This week, we’ve been chatting to Urska Gestrin-Mosquera, the mum behind Latino Bambino, a company offering unique fitness classes for mums with a fun Latino twist. She is currently offering Bubele users a 10% discount on class bookings (see bottom of post for details), so there’s never been a better time to get your pre-baby groove back!
About Urska
A mum of two: Marko, 13 and Hannah, 10. Originally from Slovenia, she’s been living in London for 12 years. Here, she talks to Bubele about her inspiration for Latino Bambino, how she juggles family life and a business, and passes on some words of wisdom for other mums trying to strike out on their own.
What is Latino Bambino?
Latino Bambino specialises in lively and unique postnatal dance classes for new mums wearing their baby in a sling as well as toddler classes for little ones ready to dance on their own two feet.
Latino Bambino was a Netmums Finalist for Best Birthday Party Entertainment in London and, as our name suggests, our sessions are full of Latin rhythms and fun. It’s a place where fitness, family bonding, early learning and ‘fiesta’ all blend into one!
What are your favourite things to do with the kids in London?
My kids absolutely love going to different places and exploring new things, which is pretty easy since London has so much to offer. In fact, we have been building a family list of places and things to do in and around London over the years so if we run out of ideas or find ourselves repeating the same things, we have a quick look in our ‘guide’ for inspiration. It has grown a lot over the years so now we just need more weekends to be able to visit them all!
Family favourites are South Bank in the summer, and the Science and Horniman museums, but I personally prefer quieter places and contact with nature to recharge my batteries.
Before having my children, I was worried that London might not be a ‘baby friendly’ city, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. There are so many places to go and things to do with your kids in London and I have seen it change a lot in the past 10 years. The preschool activities/class providers have also boomed since the recession so parents are really spoiled for choice.
What was the motivation behind Latino Bambino?
I started Latino Bambino in 2007 and my biggest motivation was my children. Of course my passion for dance was a huge factor, too. I could not see myself living without dance even after having children and have to keep it alive but my priorities had changed. When my second child turned 1, I knew I didn’t want to return to Ballroom and Latin American dance coaching, as this would mean working late hours and not being able to be with my children after school and on weekends. Designing a class that would run during the day was the only option, as I wanted to keep dancing but fit it around my family. Since I always danced at home with my babies (to soothe or entertain them), I realised that a dance class with babies would actually offer many benefits, not only to mothers but babies as well. Even better, there was nothing like that out there!
How do you juggle family and work life?
For me it was pretty easy starting the business. I had the drive, enthusiasm and support and was also used to doing things on my own, having previously owned a dance school in my native country Slovenia. However the biggest challenge was, and still is today, finding a balance! The switch off and on between work and family/life, the constant ‘ping-pong’ between my professional and private lives and the guilt and overwhelm that comes with it. I’ve learnt that there isn’t a formula that does the trick. Every day is different and brings new challenges, whether in business or private life, so you just have to go with the flow and be kind to yourself in the process.
Do you have any tips for other mums thinking of starting their own business?
The most important thing for me is passion. Passion will get you through the hard days. Build your business from the heart! Also, delegate! Do what you are good at and outsource what drains you. And never compare yourself or your success/life to others. Comparison is a “You” killer! So, just go for it! The world needs your gifts!
Class information
Classes currently take place in St. John’s Wood, Islington, Rotherhithe and Greenwich. Latino Bambino also offers private classes (or small group of friends) and Children’s Birthday Parties (ages 2-7). Licensing opportunities will be available soon for anyone interested in running their own classes.
Mum & Baby class (from 6 weeks onwards)
Toddler class (1-4 years)
Special Offer
To take advantage of a 10% discount on Latino Bambino classes, book via the following links:
Book classes in Islington: trial class, 6-week block, 12-week block
Book classes in Rotherhithe: trial class, 6-week block, 12-week block
Book classes in St John’s Wood: single class
For more details on times and locations, check www.latinobambino.co.uk or call Urska on 07961838349