It’s my pleasure to introduct  Leanne Francia, owner of Sunshine Coast Kid’s Club and her two beautiful daughters, Olivia (10) and Audrey (9).

Leanne and I have both been in the same Sunshine Coast Mastermind group for around a year now but due to us both having other commitments and not able to attend on the same days it wasn’t until recently that we finally met face to face.  I immediately loved her intelligence, energy, openness and obvious desire to support and bring joy to children and other adults.

I’m very excited to be working with Leanne to create programmes to offer those attending the Sunshine Coast Professional Parents events and will share more details soon.  The things she has planned sound like so much fun!  Meanwhile here’s an opportunity to get to know Leanne a little better…

Her description of how she came to start the Sunshine Coast Kid’s Club:

This is my own business that I started in 2010.  After unexpectedly becoming a single parent a few years ago I found it a challenge to find work that had the flexibility I now needed in order to care for my daughters on my own.  I needed a business that gave me the option of bringing my children to work with me. I also wanted to create the support and flexibility for others who are caring for children in being able to network with each other whether in business or as parents, or just to all get out and enjoy family friendly events and outings together. And so the Sunshine Coast’s first mobile Kid’s Club was born. I work closely with local businesses, professional groups, shopping centres and families to create family friendly events that become ‘memorable and not just a memory.”

 What was life like “before children”?

I studied towards  an Associate Degree in Law, Mortgage Broker Licence, Real Estate Principal’s Licence and was mainly involved in real estate, buying, building, renovating and developing property.  I also set up and managed a Conveyancing Practice in NSW.

 And life “after children?”

Irrecognisable from life before children!  Apart from starting the Sunshine Coast Kid’s Club, I have been a Life Coach with Australian Depression Institute and am currently studying a Psychology Degree full time at University of the Sunshine Coast.

One of the most unexpected things about being a parent?

That I would be a single parent.

Any tips for family work balance?

Firstly whatever time it is you have with your children if it is 2 minutes or 2 hours make it quality time. Get down on the floor and be in their world with them and have fun enjoying the moment. Secondly laugh often.

One of the most unexpected things about starting a business?

The high quality of people and relationships that would be built through the experience.

Greatest wish for your children?

That they will always be supported with wisdom, love and joy as they grow and create their own life journey.

Greatest wish for your business?

To bring joy to every child that attends events I am involved in.

A moment you’re most proud of in the last few months?

I got my motorcycle licence and went for my first trail bike ride in the bush and stayed on the whole time!

One of your biggest recent challenges?

Find a routine and my feet with my studies at University.

Advice for those starting out in business?

Seek out a mentor, check in with them regularly and be accountable to them with your business plan.

A favourite resource to share?

“Women Who Run with the Wolves” – Clarissa Pinkola Estees.

What’s your office like?

Mobile – wherever the children and events are – and there is a small space in my lounge room (although that space is probably just as mobile in our little home)!

A typical day for you…

Does not exist.

What do you love about being in business?

Learning and growth that comes from creating and seeing what works and what doesn’t.

What have you found to be a myth about being in business?

That you can do it alone.

One of your favourite services that your business offers?

Has probably been the Italian pizza and craft nights. The children make their own pizzas and while they are cooking we do some Italian craft together. Mum or dad get to enjoy a drink and conversation and everyone goes home having had fun and with a full tummy.

A huge happy birthday to Leanne, she just turned 40 last week…and as us mums know you don’t always get to celebrate as planned.  Leanne had received a great gift to be up in a hot air balloon for her birthday but instead was at home in quarantine as one of her daughters came down with chicken pox.  She faced it as a wonderful mum though and I am sure she’ll be soaring high very soon – both physically and metaphorically!