We’re back with another Local Spotlight blog post introducing you to a fabulous local baby and family focused business, this time we’re welcoming Jodie from Boogie Beat Gloucester, Stroud and the Forest of Dean.
Jodie, can you tell us a bit about your business and what you offer to families with toddlers and young children?
I own Boogie Beat Gloucester, Stroud & Forest of Dean. We offer children’s classes, workshops in early years settings, Intergenerational sessions and parties across the area for children ages 0-5years. Boogie Beat brings traditional fairy tales and nursery rhymes to life with a lively and active dance twist, using props, instruments, illustrations and music, which is of course lots of fun!
Ooh lovely! What inspired you to start your business?
After maternity leave, I really craved a good work life balance. I had struggled with separation anxiety and postpartum depression (PPD) after the premature birth of my son and really wanted to find a fulfilling job that brought me joy as well as the opportunity to be available for my family.
Fellow maternity leave business starter here too! What do you think sets Boogie Beats apart from other similar businesses in Gloucestershire?
Boogie Beat focuses on bringing the child’s imagination alive through story telling and music. We offer a fun and relaxed environment to learn and develop, setting them up for their school years ahead!
Lovely. How do you think your service or product benefits families with toddlers or children specifically?
Boogie Beat offers workshops in early years settings, aimed at toddlers and preschoolers mainly. For those attending community classes, Boogie Beat offers sibling or twin discounts, and siblings under 6months and non participating in our mixed age classes attend for FREE!
Always a bonus! Can you share a memorable experience or story that highlights the impact of your services on a family?
One of my regular attendees to my community classes was poorly not too long ago. He spent some time in hospital which meant he had to miss our class, something he doesn’t do very often! After class that day, I sent him a short video wishing him well from Giggles (our Boogie Beat monkey) and I, in return, was sent a video of this little boy doing his very own Boogie Beat session in hospital with his parents. Boogie Beat really does bring happiness to everyone and I absolutely love that Boogie Beat was able to brighten up this little one’s day!
Oh that’s so cute! What sort of feedback do you usually get about your classes?
The most common feedback is that their little one loves to reenact our songs and dances! A lot of parents say my classes are welcoming, loads of fun and great for little ones with lots of energy. My early years settings say the children and the staff all love my visits too!
As a mum of a high energy child, I think I would have loved this!! What advice would you give to parents looking to make the most of their time with toddlers/children?
I think sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest impact on little ones. Children love to learn through play and to spend quality time with their loved ones.
Yes this is so true. Do you have any tips for parents who are navigating the challenges of raising young kids?
Talk! Talk to friends, talk to professionals such as early years workers, talk to other families. They may not always have the answers you are after, but you will definitely feel less alone in those challenges.
100%. Do you have any recommendations for other resources that are particularly helpful for parents of toddlers and young children?
Yes – Whatson4kids Clubhub is the UK’s largest kids activities directory is a really helpful place to find out what’s available to you locally.
Oh I’ve not heard of that one before! So back to you then, what do you find most rewarding about working with families?
Most rewarding has got to be seeing the children growing in confidence and developing friendships during my classes. Seeing a child go from being shy at the start of the term to shouting out their name or dancing confidently to our music by the end of the term is so rewarding. It shows me how comfortable and safe they feel in the environment I have provided for them.
That’s so precious. What keeps you motivated in your work?
It’s so easy to be motivated when you love your work as much as I do. I still cannot believe this is my actual job!
Ha I feel the same way! What future plans or goals do you have for the business?
Just recently I have launched our classes in the Forest of Dean. It was something that was requested often as there seems to be a lack of adult led activities for early years in the area, so I plan to focus on growing this part of my business for a little while. I also plan to complete my Makaton training and SEN training to ensure my sessions are inclusive for all.
Oh I love this. Well I’m sure there’ll be lots of people who’d love to come and join you and Giggles! What’s the best way for people to get in touch with you?
Via my Facebook page! Although I do have a website and an email address I do showcase a lot of my work over on my Facebook page. I am quick to respond to my messages on that platform too.
Amazing. Thank you so much, Jodie!
Readers: This is just one of many amazing local businesses I’m excited to introduce you to; if you’re feeling inspired, click to learn more about baby and toddler activities here in Gloucestershire. I also write blog posts on other family and photography (oh hi, I’m a photographer by the way!) related topics featuring tips, resources, and interviews that are designed especially for families right here in Gloucestershire – check them out.
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