Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
It’s an ongoing challenge! I struggle with “mummy guilt” just as much as the rest of us – when a little voice asks, “Is mummy coming too?” and I have to answer, “No, mummy needs to stay home and work” the guilt definitely rears its head. I need to keep reminding myself that it’s healthy for me to work, it’s healthy for them to see me working and it’s healthy for them to spend quality time with their dad and other carers.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
One major challenge that I continue to try and overcome is my complete prior lack of business knowledge! I think people, myself included before I started Scandi Down Under, often have a romantic idea of running an online business from home. The reality is that it’s actually very hard work and if you want to be in it for the long term, you do need to develop some knowledge around business practices. I am still very much learning but have definitely come a long way since my beginnings two years ago.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
There are definite pros and cons. The flexibility of working from home comes in very handy during school holidays and whenever the kids are sick and can’t go to school or care. The flip side is that it is very hard to “switch off” from work when your work is at home and it can start to feel like you are never not working. Working alone at home can also start to feel quite isolating after a while – I need to make sure I look after my mental health and make time for social interaction.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I hope that Scandi Down Under can continue to grow and help spread the love of colour to more and more families. I would love to widen the range of colourful, ethical labels that we currently have on offer and am always on the lookout for suitable brands. I would also love to be able to take someone on to help me with the demands of the business as it continues to grow, as trying to do everything myself is exhausting! In short, I just want to bring the joy that Scandi clothes bring me to as many people as possible, and am always in the process of figuring out the best way to do that.
To view the full colourful range of Scandi Down Under products, visit their website. You can also check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.
