Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Gosh, I am not sure I do!
We have recently welcomed baby number 2 to the family and I have been trying to juggle the newborn, mum, wife, work and business balls as best as I can! I think we all need to be kind to ourselves, remember that we can only do our best and really listen when our tiny people tell us we are “the best mummy in the world” or a customer tells us that they love our products and that they are making a difference.
Every time a breastfeeding mumma tells me how much they love their Milkmaid’s items and how it has helped their breastfeeding journey, it makes my heart happy. I try to take the little wins as they come and use them to fuel my desire to continue on this journey!
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I think most small business owners will agree that establishing a new business and brand is tough! Finding the right channels and messages to share is an ever-evolving exploration and finding the time to stay on top of them can be tricky.
But to be honest, I think the biggest challenge for The Milkmaid’s Closet is that us mummies are so bad at putting ourselves first. No matter how great we think a product is, we are probably going to go buy that super cute baby outfit we just saw instead. I really love it when a husband/partner stops at my market stall and calls their baby-mumma back to look at my products and encourages them to buy something for themselves. We need more people supporting mummies on their breastfeeding journeys!
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I love being able to build something of my own, to be able to use the images I want (how beautiful are pictures of mummies breastfeeding?) and use the words I want to make real connections with real people using the products I have designed based on my own experience. It feels good to help other mummies on their journey.
However, there is no doubt that it is hard to make a small business successful. We don’t have the big budgets or reach that big brands have. Every lost sale feels personal – but so does every positive review!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would love to be able to continue to grow my range for both pregnant and breastfeeding mummies. I would love to keep adding more clothing items and listening to my mummies when they tell me what would make a difference to them on their journeys.
Visit The Milkmaid’s Closet website to check out their beautiful clothing range. You can also follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram.
