Michelle – our Bath and Wells Family Grapevine Franchisee

Whilst on maternity leave with my second child in March 2005 and with the prospect of my first child going to school in September 2006 I knew I wanted to find a job that fitted in with my daughter’s schooling and allowed me to spend more time with both my children.

When The Bath and Wells Family Grapevine magazine arrived at my children’s nursery, as always, I picked up my copy. There on the back page was “FOR SALE” – straight away this sparked an interest with me and I picked up the telephone almost immediately. It seemed perfect, my own business, totally flexible hours and financially within my reach. After several conversations and meetings I went ahead and bought the edition.

With no previous experience, I learned how to use the database and got to grips with desk top publishing (enough to print my first edition), I even got enough people to advertise in order to cover my printing costs; and all this within a six week period with a small baby and a toddler in tow! I’d done it! But I must admit it’s not something I would repeat, or recommend, even when starting out with a publication that is already in existence (initial research done, substantial listings already in situ and existing advertisers).

I went back to my job part time in June, working 18 hours per week. I wanted to make sure I would make a success of the magazine. A year down the line I left my part time job: juggling that, two children and the magazines was extremely tough going. I managed, Icovered my print costs (which in my first year was by biggest concern), I expanded and the prospects were looking good; but in order to progress in the way I want to, I needed to allocate more time.

My advice? Do it! It isn’t always easy, but with time and dedication and the assistance from a very good group of people (all us other ‘Grapies’), the prospects are very good, the sense of achievement each time you publish is great and when you get such an enthusiastic response from advertisers and readers you know why you’re doing it. The added bonus if you have a family of your own is – it fits around them!

Michelle Payne, Mum of two
Editor of Bath and Wells Family Grapevine Magazine