My Muslim Mums in Business series focus’s on inspirational Muslim women, who are balancing the art of motherhood along with running businesses.
Please introduce yourself and your business.
My name is Sara, Mum to 3 and a travel agent covering all aspects of travel including planning & management. My business is The Savvy Travellers.
What makes your business different from your competitors?
I am my ideal customer, what this means is I understand the challenges of travelling with a family who require top quality halal destinations. We are also a family run company and will always offer the best deals possible and haver fantastic relationships with the hotels, this means we can often secure free upgrades and perks !
What inspired you to start working from home? Did anyone in particular inspire you?
After working in a corporate environment for 10 years I gave this up to be a ‘stay at home mum’ (although there isn’t a lot of staying in!) having three children I really need to have flexibility to be able to still do the school run and after school clubs, and just spend more time with my children.
Is your family supportive of you being a working mother?
Yes my family have been extremely supportive. When I first started my husband came home with a brand new laptop for me!
What are the main challenges you face as a mum and an entrepreneur?
Childcare, as I do not live near any family so not many options so I work when they are at school. My youngest is in nursery part time so I often wake up before them and stay up late to get things done. There are times when I attend meetings and conferences and childcare can be tricky to navigate it. But it seems to work out with the help of friends, baby sitters and wrap around school care. Plus as kids get ill, plans need to be cancelled at short notice from time to time.
Describe a typical working day. Are there specific times in the day that you work on your business?
It does vary especially in the school holidays. At these times you just do what you can but during the term I will work early morning 6-7.30am, 10-1pm and then in the evening if needed. I also take calls and do quotes in between these times and work weekends, but working from home means I can finish early or not turn up as well!
What are the pros and cons about being a working mum from home?
The CONS are it can be very lonely at times. I do not have a lot of online mums in business friends! Also if you are a business owner, you feel like you are never actually off and it takes some planning and organisation not to respond to client messages late at night or out on a family day.
The PROS are being with my children while they are growing up. I get to be at the school gates everyday and they benefit from having a mum around a lot more. Also….freedom! No answering to a boss or having to clock in or out and I also get to pick and choose what and when I work.
On your toughest days, what helps keep you motivated?
My husband is a great motivator if I am feeling down. He tends to lift me up, also my kids. I could go back into a role and all three be in childcare of some sort 12 hours a day but I love to see their faces at 3pm.
Where would you like to see your business in the future?
I would like to expand and give some other mums who are looking for an opportunity like mine the chance to be a business owner. I really do think there is a massive amount of untapped potential in stay at home mums! There are a lot of Muslim mums who are looking for a halal way to earn a living and this could be the perfect way to do it.
For 2020 I am looking at offering other destinations such as Northern Cyprus and Montenegro.
What advice would you give to mums considering taking the step of being a working mum
GO FOR IT! You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.
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JazakAllah Khair to sister Sara for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions! You can connect with her further on
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If you are a muslim mum with a business and would like to feature then drop me a message in sha Allah.
Wow!! What a wonderful interview and what a great business initiative. I’m sure alot of Muslim families will be thankful to you. It must be fruitful being able to do this on your own terms and convenience
Yes working from home must be so convenient
Jazakillahu khair for sharing this interview. For sure, very motivating 🙂
We love to travel as a family and will surely look into Sr. Sara’e agency.
Wa iyaaki!
Supportive family is everything! Alhamdulillah for that. Very motivational ma shaa Allah. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with us. Jazakallahu Khayr
They certainly are
I highly admire women who are running successful businesses while taking care of their families as well. She has inspired me to do better as well. I pray Allah puts more barakah in her endeavor. Ameen
Ameen
What’s your favorite thing about being a travel agent? Have you gone to disney?
Jazak-Allah for highlighting the efforts of working mothers, it is quite a juggling act and very often underappreciated.