Lone Parents

We have created a special area for Lone Parents on Mum and Working - inspired by the huge response we have had about work that is suitable for one parent familes.

Dance School Owner - Sharon Henry

After several years juggling work and periods of being a lone parent on benefits Sharon decided to change her future and after some very hard work has set up her own Dance School - Divine School Of Dance & Performing Arts in London.

The Interview

Name - Sharon Henry

Location - Docklands, London

Family - daughter (8 years old).

Job title: Dance School Owner/Teacher

What is your background?

My partner and I split up soon after my daughter was born and I found myself a single parent..something I had never planned to be. Money issues meant that when my child was 14 months old I had to return to work, I felt like working was my only choice in order to provide for her.

What work did you do?

I did a secretarial course and then registered with a temping agency and did secretarial/PA work in the City.

How did you juggle childcare and working?

It was really hard - I relied on family, friends, neigbours a lot - I think I got on everyone's nerves!! The cost of full time childcare often was more than I was earning which sometimes made me feel working was pointless.

Did you find your employers were understanding about the fact that you were a lone parent and that your child had to come first?

Sometimes...as I was temping it was slightly easier as on my contract I was up-front about being a single parent and made it very clear that if soemthing happened and my daughter needed me that I would always put her first. Some of the people I worked for were great - especially if they were parents themsleves, they had more understanding. Some of the employers had no idea though and just thought I wasn't fully commited to the job.

How did you move into being a dance teacher?

I have always loved dancing and was trained in ballet as a child. I kept up my dancing and 5 years ago had the idea that I could work as a dancer so did further training and a business course. I was working as a freelance dance instructor but realised I wanted something permanent of my own to build a future for myself and my daughter.

What business course did you do?

I did an entrepreneurship course. Initially I went to see a lone parent advisor at the Job Centre and they helped me find the course. Being a single parent on a low income at this point I was eligible for all sorts of help, which I decided to make the most of! I also did tonnes of research online and in my local library.

Does running the dance school fit well round looking after your child?

Yes! It is fantastic. She is a little bit older now, so is at full-time school which means I have school hours to teach in and do all of the admin etc for the business. If I am teaching a class in the evening or after school hours she either goes to an after-school club which she enjoys or I have several really good friends who are happy to have her and who I trust. One of the other big benefits to running my own business is I have an assistant who will cover my classes if I can't teach. This means if an emergency comes up I am able to go, plus if there is a special school event that I want to attend I can go! Its made a massive difference knowing I can both be committed to work but also to my child!

Would you recommend running your own business to other lone parents?

Absolutely! I think its the only way forward! Running the Dance School means I am earning decent money on my own terms - I'm not reliant on benefits or help. I've got total freedom and flexibility about how much and where I work. Its 100% the best thing I've ever done!

Any advice for single parents who would like to start their own business?

Make the most of the help that is available - as a lone parent on a low income you will be eligible for all sorts of courses and training. Visit your local Job Centre talk to the Lone Parent Advisor and see what you might be able to do. Although it will be tough, go for it, as you will be able to start building a future for your children instead of existing day to day!

To find out more about Sharon's Dance School - Divine School Of Dance & Performing Arts - go to GrassRoots, Memorial Park, Memorial Avenue, West Ham, London, E15 or telephone 07956 600 784.