Julie Hetherington’s story is one of transformation and dedication. Once a chartered accountant, Julie made a life-changing decision to become a self-employed working mum, driven by her experience of feeling isolated and overwhelmed as a new parent.
In 2010, inspired by her daughter and the desire to build a supportive environment for families, Julie launched a TinyTalk franchise. Her goal was clear: to create a safe, welcoming space where families could come together, connect, and thrive.
Over the past 16 years, Julie has worked with more than 1,500 families across Northfield and beyond. She now runs eight weekly classes—soon expanding to nine—held at various local venues including Holloway Hall Community Centre, Little Bunnies Montessori Nursery on Hagley Road, Allens Cross Community Centre, Bournville Social Club, and Northfield Baptist Church. These sessions cater to families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
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TinyTalk offers more than just classes; it’s a unique program teaching everyday British Sign Language (BSL) baby signs to help parents communicate with their little ones early on. Beyond this, Julie’s classes foster community spirit, welcoming not just mums but also dads, grandparents, foster carers, adoptive parents, and extended family members.
“I love being my own boss and having the flexibility to attend school runs, assemblies, and special events,” says Julie, whose children are now nearly 18 and 12. “But what’s truly rewarding is hearing how our classes have helped improve parents’ mental health, eased anxieties about getting out of the house, and provided a vital social outlet.”
TinyTalk’s impact has been recognized nationally, with the franchise ranking in the Top 100 Children’s Activity Providers in the UK for two consecutive years and winning the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 at the Club Hub Awards.
For Julie, TinyTalk is not just a business—it’s a lifeline that supports families through the joys and challenges of parenthood. She encourages parents to join the community, share experiences, and enjoy the journey together—all with a cuppa and biscuit in hand.