I have a fab business feature on the blog for you this morning! Toby & Zoe are with us from Dreambox Parties to answer a few questions and share their experience of running a business and are also offering one lucky ready a FAB prize! See end of post for competition details x

Who are you?
Zoe Barrett & Toby Langton (AKA Princess & Captain) owners of Dreambox Parties. Previously we both worked for Kerry Foods (the largest chilled food manufacturers in the UK) for many years, and this was where we both met. We both worked in the Marketing department, Toby was the Marketing Director & I Managed the Mattessons Brand. In 2009 we had our beautiful son Spike, after many years of working for a large company, it was at this point that we both decided to follow our dreams & start our own business.
What do you do?
Our Company is called Dreambox Parties, we created an Internet business, dedicated to making children’s parties easy. We know how time consuming it can be to come up with ideas, find all the right party supplies, costumes & entertain all the children at the party. This is how we came up with the idea, Dreambox Parties. We take out the hard work for parents who want to host a magical party, but have no time to source everything. It really is that easy, all the parents have to do is go onto our website, pick a theme from one of our Ultimate Party Boxes (Pirate, Princess, Fairy, etc), tell us how many children are attending and we carefully get together everything you need to transform any room into a magical world. Included is an Exclusive party guide, which is invaluable itself, with an adventure themed story, great food ideas, music CD & all the games & prizes. To capture & keep the attention of the children at the party, the parent becomes their chosen character & storyteller. The parent reads the story out to the children, imaginative games & prizes are incorporated in the story and so both parent & children have lots of fun. Not only do we do Ultimate themed Party Boxes, we have the best party bags, these are not your average party bags, that contain plastic & ends up in the bin. Our Eco-Friendly cotton draw string party bags contain, the most amazing themed costume accessories, imagine all the children at the party dressed up, as Fairy’s, Pirates etc. Not only does it look amazing, it is a chance for the children’s imagination to come alive. The best part is they also get to take them home, for lasting memories. And if this was not enough we have a beautiful & stunning selection of themed costumes for both boys & girls. The designs & ranges are perfect for your little stars.
Children’s parties made easy is what Dreambox Parties is all about.
When did you establish your business?
We started in 2010 but have been trading for around 6 months now, so very exciting.
What made you start your own business?
We enjoyed corporate life for many years and whilst working at Kerry foods, we came up with the children’s party idea. It took us a few years and the birth of our son to decide to change our lifestyle and start a business of our own. We were very excited and passionate about our Children’s Parties Made Easy, idea, as many times we had run friends, nieces & nephews parties and realised that finding all your party needs was very time consuming, stressful & you could never find it all in one place. With our idea, we felt we had the right solution for parents. After much deliberation, we decided it was time to move on, we had given a lot of hard work & time to other companies we had worked for, like many people do, so we decided to put all of our time & energy into something that we own & love, helping parents give their child a great party.
What do you love about working for yourself?
“For me it’s not having to sit through hundreds of PowerPoint presentations a week and having meetings. You can make decisions immediately which are so refreshing after corporate life.” Toby
“I love the freedom and flexibility it gives you” states Zoe “. Although it is 24/7 having a 2 year old son, it works best for me, as I can work late when he is in bed & weekends. It also feels very rewarding when you have created a great party for a child & the parent to host, all your hard work feels worthwhile.
Is there anything you do not like about working for yourself?
Not having the security that comes with a full time job. Not having any holidays, as you have to be available all the time. Zoe & Toby
Is there anything you would go back and do differently if you could?
The main thing would be to revise the times everything would take. We seriously underestimated how long various tasks would take us. We did a lot ourselves to manage our start up costs but this resulted in things we thought would take days taking us weeks. Writing, designing, proofing and printing our themed books that are key to our Parties In A Box took a lot longer than we’d allowed. So timings are very key.
What advice would you give to someone considering starting their own business?
Do not be afraid. If you have an idea, go for it! Do lots of planning, research, and get people’s views. Be acceptable to criticism, as this helps with the end product. If you’re already in a job, get as much done while someone else is paying you, and make sure you have a good network of family and friends around to help with looking after your children or for support. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted, especially if you have children. However, if we’d known now how enjoyable & satisfying it is , we would have done it years ago.
