Hampstead Hive Member Spotlight

Jennifer Mushumani - “Debutots”

Tell us about your business, what services do you offer?

“I run a franchise of Debutots, and we offer interactive storytelling and dramatic play sessions across North and North West London. We have weekly classes for babies and pre-schoolers, nursery sessions, lunchtime and after school clubs at schools, private classes at home, parties, holiday camps and intergenerational sessions in care homes. I've also run storytelling workshops for parents who are looking for more confidence with reading to their children.”

What inspired you to start your business?

“I've always had a love of children and the magical world of stories, and also had a desire to run my own business. Back in 2007 I started looking at franchises that might be able to combine my interests and strengths. At that point I had completed a Law Degree and Law School, and having already turned down a training contract I knew that path wasn't for me. I'd also finished a 4 year course at Drama School studying acting, directing and teaching, got married and had 2 children (then aged 6 months and 2.5). I loved acting, but was looking for fulfillment from my work on a more regular basis, rather than a temporary job here and there. I didn't feel like I had the time, confidence or experience to start a business from scratch and a franchise felt like a good option. When I came across Debutots and met the founders it just felt totally right and also very exciting.”

How long has your business been running for?

“I've been running since 2007, so it's been 14 years. I started with three classes a week (my second was in Hampstead!) and then pre Covid I had grown to 35 classes and we're pretty much back to that now, with 5 amazing practitioners on my Debutots team. I still genuinely love my work and most of the time that I'm working it truly doesn't feel like work. My business has also grown alongside my family and my children are now nearly 17, 15 and 11.”

What is your favourite aspect about working in the local area?

“I love working in the local area as I really enjoy bumping into the families I work with, both current and past ones, and from a practical point of view it's brilliant to not have to travel very far for work. Most of my classes are in the Muswell Hill area where I live but also in Hampstead where I went to nursery and school from the age of 3 to 18. Some Mondays I'll try to get to work early so I can have a quick walk on the Heath first. I couldn't think of a better start to the week!”

Where do you see yourself and your business in five years time?

“In 5 years' time I see my business having grown even more, reaching more families, nurseries and schools, and I'd love to be able to restart the intergenerational sessions in care homes that Covid has put a halt to. It was just amazing bringing together nursery aged children and care home residents, the benefits to all were incredible. It's an amazing feeling to know that the business I've created and nurtured supports my family, but I've always got one eye on my work-life balance and wellbeing and I want to ensure that I'm taking care of my family's needs and my own needs as well as being successful professionally.”

What encouraged you to join Hampstead Hive and what has your experience been like so far?

“Joining Hampstead Hive was a bit of a no-brainer to be honest! I'm all for women supporting women (in business and out of business) and it feels like a very supportive and genuine network. Our businesses and our backgrounds may be very diverse but it doesn't mean we can't all help each other grow.”

Where can we find out more about your business and how can we access your services?

“To find out more about Debutots you can visit www.debutots.co.uk/finchley-hampstead-muswellhill or www.facebook.com/DebutotsJen. I run the local classes in Hampstead on Monday mornings, so if you've got a 6-23 month old or a 2-4 year old please get in touch, I'd love to meet you and introduce you to Debutots! I'm also present at nearly all of our holiday camps for 4-7 year olds, and personally run the parties for 1-7 year olds. You can email me directly at jennifer@debutots.co.uk”

If you are a local woman in business, if you would like to meet other like minded women and raise your profile within the Hampstead Mums community, why don’t you consider joining Hampstead Hive? For more information…