As Otium Concierge continues to grow and pick up momentum so does our audiences interest in our founder, Katie Moss. Following this we thought there was no better time to take a moment to sit down with Katie and ask her some of our most asked questions.

Why did you start your own business?

Starting my own business was something I had always wanted to do, my late father was an entrepreneur and he was creative, a risk taker and always had flexibility. I started my career in Barclays Bank PLC at 17 years old and stayed until the year my father suddenly died at 24… it was this moment that I decided life was so much more precious than doing something that didn’t bring you happiness. That said, I had great training and learnt a great foundation of skills from Barclays, but I really didn’t believe that it’s where I wanted to be long-term. I left the bank to move a more traditional and boutique style bank, called Duncan Lawrie Private Bank, it was a great set up for fantastic client service. No call centres, just direct communication between a Private Banker and their assistant. Their approach was spot on; however, the culture wasn’t great and with it being a traditional style bank, also came its challenges - one lacking females in senior roles. 

The parent company Camellia PLC decide to close the bank which was when I was made redundant… what a perfect time to set up a business. I was offered another banking role, but I knew it was my time to back myself and make a difference. There were two main drivers for taking the jump;

1. I wanted to earn enough money to get my mum off working nights. For the past 30 years, she has been dementia carer working permanent night shifts, after losing my father her health and happiness was my biggest driver. 

2.  Flexibility is huge to me and it’s something that is important that my staff feel they have. When I started Otium Concierge becoming a mum wasn’t on my radar, but one thing I knew was when I did become a mum that I wanted to do the school run and have time to give my child… fast forward to 2019 and my absolute World arrived – William . Making sure that I have regular quality time with him is the most important thing to me. That all comes with having the flexibility of owning your own business. 

Why concierge?

When working in Corporate and Private Banking you immediately identify with individuals that are time poor, or individuals that do not have the inclination or ability to get things done. 

In my time in banking I have met with serial entrepreneurs worth millions of pounds along with public figures who have money and publicity to deal with. And then there are individuals who are vulnerable, they may be going through a divorce, or have sadly become a widow or widower – whatever the reason, wealth, person – most do not have the time to get things done. 

I am an avid organiser, I organise myself, my partner, my family and I get a lot of joy with being ‘on it’. I love a bargain and I am super savvy at finding things that most people will not have the time to do… so why not do this for a living?

I started by looking after some of my banking clients and the business grew from there. 

Otium has been built to be the practical concierge company, I never want us to be set up as a call centre – press 1 for tickets, press 2 for flowers etc… I want solid relationships where our Lifestyle and Business Managers know their clients inside out. Whether it’s a luxury multi-destination holiday, organising your daughter’s 6th birthday party or booking a dentist or a plumber – just put it on our desk and we will get it done. 

How did you manage having a baby with limited maternity leave?

One thing many know about me, is I managed my whole pregnancy with very few people knowing I was pregnant and that was a personal choice to keep business and personal completely separate, whilst I adjusted emotionally and physically to becoming a mum. I had very little time off… let’s be honest when you own your own business you never truly switch off. Not only did I have a beautiful little boy to nurture and love, but I also had my business baby, which was at such a significant point of growth and I was not ready to step away from it. If I am truly honest, I’m not sure how I managed the first six months of being a mum, I was exhausted, there wasn’t such thing as ‘self-care’…. When William slept, I worked. Some disagree with my ways, some think I’m a superhuman for battling through it, it was my choice to have it all and fortunately I have come out the other end.

What are your aspirations for Otium Concierge in the next 3 years?

In the next three years we want to increase our turnover 200%, this will be through working with businesses to offer Lifestyle Concierge to their clients and staff and with our Business Concierge services growing organically as it is. We would like to have strong team of 10-15 staff with apprenticeships and internships offered within that. It’s key to me that the business never demonstrates a hierarchy and all team members will be conscientious, professional and organised. 

What is the hardest thing you've ever done in business? 

Running a business that was only 18 months old, deciding to move to a new house and have a baby was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done - that said, I am so much more resilient and aware of myself for doing it. 

What piece of advice would you offer to another entrepreneur, or someone starting out on their journey? 

Push yourself out of your comfort zone. It took me 12 months to be confident and believe in myself, and I am still pushing myself now. You have got nothing to lose by putting yourself out there, but by hiding behind a laptop and expecting business to fall on your lap, you are likely to miss out on good opportunities. It’s harder said than done, but there is only one version of you and believe in it. 

For more information, and to connect with Katie click here.