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!
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.
Do 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!
What 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!
