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Tracey-Jane Hughes (known as T-J) is married with 2 boys, 8 and 6years old. T-J set up and runs bras4mums which is now growing through a network of agents across the UK. T-J blogs at support4women

Well, it’s not for me, and not something I would recommend people jump into without considering all the options.

Some people say to me, “Ooh, it must be great being able to work when you want to and take time off with the family”. Little do they know the truth behind the swan like persona I exude!

The negatives (in my humble opinion):

• No regular income guaranteed. Depending on how you set up your business you may borrow money, increase your mortgage, use redundancy, or savings. But what’s your GUARANTEED return?
• No regular hours. Yes, you may be able to work around school hours, as I generally do. But, take today. No.2 son had played with my phone and managed to set an alarm for 5am – yes, 5am. I couldn’t get back to sleep, so I was up doing my accounts at 5.20am. I’m now, catching up on emails and trying to tick things off my list at 9.41pm. Not every day I grant you, but if you want to grow your business, sometimes you just have to put the time in
• Who does your work when the children are ill, or your child-carer can’t help you out? Usually no-one. So, you’ve got sick children to look after, plus your business to keep going, and potentially clients to keep happy! Juggling balls is a very useful skill!

I hear your cry! Yes. I certainly wouldn’t be doing the silly hours I currently am if I wasn’t getting JOB SATISFACTION from my business. I certainly wasn’t being challenged in my last salaried position (2007), even though it was quite a fulfilling job.

For me, I love helping others. I am PASSIONATE about what I do – making women comfy and feel good about themselves by selling bras after a bra fitting. My dream is a big one, and I’m working towards it. When I miss a child’s sports day (which I will next week), it’s because I’m working towards this goal.

You have to be committed. Some may say you have to have a certain mental strength, to run your business, and your family. There will be knocks along the way – some big and personal, others small, and the business ones? Well, they’ll be constantly there – challenging you to make things better for you and your customers. But why are you considering going into business in the first place? I guess it’s to be challenged and fulfilled – it’s not for the easy ride!