Discovering yoga for children was a turning point for me. I became a teacher through my wonderful yoga teacher in Melbourne 3 years ago. I had an increased awareness of myself and what I needed, which enhanced my support of children and their needs. This journey continues even now.
Music is a passion and brings me great joy. Music Miracles was founded in 2019 and is a class that is often the highlight of my week. Sharing songs, instruments and puppets together with children and their caregivers creates a happiness that is palpable and felt by all who are part of the experience.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
The wonderful opportunity of having your own business is the flexibility to combine your passion for your work and family. My hours can be juggled around and moved when I need to be with family and when it suits families to connect. I have been able to care for those whom I love and still be able to explore the wonders of play for families and develop new ideas and forums to provide my service. While this has been on a small-scale last year, I hope to provide a broader and wider service to more families in 2021.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
As a result of both personal family challenges and the usual business challenges of having contracts end suddenly, including relocating interstate personally, I have had to build the business almost from startup multiple times. One that I had never anticipated, like many, was the Coronavirus pandemic, however it has given me time to ponder, reflect and create in my business and use the skills that I have learned. There is always learning that can come from any experience and I am grateful for the many opportunities I have had. I am excited to see what 2021 brings to the people in my play community.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Some of the pros are definitely flexibility, adaptability and creativity! Running my own business means I can respond to what I notice or observe is missing or needed for a family quickly and responsively. I love customising and tailoring products with a personal touch for my clients. Designing is a favourite aspect for me – workshops, products, a service, it’s all fabulous fun!
Cons can be locating suppliers with the resources you need; however, I have found wonderful suppliers. One has to have boundaries around how much you work and when, especially from home. Time Management is very important, and supporting family and loved ones you live with to understand you are working even though you are at home! Your financials are very important and if this is not your forte, do outsource it, as where is your time best spent effectively? A question I need to address often!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I hope to expand and be able to offer my services and products to more families and services in 2021 and beyond. So much so, that I would need to and love to be able to employ more like-minded people who value and have a heart for children and families as much as I do.
My dream is that children are able to identify their feelings and work through them with their caregivers in a way that is most supportive for all people in the relationship. I hope to be able to contribute to this possibility in some small way with the services and resources I have available. Seeing a play moment between a parent and child where you can feel the love energy between them is my why.
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