Welcome to The BnB Mum, my blog where I, Amanda, invite you to join me on a remarkable journey into the world of hospitality. Just last year, my family and I took a leap of faith and dived headfirst into the exciting and unfamiliar realm of running a bed and breakfast, The Chesterfield B&B , in South Devon. With no previous experience in the industry or with running a business, we embarked on an adventure filled with challenges, surprises, and endless learning opportunities. So, are you ready to step into the thrilling world of running a Torquay-based B&B with the Donnai family?!
What can you expect from The BnB Mum blog?
Entering the Hospitality Industry; the Highs, Lows, Mishaps and Laughter
Leaving behind our previous professions and entering the hospitality industry was a life changing decision filled with both excitement and uncertainty. I’ll share with you the decision-making process, the considerations we weighed in buying a business and the compromises we made to pursue this path. I will share the highs, the lows, the troubles, the mishaps and even the laughter that accompanies running a B&B. From moments of sheer joy to those instances where we find ourselves rocking in a corner, questioning our decision; I promise to provide an honest account of our experiences!
Navigating the Challenges of Running a Hospitality Business
Running a B&B presents unique challenges and learning curves. I’ll share all the things we’ve learned about in the day-to-day running of the business, like how we’re trying to increase our direct bookings, how we’re working on our marketing techniques and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of social media. I may only be a year and a half into this journey but, if you’re considering a B&B journey of your own, I hope my insights, tips and lessons learned can help you to overcome similar challenges.
Embracing the B&B Lifestyle
Beyond the challenges, there are incredible aspects to the lifestyle of a bed and breakfast owner. One of the perks is the flexibility it provides; most of the time, we can adjust our schedules as needed. If the sun is shining and we feel like going paddle boarding, we can seize the opportunity. When we both want to go along to the school Sports Day, we can! Similarly, if we want to hit the gym during the day when it’s less crowded, we have that freedom. This level of flexibility is a rare luxury and it’s not something we benefitted from in our previous jobs.
On the flip side, B&B life comes with the responsibility of never being able to fully switch off. We are always on call. When that fire alarm goes off at 3am, for example, we have to leap out of bed and be there for our kids, our guests and our business/house! I’ll be writing more about the pressures that come with the responsibility of being a B&B owner, as well as the many opportunities it provides in the near future.
Balancing Family Life and Guests
One of the reasons why we made the decision to buy a B&B was knowing that it would enable my husband and I to spend more quality time with our two boys. Whether we enjoy family moments together or tag in and out of looking after them, they get to see a lot more of us. It can, however, be challenging to juggle kids and work when you are living in the business! My blog will discuss the difficulties and strategies of managing their needs and privacy alongside those of our guests. From handling the school run to serving breakfast and planning holidays, I will provide insights on how we try to make everything run as smoothly as possible!
Speaking of children, you might wonder if the B&B lifestyle is conducive to their growth and happiness. I’ll explore this topic and share our experiences, discussing the advantages and potential challenges of raising children in this environment. It’s a lifestyle that can provide rich experiences and valuable life lessons but it’s important to strike a balance that works for everyone!
Sharing the Torbay Experience
As we embark on this exciting journey, I want to do more than just talk about running a business. I also want to share the wonders of South Devon with its breath-taking beauty. From beautiful beaches and secluded coves with crystal-clear waters to cosy restaurants tucked away in charming corners; I’ll be your guide to the best-kept secrets and local delights. And that’s not all. I’ll also share ideas for exciting family outings, suggesting activities and attractions that will create lasting memories with your family. Whether it’s a visit to the nearby zoo, a thrilling adventure park, or a nature reserve perfect for picnics and wildlife spotting, I’ll provide inspiration to keep everyone entertained. Let my blog be your guide to exploring the beautiful sights of South Devon; having grown up in Torbay, my local knowledge and strong connection to the area means I can help you truly experience all that it has to offer.
So join me on social media as I document our journey and share my insights. You can find me @thebnbmum on Instagram or our B&B page is @chesterfieldtorquay on Instagram and Facebook.
Get ready to be inspired, informed, and engaged! Have you got any comments or questions? Is there anything you want to know about running a bed and breakfast? Please don’t be shy – ask away!
Until next time…!
Amanda
