Things don’t always go to plan, especially in business. In my mind, Glamour was going to be open and humming along by the time I had a baby; I would have some fabulous maternity leave and be earning money while at home with my newborn. Ummmm wrong!!! When Glamour first opened its doors, I had a 3 month old baby! Rewind to the 2 months or so before that, and it was even crazier, running around trying to get everything set up for a new business while you are just getting the hang of being a new Mum and trying to look after another human who has come along and turned your whole world upside down!
For some of our clients who have been with us from the very beginning, they would have seen Scarlett from when she was a tiny little baby. In the early days, I would be at the salon with her, trying to breastfeed while filling up a pedicure chair or putting a payment through. People thought I was crazy … maybe I was? People used to (and still do) ask me “How did you do it?” and I honestly can’t say I know. All I know is that you just make it work. Just like the other Mums I know who have had to go back to work after a few months maternity leave or Mums who have hubbies who are FIFO, or Mums who just want to desperately get out of the house because they feel like they have cabin fever. For every one of us, we all have our own challenges that we face, but as a Mum, you just make it work!
I must admit that I have felt guilty for not being a stay at home Mum. When I feel the guilt come in, I just need to take a look at my child and see this blossoming, happy and intelligent,almost 2 year old, and know I am giving her the very best I possibly can; setting up a future for her and also role modelling what a woman is capable of! Saying that, I just wanted to share a few tips that I have learnt and applied which have helped me manage being a Mum and a Girl Boss –
1. Take the moments when you can Sometimes I would feel upset because we didn’t get a weekend together or proper “Family Time”. What I’ve learnt is that you aren’t always going to get that, especially when you run a business and your not working a 5 day, 9-5 job. Instead we cherish the moments that we do get together. Whether it’s an afternoon to go and hang at the beach, or it’s a morning breakfast. We make sure that we make those times count, forget the emails and to do list, and enjoy the moments we have together.
2. Routine!
Try and get into some sort of routine. This is something I’m still trying to work out myself. I used to find myself all over the place, running from here to there and then never feeling like I ever achieved a thing. By having a routine, you can accomplish a lot more and be more productive in your day.
3. Have a diary
I used to use my phone as my diary. These days I feel like there’s just too much to write to put in my phone. I’d end up forgetting too many things. I’ve gone back to good old paper! I have a diary I keep in my bag that I use to put in appointments, dates, meetings etc as well as “to do” lists for that day. That way I can remember what it is that I need to achieve for that day and there’s nothing better than ticking off a task!
4. Build a Network
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I couldn’t agree more! I have a wonderful network of people around me and I am so grateful. My husband is my Number 1. He is always encouraging and inspiring me. I’m lucky enough to have family that live close by, as well as wonderful girlfriends. Then add to that, I have met other Mums through Mothers Group. Finally, some awesome fellow Girl Bosses that I’ve met through business networking and socialising, mostly through The Perth Collective which has been such a great idea by Nikki Milne, the founder and a fellow working Mamma. It has been so good to meet other like minded women who go through the same daily struggles, and we all lift up and support one another.
5. Finally – be kind to yourself
Self care is so important. As a Mum you do spend most of your time putting everyone else before yourself. It’s so easy to feel like you are too busy or too needed for any time out for yourself. The truth is that you have to have some timeout. Whatever it is that helps you relax and recharge then make it a priority to go and do it. Have a wine with some girlfriends or go for a massage. You won’t be good for anyone else if you don’t first, look after yourself.
I hope you all have a wonderful Mothers Day.Let’s celebrate Women this weekend – we are pretty fabulous <3
Love Jani xxx
