From juggling family and career to clinching a national award. Here we speak to our founder Julie Hughes after her recent recognition at this year’s Solopreneur Awards.
Life is a balancing act, especially when you’re trying to manage a demanding career and busy family life. For Rugby-based entrepreneur Julie Hughes, overcoming these challenges has not only transformed her career but has now earned her a prestigious award.
Julie was recognised at the Solopreneur Awards in Solihull on 3 October for her outstanding achievements in probate services.
Looking back on Julie’s career so far
Julie’s passion for probate work began in her early career when she took on a secretarial role at a law firm. It was there that she discovered her interest in helping clients navigate the often emotional and complex process of handling estates. After gaining experience with several firms, she settled in Rugby and qualified as a Probate lawyer, working for a large law firm.
However, life had its challenges in store. Between 2007 and 2008, Julie had two sons, and by 2010, her marriage had ended. With two young boys to care for, she made the difficult decision to step away from her full-time career and take on part-time roles that allowed her to prioritise her children while still providing for her family.
Rediscovering her passion for probate
In 2015, Julie was headhunted for a probate role in Leamington. Around this time, she and her partner Simon welcomed a daughter, Winnie, into the family before the couple married shortly after. But juggling a demanding job with three children became overwhelming. Once again, Julie chose to put her career on hold to focus on her family.
Then came the pandemic in 2020, which sparked a pivotal moment in her career. Julie helped a friend manage the estate of her grandmother – an experience that she says ‘reignited her passion for probate work’. Encouraged by her friend, it was then that Julie decided to launch her own probate business.
And on 1 January 2021, Hughes Probate Services was born.
Building a business with a personal touch
Julie’s approach to probate is not only professional but also personal. Julie tailors her services to the needs of her clients and works around their schedules, often visiting them in the evening after they finish work. Her flexibility allows her to be there for her children and still deliver the highest level of service to her clients. This unique hands-on approach inspired her business motto: ‘Practical guidance with a human touch.’
Julie provides not just legal expertise but also emotional support during what can be, extremely difficult times. She’s built a reputation for making a complex process easier for families, offering the convenience of discussing sensitive matters from the comfort of their own homes, over a cuppa, at a time that suits them.
Since its launch, her business has grown, with one of Julie’s proudest moments coming in November last year when Hughes Probate officially became a limited company.
A word from others
Sandra Garlick MBE, Founder of the Woman Who and the Solopreneur Awards, praised Julie’s determination and dedication. Sandra called Julie a ‘role model who inspires others’.
What’s next for Hughes Probate Services?
Julie has no plans to slow down. With business thriving, she is already working on expanding her services to offer additional support to families during the probate process.
To learn more about how Julie and her team can support you during such a challenging time, get in touch with Hughes Probate Services.
Julie Hughes’ journey from navigating personal challenges to building an award-winning business is an inspiring reminder that with resilience, passion, and a human touch, anything is possible.