Competition!
Toby & Zoe are giving away a child’s dressing up costume up to the value of £35 to one lucky winner!
How To Enter!
For extra entries you can do any of the actions below but please leave a separate comment for each entry and please leave a way of contacting you either email or twitter 🙂
- Follow my blog via GFC
- Follow me on twitter @SoniaThorpe
- Follow Dreambox Parties on twitter @Dreamboxparties
- Like Dreambox Parties on Facebook
- Tweet the following message “I want to win Fancy Dress from @Dreamboxparties & @SoniaThorpe blog giveaway http://thismummyloves.blogspot.com/”
170 Comments
I have tweeted
@littleboo_21
I like Dreambox Parties on Facebook (Sarah Anguish)
@littleboo_21
I follow Dreambox Parties on twitter
@littleboo_21
I follow you on Twitter
@littleboo_21
I follow you via GFC (littleboo21)
@littleboo_21
My DD would love: http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/DRF3.aspx
@littleboo_21
I tweeted as @marzutek
I've liked Dreambox Parties on Facebook
@marzutek on twitter
I follow Dreambox Parties on twitter as @marzutek
I follow you on twitter as @marzutek
I follow your blog via GFC as Marzena
@marzutek on twitter
my favourite costume is Dinosaur
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Wild-Boys/DIN-TOD.aspx
@marzutek on twitter
and lastly but not least – tweeted too
Liked on facebook too 😉
I also follow your blog
I follow you @louisesims
What a fab company – love so many of outfits but think Baby G would love to grow into Fairy Butterfly http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/BF6.aspx
Thanks for opportunity to win x
I have tweeted as @caroleheidi
I have tweeted as @caroleheidi
Tori would look fab in this Strawberry Fairy costume http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/STR1.aspx
She *loves* 'straws' more than almost anything – even chocolate!
@caroleheidi
ah me and my daughter Alice both just love
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Bugs-Ball/LB2.aspx
and she'd need a size 3-5 🙂
@LizzyBethJane
Following Dreamboxparties on Twitter
@snowfairie
Following you now on Twitter
@snowfairie
Oh Frilly Milly is a definite candy floss dream.
@snowfairie
My little girl woulld love me forever if I won the fantastic frilly princess outfit!!! Its soooo girly…I want one too!!! http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Perfect-Princesses/FML6.aspx
I like dreambox parties on facebook
My son would like this one http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/BH6.aspx
Hes my knight and prince!
Tweeted the giveaway @robynlclarke
Like Dreambox on Facebook
Following @Dreamboxparties
on twitter @robynlclarke
Following @SoniaThorpe on twitter @robynlclarke
Following on Google Connect
Would love to win the Camo Soldier:
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/CS6.aspx
following your blog! 🙂
following dreambox parties on twitter @loveinthenest
Have tweeted @loveinthenest
I follow you on twitter @loveinthenest
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Wild-Boys/BDR-STD.aspx
I'd pick blaze dragon! My little boy loves dragons and has just started to enjoy dressing up so it'd be lovely for him to have a special costume
This looks like a gorgeous prize so have everything crossed we win, someone is going to be very lucky x
Have liked Dreambox Parties on FB
Am following dreambox parties on twitter
Am following you on twitter am @wouldlike5tobe
Am following you through GFC
Wow, what gorgeous dressing up outfits, my little girls would love the reversible princess/ pirate outfit as they love pretending to be both of these. I have my fingers & toes crossed for them x
I have tweeted your giveaway 🙂
@medsdemon
I like Dreambox parties on FB x
@medsdemon
I now follow @Dreamboxparties on Twitter x
@medsdemon
I already follow you on Twitter xx
@medsdemon
I already follow your blog xx
@medsdemon
i would choose either the Blaze Dragon costume or the Captain costume for my incredibly ungirly little niece.
Thanks for the gieaway xx
@medsdemon
Love the Snow Flake Fairy Costume link (Home > Products > Kids Fancy Dress Costumes > Girls > Dancing Fairies > SFF3) as it is so lovely and simple but stunning! have tweeted @ lisajane13 and f/booked!
