Lisa Irwin can easily be described as a generous, caring and friendly expat mom of three, but what really sets her apart is her passion for children and creating a wonderful environment for moms and their little monkeys.  Lisa is the founder and teacher of Music Monkeys. Lisa was looking for a fun, relaxed group for her little boy and couldn’t find anything.  After speaking to a few friends who thought there was a market for the classes she decided to take the reins and go for it.

My interview with Lisa and the founder of Music Monkeys!

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What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?

Getting my website live!!! I decided to try and build it myself as Music Monkeys is still very new and much of the profit made so far is going into getting more instruments & resources for my classes and our new city classes… It’s been a very hard job, although I did pay for a copywriter but as she was a Music Monkeys mum she gave me a good deal J.

wpid-2014-04-01-12-32-55-1460416253.jpegDo you have children and have they influenced your career?

I have three wonderful boys Finlay 6, Ollie almost 5 & Noah 3.5 yrs… I like to work when they are at school so we still get quality time and I can keep up with the activities & play dates they like to do. I started running the Music Monkeys classes when Noah was still home and he would come into a group with me.

How do you stay connected through social media?

I really only use facebook, I have a business & personal page. I am a member of lots of groups and use them to connect to a wider AD audience.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

I’d like to be an actress, although I’m not sure I could handle all the late nights attending premiers. They say act or teach!

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

My Husband is an absolute star! He helps with school runs and my spread sheets (I prefer paper & Pen). I try to only work when the boys are at school or in bed but sometimes I’m so busy I just have to get on with it and I have a wonderful nanny who the boys love. We also moved to a compound with a pool & playground so when I am super busy (like these next few weeks) they still get to  have fun!

wpid-2014-04-01-12-32-45-463974371.jpegWhat websites do you visit every day?

My own now it’s live www.musicmonkeysad.com and BBC world news. My top sites for visiting are Pre-school express, learning 4 kids and teaching kids to sing. Amazon & Moonpig are also  favourite’s & Amusica where I order my instruments.

What are your top 3 favorite people/places/things in Abu Dhabi?

My top three are very different from my boys! I tend to spend more time at their favourties places but that’s my job..Lunching at Nolu’s with a good friend – there salad’s are the best!  They do a mean Brooklyn scramble at breakfast too – and the boys love the pancakes!Emirates kids park/zoo – the improvement made here in the last 6 years is amazing and my boys love feeding the goats.The winter weather – means camping (not my favourite but my boys love it!), beach (again more the boys) and alfresco dining…Can I take a 4th? The spa – any really I’m not fussy but I love a bit of pampering.

What is your goal for retirement?

To read a book in peace during daylight hours J To enjoy travelling and spending time with my Husband .

How did you come up with your idea to start your company?

I was looking for a fun, relaxed group for my little boy and couldn’t find anything. I spoke to a few friends who thought there was a market for the classes and it grew from there. If I’m honest it’s grown a lot quicker than I expected but we have to take the opportunities as they arise.

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

My next business venture, I may just go ahead though so I won’t spoil the surprise!