Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
My husband would say very badly! Running your own business gives you the flexibility to be there for Athletics Day or Teachers-Only Days or when the kids are sick. But it also means that the business keeps going 24/7. And of course we are on line so we are technically available all the time. I love working though so I am my own worst enemy. I am always looking at ways to improve systems or products or presentations. There is always something to do. Even in the quieter colder months of the year, there is always so much to do.
The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
A better question would be what challenges are you overcoming? Trying to be an expert in all facets of the business would be the greatest challenge. I have come to realise though that it is not physically possible to be an expert in all areas. At the end of the day, you need to be able to trust people to handle parts for you. Having a rapport and clear understanding with those people is essential so they in effect act as extensions of yourself.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The biggest pro is controlling your own destiny; it is meeting like-minded people and being inspired by others enthusiasm and success.
It is having an idea and being able to run with it. If it doesn’t work, you can try something else.
The cons: The buck literally stops with me. I can’t call in sick because I’m having a bad day.
I am lucky enough though to have a business mentor who is great at putting me back on the right track and making me think about what’s important. It is easy to otherwise get caught up in the detail. The fun and invigorating part is looking at the big picture and planning accordingly.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
We would like to grow this business so we can offer installation services around the country. We would like to continue to offer fun and innovative, outdoor products that encourages children’s mobility. We would like to help more kids with special needs where we can and in the future too, we would like to offer affordable commercial product to the small playcentres and preschool groups around the country who really struggle to raise the funds for the big corporate commercial standard playgrounds.
Head over to the Kiwiplay website to find out more and see their amazing products!
