Jenny Penketh

Mother-of-four Jenny Penketh had always wanted to be her own boss, but with four kids to look after it didn’t always seem straightforward - until she came up with the idea for Chic Boutique, a party planning business that could be run from home and planned around her family commitments.

This is Jenny Penketh’s story…

1. Why did you want to start your own business?

   I had helped my husband with his business for a number of years, while I was bringing up the kids. Now they’re all at school I wanted to provide for them and running my own business seemed the best way.

2. What was the deciding factor for you?

   I had the idea in my head for a while. Having access to the Internet was a great help as I was able to research new business funding and mentoring opportunities in my spare time at home. After deciding it would work, I just decided to go for it.

3. How did you get the business off the ground?

   First of all, my friend offered to build the website, which is a major part of the business model. He then put me in touch with Business Link, who referred me to the Enterprise Team. I was then able to secure assistance with my business plan, mentoring and start-up funding.

4. Best bits about working for yourself?

   I can choose when I work, which is a must when you have four kids. We do party planning in addition to the website, so I can do evening or daytime work, basically as little or as much as I like and if something comes up, it’s not the end of the world.

5. What have been the biggest challenges so far?

   Getting the business out there. The party planning is very much about word of mouth and getting away from the likes of Avon or Ann Summers. It’s also hard to know where to advertise.

6. What would you have done differently if you could go back?

   I would have been much more structured in my advertising. It’s difficult anyway with a limited budget and I must have spent hundreds of pounds with no return.<

7. How does it feel to be your own boss?

   It’s great. I hadn’t worked full-time for years, so it’s been a learning curve, learning to make decisions for myself and then taking the responsibility. You have to be very self-disciplined, though. It’s nice to write your own sick note, but it’s also up to you to put the work in.

8. A piece of advice for those thinking about starting up?

   Research, research, research! Look into potential markets, competition and marketing as well as the challenges that you will face. Seek advice and listen to it, then stick to your business plan. If you’ve got a good product, people will be interested, but you need to be disciplined, particularly in recording your finances and controlling what you spend..

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