Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
All of the work that we aim to do in HeartRadiance is done in support of Yin (the feminine principal). It’s not easy living in a Yang dominated society and our team definitely has to live and manage that balance in our own lives! All three of our team use flower essences like Gift of Time, Quiet Mind and Vital Energy to help bring us into the energy that is needed in a situation.
Even when your life’s work is supporting the balance of Yin and Yang, it can be easy to fall into thoughts or feelings that are unhelpful and to put ourselves into unnecessary states of stress. Some days it’s easier than others!
Recently I had my second child and despite my unbridled joy, I still battle with the feeling that I am either letting the team down or letting my kids down. It’s a lose/lose perspective when I get into this way of thinking – as being present is the true gift. Being present in the moment is my own secret personal power, that flower essences help me access. Whether I’m giving my time to work, family (or myself), I make sure to show up, be engaged and try to be ‘in the now’ as much as possible.
It’s definitely not a perfect science, so when things get difficult, I have to remind myself that even if it’s not perfect, I am doing it!
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Learning to work as a family and a team was a huge challenge for all three of us, but it has also come with the greatest reward. People always say that you shouldn’t work with family, but I beg to differ (in our case).
We have found that real, authentic communication has been crucial, but difficult at times. Being real with ourselves and each other about what we can achieve, and communicating when we are having difficulty has allowed us to find our groove. This demands a level of vulnerability and openness that probably wouldn’t be as accepted outside of a family business!
I can only speak from our own experience, but we have found that by celebrating our differences, it has brought strength and versatility to the team. As three women, we have all walked very different paths, and at times we have been very close, or had distance between us. Generationally we span over 40 years, and we all have varying lifestyles, passions and interests – so finding ways to connect and unite has been invaluable as the business grows.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Speaking for myself, the cons would have to be the absence of maternity leave and learning to motivate myself and set my own schedule. I’m sure for some, that sounds like a win – but it was really difficult for me!
I really struggle with setting an appropriate amount of work for a day – I’m an all or nothing kinda gal – which is not very compatible when you are working from home with a 6-month-old!
The pros of running my own business would have to be the support and uplifting energy of working with my family team. Before every meeting or day in the workshop making products, we sit in circle and share our intentions, fears or our difficulties. We clear the air of any misunderstandings or communication issues, and we welcome in the energy of the heart – love, collaboration and cooperation.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Our dream is of creating a brighter future for our planet and for future generations. How? By nurturing the emotional and energetic needs of parents and children today, we support our children and our children’s children for generations to come.
We will continue to bring our products to the wider world! We offer natural health education and our products can be purchased in Australia, Taiwan and more recently Japan. We would love to bring our flower essences to New Zealand, The United Kingdom, America and anywhere else where people need support balancing emotional and energetic wellbeing.
Visit the HeartRadiance website to find out more, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
