In terms of innovation, I believe no idea is too crazy or silly and you just need to keep thinking all the time. A few years ago I wondered, who is the biggest celebrity influencer at that moment, that people just want to buy what they wear/have/use? So, I approached Jenner Communications (Kardashian/Jenner) in USA, about sending my books to them from New Zealand as a gift for Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, as their kids were young. I thought how great it would be if the Kardashians were seen to be reading my books to their children in their KUWTK TV series. When they said they would love for me to send my books, I was super delighted! I do not know of course, if the books ever left the Jenner Communications office, but the point is – you never know what is possible unless you try.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balance……hmmm……what is that again?! I am naturally an organised person (Virgo) and I love to be of service to others and provide support. At times it can be overwhelming though, running my bookkeeping business, being a mum, being creative with picture books and scheduling some downtime. I work in what I call ‘windows of opportunity’. I find that I am more productive by working for four hours during school hours, then I have a break when the girls play with their friends after school and I can catch up with their mums. Then there is an opportunity to work four hours later at night after the girls have gone to bed. Weekends I try to keep free, so I can read or workout at the gym, have fun with the girls, do yoga and indoor rock climbing, use meditation apps etc. to relax, recharge and recalibrate.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
It took me a while to realise that one person’s opinion is just that – one person’s opinion – and you just need to follow your own gut instincts. Feel the fear and do it anyway. I follow my own timeline with a focus on authenticity and I try to be the best version of myself. I’ve learnt to strive for excellence, not perfection, as excellence promotes personal growth and improvements, solving problems and doing quality work. Pursuing excellence means valuing the process, not just the outcome. When we value the process, we are better equipped to weather the ups and downs because we know that the outcome isn’t always a reflection of our effort, skills or intelligence.
Good things take time, some people want the peak, but don’t want to climb. I really love this quote too: ‘It’s impossible’, said pride. ‘It’s risky’, said experience. ‘It’s pointless’, said reason. ‘Give it a try’, whispered the heart.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I have the freedom to decide what I want to do each day. I have greater flexibility around attending school events and being part of parent help, so will work in the evenings to make up for work time that was missed.
I keep learning every day, researching ways to improve my skills and processes, with the intention of working smarter not harder. I focus on providing the most value to others and prefer quality over quantity and that mantra flows into all aspects of my life.
The downside of working mainly from home is the isolation. It does, however, make me appreciate the interactions and connections that I already have with others, and on the plus side, I can play my music as loud as I want it to be!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would love to write a best-selling children’s picture book one day. I have some great ideas that involve my daughter Emma. She has been patiently asking me to write books about her for quite a while. Both of my girls have already taken an interest in writing and drawing their own story books on A4 paper, expressing their individuality through their own creative ideas.
What helps me stay motivated is combining outdoor adventures, exercise, rest, relaxation, massage, yoga and meditation into my week. One day I would love to visit a luxury yoga retreat overseas, to fully embrace the mind, body and soul experience. I find that when my mind is still and relaxed, I feel at peace and creative ideas flow more easily.
One of my favourite sayings is: ‘To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act’.
To find out more and to check out Vanessa’s series of gorgeous children’s books, head to the Molly’s Bedtime Stories website. You can also join the Molly’s Bedtime Stories community on Facebook.
