Business Dilemma
When Helen’s son was almost a year old, she entered into a partnership with her friend to launch a new business in the mummy market – “Little Me” Fingerprint Jewellery. She planned to run “Little Me” in conjunction with “Ruby Shoes”, and part-time motherhood. Not surprisingly, cracks began to appear as she struggled to cope with all the responsibilities. Concerns grew that precious time with her son and her friendship with the new business partner were being compromised. It was then that Helen realised she needed Wendy’s help if she was to succeed and be happy.
Working with Wendy Reeves
From the very first session, Wendy helped Helen to identify that “Little Me” was a business that truly excited her, and the one she really wanted to focus on. It was clear that the partnership was not working due to Helen and her friend having different goals and the friendship was suffering as a result. Wendy helped Helen to identify how to gently address the issue with her friend in order to achieve the result which was right- to go it alone and remain close friends.
Helen realised she needed to launch “Little Me” and hang up her “Ruby Shoes” – and that meant turning down “Ruby Shoes” business in order to dedicate her time to “Little Me”. Wendy identified that Helen wasn’t good at saying “no”, which also assisted Helen in getting the new business off the ground.
Wendy also helped to realise that she needed help with childcare. Charlie spends quite a bit of time with his grandma – much to her delight and to Helen’s relief – in the knowledge that he’s happy and being well cared for.
Helen commented:
“Without Wendy’s help I know I wouldn’t be in the happy position I’m in now. In just four months I’ve been able to properly launch “Little Me” and I’m now delighted to see the business coming in. Sales are increasing month on month and I’m really enjoying producing beautiful fingerprint cufflinks, necklaces, charm bracelets and keyrings for happy mums, dads, grandmas and grandpas! What’s more, I work very flexibly, from home and have bags of fun time with Charlie.
“Whatever your situation, everyone should have a Wendy! She’s professional, approachable and a genius at identifying the route to personal and professional fulfilment.”
Wendy added:
“Coaching is about empowerment, helping clients to make the right decisions and reach their goals.
Helen’s situation was a classic example of where, despite the good intentions of family and friends wanting to help, they will have their own agenda and give advice based on what they think you should do. Coaching has no agenda. It is a non-judgemental and non-directional approach.”
Helen Sundaram first approached Wendy Reeves in February 2008, when she had just returned to her copywriting and marketing business, “Ruby Shoes”, after a few months’ maternity leave. By then her son Charlie was 10 months old and just starting to explore the world.