Spotlight On Mumtrepreneurs In Fleet

A new breed of savvy, innovative businessperson has emerged across the UK over the past few years, with a particularly strong presence in Fleet.

'Mumtrepreneurs' take on the seemingly impossible challenge of juggling both family commitments and business management, proving that career and home life aren't mutually exclusive.

While the scenario seems daunting to most, there's a strong community of successful mums in the Fleet area, dedicated to their business ambitions as much as their families.

Fleet-People thinks it's about time these inspiring individuals get some well-deserved attention. Over the next couple of weeks we'll be featuring mumtrepreneurs and their business ventures on the site. If you know anyone who fits the bill, please get in touch!

THIS WEEK- Rocky Laken

Roxana Laken is a mother of three who has just launched her own Fleet-based business.

Rocksx sells high quality jewellery, handbags and accessories, providing a dash of handmade glamour for ladies in the local area. Many items are individually crafted, coming from as far afield as Russia and Dubai.

According to Rocky, her new venture has had a positive reception in the local area. "Everyone's been really supportive," she said. " I'm hoping to expand further over the next few months, as we're just getting credit card payments set up."

In addition to delivering her products direct to customers, Mrs. Laken's company also offers a variety of tailored, informal experiences. Events such as 'Girls' Nights In' and specially organised Coffee Mornings give locals the chance to try before they buy in the comfort of their own homes.

Rocky's son Joseph is profoundly disabled, with his mother acting as a carer. Ten percent of the profits from Rocksx is donated to his special needs school, Henry Tyndale in Farnborough. Other fundraising schemes have seen Mrs. Laken's son William waxing his legs to raise £120 for a jukebox for Joseph's class.

"Speaking from my own experience, running your own business actually has a lot of advantages over a standard 9-5, especially when taking Joseph's disability into account," Rocky told Fleet-People. " I'd worked in a similar role in the past, so setting Rocksx up seemed like the right thing to do."

She agrees that there is currently something of a mumtrepreneur boom sweeping Fleet. "I have a lot of friends who are doing similar things, because it allows you so much more flexibility around your family. Also, with the recession, people have to come up with more innovative ideas to make a profit."

Launching the Rocksx website soon, Rocky hosts regular 'open house' days, which give the public a chance to browse a wide selection of her products. She can also be found outside KJM hairdressers in the Hart Shopping Centre on selected days, the next being Saturday 13th March.

For more information on Rocksx, please email Rocky- rockylaken@ntlworld.com