The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced and continue to work through is imposter syndrome. It’s easy to look around and see other mums in business seemingly thriving and wonder if I’m missing some secret ingredient that defines their success. There are days when I feel confident in my direction and other days when I find myself questioning everything after comparing my journey to others’.
Comparison can be a tough trap to fall into, especially in an age where success is often measured by highlight reels. But I’ve come to realise that success looks different for everyone. What’s important is staying focused on my own goals and definition of progress. It’s a continuous journey, but one I’m committed to. If I can move steadily toward the goals I’ve set for myself, that in itself is a win.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Pros:
The freedom and flexibility are incredibly rewarding, especially as a mum of two under two. Being able to work from home and build something meaningful on my own terms, during the hours that suit my family, is honestly a dream. I love that I can be present for my little ones while also creating something I’m deeply proud of. My hope is that one day my children will look back and see what was built during this season – not just the business, but the balance I tried to create between being a mum and following my passion.
Cons:
Running your own business means wearing all the hats, from content creation and customer service to operations and logistics. It can be challenging to know if you’re making the right decisions, especially without a clear roadmap. No amount of preparation or experience fully equips you for the unpredictable nature of running an e-commerce brand. You have to trust your instincts, back yourself and accept that some decisions may only make sense in hindsight. If something doesn’t work out, the key is to fail fast, learn quickly and keep moving forward.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My dream is to take Belly Bliss as far as it can go – into retailers, into partnerships with physios and midwives and into the hands of as many mums as possible. The goal is to give Belly Bliss the exposure it deserves so that more women can experience the benefits of safer, more restful sleep during pregnancy.
At the heart of it, my mission is to provide thoughtfully designed support where it’s needed most. In the future, this could also mean expanding into complementary products that support mums through every stage of the journey. I already have so many ideas; I’m just hoping we gain the traction and support to keep growing and bringing them to life.
Visit www.bellybliss.co.nz to find out more, and connect with them on Instagram and Facebook.
