City woman proves top 'mumpreneur'

WITH six kids to raise, running a business would be the last thing on a lot of people's minds.

Mother-of-six Bec Draper shows off her fair trade handicrafts to Ezra (front), 3, and husband Brendan with Isaac, 1, and Noah, 9. Mrs Draper has been nominated for The AusMumpreneur Awards. Picture: David Nielsen

WITH six kids to raise, running a business would be the last thing on a lot of people's minds.

But Raceview mum Bec Draper not only started a business but one that is helping provide for children in third world countries.

Her business, Esther Parties, has been nominated for a 2012 AusMumpreneur award, honouring mums from Australia and New Zealand who have founded their own businesses.

"It's all pretty exciting; I only started the business 10 months ago, so for it to be nominated for this award is amazing," she said.

Esther Parties sells a range of fair trade products made by artisans from impoverished African, Asian and South American countries.

Mrs Draper sells the items directly from the Esther Parties website, at markets and runs in-house parties with the handicrafts.

She buys some products directly from charitable organisations in Rwanda and Uganda and dealers who purchase works from across the world.

The profits Esther Parties make are then donated back to charities and to support the Ashan Children's home in Ghana.

"They have 80 children there that we've been trying to help for a while," Mrs Draper said.

"I really like the idea of ethical products, and they're quite environmentally friendly as well.

"We provide a market for artists who struggle to find hope amidst the poverty by creating beautiful handicrafts and homewares to sell.

"We sell these through a party plan system, with our consultants earning a commission payment, and we donate the profits to others living in poverty, less able to support themselves, such as orphans and those with disabilities.

"I love recognising the great skills I've developed as a mum, and building them into something that will continue to give me direction, passion and purpose when my children are grown.

"I value the opportunity to mix parenthood and business; to prove you can do both at the same time."

Finalists in the AusMumpreneur will be selected by a public vote at connect2mums.ning.com with voting closing at midnight on Sunday, July 22.

The winners of the awards will be announced at a presentation dinner in Sydney on Saturday, September 8.

Originally published as City woman proves top 'mumpreneur'