![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/i-was-a-single-mum-on-benefits-living-in-a-flat-with-5-people-thanks-to-my-hobby-i-now-own-a-giant-home-earn-100k/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/newspress-collage-23336648-1691135611200.jpg&description=MUM'S THE WORD I was a single mum on benefits living in a flat with 5 people – thanks to my hobby I now own a giant home & earn £100k A mum who spent a year on benefits says she now makes 'six figures' a year - after building two businesses. Gemma Spalding-Tunnicliffe, 31, was at her lowest ebb after splitting from the father of her children in early 2017. 6 The mum with her children, Chester and Elijah Credit: SWNS 6 Gemma and Josh outside their new home Credit: SWNS Single and on benefits, she says the last straw was when she was shown a mould-infested rental flat. Gemma, from Norwich, decided there and then to turn her life around. She launched a tutoring business, for which she now charges up to £45 for an hour lesson. And she also taught herself to do macramé, tying knots to produce fabric - and now sells her wares online. Gemma claims the combined earnings from her business are over six figures - and she owns the big home she has always dreamed of. She said: "There's no bigger stereotype than a young single mum on benefits. "People made me feel awful about my situation. But one person was really encouraging, which was lovely - and made a real difference. "Remember there's a way out, and you're not alone. "If you have the fire in your belly to go and do something just do it - don't give up. "It wasn't luck, it was hard hard work and being prepared to put the time in. I'm so glad I did it." Gemma separated from dad of her children, Elijah Spalding-Dale, now seven, and Chester, now six, early in 2017. She didn't return to her work as an activities coordinator after maternity leave - and had to sign on. She struggled along with her child tax credit, housing benefit and income support, which totaled around £1,100 a month. Finding it difficult to keep up with the rent payments on her three-bed terraced home, she went on the housing list. But she was horror-struck when she viewed a housing association bungalow that was filthy and full of mould. And it was then she de){kind=link}
A mum who spent a year on benefits says she now makes ‘six figures’ a year – after building two businesses.
Gemma Spalding-Tunnicliffe, 31, was at her lowest ebb after splitting from the father of her children in early 2017.
Single and on benefits, she says the last straw was when she was shown a mould-infested rental flat.
Gemma, from Norwich, decided there and then to turn her life around.
She launched a tutoring business, for which she now charges up to £45 for an hour lesson.