Jaimee Browne’s journey to living a more natural, earth-friendly life began about 10 years ago. After struggling with migraines, panic attacks, anxiety, and eczema, and failing to see long-term results from mainstream methods, she turned to a more holistic and natural approach for healing herself and improving her quality of life. What she put in, on and around her body became of the utmost importance. She took over Earth Mama in 2021, providing non-toxic, natural alternatives that are safe for families and kind to the earth. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind what she does, how she balances work and family, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Earth Mama was an established business which I took over in November 2021. About 10 years ago I began on a holistic healing journey to help me with migraines, eczema, anxiety, panic attacks, stress and later on, fertility struggles. I learnt about the affect that different products and toxins had on our bodies and how these things could be contributing to my symptoms. Once my daughter Charli was born, I was even more determined to keep these things to a minimum around her. Earth Mama aligned with all of the things that I strive to have in my life – non-toxic, natural alternatives that are good for the family and kind on the earth. It also gives me the privilege of being able to work from home flexibly so I can be around for my children when they need me.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I purchased Earth Mama when I was 6 months pregnant with my second child, our son Bodie. I knew that I was going to be going on maternity leave so used the first couple of months to learn the processes involved with running an online store – so much more than I realised! Now that my maternity leave is over, I’m focused on building up Earth Mama‘s presence in my local and online community. I’m also excited to continue building the product range with things that support earth-friendly living for families.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
For me, that has been refining my niche. When I took over, I felt like a bit of an imposter trying to run someone else’s business but calling it mine. During my maternity leave, I sat with what it was that I was passionate about the most and what I wanted to create with Earth Mama. This has helped me accept that although there are lots of other similar stores out there, no-one will do it quite like me. I still have a lot to learn so I’m sure there will be many more lessons to come!
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I have been slowly learning that being flexible and keeping expectations realistic is the key. My children only get one childhood and I remind myself of this daily. I’m such a creature of habit and love routine, but the reality of children is to always expect the unexpected – short naps, sickness, etc. Our daughter is in an incredible home-based care 3 days a week which gives me a little more time to work in my business and I have small tasks for these days that I focus on achieving while our son naps. I think having such small periods of time makes me that much more productive – as soon as Bodie is asleep, I get stuck into the task that needs achieving that day. Charli also loves to help me pack orders and put them at the door for the “delivery man”, so some parts become a bonding exercise too.
