From Early Years teacher to top class music sessions for children

It was only when she started a family and had three children, that she realised the school and teacher work / life balance didn’t work with a young family.

That’s when she found Popcat’s Music Time and after launching her first sessions online during the Covid-19 pandemic, her classes for babies and toddlers are award-winning – double award-winning.

Hollie and Popcat’s Music Time Northwich is the winner of our latest Best of 2024 title – Best for Kids, an award she won last year.

In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out 12 awards.

• Best for Hair - Fox Hairdressing
• Best for Pies - JD's Café
• Best for Nails - Blue Beauty Cheshire
• Best for Roast Dinner - The Bowling Green
• Best for Cocktails - The Grape and Bean
• Best for Breakfast - Zaza Café
• Best for Fish and Chips - The Corner Fish and Chip Shop
• Best Beer Garden - The Carriers Inn
• Best for Fitness – Lucas Debek
• Best for Tattoos – Face Base
• Best Independent Shop or Business – Pulse of Perfumery
• Best for Dessert – Layers Treats

Voting for Mid Cheshire’s Best for Pets is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Beauty.

Vote for Mid Cheshire’s Best for Pets 2024

Nominate your favourite for Mid Cheshire’s Best for Beauty 2024

Ten kids’ classes and groups in Mid Cheshire made the shortlist for our latest Best of 2024 awards and Popcat’s Music Time Northwich took this year’s coveted crown for the second year in a row.

Hollie bought the Popcat’s Music Time franchise for Northwich in 2021.

Hollie bought the Popcat's Northwich franchise in 2021

She was born and bred in Northwich and lived in Barnton for most of her life before moving to Winnington in 2017.

Hollie has classes at Winnington Community Building, Northwich Rugby Club and Winnington Rec with sessions every day including at the weekend.

She started during the lockdowns of the Covid-19 pandemic hosting classes on Zoom for the first four months before moving into halls with restrictions and limited numbers.

In September 2021, she started Popcat’s pay as you go classes with no need to book and babies under six months are free.

Hollie, who is 39, said: “Popcat’s is a music and movement class for babies and children aged zero up to five.

“Each class is an hour of action-packed fun, including nursery rhymes, toys, instruments, bubbles, parachute and so much more!

“We even have a social time at the end where each child receives a healthy snack and a hot drink for the grown-ups.

“I offer SEN sessions on a monthly basis, which are smaller classes tailored to children with special educational needs.

“I literally just go with the flow.

“I love being able to offer these sessions and since I started them, they have grown so much.

“I find it sad that’s such a lack of accessibility for children with SEN.”

Popcat's is a music and movement class for babies and children aged zero up to five

She added: “I also offer parties, which are similar to a classes, and there aren’t many weekends where I am free.

“I’ve even got party bookings for 2025!”

Mum-of-three Hollie, who has Lilia, aged 12, ten-year-old George and Matilda, who is six, was a teacher for 13 years, working in Early Years.

But, with three young children, the teacher work / life balance didn’t fit with family life and Hollie decided she needed to find a healthier way of working.

That’s when she found Popcat’s.

Hollie said: “Popcat’s Music Time is a franchise which started in Wirral nearly 10 years ago, by Catherine Willams, also a former teacher who wanted a better work-life balance.

“I think why Popcat’s stands out from everyone else is that all our classes, wherever you go, are pay as you go (PAYG) so there is no need to book.

“We offer siblings discount and under six months are completely free.

“Not only that, but we really do entertain the children for a full hour.”

Hollie has Popcat's classes every day - even at weekends

What do customers and families think about Hollie’s classes? Why did they want Popcat’s to win the latest Best of 2024 award?

One nomination said: “These classes are just brilliant.

“My little girl has been going since she was six weeks old and she loves it.

“Hollie is brilliant with the kids and the grown ups – they all love her!

“Thank you Hollie for bringing something so fabulous to our families.”

One review on Hollie’s Facebook page said: “Both of my girls love coming along to Popcat’s with Hollie.

“My eldest daughter attends the SEN sessions.

“It’s such a lovely environment where she can be herself.

“She loves the structure and joining in with her favourite songs.

“All sessions are well structured with lots of different songs and activities.

“Hollie gets to know all the young people who come along and their families.

“We chat with Hollie on a regular basis - not always Popcat’s related – and I always recommend Hollie to anyone looking for children’s classes or entertainment.”

Each class is an hour of music, bubbles and games

The best thing about Hollie’s job is that it never feels like a job.

She loves meeting new families and watching their little ones grow.

Hollie said: “I can’t believe how many milestones I’ve been lucky to see with so many families.

“It truly is a real honour.

“When I found out I’d been nominated again for Mid Cheshire’s Best for Kids, I felt so lucky.

“To win the award two years running just feels incredible!

“I cried when I got the phone call and I honestly feel like the luckiest person ever.

“I really cannot thank everyone enough - I really wouldn’t be here without everyone’s support and their wonderfully kind words.

“I genuinely love each and every one of you, past and present Popcatters!

“My dancing shoes are always ready and I can’t wait to continue dancing with you!.”