Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Oh, this is a big one! I am definitely finding this much easier now that my children are that bit older and more independent. I work from home mostly so there has always been blurred lines between work and home. I find these days I’m much better with having set work hours and being aware of prioritising my own self-care, exercise and me-time.
Weekends and evenings are strictly family time unless I have a big deadline or am running a retreat or workshop. My family time is really sacred to me and I have always stood by strict boundaries in regard to this. It helps me to feel well balanced in my home/work life.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I think the biggest challenge for me over the years has been having the time to put into building my business with young children and also supporting my husband in his business.
I will drop everything for my family and so there have definitely been times when my business has suffered as a result.
I have also had to find ways to overcome these same challenges with my clients who, as mothers, will also drop everything for their children and that often means not being able to show up for their coaching sessions, yoga class or personal training session.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
A huge pro for me has been the ability to work my own hours. With a young family this has been so important for me. I have always been able to do school drop off, pick up and make it to all the school activities. I have loved having that freedom and feel extremely grateful to have had that ability.
On the flip side of that though is the constant pressure and stress of having to continuously grow, expand, learn and find new clients. Running a business can be both rewarding and challenging!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
There are so many new things in the pipeline that I am excited about. My business continues to grow and expand and of course I am always studying something new too because I love being a student and learning new things!
In-person workshops and events are definitely on the list, as well as a few new programs and a mastermind supporting women in wellness businesses.
Head to www.melaniehansen.com.au to find out more, and join Melanie’s supportive communities on Facebook and Instagram.
