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Mandi Ballard
Mary Fraser caught up with Mandi Ballard recently to talk about business in Berkshire.
What is your business? At present I’m involved with two businesses – mARTy monkey Ltd and Business in Berkshire. My business partner Nikki and I run a business called mARTy monkey, which provides art classes for pre-school children. We set up the business about two and a half years ago when we were looking for an art class for our own pre-school children and couldn’t find something suitable. We both wanted a class that would allow the children to learn, be creative and expressive and have lots of fun too. I also work as a freelance sales person for the Business in Berkshire newsletter two days a week. This works very well for me as I can work from home, manage my own business and be around for my boys too. What do you enjoy most / least about running your business?I don’t really think that there is anything I don’t enjoy about what I do. I believe that I can balance the workload very well between both businesses. mARTy monkey is growing and developing in a way that we now have several people working in the business for us and my role is becoming less ‘hands-on’ and more of a management role. This means that I now have time to do other things …hence my involvement with sales in Business in Berkshire. I’m pleased to be able to put my graphic design degree to use in the mARTy monkey business and Nikki, who has a child psychology and sports background has been able to use her skills within the business too … we work particularly closely when designing the class plans. I work Tuesdays and Thursdays for Business in Berkshire and I really enjoy this. I’m focused on what I do and I believe doing this type of job suits me well as a Mum working from home. The main benefits for me include flexibility, I’m around during the school holidays and I can attend school events when I wish. Also, I enjoy talking to people on the phone and making the sale! It can be challenging at times but I am capable of motivating myself, staying focused and getting results. I feel that by doing a freelance sales job, it is a great opportunity for working Mums who need the flexibility when their children are still at school – no issues with taking time off for the children. The flexibility allows me to manage my own schedule… I like that! What is the best business advice you’ve been given? I have been given lots of business advice and one of the best bits of advice for me came from my Dad, who said – ‘ if you are going to do something – give it 100%!’ … and I do. What advice would you give to people working for themselves? Do what you enjoy and be passionate about it – if you’re working on something you don’t enjoy, you won’t succeed. How do you fill your spare time? Spare time – what’s that? I love to paint, however with two small boys under four, the mARTy monkey business, freelance sales for Business in Berkshire and a husband … not a lot of spare time! What can’t you live without? My family. What are you most proud of? My family, my boys, achieving my degree in graphic design …but most of all my boys. What has been your greatest risk taken? Having our ‘miracle baby’, Charlie. What song gets you on the dance floor? Oh …I love dancing … a bit of a pop princess on the quiet really… but the song I love to dance to - ‘Mas que narda’ by Black Eyed Peas What is the essential tool / tools in your job? For mARTy monkey – a love of kids, personality, the ability to stand up in front of kids and be intouch with your inner child! For Business in Berkshire – tenacity, being able to sit down and ‘do it’ and stay focused! Anything else we need to know about Mandi? I am available to do psychometric testing … if anyone needs help here. Thank you Mandi. Anyone wishing to contact Mandi about mARTy monkey art classes or working as a freelance sales person for Business in Berkshire may do so via email. mandi.ballard@btinternet.com
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