Congratulations, Llongyfarchiadau, to Story Babies Newport and Cwmbran for winning Start-Up Business of the Year at this year’s Torfaen & Monmouthshire Business Awards. Hear what the Hannah had to say:
Why did you enter the Torfaen & Monmouthshire Business Awards?
When I first saw the awards on Instagram, being so early on in my business, I had no expectation that I would win but when I saw the ‘Start Up Business’ awards and when I sat down to think about my application, started writing down everything I could include, I felt such a huge sense of pride over all the things I had achieved in such a short amount of time and simply just applying for the awards gave me a great way to celebrate everything I had achieved and to see how far I had come in my first year of business!
What did winning mean for you or your business?
Winning the award was such an amazing recognition of all the hard work I put into the business. It was a huge risk for me to leave my dream job in teaching to start Story Babies Newport and Cwbran and winning the award really highlighted all of the dedication and love that I put into my business. It was also a lovely way to celebrate with my families and the little community I have created in my first year of business, as without them, none of it would be possible!
What did you think of the awards ceremony?
What an amazing evening! It was a lovely event with a wonderful atmosphere. To be in a room full of such dedicated and hard working businesses was a real honour and we all had a great evening!
How did you find the interview process for the awards?
I really enjoyed the interview process as it gave the judges a chance to really get to know the people behind the business rather than just through an application/ It also gave me another opportunity to see for myself everything I have achieved and I really enjoyed being able to talk all about the reflect on my first year in business!
What’s been a challenge for you or your business during the last year and how did you overcome it?
There is a lot of competition in the baby class industry and I am surrounded by so many wonderful classes and class leaders so I knew that I needed to work really hard to make Story Babies Newport and Cwmbran as a little community, rather than just a baby class. I work tirelessly behind the scenes, planning and prepping which can mean that sometimes that work life balance can get lost, it’s hard to switch off from your own business but the outcomes and the enjoyment and love for Story Babies Newport and Cwmbran has made all of those long hours so worth it!
What’s been a highlight for you or your business over the last year and why?
My highlight really has to be just meting so many amazing families and their babies and them choosing to return, term after term so I get to watch their little ones grow up and develop from tiny babies, who are just weeks old, to confident, little toddlers! Building such meaningful relationships with families and their little ones is the more rewarding experience and such a privilege.
How did you hear about this year’s business awards?
I received a message on Instagram to let me know that applications were open.
What are your goals for 2025?
My goal for 2025 is to continue to grow and develop Story Babies Newport and Cwmbran. We will be expanding, adding extra days and classes into our timetable and introducing more class leaders. I will be working on continuing to build our community by working closely with local businesses, planning events to support mums and parents, as well as our weekly classes and I would love to have something planned specifically for dads too!!
What’s the best thing about running a business in Torfaen & Monmouthshire?
The support and encouragement from everyone you meet, whether that’s other businesses or families.
