When Sarah separated from her husband of 8 years, she took the step to launch her own business with SmartPA to get the flexibility and stability she needed as a single mother.

Fast forward a year and Sarah is a successful business owner, enjoying all the benefits of owning a SmartPA franchise. Read on to find out more about Sarah and what led her to become a SmartPA partner.

Introduce yourself, and tell us something people don’t know about you?

Hi, I’m Sarah, I have two children Pippa (6yrs), Maverick (19 months) and a Cocker Spaniel Maddie (10yrs). I launched my SmartPA business in September 2020 and I can honestly say it’s the best decision I’ve made. It’s been a roller-coaster of a ride, but it’s given me the financial security I need as a single mother and flexibility to be there for my children.

Something people don’t know about me is that I own another business, which I bought my husband out of in December 2020 – a security company called Askari Tembo.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Nothing worth having comes easy! If it’s worth having, then it is worth blood sweat and tears getting it! – This is so true, for me to finally take the plunge and launch my own business, I had to endure the separation from my husband of 8 years.

2020/2021 was both the best and worst year for me:

February 2020 – Baby Maverick born

April 2020 – Turned 30 and separated from my husband

May 2020 – Signed up to SmartPA

August 2020 – Completed my accreditation

September 2020 – Launched my SmartPA business working 3 days a week

December 2020 – I secured four clients in four months

January 2021 – Started working on my business full time

March 2021 – I hit 12 clients

May 2021 – My accountant told me my business had made a profit in the

first year of trading!

August 2021 – Survived the School holidays as a business owner and even managed to have a week away.

September 2021 – One year officially trading and ready to grow the business even more.

What was your first job?

A waitress at a wedding venue – loved it, possibly my most favourite job!

How would your friends describe you?

Strong, independent, fierce with determination to run a successful business whilst being the best mum she can be! – the words of my best friend Kelly and fellow mum & business owner!

Favourite thing to do in your spare time?

As a mother of two small children, spare time is sparse but I’m trying to block out a few hours each week to get back into horse riding. I owned horses until my daughter was born and it’s something I’ve really missed. SmartPA has given me the time to get back riding!

Who’s someone you really admire?

My Dad! He works harder than any person I know, and always has done to give his family the best life possible. If I can give my kids half what he gave me and my siblings, then I know I’ll have done ok in life!