Jen Maslin is the talented owner & creator of Mads & Moodle Baby Hand and Feet Casting. Jen creates beautiful life casts from her studio in Thame.
HELLO! WHO ARE YOU AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
I’m Jen, I run Mads & Moodle, a Thame based business. I create bespoke personalised keepsakes of baby and children’s life casts of feet, hands or first shoes. I started my business 4 years ago after I became a mum to Madelyn who is now 5 and has just started school. I am also mum to Grayson who’s just turned 2. Before starting Mads & Moodle and becoming a mum, I worked as a prop maker in the film industry working on films like Harry Potter and V for Vendetta which is where I learnt a lot of the skills I apply to creating the framed casts.
WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS ABOUT BEING INDEPENDENT AND RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Life is busy raising two children so having my own business means I can choose when I work and fit it in around school and nap times. I often work in the evenings and currently book most of my appointments for weekends. I also like having total freedom in the way my brand looks and the way it is portrayed as I can be a bit of a control freak!
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE ABOUT BEING AN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS?
I think the biggest challenge is keeping motivated, especially when its just you! You’ve only got yourself to get you going. Also doing all the boring bits of having your own business like the accounts and tax returns.
WHY DID YOU SIGN UP TO THAME REWARDS CLUB AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
I signed up to Thame Rewards Club because I think it's a great idea for the local community and hopefully it means Mads & Moodle might be noticed by more people in the local area. I love the idea of supporting other local independent businesses and love a bargain so I’ve got my own card too!
WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR BUSINESS THIS YEAR?
I would like to expand my current range of products. I have been testing out a few family and couples handclasp casts and hope to start offering these as a service at some point this year.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES YOU LOVE AND WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A LITTLE SHOUT OUT TO?
I think Pretty Like Pictures in Thame is a wonderful independent business! Robin is so helpful, always has such beautiful artwork on display and lovely greetings cards. I am also loving Little Woodlands adorable baby clothes and currently lusting after a pair of the mama PJ’s.
ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW?
To celebrate Mads & Moodles 4th Birthday, I've currently got a competition on my facebook page where you can win a baby casting session worth £150! You can enter here
I also do Gift Vouchers which can make lovely baby shower or new-baby gifts!
To contact Jen, find out more and/or keep up-to=date with Jen's latest creations visit:
https://www.facebook.com/Madsandmoodle
Images by Caz Wales Photography
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