Introducing www.Sleepmatters.ie
Sleep Expert Lucy Wolfe tells us about her business www.Sleepmatters.ie!
Company: Sleep Matters
Website: www.sleepmatters.ie
Founders: Lucy Wolfe
Age: 36
Based: Cork, Irleand
Staff Number:1
Date started: September 2011
Tell us what your business does?
I run a private pediatric sleep consultancy practice and work with families all over Ireland that are struggling with their children’s sleep issues, from birth to 6 years old. I do one to one consultations in person in my Cork sleep clinic or via skype/facetime/telephone for parents elsewhere in Ireland. I design a plan for families to follow and I support and mentor them through the process.
I do not endorse “cry it out” techniques and encourage and advise methods of attending to the children without compromising the family’s parental values, but that they also achieve the well needed sleep.
I work with new and expectant parents on a one to one a group environment basis, educating and informing them about their infant’s sleep requirements and advise how to foster healthy sleep from early on.
I also do a number corporate speaking engagements at company events, healthcare professional seminars and study days, parenting and community groups throughout Ireland.
Where did the idea for your business come from?
As a mum of four children, I have personally experienced the challenges faced by parents with regard to children’s sleep. Although this service is available overseas, I was disappointed to discover that this was not the case for Irish parents and so that then prompted me to seek training so that I could then provide this service. It is an emerging industry here in Ireland and I am pleased to be Ireland’s only Gentle Sleep Coach.
Have you always wanted to run your own business?
I have always run my own business. From the age of 22 I started my own Auctioneering practice. My parents were entrepreneurs and 4 of my 5 siblings all run their own businesses! Running your own company is a huge responsibility, but the highs outweigh the lows! You are in control of the future and your own success!
What planning did you do before you started up?
I did lots of research, I traveled overseas for training but also to see how others run their consultancy practices. I did a number of online marketing and social media courses to help become more able to do business efficiently and to promote my services. I have spent a considerable amount of time seeking media attention. To date my work has been featured in The Irish Daily Mail, The Irish Times, The Evening Echo, Maternity and Infant Magazine, Irish Parenting and Woman’s Way to name but a few.
Which entrepreneurs do you admire?
I am a Michelle Mone fan, but admire anyone prepared to put their neck on line to create their own business opportunities and employment.
What challenges have you faced how have you overcome them?
Setting up a new company is stressful in itself, having faith in the process and investing in an effort to create cash flow, presenting yourself and making necessary connections to help grow the business.
How have you promoted your business?
I have made numerous media contacts and contributed many articles to parenting magazines and online sites. Furthermore, I am growing my facebook page and gaining an audience and also have invested in google adwords.
Are you optimistic about the remainder of 2012?
Yes, very. With hard work and perseverance, I am positive that I will be able to grow my business and my brand and gain a national reputation in this field.
