Best Online Business

As you may, or may not, know, yesterday I got up at 4.30am to catch a train to Birmingham to attend the inaugural Mumpreneur Conference. I was nominated for a couple of awards, and the line-up meant it was set to be a great day. I was particularly looking forward to meeting some of my Twitter buddies, and making some new contacts, and hopefully friends.

The day was every bit as good as I’d hoped, with seminars about accounting, how to go that extra step and SEO, as well as fabulous inspirational talks from Wendy Shand, of Tots To Travel, and Tanya Rostron, from Water at Work.

Of course, the highlight of the day was the awards. I was thrilled to have been nominated for two awards, and it had got me some great publicity, but knowing other companies who were entering, I knew I didn’t stand a chance of actually winning. When each category was being announced there was a shortlist displayed, and I was, of course, delighted to see I was shortlisted for Best Online Business. The lady sitting next to me, the lovely Sharon-Elaine from Baby Cake Boutique, was highly commended, and then Jane, from MumsClub read out my name as the winner!

I was truly astounded, and very shakily made my way to the front to collect my award. I can’t remember what else happened or was said – I was just so gobsmacked to have won. I don’t think I have stopped smiling yet, although it hasn’t sunk in. Along with my lovely shiny award, and of course the prestige that goes with being named Best Online Business, I won a package of delicious cupcakes, a posh certificate and a spa day!

So, in time honoured fashion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my children for being the inspiration behind SnugBaby and the thing that keeps me going when the going gets tough; my husband for being generally lovely (and a slave driver); my parents for their endless support; the dog for crossing her legs until I reach a natural stopping point; the cat for not moulting on my fabric…

Seriously, thank you to Amanda, of Ella Annoucements, and Laura, of Totally Gifted, who organised the event. I think it is safe to say a fabulous time was had by all! And, of course, congratulations to all the other winners.