I have tweeted
I already follow you via twitter
@MultipleMummy
i am following dreambox parties via facebook
I follow you via gfc
@MultipleMummy
It would be the snowflake fairy costume! My little girl needs some pretty amongst her two brothers!
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/SFF3.aspx
I have tweeted – @bloomingfox
I have liked Dreambox Parties on Facebook – Kirsty Fox
I am following @Dreamboxparties on Twitter – @bloomingfox
I already follow @SoniaThorpe on Twitter – @bloomingfox
I follow your blog via GFC – robertfox24
Twitter – @bloomingfox
I'd love the WIzard with Hat costume for my little boys because he is absolutely crazy about Harry Potter, so he could be a real wizard! http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/WWH3.aspx
Twitter – @bloomingfox
I have tweeted about the competition
@piddleypix
I follow Dream Box Parties on Twitter
@piddleypix
I follow you on twitter
@Piddleypix
I follow your blog via GFC
@Piddleypix
I would pick the reversible Summer/Winter Fairy for my little princess!
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/SWF2.aspx
Gorgeous
@Piddleypix
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Wild-Boys/LION2.aspx
Liked you on facebook. Would love to win this Lion outfit for my son which would be purfect for this third birthday next month.
Sharon Weaden
Done all that was asked to enter ut fab comp
if I was really lucky to win I would really love the starcatcher princess for my little gir
thank u
in ekitt1001 on Twitter
I would choose this one please. http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Bugs-Ball/LB2.aspx
I FOLLOW WITH GFC X
I am following @SoniaThorpe on twitter @handbag2000
I am following @Dreamboxparties on twitter @hangbag2000
I like dreambox parties on FB Tony Anthony Micheal
I have tweeted about the comp @handbag2000
I'd like a cowboy one
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/COW3.aspx
I have tweeted about the comp
@katherinegrieve
I like dreambox parties on FB
@katherinegrieve
I am following @Dreamboxparties on twitter
@katherinegrieve
I am following @SoniaThorpe on twitter
@katherinegrieve
I FOLLOW WITH GFC XX
@KATHERINEGRIEVE
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/VP3.aspx
WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS FAIRY DRESS FOR MY DAUGHTER X
Liking Dreambox Parties on Facebook
2009nicola@live.co.uk
Nicola Clare
xx
If I won we'd love the Strawberry Fairy http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/STR1.aspx
2009nicola@live.co.uk
Nicola Clare
i have tweeted as @ashlallan
i am following dreambox parties on twitter as @ashlallan
i follow you on twitter as @ashlallan
i follow your blog with gfc already as mummy24
i follow your blog with gfc already as mummy24
if i was lucky enough to win i would have to choose the bride one for my daughter – she would love it!
@ashlallan
Tweeted your competition tweet @stralisemiai
Kindest regards xx
Following dreamboxparties on twitter too 🙂
@stralisemiai
Following you on twitter @stralisemiai
Followed your blog, @stralisemiai
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Wild-Boys/DIN-TOD.aspx
Awesome!!! Rarrr! Best costume I have ever seen 😀
@stralisemiai
Hi
I already follow your blog and Twitter account (@BroodyIVFMummy)
I would love to win the Crusader outfit for my little boy http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/KN3-5.aspx
So hope I win! 🙂 x
Follow on Twitter @wendymcd83
I follow your blog @wendymcd83
Tweeted @wendymcd83
I have tweeted @mum2alesha 🙂 x
I have liked Dreambox Parties on Facebook, Gillian Moloney 😀 x
I am following @Dreamboxparties also 😀 x
I am following you @mum2alesha 🙂 x
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/COW3.aspx
Cowboy Outfit would be our choice!!
@wendymcd83
I am following your blog via GFC 😀
I would love to win the Strawberry Fairy costume, http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/STR1.aspx
Tweeted @baile1kim1
The Arabian princess my pre school loves Aladdin she loves to dress up all the outfits are great a good variety
@baile1kim1
I already follow your blog via GFC
I've Tweeted
I like Dreambox Parties on facebook
Following @Dreamboxparties on Twitter
I already follow you on Twitter @sionedwyn
so many fabulous costumes to choose from!
Think I'd get the Cowboy one for my son, he loves riding around on his hobby horse so this would match perfectly!!
