Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I work in my business on the three days my daughter is at kindy.
On the days I’m “in the office”, I make sure I’m super productive. Each quarter, I set clear objectives so I know where to focus my attention. This helps me stay organised and motivated to do the work that allows me to grow my business and to support women to enjoy a vibrant pregnancy.
On the days I’m with my little girl, I do my best to be present and in the moment with her. I check my phone a couple of times throughout the day in case something urgent comes up, and the rest of the time focus on what’s happening right in front of me.
Meal planning and knowing what’s for dinner each night helps me to feel on top of things. And having a supportive husband and partner who jumps in wherever he’s needed, enables me to juggle work and family.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
To help launch 40 Weeks, I applied for and was accepted into the 2019 ClubsTHRIVE startup accelerator program powered by Australia’s leading corporate accelerator Slingshot. From hundreds of applicants, I was one of only six startup business founders invited to join and one of only two women.
Following the completion of the startup accelerator program, I burnt out.
This set me back a few months in terms of productivity. However, it taught me a great deal about the importance of prioritising my health. I’m much better at resting when I need to, getting out into nature to recharge my batteries, and of course consistently eating a nourishing diet to fuel my creativity.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I love that I get to do work I’m deeply passionate about. And that my work has a positive impact in other’s lives. I love interacting with the mamas in my community and sharing in their pregnancy journey.
I enjoy the freedom and flexibility running my own business gives me. I get to choose when I start and finish work, if I go to a pilates class in the middle of the day, or pick my daughter up early from kindy so we can go to the beach on our way home.
Having said that, there are days when I miss the company of colleagues sitting across from me and working toward the same common goal.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My vision for 40 Weeks has always been to support women throughout their entire pregnancy journey – from preconception, throughout pregnancy, to labour and birth, breastfeeding and beyond.
NOURISH: A Week-By-Week Nutrition Guide For A Healthy Pregnancy supports women throughout the 40 weeks of pregnancy. This online program is already up and running and making a difference in women’s lives.
Soon, 40 Weeks will launch two more online programs – PREPARE: A Couple’s Guide To Getting And Staying Pregnant + NURTURE: A New Mother’s Guide To A Healthy Postpartum.
My wish is for more women to enjoy pregnancy for the wondrous journey it can be, free from complications and heartbreak, and to give their babies a healthy start in life.
Visit the 40 Weeks website to find out more and join their communities on Facebook and Instagram.
