As parents, we’ve all struggled with the juggle. For many of us, trying to find #workthatworks is a major hurdle to feeling in control of family life. In this series, we’re shining the spotlight on inspirational and resourceful parents who’ve ditched the 9 to 5 and started their own business.

This week we’re featuring Charlotte Endacott, who set up the East Dulwich franchise of Gymboree six years ago. Gymboree East Dulwich is one of our fabulous partners in the #findyourhappity competition which you can enter right now! Plus read on to find out how you can get a discount off your first month’s membership in October 2017.

What inspired you to start your business and how did you do it?

Life took an extraordinary turn for me. I was working as a jobbing actor, touring, and teaching English as a Foreign Language. My parents died very close together, and I then had a small baby. It was a bit of a game changer. The circumstances I found myself in spurred me to focus on creating a new direction. My priority was to be a Mum, but I was also ambitious enough to take on a challenge. Bonkers probably!

Taking care of myself seems to see me through, and not letting work and family bleed into one another.

What are the greatest challenges of combining work and family life?

I chose this path so I could fit work around my son which most of the time is what happens. Occasionally, I might find myself in the middle of swimming classes or at the school gates when I’m needed to solve a problem. This happens less and less these days as I’m now in year 6 of running Gymboree Play & Learn East Dulwich. Taking care of myself seems to see me through, and not letting work and family bleed into one another.

Tell us about Gymboree…

Gymboree Play and Learn arrived in my life when I took my son to classes from 6 months. I was a little reluctant. I thought it was a bit overpriced, but a friend dragged me along. After my free trial (45 minutes, longer than most classes) I signed up and continued for 3 years with him. The greatest benefit was seeing my son’s creative and physical development in a safe and secure environment, and we had fun!

How does Gymboree benefit babies?

Gymboree is an age specific child development programme for newborns up to 3.5 years old. Classes are designed by child development experts grounded in cognitive creative and physical learning.

How can we sign up?

It’s really easy. Gymboree always offers a FREE TRIAL. Becoming a member is simple. You sign up for one weekly class on a monthly Direct Debit basis. No need to repeat book. No termly re-enrolling. If you miss your class, Gymboree always offers the option to book in a make up class so you are never out of pocket. We also offer a more flexible Fun Pass option. This provides you with 5 classes to be used over 3 months.

No adult ever complains they were loved too much!

What keeps you sane?

Brockwell Lido, Netflix and Margaritas – friends and family. Keep it simple.

Tell us your best parenting hack

Hold and hug your children as much as you can. No adult ever complains they were loved too much!

Visit Happity to find all Gymboree East Dulwich timetables. 

Gymboree East Dulwich is also offering 10% off the first month’s membership in October 2017 with no joining fee (normally £25.00) when quoting Happity. This offer is subject to signing up on the same day as your free trial.