Meet Julie Hetherington who switched her career as a chartered accountant to become a self-employed working mum . Feeling ‘isolated and overwhelmed’ as a new parent , she launched a TinyTalk franchise as she wanted to create a safe, welcoming space for families to come together. In the past 16 years, she has been thrilled to work with more than 1,500 families and to hear how her classes have helped boost positive mental health . Read more: These are the best soft play centres, according
to Birmingham mums and dads Read next: The best children’s role play towns in and around Birmingham “I launched my franchise back in 2010 because of my daughter who was and will always be my ‘why’ – why I do my job to be there for her, why I work hard to provide for her, why I changed my career as a chartered accountant to be a self employed working mum,” said Julie, from Northfield . “Back in April 2010, I began a personal journey
to bring something special to the community. “At that time, baby and toddler classes were far fewer and as a new parent myself who felt isolated and overwhelmed, I knew the importance of support and connection. “That’s why I was determined to create a safe, welcoming space where families could come together, learn, and grow.” Julie now runs eight classes (soon to be nine) a week at Holloway Hall Community Centre Holloway in Northfield, Little Bunnies Montessori Nursery on the Hagley Road, Allens Cross Community
Centre in Northfield, Bournville Social Club and Northfield Baptist Church. They cater for families with tiny newborns up to toddlers and those who are almost ready for school. TinyTalk recently ranked in the Top 100 Children’s Activity Providers in the UK at the Club Hub Awards for the second year running after winning their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. The classes teach everyday BSL based baby signs to help the adults communicate with their little ones earlier than waiting for them to find their voice.
But more than that, they’re about building a community. And it’s not just mums as dads, grandparents, foster carers, adoptive parents, relatives and family friends also attend. “I love my job because, by being my own boss and setting my own work hours, it has meant I have had the flexibility to be there for every school run, assembly, special event and appointment for both children,” said Julie, whose children are now almost 18 and 12. “I also love hearing how my classes have positively
impacted peoples mental health post having a baby, how we have helped with the anxiety of getting out of the house and to a class, how classes have fostered communication skills, and provided a much-needed social outlet – it is so incredibly rewarding! “TinyTalk is more than just my business; it’s a lifeline for parents and a joyful experience for children. “Together, we can navigate parenthood, build lasting connections, and have fun along the way, oh and a cuppa and biscuit too!” Find out more
via the TinyTalk website This is part of our Brummie Mummies Kitchen Table Business series. If you’d like to be part of this series, please comment below and send us a DM via the Brummie Mummies Facebook and Instagram pages, or email zoe.chamberlain@reachplc.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Brummie Mummies on Facebook and Instagram , listen to our podcasts and sign up to our free Brummie Mummies newsletter for more ideas on family things to do around Birmingham.
Northfield mum, Julie Hetherington, TinyTalk, chartered accountant turned self employed, working mum, baby sign language, BSL, Holloway Hall Community Centre, parenting support Birmingham, mental health for parents
Good for her I guess.
So she quit being an accountant to run a kids play thing? Honestly sounds like the best idea ever if it keeps families from feeling alone. Wish we had more stuff like that here.
Wait is TinyTalk like a language class? Cuz the name sounds like talking/baby speech therapy not soft play. Also 8 classes a week sounds intense… who’s watching the staff if she’s doing everything? I’m probably reading it wrong.
Not gonna lie, I feel like these “top 100 providers” lists are always rigged or whatever lol. But I do like the idea that parents can go somewhere safe instead of just doomscrolling at home. If her classes helped 1500 families mental health then that’s actually big. Also eight classes soon to be nine… sounds like she’s grinding, good on her, even if I don’t fully get the franchise part.