Stib Meets...Jen Walshaw

Meet Jen; Craft Blogger at Mum in the Madhouse

 Craft blogger extraordinaire; Jen Walshawhas been running her blog since 2009 and is passionate about raising creative children whilst instilling them with skills that will last a lifetime. She tells us what changing careers taught her and her simply genius ‘word of the year’ strategy which helps her stay positive - we think everyone should have one!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an accountant and did, but realised quite quickly that it wasn't for me! I was still young and decided to retrain, but one great thing did come out of it I met my husband! Plus it taught me that you always have the choice to make changes.

What advice would you give yourself as a child?

I was something of a challenging child, even if I had given myself any advice I wouldn't have listened to it!

What was your 'big idea' which inspired you to set up your business?

I wish I could say I had one big inspiring idea, I really didn't.  What I was driven by was being around to see my children grow up.  I started blogging after a health scare and made the decision that I wanted to work flexibly and be my own boss.  My family is what drives and inspires me.  I have been very lucky to be in the right place at the right time and each and every day. 

What do you say to yourself when you need a confidence boost?

I have a word of the year that I pick each January which helps me focus throughout the year.  This years is Be Brave.  So when I need a boost I focus on my words and why I do what I do.  

What's your favourite Stib word and why?

Freestyler - as something of a non-conformist this really talks to me. I think that it is really hard for children and they often want to be the same as others.  I want to instil enough confidence and belief in my children to feel that they can walk their own path and stand up for the things they believe in. 

You can find Jen blogging over at www.muminthemadhouse.com 

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Twitter: mum_themadhouse
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