The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I face challenges every day-whether it’s staying organised, managing nerves, building confidence, juggling work and family, or questioning myself as a mum: Am I doing enough? Did I miss something?
My greatest tool for overcoming these challenges is maintaining a positive mindset and practising intentional self-talk. I’m a strong believer in the power of daily gratitude and affirmations. They might sound cliché, but they really work. Like any skill, gratitude requires consistent practice. I’m reminded of Norman Vincent Peale’s famous words: “The more you practise the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for”. That mindset makes all the difference.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The biggest advantage of my work is being able to fit it around my family life while learning from my greatest teachers-my children. They show me every day how to be a better mum and how to connect with other parents. Whenever I face a challenge and find a solution, I think, “I hope I can share this with someone to make their day easier”.
On the flip side, there are only so many hours in a day. It’s frustrating when I can’t accomplish things as quickly as I’d like, which I know many mums can relate to. When that happens, I remind myself to breathe and break tasks down into manageable steps. As Desmond Tutu said, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My goal is to continue developing online courses that provide parents with the support they need, whenever they need it. I’d also love to create a school resource focused on teaching children about gratitude and building healthy relationships-something I’ll work on steadily over time. Another dream is to organise group sessions for mums in my community, offering a space to connect and share experiences.
This year, my primary focus is expanding my online courses and connecting with as many parents as possible within the time I have available
Visit the OURORA website to find out more and follow Toni on Facebook and Instagram.
