Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I have been working part time as a relieving teacher since my son was about 2 years old. (He’s now 7.5 years old.) With developing and starting Your Home, Naturally over 2 years ago, I have had to balance whanau life, part time relief teaching and running my own business all at the same time! It has been a challenge. I try to work during school hours, although I present workshops and go to markets on the weekends. My husband has been very supportive and I’m grateful for extended whanau support too. I enjoy Pilates and walking my dogs in my spare time.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Running a small business by yourself takes a lot of time and effort; it’s difficult to switch off sometimes! Learning how to run a business has also been a challenge, as there are so many aspects that I had no idea about! A huge learning curve for me, however, I have enjoyed the challenge. I’ve made mistakes along my journey and have missed business opportunities, but as I slowly grow, so does the business and I’m proud of what I have achieved so far! There are many times when I have questioned “why am I doing this?”. Then I received feedback from one customer who’s so grateful for learning how to make her own Natural Cleaning Products and who has been inspired to clean using sustainable, natural products that are better for our health and better for the environment. Mission accomplished!
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Having to do everything myself. I would love to be able to employ people to do the accounts, run social media, create spreadsheets, etc., so that I can focus on the reason I started the business – to share my knowledge of Natural Cleaning Products. I love presenting workshops, talking to people about their sustainable journey, and selling my products at local markets. I love packaging and making my products! The background business stuff is not why many people start a business; it’s usually the creative part that keeps us going! I don’t mind creating social media posts, as I’m authentic in the way I present myself.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Further development of ready-made products. While I currently teach people how to make their own natural cleaning products through my workshops and eBook, I do recognise the need to sell some products ready made. As parents with busy lives, we don’t always want to use our time to make cleaning products, even though each recipe only takes a minute to make!
With the development of ready-made products, parents can buy in bulk knowing it will last a long time. Subscriptions will come eventually too. It all takes time – it’s part of the development process, another fantastic learning opportunity for me!
🍂Natural Cleaning Products/Service
🌱Homemade cleaning products that don’t cost the earth
🌿Learn to make Natural Cleaning Products in our Workshops/EBook
🏡Sustainable Home & Living
Visit the Your Home, Naturally website to find out more, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
