This week inside the Children’s Activity Business Club, I’ve been catching up with some of our fab members. First up is Alison Wynne from Boppity Bunnies Music & Movement. We talked about her journey from teacher to class leader, what it was like relocating her business, and how she’s rebuilt from scratch with a brand families can’t get enough of.

When Alison Wynne first set out to run children’s music and movement classes, she had no idea that one mum’s cheque would change everything.

“I still remember my very first mum handing me a cheque for my very first class – that’s how long ago it was. Twenty years later, I went back and thanked her because she believed in me and gave me a chance.”

From that one ‘yes,’ Alison built her business steadily term by term, until she was running 18 classes a week.

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Relocating and starting over

A few years ago, Alison relocated and had to rebuild from scratch in a brand-new community.

“It was really heartbreaking, and I thought, what am I going to do? What if I go and nobody comes?”

At first, she aimed to launch six classes, but after some advice, she started with three. Two grew well, one didn’t, so she consolidated into a single venue. Today, she runs seven thriving classes in South Norfolk and delivers sessions in nurseries too.

That was around the time Alison joined the Children’s Activity Business Club. I remember looking at her brand online and thinking, this is strong. The look and feel were clear – she wasn’t a pay-as-you-go business. All she needed was to replicate what she’d already achieved before, and that’s exactly what she went on to do.

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Growing a team

Recently, Alison took another big step forward – bringing someone new into her business.

“She’s a mum from my classes, and her name is Lindsey. She’s got a similar background to me as a primary school teacher, and she’s very caring and nurturing. She loves the kids, she’s got two little ones of her own, and she’s been great to have on board.”

For Alison, it wasn’t just about finding help – it was about finding the right person who shared her ethos and would strengthen Boppity Bunnies for the future.

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The difference the Business Club made

Relocating gave Alison the chance to re-think her business model.

“When I arrived, I ran some taster classes and they were packed, so I knew there was a demand. But I started with a pay-as-you-go model, and then I met you, Krissy, and you said, ‘Stop doing that!’ That was a turning point. I wanted my brand to be strong, and that’s what you helped me with right from the beginning.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned from you is the Purple Cow idea – you have to be you, because you are your brand. That’s helped me so much. We all compare ourselves to other teachers, but I’ve realised you just have to be true to yourself. People will come if they like what you’re offering, and if they don’t, then they’ll find something else that suits them better.”

It wasn’t just about branding. Being in the Children’s Activity Business Club also gave Alison the confidence to try new things – like going live and creating reels.

“I literally hadn’t done any of it before. I’d done a bit on Facebook with my previous business, but I’d had no training whatsoever, so I really hadn’t got a clue. It’s still a learning curve, but I’m actually enjoying it now. For me, it’s definitely about getting reels out there, but keeping everything true to my brand. That’s something you’ve always said – everything you post should reflect your brand – and I try to keep that in mind whenever I’m posting.”

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Finding community

Running a small business can be lonely – but Alison says the Children’s Activity Business Club has changed that for her.

“You’ve got all these other teachers, and it’s quite a niche job, isn’t it? There are lots of us doing it, but as a small business you can feel really isolated. You don’t always have people to ask, and you don’t want to go to competitors in case they steal your ideas.

“So having a community of other teachers is just brilliant. You can ask questions about anything and nobody ever judges you. Nobody says, ‘That’s a silly question.’ Everyone is so supportive. We can always message you and you always reply – that’s been amazing.

“And then there’s all the training as well. Once you’re in the Business Club you get all the masterclasses, and they’ve been brilliant. I remember in February we had a whole month focused on Instagram, with three different people brought in to upskill us. Everyone dipped in and out depending on what was most relevant, and it was so useful.

“The other thing is that you listen. You ask what we need, we tell you, and then you find it for us. That’s amazing.”

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Marketing then and now

When Alison first started out twenty years ago, marketing looked very different.

“Literally, it was flyers. You gave them to people, you went to nurseries, you went to play groups – that was all I did. Even when Facebook came along, I had to get someone to show me how to use it. I didn’t have a clue.

“But I’ve learned so much since then, and I actually enjoy it now – I really enjoy that creative side.”

And that’s vital. Teaching is the rewarding part, but running a business means being able to market, sell, and manage everything else too. Parents’ buying behaviours are shifting, and it’s never been more important to try different strategies, accept that not everything will work, and keep moving forward.

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Investing in growth

Joining the Children’s Activity Business Club was a leap for Alison – but one she’s never regretted.

“It’s hands down the best decision I’ve ever made. I really was nervous. It took me a bit of persuading to join, because I thought, do I really want to spend this money? But once you’re in, it’s such a great investment. You get so much support, so much training, and it’s really specific to what we do. And you make your money back.

“I knew I needed the help, especially with marketing and social media. If I didn’t move forward, the business was just going to stay very small. I thought, this is the area I need help with, and this is someone who knows what they’re talking about.

I’d say it’s like investing in the stock market – but instead you should invest in your own knowledge. Once you’ve learned the skills, you can’t unlearn them. You build on them, stack them, and that just puts you in a stronger position for the future.

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What’s next for Boppity Bunnies

With Lindsey on board, Alison’s plan is to grow steadily and carefully.

“We’re taking things slow and steady. I feel very strongly that she’s the right person for my team, so it’s important to make sure the transition is smooth and it works well for both of us.

“I’m hopeful that next year we’ll add a couple more classes, and if that goes well, we might look at starting another venue. Boppity Bunnies is definitely not going anywhere – it’s here to stay, and it’s onwards and upwards from here.”

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Ali’s story is such a brilliant example of resilience. She rebuilt her business from scratch in a new area, grew her brand into something families love, and is now building a team for the future.

If you’d like to learn the same marketing and sales strategies Alison has used to grow Boppity Bunnies, you’ll find them all inside the Children’s Activity Business Club.

Stop sitting on the fence (you’ll only get a sore bum) – invest in yourself and your business and sign up to our waiting list today!