19/6/2006

Business

Ny new lease of life

Vanessa Webb

Vanessa Webb gave up her career as a biochemist to combine her business experience with her passion for music.

Now the 42-year-old mother of two is director of Kindermusik, a programme that links music and movement to develop the social, emotional, language and physical skills of young children.

During the first 18 months she signed up more than 120 pupils and has increased the number of Kindermusik licensed teachers from seven to more than 80.

She spoke to reporter Rebecca Chard about her experience.

What is your background?

“I did a PhD in biochemistry and then worked for a large global company for 13 years as a manager in research and development — working on healthcare and beauty brands.”

Then what happened?

“I took voluntary redundancy to get a better balance of work and family life.

“I wanted to find a job which is flexible, and music had always been a big passion.

“I wanted to use my music background and business skills.

“Basically, I set up my own business to fit it in around my two children.

“I looked at different groups in the market. I was impressed with the quality of Kindermusik and the fact it is not a franchise, so it was a low risk proposition which did not require a great deal of investment.”

How did you initially get the business going?

“I advertised in parenting magazines. Some was by word of mouth and I visited toddler groups. The business grew quickly. I knew there wasn’t anything out there that matched the quality.”

Why do you think you have been so successful?

“I identified there was consumer need for a quality music programme.

“Also, because it was low risk. Ideally, anyone setting up a business does not want to invest a lot of money into it at first.”

What difficulties have you had to deal with?

“When you run any business it’s tempting to feel that you should be contactable 24 hours a day.

“It’s not easy to detach yourself when you are working at home.”

What are your plans for the future? Will you continue to teach?

“I want to build it up more, but at the end of the day I love teaching. It’s great to see the children develop through music.”

“It would be good to see us become the leading music programme in the UK.”

Do you like being your own boss?

“I get a real sense of achievement, especially knowing there is a gap we are filling with more educators doing the same thing in other parts of the country.

“Also, it’s great because I can fit it around the kids.”

What advice would you give to somebody thinking about becoming self-employed?

“You need to have your partner’s support if you work from home. It’s easy to be working all the time, when sometimes you need to switch off.

“It’s important to remember you can’t do everything. You do need to take help and advice and balance it with your home life because it’s so easy to end up working all the time.”

For more information, visit www.kindermusik.co.uk.

To find out about Vanessa’s classes in Camberley and Chobham please log on to www.musicwithvanessa.com or call 01276 62407.

First printed in: Aldershot News and Mail