Mother's Day comes before Christmas .. (From Warrington Guardian)

Mother's Day comes before Christmas ..

YOUNG mothers at home with the kids poured out their wildest dreams last week.

One said she wanted to set up a human resources company; another hoped to become an image consultant.

"They've certainly been an inspiration to me," said life coach Amanda Alexander, who hosted the one-day workshop for mums who want to start their own businesses.

"The buzz from these women was amazing." Organisers of the free one-day seminar at The Cottons Hotel in Knutsford had laid on childcare and a crche so their children could come too.

About 50 mothers arrived at the hotel in Manchester Road, looking for guidance.

All were seeking the confidence to fulfil long-held dreams.

"When you are out of the workplace for a while you lose your sense of identity," said Mrs Alexander, who has a two-year-old son. "Women are defined more now by their jobs and because times have changed they realise they are not purely mothers.

"Confidence can be lost when raising a child, but mothers have to realise they are not just feeding machines."

Three years ago Mrs Alexander was a project manager at an IT company. When her son was born she decided to qualify as a life coach. Last week she was giving mothers with ideas some gentle encouragement.

"Making a decision to start up a business is like bungee jumping," said Mrs Alexander.

"You stand at the edge of something big and you need to pluck up the courage to take a leap."

Business Link Cheshire and Warrington, who organised the Mumpreneurs seminar, hope to stage more.

amoores@guardiangrp.co.uk