The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Endless challenges. Every day is a new one. My disease is ruthless, I am on steroids three times a day just to stay alive. It’s not fair, but it is how it is.
I am a doer, when I get an idea for a new product or recipe, I want to throw myself into the deep end and go and go and go until I’ve mastered it, but 9 out of 10 times, my body tell me otherwise, and mentally it’s disappointing. I’ve had to learn to delegate jobs, learn to be still, to embrace my new sense of normal and to let things go.
Most of my challenges relate to my health.
I’ve had to come to a place within myself where I am able to fully embrace and accept that my business can only operate as far as my body will allow it to. I pride myself on my integrity and honesty and know that those customers that have been loyal and remained friends with me through my four-year break in business, will continue to champion me and remind me that even though they love the products, I mustn’t forget that firstly and foremost, I am a mother, a woman, a daughter and a friend.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
This depends on whether you’re a cup half full or a cup half empty type of person. I veer towards the cup half full.
I love it that I can work in my pjs if I want to.
I love that I am available for all my children, can do school drop offs and pick ups and be present in their lives.
I love that I can work at my own pace and fit everything in around my own appointments, kids’ appointments and life.
Being your own boss definitely has its benefits, but if you lack motivation and accountability, you will struggle.
I love that I have no one but my toddler to answer to, and that I have the freedom to research, develop and produce at my own pace.
I also love that I can build it in whatever direction I want to. If I have an idea, I can chase it – without having to second guess or advocate for myself.
Personally, I only see the pros.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Because I have only just recently started up again, my hopes are that I can build my online reputation back up again. When I closed down following my surgery, I deleted all of my social media and permanently lost my following. This is something I truly regret doing.
With most retail cosmetic businesses predominantly being available online, and marketing mostly through social media platforms, my hopes are to be able to reach the people I need to, and to be available to offer them natural and affordable solutions to everyday skin concerns – products made with intent that actually work.
My dream is to leave a legacy of goodness for my children.
For them to know that in the face of diversity, I stood up.
For them to know that success is not measured by a degree, a social status or a massive bank account.
That success is measured by our integrity, how we treat others, what we give to those who cannot give anything in return.
My biggest hope and dream is that my children live a life with intent, self-worth, kindness and a passion to also find what ignites their own inner flame.
Visit the Hannah’s Bumble Balm website and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
