Being nominated and becoming a semi-finalist in one category of the Isle of Wight Venus Awards is an honour in itself, but Claire Rees (Warne) of Rhythm Time Isle of Wight is a semi-finalist in three categories this year.
Claire is up for ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’, ‘Home Business of the Year’ and ‘Business Mother of the Year’.
Shortly after becoming a single parent with two young children in 2009 and setting up a new home, she took on the franchise. Claire not only took it on because of her love of music but “for the challenge!” Claire, who has run Rhythm Time music sessions for just over 7 years now, has met some big challenges during that time but keeps going despite it all.
In her one minute video, which all short listed candidates had to make, she states:
“I’ve made it through tough financial times, seen the loss of a big contract, had a total left hip replacement, recent knee surgery as well as kissing a few too many bad frogs!”
However during this time the business allowed Claire to focus and work around her two children Jenna now 14 and Ellie 11. Thanks to the support of her family, friends and staff has made it through the last few years and now delivers music sessions through new contracts and rebuilding of the business to over 300 babies, toddlers, preschool, nursery, toddler group and reception class children across the Island during the week.
You can vote for Claire in the Business Mother Award Category at www.venusawards.co.uk/isle-of-wight between 10:00 on the 20th January 2016 and 23:59 on 26th January 2016.
The finalists will be announced on 29th January at Ventnor Winter Gardens.
