Meet Carly, Founder of Backstage Bookkeeping & Accounts

This is Carly, founder of Backstage Bookkeeping & Accounts and mum of 1. Find out more about Carly and her business below: 

Tell us about your business

Backstage Bookkeeping & Accounts is coming up to 3 years old. I'm passionate about delivering affordable, high end bookkeeping to businesses that want more than just the basics. Bringing you your own outsourced accounts department with clear, up to date view of your businesses performance with a personal and approachable touch. I’m also massively passionate about women in business. So many of us juggle family, careers, and everything in between, yet we’re still expected to “just manage”. I want to support women to feel confident, informed, and completely in control of their numbers, because when you understand your finances, you can shape your own future. And that’s powerful.

What made you want to start your own business?

When I started my business, it was about taking back control of my life after a break down in my relationship. I realised I needed to build the life I wanted. For me, that meant creating something that gave me freedom, flexibility, and stability. I wanted to be there for my son whenever he needed me, not squeezing life around someone else’s schedule and holiday entitlement. Running my own business gave me that. I offer small businesses the opportunity to work with someone who provides them with the same level of service they would expect in big businesses. I help people by taking the stress, confusion, and constant guessing out of their finances. My clients come to me because they want clarity, confidence, and someone in their corner who genuinely cares. I don’t just do the bookkeeping, I get to know their business, their goals, and what keeps them up at night. I give them up-to-date information, simple explanations, and practical support so they can make decisions without the overwhelm.  

How do you manage the juggle of running your business around being a mum?

It is a constant juggle! I work a lot of evenings and weekends where I can. I have learnt to really switch of when I'm being 'Mum'. Doing either job without 100% concentration just doesn't work for me. I also use after school club a lot!

What’s one thing you’ve learned in your business that you wish you’d known sooner? 

I've learnt that nothing has to be perfect! And I wish I had learnt that sooner. I also 'would' learn how to not give a sh*t!! But I'm still working on that!

What’s your go-to Founder Mum life hack that saves you time or sanity? 

Ask! You can spend hours mulling over something that someone else can answer really quickly. In business and parenting!

What are your core values when it comes to your business?

My core values are Support, Balance, Fun & Positivity.

Why did you join the Founder Mums Club? 

I love hearing about other people's businesses. What they're up to, what drives them. But also for the support, sessions and network. It's so good to feel like people have your back. 

What do you love about being a member of the Founder Mums Club? 

I love accountability sessions (when I can make them!) There's just something about co-working that makes me get things done. But just the general vibe. It's THE most supportive group of people.

What has been your biggest lesson and what's your advice for other Founder Mums?  

You CAN'T have it all.

Focus on what's important to you and what it it is that you want. That's YOUR goal! Also….send the f*cking email is my new favourite bit of advice!

FOUNDER MUM PROFILE:

Name:  Carly

Business: Backstage Bookkeeping & Accounts 

Instagram: @backstageaccounts

Website: www.backstageaccounts.co.uk

Based in: Chesham, Buckinghamshire