Being a full time mum whilst running your own business is no mean feat, yet Sam Pearce from Batley in West Yorkshire has done so well that her business has been named as the winner of the Best Start-Up Business Award, supported by digital services provider hibu*.
Sam’s business, The Potting Shed – a quirkily themed beauty spa with a difference, was chosen by a panel of independent judges that included Editor of Glamour Magazine, Jo Elvin. The award, sponsored by hibu, was presented on Sunday 30th September at the Heart of England Conference Centre in Warwickshire.
After receiving her award, Sam said: “I was absolutely delighted to win the award for Best Start-Up – I am still on cloud nine! The whole day was so inspiring and empowering for women in business, I feel honoured to have been recognised by this truly amazing organisation.”
The Potting Shed is an original spa idea concept launched by Sam in 2011 – breaking the boundaries of what is expected of a conventional salon environment, with a ‘potting shed’ theme. The salon offers treatments including ‘Scythes and Shears’ manicures and pedicures and an ‘Orf With His Shed’ traditional men’s cut-throat shave package. The Potting Shed was also named the Best British Salon at the Professional & Beauty World Spa Awards this year.
Kimberley Watts-Fitzsimmons, hibu’s global corporate responsibility manager, said: “We were impressed by the great enthusiasm and energy of the entrants – the Best Start-Up award was by far the most popular category. It takes real dedication and drive to start up a successful business and raise small children at the same time. Congratulations to Sam and the team at The Potting Shed.”
For more information on The Mumpreneur Awards 2012 award winners, visit www.mumpreneuruk.com, where you can also find support, resources and other events for mumpreneurs in the UK.