Meet Laura, Founder of Ballet Barre Laura

Tell us about your business
I help my clients to create achievable, highly effective and consistent workout habits. My mission is to share the joy of ballet & barre movement to promote a healthier lifestyles within a welcoming, safe and uplifting community. Meet new people, stay active and find some ME time. Ballet & Barre for Every Stage of Your Life.

What made you want to start your own business?
After having my daughter I had to reorganise my time, we were also in lockdown. I’ve been freelancing for over 10 years and I wanted to start something for me that worked around my family.

Tell us about your kids?
I have one daughter, Olivia, she is 4 years old.

How do you manage the juggle of running your business around being a mum?
My motto is fail to prepare, prepare to fail. We run a tight schedule, but I always take time off during the school hols and schedule time with my daughter. Me and my husband are both freelance and most importantly a team when it comes to being parents and help each other to run our businesses.

What have been the high points of your business journey so far?
To create a lovely community and help people, to believe in myself, but also to just go for it! What has been or is the biggest challenge in your journey as a Founder so far?
There was a big learning curve in terms of marketing, website design, socials etc... Running your own business takes so much more than offering your services and I always make time to learn new skills.

Are you interested in collaborating with other Founder Mums?
I’d love to! One of my ideas is to do a mini-retreats or even a day retreat where clients will experience different activities during the day/days. A bit of fitness, meditation, craft such jewellery making or candles making etc, nutrition, lovely walks, maybe some rowing etc...

What are your core values when it comes to your business?
Community. Dynamic. Passion.

What marketing tactics have worked best for you?
Word of mouth. Newsletters and marketing through local groups.

What are your future goals for your business?
In the next few years I’d love to have my own studio where I can include children’s ballet and hire staff.

And finally, what has been the biggest lesson for you since you started your business and what's your best bit of advice for other Founder Mums?
It takes time.... and that’s ok :)

FOUNDER MUM PROFILE:
Name: Laura Longato
Business: BBL Ballet Barre Laura
Instagram: @ballet_barre_laura_
Website: www.balletbarrelaura.com
Based in: St Margarets / Isleworth, London