The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
When I started my business, I didn’t realise how brutal the world of small business could be. I’m a cheerleader for other small businesses, especially in New Zealand where so many small businesses are run by mums just trying to make enough money to be able to stay at home with their babies. I actively support other cloth nappy businesses and love seeing new brands enter the industry. Community over competition, right? I guess I thought other small businesses would have the same ethos, and whilst a lot do, there have been a few who definitely do not practise what they preach and that has been challenging.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
As many parents will know, when you become a mum (or dad) you can quite often lose your sense of self and who you once used to be. Suddenly life becomes all about your children and there isn’t time to do anything for yourself. My business gives me something to focus on other than being a mum. Life has been incredibly isolating for the last 3 years, what with the pandemic and becoming a mum for the first and second time. I’m also living in a country which is not my home country, without my family and friends, so the day to day can be quite monotonous. Having something to put my energy into has probably, in all honesty, kept me from spiraling into a dark place.
I have also made some great friendships through having the business (most of which are online, but some of which are not) and that is something I am grateful for.
I haven’t yet come across any cons of running my own business. I enjoy it all and need it to keep me sane.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
There are a few things in the pipeline currently, which I haven’t announced publicly yet, but watch this space! River & Bee is on the up and I’m excited to see where life takes us! I’m only getting started!
Visit the River & Bee website to shop their gorgeous range of modern cloth nappies and accessories. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
