Mumpreneurs vie for Australian title

Margaret Crockford of Learn to Read and Write now lives in Sydney, NSW and Kristine Evans (nee Nitsche) of Two Creek Kids in Canberra ACT are contenders in the AusMumpreneur Awards, which celebrate and recognise mums in business achieving outstanding success in areas such as business, product development, services and innovation in businesses from Australia and New Zealand.

The two mums have three children between them, aged between 10 months and four years with Kristine adding to her brood in October with baby number two.

Both Margaret and Kristine work from home and see the nomination as testament to their ability to successfully juggle motherhood with a growing business.

Margaret made her move from Boorowa at the end of year 12 and Kristine at the end of year four; and said their country roots are never far from them.

Ms Crockford now creates personalised learning resources for ages from pre-school through to primary school and for children and adults learning English.

She said being a work-at-home mum has its challenges.

"Making a business work in with my hectic lifestyle, running a household with two tornado children, travelling for work and still finding the time to stop and smell the roses or admire the butterflies with my darling girls," Ms Crockford said.

Ms Evans, who has her own clothing line, agrees.

"In my business I design and sew a range of clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers which is time consuming work. I do this while managing an active toddler and am also currently pregnant with my second child," Ms Evans said.

"I am proud that I have managed to establish my business and grow a strong customer base when I am so busy in all aspects of my life."

Award finalists will be selected by a judging panel and a public vote. Voting is now open at www.ausmumpreneur.com.

Winners will be announced at an awards dinner in Melbourne in October.