Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
It is definitely a struggle! Particularly as my boys are only 1 and 3 years old and still require a lot of individual attention. I have 3 days a week at home alone, so I try to focus on those days and work at night a maximum 4 nights a week.
The weekends are definitely family time. I can usually get in a couple of hours to myself over the whole weekend when my husband is busy playing with the kids or they are napping and I can hide away!
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
When your entire business revolves around sexual health and sex, everything is a challenge. From selecting where I printed my journal so not to offend anyone, to being mindful about social media content to ensure that, although all my posts are informative and knowledge-based, the text and images are constructed in a socially acceptable manner. Similarly, social media advertising is virtually impossible so I am very proud that the business is growing steadily organically, and when I speak with both mums and dads, they are extremely appreciative for the business existing and the education and empowerment they are receiving. I receive several comments of “finally someone is talking!”, which gives me the strength to continue to fight and overcome challenges.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
It is difficult to run a business when you are not necessarily business-minded. I am good with the ideas and budgeting but marketing is definitely not my forte. I need to organise my time to balance my research and ideas between content/education planning and marketing/business planning.
But in saying that, I wouldn’t give it up! Why? Because I am finally doing something that I love and am passionate about. I get to educate, empower and liberate women every day and no matter what, there is pleasure in knowing that I am contributing to positive changes in people’s lives, no matter how big or small.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I have several ideas and dreams for the future of Authentic Awareness‘ direction and focus. I’m continuing to strive for my vision to educate, revamp and ignite female sensuality. For now, however, being a new business, I want to remain focused and provide the best service and information to mums as possible. I’ll continue to work on my other ideas for the future slowly.
Now that Covid-19 restrictions are lifting, I am excited to run workshops and have the ability to sit down face-to-face with mums and women and discuss all things pleasure-focused. It is a real joy to see women get excited about all the new concepts they can explore!
Visit the Authentic Awareness website to find out more about the services Vanessa offers. You can also join her communities on Facebook and Instagram.
