SETTING up a business by yourself can often be an unnerving and confusing time - especially if you are used to a nine to five job.

But one Worcester mum who turned her back on a career she had always enjoyed to go it alone once she had her first child said it is her son who helps to provide her with inspiration and motivation.

In fact, looking at some of son William's favourite clothes he had long outgrown provided the basis for Layla Murphy's business Flutterby Memories.

Rather than having favourite tops, babygros and sleepsuits sat in a bin bag in the loft, Layla transforms them into beautiful quilts, mats or blankets.

Since May 2013, the business has slowly begun to grow thanks to a Business Start Up Support grant from Worcester City and Worcestershire County Councils.

Now she can offer personalised t-shirts with funny slogans, embroidered photographs of children and - especially for Christmas - stockings and Father Christmas hats with the child's names.

It has been a hard slog to get her business off the ground but it has meant Layla can spend more time with William, now aged two, at home in Warndon Villages.

"I've never regretted the decision to work for myself, I haven't looked back at all.

"It's been brilliant and it has meant I've been able to raise my son myself and not had to spend money on childcare.

"It was a bit easier when he napped because I could do all my work then but now he is looked after by my mother-in-law for a half day on Wednesday so I can work."

It has been the perfect work/life balance for Layla though she does often have to work at night times when her son is sleeping.

While the grant from the programme helped her design a professional looking website, it has been the business advice from her mentor which has proven invaluable.

Everything from becoming a limited company, to marketing your business and business plans is covered in workshops and with one-to-one support.

"I meet my mentor at a meeting room in The Hive so William can sit and play while we talk.

"My partner works from home too so it works really well because we can share childcare."

Layla, who studied psychology at University of Worcester, is hoping to expand Flutterby Memories and has some exciting plans for the new year.

For other parents thinking about going it alone, she said it was best to think about what skills you had and how you could make them marketable.

"At the end of the day, it is not all about the money but you've got to make enough to make it worthwhile.

"Make sure you speak to people about your ideas - I spoke to people in children's centre or mums I knew from the library and my little sister spoke to her friends to see what they thought about the business.

"Network a lot.

"And if you're in Worcester, go for the Business Start Up Support grant, or if not, see if your councils runs a similar programme."

For more on the business log on to flutterbymemoriesltd.com or follow her new blog flutterbysmummy.wordpress.com.

Layla Murphy will be at the Craft in Action fair at The Guildhall, Worcester on Friday, December 19.