Claire Young
Claire Young is best known as a finalist on ‘The Apprentice’ in 2008, as well as working on several projects which are designed to empower and enable young people in enterprise.
Claire expresses her feelings on the issue, as research by Kiddicare found that 90% of parents admit to exaggerating how well they’re coping in order to conform to the ‘have it all’ images in popular culture.
She shares her feelings on how entrepreneurial mothers shouldn’t be labelled ‘Mumpreneurs” as it is damaging and we should instead be celebrating the inspirational job all new parents do every day.
“Giving birth to my daughter Eva two years ago was the best thing I’ve ever done. Like all things which are worth doing, its hard work but I love every minute of being a mum.
“I’m also an entrepreneur, businesswoman, public speaker, government advisor and work with young people who have an interest in business. So, does this make me a “Mumpreneur”? According to the definition in the Collins Dictionary it does. However, I would never use the term to describe myself and my work. In fact, I cannot think of a single woman who does!
“I think this kind of categorisation, based on gender and lifestyle can be really damaging. In a similar way to the way ‘Manny’ is sometimes use for a male nanny, these labels don’t refer to the skills and experience of those doing the job at all. If you are successful in business or in your chosen career, why does your gender or parental status matter?
“In this specific case, the emphasis on gender implies it’s extraordinary that a woman can be both a mother and a business person. It assumes we have to fit our professional endeavours around the responsibilities of being a mother and wife. I know lots of male entrepreneurs who are fathers and husbands. Like me, they love being both but I bet they’ve never been asked how they manage to ‘have it all.’ Can you think of anyone who would call themselves a “Dadpreneur?”
“Don’t get me wrong, I think any parent who works for themselves and raises the kids is an inspiration and it’s fantastic to see that women are driving this change in the UK workforce. According to the Office of National Statistics, the number of self-employed women is rising at nearly three times the rate of men; there are now more than 1.2 million self-employed women in full and part-time work and 300,000 of these are working mothers. It’s predicted that this growing group of women is contributing £7.4bn a year to the UK economy. A number not be sniffed at!
“As a working mum, I know first-hand the pressure mums are under to appear the ‘perfect parent’ without the added stress of living up to a label.
“Putting a label on my career alongside other working mums is not helpful. The fact that I don’t know any women amongst my friends or colleagues who would call themselves a ‘Mumpreneur’ speaks volumes. It’s clearly failing to strike a chord with those it attempts to represent.”
Claire Young is working with baby specialist Kiddicare on its Inspirational Parents campaign.
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