Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This question actually made me laugh, as I was using a breast pump while answering it. My oldest son loves to help me – he often asks ‘Can we do Little Farmer stuff?’ then sits and helps count out the seeds for each packet. He is so excited to trial the nature activities and is always so happy that we are sending boxes off for other kids to enjoy. I do often end up working by myself writing and packing boxes until the small hours after both boys are asleep, though I have also been lucky enough to have the help of my lovely mum on occasion.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
My main challenges are probably the same as any business started by a mum with young kids – lack of time and lack of money! My business is still extremely new, so I won’t fully overcome these challenges until my subscriber numbers increase. Feel free to share my page with your friends that have kids! Also, Little Farmer boxes make great presents – hint hint!
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are getting to do something that really excites me and sharing that passion with others. One of my subscribers had always really struggled with growing anything from seed. We discussed what the issues might be and then one day she shared a photo of her first seedlings ever – and they were grown from a Little Farmer box! It was such a proud moment for me.
The other advantage is not only being able to teach my kids gardening skills and a love of nature, but also to follow their dreams!
The cons are trying to fit in everything – there aren’t enough hours in a day! Being a Mum, working 25 hours a week at a charity, plus working on Little Farmer means that I’m often up until 1am. But the satisfaction of seeing the social media photos shared by happy customers makes it all worth it.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’m constantly thinking up new ideas and exciting things that I can’t wait to include in future boxes. I would love Little Farmer to keep growing and become a household name – inspiring a new generation of nature lovers to become kaitiaki for our planet.
Visit the Little Farmer website to find out more about their amazing subscription boxes. You can also find Little Farmer on Facebook and Instagram.
