We talk to mums whose kids were the inspiration for their business ventures. This week it’s Leisa Papa of Little Kids Business.
What inspired you to start the business?
In October 2015 I received my first ever copy of my picture book Daniel and the Dummy Fairy. I was so proud and excited to have written a children’s book dedicated to my two children, Daniel and Sophie, however, my excitement soon turned to concern as over the next year I struggled to be found on the internet and make sales.
The realisation hit that free websites are not free and that the cost of running a small online business while sharing my revenue with distributors and retail stores was outweighing my tiny profits. This inspired me to help myself and other small businesses retain more profit by selling through a drop shipping business model.
What makes your products unique?
Most of the products on the Little Kids Business Marketplace have been personally selected by us because they are created by wonderful small Australian businesses with amazing stories
Top tips for combining motherhood and a successful business?
Remember who you are working for. If my daughter asks me to do a puzzle or my son asks me to kick a ball for 30 minutes after school, then when possible I do that and catch up on work once the kids are in bed.
Best advice your mother gave you?
Make yourself proud.
Best and/or worst Mother’s Day gift received?
Best: a necklace with my daughter’s thumbprint. Worst: well, even the bad ones ticked the sentimental box
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
If I never plan then I plan to fail, however, plans do change and that’s OK.
Future plans for the company?
There are four phases in our plan:
● Promote Australian creators to Australia
● Promote Australian creators to Australia , NZ and Asia
● Accept international brands and promote all to Australia , NZ and Asia
● Promote all creators to the rest of the world
