train properly and involve someone so deeply will be a much huger challenge.
- Never stop learning and being inspired. We're so lucky - you can learn about everything and anything for free. My favourite way to learn is by listening to podcasts. I listen while I get some exercise in and always look for podcasts on topics that are relevant to me. Inspiration strikes often, and I take notes so I can follow up later.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.themamamanual.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamamanual
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_mama_manual/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakita-attard-vassallo-858744110/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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