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/COW3.aspx
And I am tweeting away @rosepearl66. Oh, and my sons favourite was the wizard costume, he absolutely loves stuff like that at the moment! http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/WWH3.aspx
Thank you :o)
Xx
I have liked Dreambox Parties on Facebook – Stephanie Price
I am also following Dreambox Parties on twitter @rosepearl66 :o)
I am following you on twitter @rosepearl66 :o)
Hello :o) i am following your blog via GFC. rosepearl66@hotmail.com
I have tweeted your giveaway 🙂
I have 'liked' them on facebook
I am following @dreamboxparties on twitter
I am following you on twitter @Him_me_three
It would have to be the bride dress http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Perfect-Princesses/BRI3.aspx because my daughter is having a Royal Wedding themed party and wants to be 'Princess Catherine'
(Yes, I know it's more than £35 but I'd make up the difference!)
Great giveaway 🙂
Have also tweeted about your fab comp too! x
Like Dreambox Parties on FB x
Following @Dreamboxparties on twitter @littlemissnau41
Follow you on twitter @littlemissnau41 x
I love the princess/pirate costume – such a great idea to have it reversable. My little girl is really into both princesses and pirates so this would be perfect! More so to the fact that she constantly changes her mind, so could whip it off in a jiffy & she would be transformed like magic!!
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Perfect-Princesses/PIG3-5.aspx
And liked them on facebook (Emily McMillan)
Thanks! Emily x
Have tweeted!! @emymc
I'm following @Dreamboxparties on twitter @emymc
I am following you on twitter! @emymc x
Hi! Lovely costumes, I would pick the ladybird, my little girl loves them and like flapping her arms pretending to be one! She would look so cute in this! Thanks, Emily xx
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Bugs-Ball/LB2.aspx
tweeted I want to win Fancy Dress from @Dreamboxparties & @SoniaThorpe blog giveaway http://thismummyloves.blogspot.com/"
@leiajulie
i love the tudor girl
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Historical-Girls/TUG3.aspx
tryly stunning
am following @Dreamboxparties on twitter @kikicomp
Liked Dreambox Parties on Facebook am Kiki Woo on there @kikicomp
have tweeted @kikicomp
I follow you on twitter @kikicomp
already following blog @kikicomp
so many fab outfits but if forced I'd go for the this one as so beautiful http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Historical-Girls/TUG3.aspx
@kikicomp
I have RT @domesticgoddesq
I follow you on twitter @domesticgoddesq
I have liked dreambox on FB
I'd buy the Arabian Princess outfit: it shows you don't have to wear a dress to be a Princess!! http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/AD3.aspx
Tweeted
@ericahughes
Following @dreamboxparties on twitter
@ericahughes
Following you on twitter @ericahughes
Following on GFC
@ericahughes
I love the Indian Chief one.
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/INC6.aspx
@ericahughes
Have followed @dreamboxparties and tweeted as @livvyssmile
It would have to be thus one http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Dancing-Fairies/DRF3.aspx for a size 9 to 11. It is truly beautiful x
I have tweeted as @meetjosmith
I've liked Dreambox Parties on FB as Jo Mse Smith
Am following Dreambox Parties on twitter as @meetjosmith
I follow you on twitter as @meetjosmith
I'm following your blog via GFC as Jodie Smith
I think it would have to be the ladybug costume as thats baby's nickname http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Girls/Bugs-Ball/LB2.aspx
@meetjosmith
and I just tweeted the comp!
@Dorothee77
I now like Dreambox Parties on FB
@Dorothee77
I now follow @Dreamboxparties
@Dorothee77
I already follow you on Twitter
@Dorothee77
I follow your blog via GFC @Dorothee77
I'd like a cowboy one, a classic but a must!
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/COW3.aspx
Tweeted > @goriami
Following @Dreamboxparties via @goriami
I'm following your blog via GFC @goriami
I already follow you on twitter @goriami
Peg Leg Pirate, Boo got obsessed with pirates recently after we took him to see a smugglers cave!
http://www.dreamboxparties.com/Products/Kids-Fancy-Dress-Costumes/Boys/Adventurous-Boys/PIB-3-5.aspx