On the Side… and a Bit More
Why I started Mochi & Maple (and why it’s now helping others too)
I didn’t set out to start another business.
In fact, if you’d asked me at the time, I would have said I had more than enough going on already.
Farm life.
Five children.
A Multi Award Winning business (3 Donkeys) already ticking along.
But like a lot of people, I found myself thinking… it would be nice to have something else on the side.
Something flexible. Something that could bring in a bit extra. Something that didn’t feel like a full-time commitment.
And if I’m honest — something a bit more fun.
It started with a simple thought…
I didn’t want to sell the usual things.
You know the ones — the same gifts you see everywhere, the ones that feel a bit… predictable.
I wanted something different. Something people would pick up and smile at. Something affordable, but still felt like a treat.
That’s where Mochi & Maple came in.
A mix of kawaii-inspired finds (because who doesn’t love something a bit cute?) combined with some of our favourite British-style touches — all pulled together into a collection that just works..
And then something clicked…
Once it started working, I realised something quite quickly:
It wasn’t just me looking for this.
So many people want a way to earn a bit extra — but without the pressure, the risk, or the complexity that often comes with “starting something”.
They want:
- Flexibility
- Low commitment
- Something that fits around real life
- And ideally… something that’s actually enjoyable
And most importantly — they want to be in control of how much (or how little) they do.
Taking the hard work out of starting
The reality is, starting something from scratch can be overwhelming.
Finding products.
Working out what sells.
Ordering stock.
Taking the risk.
I’ve already done that part.
I’ve spent the time figuring out what people pick up, what they come back for, what actually works on a stall, in a shop, or when you show it to a friend.
So instead of everyone having to start from zero, I wanted to make it simple.
Pick what you like.
Or let me choose for you.
Use your own wants.
Sell in your own way.
No big setup. No complicated systems. No pressure.
If that sounds like something you’ve been looking for, you can find out more on the On the Side and More… page.
It’s not just about side hustles…
What’s been really lovely to see is how this has naturally grown beyond that.
It’s not just individuals — it’s groups too.
Charities.
PTFAs.
Fundraising teams.
All looking for something a bit different from the usual raffles and bake sales.
And suddenly, this becomes a really simple way to bring something new to the table — something people actually want to buy.
If you’re part of a group, you can explore how it works right here.
This isn’t about “building an empire”
It’s about having something on the side.
Something that works for you.
Something that fits into your life — not the other way round.
Whether that’s:
- covering a few extras each month
- saving for something specific
- or just having your own little thing going on
And if you’re thinking about it…
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need a big plan.
You just need a starting point.
That’s exactly why I created this — to make that first step feel a lot less daunting, and a lot more doable.
✨ If you’ve been thinking about starting something on the side — or finding a new way to fundraise — you can get started here:
Or just get in touch — I’m always happy to help you get going.