Meet Louise - Hartbeeps Finest!
Meet Louise. She's blooming hilarious and runs the Hartbeeps Central West London branch. She taught the Hartbeeps class that our founder Janey took her little boy to and she's kindly let us interview her. Here goes...
1. Describe yourself in 3 words
Energetic, fun and happy!
2. What inspired you to set up your company?
Taking my own baby to Hartbeeps was the inspiration!! She loved it so much and so did I… but we had to take two buses to get there and there was so little on for babies in Shepherds Bush so it seemed like a good opportunity. 3 years later with around 300 babies attending Hartbeeps per week I am so happy I took the plunge and did it as it was a world away from my previous job in fashion.
3. What’s a typical Louise day like?
Hectic morning, getting everyone ready and usually frantically changing batteries in the bubble machine at the breakfast table. After dropping my eldest off at nursery I rush off to run Hartbeeps sessions across Shepherds Bush, Notting Hill, Maida Vale and Kensington. I usually run three busy classes back to back so lots of leaping about, dancing around and singing as well as chatting to all the lovely mums and nannies. I get home around 1pm and then am in mum mode so picking up little ones from nursery or play dates, trips to the park and lots of colouring. By 7pm when the children are in bed I am definitely ready for a glass of wine and my guilty pleasure - Home and Away!! After all these years I am still watching it.. and yes, Alf is still in it!
4. What are your best baby activities?
Well Hartbeeps of course! Both my girls love it and have done since they were tiny. They love all the songs and all the actions but also the dressing up makes for some good memories! The Baby Bells sessions for newborn babies is such a gentle way to relax and bond with your baby and is a great way to get yourself out of the house. It can be isolating having a new baby so meeting some other mums at Hartbeeps can be a lifeline! We give you lots of tips of things you can do at home as well such as bits of baby massage and yoga and also reminding you of nursery rhymes that you had forgotten years ago and can now sing to your baby.
5. What homemade toys are top of your list?
You can’t beat a big cardboard box with a load of crayons and felt tips. Inside, outside, top and bottom it keeps my girls entertained for hours.
6. What’s the best thing about being a mum?
When your children tell you they love you for the first time!!
7. And the worst?!
When everyone is crying at the same time. Oh and obviously the sleep deprivation…
8. What advice would you pass onto a mum-to-be?
Don’t listen to too much advice!! There seems to be so much conflicting advice from health professionals, friends, well meaning relatives and it can get really overwhelming… Sometimes it is best to trust yourself and your own instincts.
9. Would you rather sing nursery rhymes or sit in silence?!
Nursery rhymes obvs!! Or even better can we sing along to the Greatest Showman soundtrack??!!
10. How can we find out more about you?
You can visit the website www.hartbeeps.com or come along to a class! We have classes running every day in Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush, Maida Vale and Kensington so come and experience the magic of Hartbeeps yourself!