Hayley Southwood is a Mum, a wife and a serial and often accidental entrepreneur. She lost her Mum to cancer when they were both far too young and in a moment of madness bought an ice cream van from ebay.
When her husband got home from the pub on the night of the purchase, upon hearing her news he thought that she had totally gone completely mad. But as part of her grieving process he went along with her seemingly scatty idea to renovate this old Bedford cf. Her plan was ambitious, the intention was to create her own bubble of happiness, an escape from the sadness that was facing her in her everyday life.
Vintage Scoops was born in 2010. With little to no marketing budget Hayley taught herself about social media, hit twitter in a big way and was an early embracer of Instagram and Pinterest. Her business grew by word of mouth and her ever growing social media following. Over 18 months Mrs Scoops and her Vintage ice cream van had been featured in over 100 publications including YOU magazine and Country Homes.
Vintage Scoops was the second business Hayley had launched, the first was a specialist boutique Nursery School in East Northants calked Little Stars Kindergarten which is still thriving today.
When Hayley felt the time was right and she was ready to re-invent herself she used social media to sell her Ice cream business. Hayley then went on to launch her blog drawing once again on her social media following it became an instant success . Hayley launched breathe happiness alongside Shaneen a photographer friend she had met through the wedding industry. Whilst blogging Hayley was racking her brains to come up with another business idea that could draw on her experience and knowledge she had gained.
Her understanding and passion for social media gave her the platform to launch an online store selling products you couldn't find on the high street.
Five years on Hayley still uses social media to sell and market her brand and ideas.
Hayley is offering one to one sessions where she will help to assess your social media platforms, or help you create new ones. Develop a social media strategy specifically suitable to your business. Social Media is a powerful tool that enables you to get get your brand noticed, build relationships with your customers. You can find leads, reach press, create trust and loyality. drive traffic to your website and so much more! Best of all social media is an affordable marketing tool that we can do from our own homes.
A one to one session costs £120 for a two hours.
Feedback from people Hayley has worked with-
Ally Mackenzie- Vintage Ice Cream Business Owner
"I'd like to say a huge thank you to Hayley for her excellent social media training. I met with Hayley for a 121 so I could start things off right with my new business. Hayley is inspirational and so encouraging when it comes to new businesses. I would happily recommend Hayley to anyone who is needing clear and easy to follow advice on using social media. Hayley is so lovely to work with. Her approach to social media is inspirational. Hayley is both creative and commercially minded, giving me the set of skills to proceed in to the world of business and social media".
Jordanna Marston- Photographer
"My social media session with Hayley was fun, informative and easy to understand. She gave thorough step by step instructions on how to get your brand out there and some handy tips that I would never have thought of. It was time and money well spent. I learnt and laughed lots"
We get a great mention on this lovely blog post here all about 'creating your own small glamping business' READ HERE
Bryony Richardson- Owner of Poppy Children
"Hayley helped us get off the ground with many forms of social media. Helping us to understand what a powerful tool it could be, how it would help grow our business and open up our business to many new customers all over the world. She also gave us the confidence to use instagram and twitter, we have a lot to thank her for to this day. She is the queen of social media !"
Lisa Pocklington @lisapocklington Stylist-Designer-Maker
"Hayley was one of the first people I ever followed on Instagram & I have watched her successfully grow three businesses with what looked like effortless ease. That's why, when I decided to delve into using social media for my own work, it was a no brainer that she was my go-to mentor. Her knowledge is extensive, her enthusiasm is contagious and she keeps me accountable - a real motivating factor. This girl really knows her shiz & will do wonders for your biz. She's also really bloody lovely too!"
Hayley is based just outside of Milton Keynes, one hour from London and one hour from Birmingham via train.
If you would like to get in touch to find out more please email [email protected]
Hayley, Thank you for the link to your blog, (I'm @healthyhappy_me on IG). Your blog is beautiful, creative and inspiring. Reading through, it actually made me cry.
Great to meet like minded girls with similar interests. I own a shop with my husband but since my illness I'm selfishly concentrating on my creative side. I'm right in the middle of setting up an online business with my sister. You never know we might be knocking on your door for help with social media etc.
I'll look forward to getting to know you both.
Love Tracy x
Posted by: Tracy | 07/11/2015 at 10:10 AM