Women to Inspire: Sarah Beeny

Sam Willoughby caught up with TV presenter, author, entrepreneur and Mum of 4, Sarah Beeny, to find out more about how she manages her career and family.

SW: We all know you from TV but you also have 3 businesses and have a number of books published and you are a mum to 4!  How do you do it?

SB: I do have a Nanny but also I try not to aim for perfection generally as this puts too much pressure on me.  I also try to compartmentalise things so when I'm with my children it's them I concentrate on.  It doesn't always work though!

SW:  Any specific tips for other Mums trying to juggle work and family?

SB:  If you can afford some help such as a couple of hours cleaning this really makes a big difference.  Even having your shopping delivered takes away some of the pressure.  Also don't worry about being perfect.  If the house isn't that clean it doesn't really matter, and it's only for a few years whilst your children are very young.

SW: What advice would you give another Mum thinking of setting up her own business?

SB:  Having a business partner was the best thing I did. Someone to bounce ideas off of. Setting up your business can be very lonely.

SW: Tepilo.com is your latest venture, what gave you the idea for the website?

SB: I've been thinking about it for years.  I think a lot of people have a problem with estate agents but worry about going it alone.  The amount of money we pay them is mad.  Tepilo gives people back that control and it's free!  We also provide a lot of help and advice so people can feel confident with what the process is and what should happen next.

SW: What would you say to homeowners who are worried about selling or buying without an estate agent?

SB: Have a look at Tepilo to see what we offer and see if it is right for you.  It could save you a lot of money and you will be the one in control of your own house sale or purchase.

SW: Do you think that estate agents are a dying breed and is Tepilo going to change how we buy and sell our houses forever?

SB: I think there is still a place for estate agent for more complicated sales/purchases or where you just don't have the time.  But it's a natural progression like buying holidays or mortgages, many people now do this themselves and don't think twice about it.

SW: Congratulations on the birth of your son!  Has it been harder with your 4th pregnancy?

SB:  Yes, I've felt the wear and tear on my body more this time, everything was hurting.  But it is amazing how quickly your body recovers from pregnancy and birth.

SW: Do you think having 4 children will change what you do with your TV and business commitments?

SB:  There will be less time.  I'm not very good at calling people back so this will probably get worst for a bit.  Luckily I have good friends who understand and know what I'm like!

SW: Have you ever thought about writing a book giving advice to other working Mums?

SB:  Yes, I have but I haven't done anything about it - yet!  I feel very lucky with my life and opportunities I've had.  My ethos is that brilliant things are going to happen, and they do!  If I get a knock back I just move on to the next brilliant thing, and if all goes well I also move on to the next brilliant thing!

SW: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

SB:  I'd like to write a children's book but I need to get on and just do it - that's the tricky part.  What I'd actually like to do is slow down time as my children are growing up so fast.  I just can't imagine that my eldest will be 15 in 10 years time, they just grow so quickly.