Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This is something that is an ever-evolving process.
Currently with two small children, work tends to be slotted into spare moments, and I’m super thankful I’m passionate about what I do so it’s never ever a chore. I absolutely adore packaging up a bundle to send out to a mama-to-be or a girl getting ready for her first period. It brings me so much joy!
I’ll often be found up late at night making many things happen in this business, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In terms of keeping ourselves happy and healthy, my partner and I both try to ensure we also have time alone each day to exercise, which helps us feel refreshed and ready to face the ups and downs of parenting small children while balancing work and our busy lives.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Working with small businesses (and quite a few of them), we occasionally will have a longer lead time for a handmade product as we are at the mercy of the makers’ work/life balance too!! I try to be as organised as I can be and give plenty of time for them to create, however occasionally, due to unforeseen things happening in everyone’s lives, we may run low or need to substitute or wait for a particular item. It’s something that we endeavour to be fluid on, supporting our customer and our makers as much as possible and offering suitable solutions for all.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Working solo is a pro and a con at the same time. I adore working alone on my ideas and bringing them to life, however I do miss the companionship of having workmates in a regular employment situation at times. Freedom to be creative and show the world your offerings is a huge motivator for me and a big pro, but it does also come with the flip side of being the wearer of a huge number of hats, covering marketing, social media, production, website management, packing and so much more that goes into owning a small business. It’s a big juggle that sometimes can be overwhelming but sending out beautiful things to wonderful people and the feeling that gives me makes it all worth it.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
We are a relatively new kid on the block, so I hope to build Her Keeper from where we currently are into everything I envisioned for it and more. Possibly more collaborations with like-minded businesses, product expansion to benefit even more mamas and women, and continuing to develop our educational and resource side of the business, to lead more women to supportive services and information for all stages of life.
Visit the Her Keeper website to find out more and join their supportive communities on Facebook and Instagram.
