Determined to be a self-employed full-time mum, a resourceful North Warwickshire woman has launched a successful business – as an African safari organiser.
“I realised that despite being ‘just a mum’, I had a wealth of experience to make the venture work,” says Sylvia John. “Having made a success of my business, I strongly urge other women who want to be full-time mums to follow their self-employment dreams – regardless of qualifications and experience”.
Inspired by her father’s suggestion to work from home, Sylvia John, 40, drew on her experience of managing the family’s hotel in her native Zambia and her knowledge of the safari market to launch Africa Bound Adventures.
John first came to the UK in 1995 to study for an MBA at Birmingham’s Aston University, but met her husband Gareth and had two daughters. Determined to put her qualifications and experience to worthwhile use - but also wanting to be a full-time mum - she pursued part-time work.
“But nothing part-time presented the challenge I needed – and quite honestly, the money I earned barely justified the care costs needed to pay for my two girls,” she says. “And I hated the thought of a stranger looking after them.”
But when her dad suggested she work from home, John was initially filled with horror at the prospect of isolation and the usual home-based work opportunities.
“I really couldn’t see myself taking in washing or addressing endless envelopes – but then my mind really started working, I considered all my skills and came up with the Safari idea.”
Despite an initial huge wave of enthusiasm and confidence, she admits to later thinking she was mad. “Who was I to have such a grand idea – after all, I was ‘just’ a mum!”
But spurred on by the encouragement of her family, legal support from her solicitor husband, the practical and financial support of the Chamber of Commerce and the like-minded company of others at various business networking events, Sylvia decided to pursue her ambitious plan.
“I believe that we all have a special gift that can be turned into a successful business venture – it doesn’t have to take a fortune in capital, just a well-considered plan and self-confidence,” she says.
Her advice for mums feeling less than confident? “It’s easy as a full-time, non-working mum to lose your confidence as a result of a sort of mini ‘institutionalisation’ and isolation. But mixing with other business people at network groups combats such feelings, enabling you to remain positive and focussed on your venture – and it’s great fun, too!”
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Although acutely aware that there were many safari companies to compete with, John convinced herself that she could earn a slice of the market.
“After all, unlike many people selling safaris, I offered personal experience of the country and had personal ties in Zambia that would enable me to keep a finger on the pulse of all that was going on out there,” she says. “I could also offer travellers the personal assurance that unlike the Kenyan people, Zambians are part of a democracy and are so laid back they couldn’t be bothered to fight! Their only aim is to have a good life and enjoy the sunshine!”
Two years since its inception, Africa Bound Adventures now offers safari activity holidays for all budgets, from back-packers through to the ultimate bespoke wedding package.
“I have the perfect work-life balance,” says John. “I can always be there for my children whenever they need me – if the school calls saying they are ill, I can collect them straight away; I can attend their sports days and all other out-of-school activities. During school holidays my hours are totally flexible – so we can go out and enjoy ourselves together.”
Accompanying Sylvia on a couple of visits to Zambia to keep in touch with her many trusted contacts, her daughters clearly favour mum’s career choice.
“I think mum’s job is great – it’s really different and came out of nowhere!” says Chanda,10. “It’s especially good during the school holidays, because we can all be together.”
Visit www.africaboundadventures.com
Image: Sylvia pictured with Chanda (left) and her other daughter Musonda.