Lucia Krivosudska’s long work commute on the London tube, from East to West London, got her thinking. Twelve years living in the capital, working in retail management, but was it really what she wanted to do? 


She had taught children to dance in children’s centres in her home country and knew this is what she wanted to do – “but in a very different way and on a bigger scale”. 

Whilst living in London, Lucia started to do her research and soon concluded that children’s centres had a similar set-up, they all seemed to be doing the same thing. She wanted to give parents what they wanted, but felt she could offer something more than what was already out there. 

Fast forward some time and Lucia’s plans were put on hold when she had her first baby. This gave her the opportunity to start writing up potential activity plans for what she hoped would be her future business. She believes she was spurred on by the creative environment she lives in; her partner designs cartoon characters! 

When her baby was 5 months old, the family decided to move to Liverpool. Here, she began to visit children’s centres, this time as a parent herself. She still felt her business idea could offer something more. 

It was at one of her play centre visits that she first learnt about The Women’s Organisation . Coincidentally, Lucia is a Liverpool Mutual Homes tenant, who are a strategic partner of Enterprise Hub, which The Women’s Organisation delivers on! 


After feeling satisfied with her research, Lucia took the plunge and booked a meeting with a business adviser. She was assigned to Business Adviser, John Jones, who helped to book her on to relevant workshops and training courses.

She said: “I realised the set up of my business idea would be a challenge due to funding, it would cost a lot to set up. After considering my options, I realised that I couldn’t keep on waiting, it’s better to get things moving slowly than not moving at all.”

Encouraged by the advice she received, Lucia decided to set up Bumbleland, a children’s entertainment business, initially on a small scale with the intention to grow.

She said: “Our aim is become a well-known children’s organisation or club, with various creative activities under one roof. We want to be the place where every child’s story begins.”


Being your own boss, is a big plus point for Lucia, but finally becoming a business owner means a great deal more. She added: “For me, it’s about personal fulfilment. Owning and running your own business can be more satisfying than working for someone else.”

Lucia says the biggest barrier she has faced is the financial aspect. She admits that she has had to keep earning from other work. Now a mum-of-two, she has to make sure she can provide for her family whilst still getting funds to develop her business further. She is in the process of applying for a start-up loan.

How does she cope? She says it’s all about planning and prioritising – “Just keep moving, bit by bit, but moving”.

Lucia was helped by The Women’s Organisation, who can help women with advice and workshops, to enable them to start their own business. If you are a woman and would like more information on setting up a business, you can contact them on hello@thewo.org.uk / 0151 706 8111.

To learn more about Bumbleland, you can visit their Facebook page here. Or email info@bumbleland.org.