The products that I stock must be in keeping with my motto “Happy Designs, Happy Hearts, Happy Futures”. These products I would be happy to have in my home, use on my family/myself and be happy for my friends to use themselves and on their family. If I am not willing to use or do not use these products myself, then I do not stock them.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
My business is still relatively new. I have been very grateful to have met some amazing people, particularly through social media. They have been my inspiration, my mentors and my motivators. These people have been so kind to me and offered me so much advice and support. They have really helped me to grow my audience and answer my many, many questions regarding my business, branding and my image. Right now, I am working on exciting collaborations and projects with some of these people. These exciting things are going on in the background over the next few months.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I am currently juggling my business, my other job/passion as a Paramedic and my family life… things are hectic! Sometimes balancing and finding time for everything can be rather stressful and crazy. I am very fortunate and grateful for a wonderfully supportive husband and parents who help me quite a lot. If it weren’t for them, then I would not be able to get everything done.
When I am home with my daughter, I ensure that I am spending time with her, we are usually out and about exploring our wonderful world. This time I get to spend with her, and with my husband is critical to me. I keep my business duties and most of my household chores to a time when she is sleeping. However, this is going to become quite difficult once she has stopped day naps and we have another baby in the picture. But when this happens, I will work it out and find something that works best for my family and me – they are my number one priority.
The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I want my brand and business identity to be fun, lighthearted and colourful. I want a baby and children’s business that stands out from the crowd and that people can easily identify as Petit Pois Boutique. I initially found it difficult to blend my brand image and the beautiful natural products together because the products that I stock are quite soft, natural and neutral. I have now found a way to do this and to have a consistent image which is bright and fun but also compliments the beautiful products and ranges that I stock.
The other big challenge that I have and am yet to overcome is finding/using the right words when speaking to my audience from a place that feels like me. I don’t do fake.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I always need to be doing something, making, creating or decorating, I do not sit still very often. Having my own business allows me to have a creative outlet. It has allowed me to meet some fantastic people who share the same beliefs and values as me.
The biggest con (but also very much also a pro) would be the time I spend on social media… I feel like I am continually trying to keep up with it and technology. I am no tech guru!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would love to be able to design my own fun and happy range of babies and children’s products. These would be ethically made, have a minimal impact on our beautiful world and do not use any nasty fabric dyes or chemicals in the manufacturing process. I want to ensure that I do everything in my power to deliver products that line up with my values, cutting corners is not an option for me. I am open to collaborating with and would love opportunities to design fabrics for any businesses in children’s sleepwear, bedding and clothing that uphold my values and morals.
Check out the Petit Pois Boutique website, and follow their online community on Facebook and Instagram.
