We talk to an nzgirl who took a chance and started up her own business, The Sleep Store
Name: Louise Tanguay Age: 34 Job: Director of The Sleep Store and mum of two
Where did the inspiration come from for your company? I had discovered some incredibly effective techniques to get babies to sleep, and I felt I really had to share those with other new mums. I was also looking for a way to work from home and enjoy my two boys, so it was the perfect solution.
Why would I want to trade places with you? What are the best things about your life? I have a wonderful life! I work from home in beautiful Titirangi, where I can hang out with my beautiful boys, work on my website or potter in my garden. I enjoy incredible work satisfaction, as my business makes a huge difference to exhausted mums who may have had months of sleep deprivation.
Where do you see yourself in the future? Right here, working on growing The Sleep Store, and helping even more mums get their babies to sleep through the night. I would like to grow to the point of employing staff and not working late at night!
What’s the best decision you’ve made in business? And the worst? The best decision was to start The Sleep Store! It is scary but exhilarating, so if you have a good business idea, just go for it! There haven’t really been any terrible decisions, just the odd product line that has been slow to move.
Describe yourself (extra points if you can use a combination of the letters in your name and your company) in five words. S – supportive of new mums, and their desire to get a decent night’s sleep! L – loving, I adore my boys and wonderful husband E – energetic – life is very busy and I work very long hours E – enthusiastic – I love my business P – passionate about improving baby sleep!
Which nzgirl most inspires you? My Mum! She has always worked tirelessly helping those less fortunate and working to make a real difference to her community. Her current job is Mayor of Palmerston North. At times my career felt rather shallow in comparison, and it’s really nice to now feel that what I am doing now is worthwhile.
What important lessons have you learnt along the way? Put money away every week so you can pay your tax without freaking out. Running a small business from home requires working lots of late nights!
Any advice for nzgirls? Working from home is a fabulous option if you have small children. Take the time to find an idea you are passionate about, as you will need that energy to see you through the late nights and long hours! Do things properly from the beginning, e.g. set up proper business accounts, seek accounting advice regularly and ask for help from government departments to make your business work (I save hundreds of dollars by doing my own customs clearance, rather than paying a broker and the training to do this was free).
own business, 
Why would I want to trade places with you? What are the best things about your life?
Describe yourself (extra points if you can use a combination of the letters in your name and your company) in five words.
Any advice for nzgirls?