Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
It’s been a juggling act for sure, especially since this is not my day job! I launched Orchard & Ocean earlier this year while on maternity leave with my youngest. There was no way I could have done this when our boy was tiny, but our girl started out strong on the sleep front. (Key words, started out…).
There are times I’ve felt guilty – for the days when my mind was on Orchard & Ocean even while blowing raspberries with my gurgling, giggling baby girl; for the days at work when I’ve wished I could be working on this instead. And I have definitely sacrificed a good bit of sleep!
But it’s given me a creative outlet I didn’t know I needed, and it’s actually created some beautiful moments with our little ones, as we’ve sought out new fun-in-the-sun adventures.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I’m guessing many small-business owners feel similarly, that wearing all of the hats is both a challenge and a perk. With so many new things to learn, no two days are the same. While I’ve been able to outsource some of my marketing to people who are far better at it than I am (thank you again, mums of Instagram!), it’s a continual challenge trying to make the most of limited time, and I know there are things I’m not doing as well as I could. But it’s my business, to make what I can of it, and that in itself is an awesome motivator. And my customers so far have been amazing! As an introvert, I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed the new connections I’m making.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My hope is to be there for you, Mumma, for all the adventures life brings.
From inspiring new (sun-safe) family explorations, to making your pregnancy journey just a bit easier, my aim is to create a range of everyday skincare products that are designed for mums, safe for bubs and kind to our earth.
Our awesome mineral sunscreen has been a great starting point… with more to come! Watch this space – we have an exciting new product announcement coming early next year!
Visit the Orchard & Ocean website to find out more and check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
