Single Mums Business Network [SMBN]

I am Jules, mum to Kaylyn, my Angel and Oxygen. I founded the SMBN (Single Mums Business Network) in 2019, when I was all too aware of the negative stigma around single mums specifically, and any group that I joined seemed to focus on the challenges rather that what we could do about it and be proud of our status instead of ashamed to say ‘single mum’ out loud. My company is KIH Products Ltd, which is the mothership for the SMBN, Labeada® , Wye Valley Business and Dinner Clubs.

As hard-working women with strong career histories, it should not be embarrassing to be public about having to manage one household per income and finding a way to make work work when there are many barriers to flexible working or childcare.

My story is a long one and is contained within the blogs of this website, but my experiences mean that I understand why some single mums don’t make it, and some children are left without mothers. It is too heart-breaking, and the driving factors are easily solved with the right leadership.

I had a strong full-time work history from 15-35 and intended to continue this post maternity, but then I realised work and childcare do not sync! I lost my home, credit score, dignity, nearly my life, and I fought to make work work, embarking on a law degree and setting up a business in adversity, marketing on zero budget and studying with tears in my eyes and hunger, the only thing that kept me going was the vision of looking into my daughter’s eyes when she was ten and saying ‘I did all that I could, I did not give up’. But I understand why people do! on work, and life! It was beyond tough. My oldest friend accused me of not wanting to put food on the table for my child when I was in-between work and freelancing contracts. I realised that if the woman who knew how hard I worked all of my life doubted me, then I had my work cut out to explain the issue to society, and that is what I have tried to do ever since.

I escaped benefits via a combination of business and flexible working, and published ‘Breaking out of Benefits Jail’ to Amazon to support others. I am proudly financially indepent single mum and am passionate about raising awareness of the real reasons behind benefits, and the very simple ways in which the need can be removed and our economy changed for the better. We have lots of work still to do. I took a full year out of the SMBN, but am now back stronger than ever, and I hope that you will join me! JOIN US