French children’s wear for babies 6 to 24 months; and boys and girls 2 to 14 years. The company has also recently launched its 'Miss Captain' range in the UK - easy to wear, casual, fun - real clothes for real women sized 6-20.
How often do you work?
Usually a couple of mornings plus an evening a week - although this varies as selling children's clothes is fairly seasonal with a rush at the beginning to see all the new ranges, and a rush at the end to grab the sales bargains!
How does the job fit around your family life?
Because I'm selling children's wear to other mums with children, I take the little ones with me to coffee mornings - I get to chat to other mums while they play with new friends! If I go out in the evening it's after tea, so my husband puts the children to bed. The huge advantage for me is being able to clothe the three of them for free, as I am able to keep all the clothes samples at the end of a season!
How much time do you commit?
Hard to say because I enjoy 'pottering' and doing extra bits with this - playing with the clothes to arrange different outfit combinations, and creating flyers on the computer, as well as the actual parties and deliveries. A party can be held in an hour or two, and I put in orders over the internet - incredibly easy and minimal paperwork - so probably about 8 hours a week.
Where do you carry out your work?
In mums' homes, at toddler groups and school fairs, or on a one-to-one basis if someone wants to do a bit of personal shopping without the party!
How much space do you have?
I have two clothes rails with children's wear for boys and girls - I keep them in the conservatory.
Do you need a car?
Essential for being able to visit other mums in their own homes.
Do you advertise?
Actually word-of-mouth has been more successful - if customers are thrilled with the quality and comfort of the children's clothes, they tell their friends, and other people comment on the outfits. But the company has advertised in publications such as 'Junior' magazine and I do hand out flyers at schools and toddler groups.
How did you hear about the job?
Having 3 children under 5, I was desperate to use my brain and creativity in a different way! I typed a Google search for 'mums work from home' and found a site where the company - new to the UK but established in France - was looking for people to join. An ideal opportunity at the right time for me.
Do you get support/training?
I have a manager who has become a good friend and has lots of good tips. Our managing director also set up Virgin Vie and Body Shop At Home before she came to Captain Tortue, so she has a wealth of information in this field. We all meet on a regular basis to learn from each other, and each season we have a big 'launch party' where the French design team allow us a sneak preview of new clothes collections!
Are there any downsides to the role?
It can be difficult to leave the house and family on a cold, wet winter's evening!
Would you recommend this opportunity to other Mums?
Without hesitation - I feel privileged to have discovered Captain Tortue; it's a family-run company and I feel so well supported. I think that the benefits are very generous and there is potentially an excellent market for great quality, different children's clothes to be sold in a fun way. I believe the business will really take off and I'm glad to be helping to build it from the early stages.