This is the first in a series of posts where I'll be chatting to fellow small-biz owners and friends of Dinki Human, about what gets them going and what grinds their gears about being your own boss.
So pleased to have the lovely Emma of Little Hotdog Watson as my first "guest". We met many years ago (that makes us sound far older than we are) working in a massive retail company headquarters. Years went by, we grew babies, and then one evening a couple of years ago scrolling through Instagram and planning my new life building a brand, I came across Little Hotdog Watson. A touch of Insta-stalking later and I discovered Emma's face - it's a small world after all.
Since then Emma has been so supportive of my journey growing Dinki Human, she's always full of helpful advice and is basically, a mega babe. So, here's a bit of her story.
Who are ya?
Hello, I’m Emma. Mum to 2 girls (4 yrs and 5 months) and owner of LITTLE HOTDOG WATSON a kidswear brand for modern families. We bring together style and innovation together to make getting out into the fresh air as a family easier. We live in Norwich, in a noisy household where we spend weekdays getting creative and our weekends exploring the beaches and the Norfolk countryside.
How and when did you come up with the idea for LHW?
The actual idea for LHW came about on our first ever family holiday. I had dreams of creating beautiful memories and instead I spent too much time worrying about protecting my baby from the sun and the bugs. The idea was born that holiday and I’ve never really looked back.
What 3 things do you enjoy most in your job as LHW Boss Lady?
I like being answerable to just myself and in charge of my own destiny. Having always worked for someone else it’s been a big transition but it is nice to take the lead. I enjoy the flexibility, running my own business means I spend more time with my children and I love seeing my ideas come to fruition.
What 3 things do you enjoy least?
I really enjoy running the business but there are some elements I do enjoy a little less ;) The things that jump out are the ‘always being on’ even in hospital about to give birth, having to reply to emails (!), and I mean does anyone enjoy doing the end of year accounts?!
Any advice for anyone starting out in the world of small biz ownership?
Find a supportive network. Setting up your own biz can be lonely. Having someone you can shoot a quick text/DM or call is really important to saving your sanity. Ideally someone who is starting at a similar time. Think of it as a work colleague. Other than that I would say flexibility is going to be key. There’s going to be a lot of curve balls, take 5 minutes and look at different ways to solve the problems.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of LHW? Where do you see yourself in 3 years time?
My vision for LHW has always been to think ‘big’ and what I mean by that is I see the brand as a bit like growing an oak tree. It will take time, love and a lot of input to get everything right product and business wise but also from a lifestyle point of view. The dream is a small team full of creative spirit, challenging the status quo for kids products and taking our brand into the great outdoors and more travels with our family.
What’s your favourite breakfast?
I’m not much of a breakfast person really. During the week I have 3 weetabix, oatmilk + brown sugar to set me up for the busy mornings. If I was feeling a little more time rich then scrambled eggs + salmon but mostly weetabix :)
Where can we find you?
Home is Norwich, morning I keep as close to a desk/phone as I can while my eldest is at nursery and then afternoons are a mix of spending time with grandparents, parks, etc. Weekends as a family we are out exploring whether it’s a beach, a woods or a walk through the fields.
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