A HORLEY mum will join television star Carol Smillie in helping parents get back to work.
Parental advice website Mumsnet is holding its first WorkFest event on Saturday, offering guidance and inspiration to parents who want to get back on the jobs ladder.
Former Changing Rooms presenter Ms Smillie will chair the panel on Taking the Plunge, joined by other female entrepreneurs including Gemma Payne.
Five years ago, while pregnant, Ms Payne, 39, was made redundant from her job working for a homeless charity.
But rather than sit on her laurels, the Cheyne Walk resident turned her passion for sewing into a business and is now stocking children's toys and recycled clothes in four shops and making quilts to order.
She said: "The redundancy was a blessing in disguise – almost.
"We moved out of London and I started sewing, then realised I could sell it.
"I didn't like the idea of not doing anything. I always wanted to do something creative so it seemed worth seeing how it turned out."
The seamstress founded a company named Molly Moo and Jessica Too – after her daughters – and a recycled clothing line called Pink Label.
Initially she was only selling to friends and family, but through Facebook and word of mouth the business grew and grew.
But, Ms Payne admits, launching a business is not easy.
"I work really, really long hours," she said.
"I have got regular customers and I'm stocked in shops, so I can scale back and have less stock."
Among her specialities, Ms Payne includes recycled clothes, such as skirts made from dresses, and quilts or pillows with photos on them.
Now with the business sustained through regular customers and shops, she is turning her attention to teaching at sewing workshops as well.
But appearing on the WorkFest panel will be a new experience for the mother-of-two.
"All I know is it's going to be a panel," she said.
"Some of the people there are really, really well known and I don't know what to expect.
"Aspiring business owners should really love what they're making and focus on quality and customer service."
The WorkFest event will take place at the British Academy Of Film and Television Arts.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/MollyMooandJessicatoo
