Starting a Business After Teaching with Emma Davies: Lessons from the Founder of ’Is it Time to Play’

In this twenty-ninth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Emma Davies – former teacher and Founder of Is It Time to Play? a creative online business supporting early years and KS1 teachers with playful, practical resources.

Through her website isittimetoplay.co.uk and social media community @isittimetoplay, Emma has built a vibrant space for educators who believe in the power of learning through play.

What began as sharing simple ideas on Facebook during lockdown has grown into a thriving online business offering downloadable planning packs, themed play provocations and time-saving classroom resources.

In this episode, Emma shares her inspiring journey from teaching in the classroom to running her own successful business, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From balancing part-time teaching while starting out, to navigating the leap from security to self-employment — her story is full of honesty, encouragement and practical advice for anyone considering turning their experience into a business.

Emma’s story is a reminder that with creativity, courage and a clear sense of purpose, you can build a business that reflects your values and supports others in meaningful ways.

In this conversation Alex and Emma explore:

• How Emma balanced part-time teaching while growing her business

• The challenges (and freedom) of leaving a secure job behind

• Turning a simple Facebook group into a full-time business

• The mindset, resilience and personal growth behind entrepreneurship

• Navigating freedom, flexibility and boundaries as a solo business owner

• The power of community and staying true to your mission

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Emma
[02:10] Emma’s background and where Is It Time to Play? began
[06:30] Balancing part-time teaching with building a business
[10:45] Making the leap from secure employment to entrepreneurship
[15:20] Growing a Facebook community into a full-time business
[20:05] The importance of mindset, resilience and personal growth
[25:40] Freedom, flexibility and the challenge of boundaries
[32:15] Building a values-led, sustainable business
[38:00] Advice for teachers and creatives starting a business
[44:10] Final reflections and what’s next for Emma

Key Highlights

• How Emma turned her teaching experience into a thriving online business

• The mindset shifts that helped her transition from employment to entrepreneurship

• Lessons on balancing passion with practicality

• Why play and creativity matter — in education and business

• Practical advice for teachers, creatives and early years professionals considering self-employment

Connect with Emma

🌐 Website: isittimetoplay.co.uk
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/isittimetoplay
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/isittimetoplay

Connect with Alex

💻 Book a Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession
📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching
🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com