Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
It’s not easy being a single mum and running a business on your own. I am very fortunate to have my mum come over from New Zealand and look after the kids for me if I have to go away on a lengthy business trip. During school holidays, I can send the kids to New Zealand to spend some quality time with their grandparents. I only have my son every second week (he’s 6 years old) and so our special time together is walking to school, having a bath at night and then reading a book in my bed before listening to a meditation app to help him drift off to sleep (he has always been a terrible sleeper).
My daughter has been by my side for the last 15 years as her father lives in Sydney. She has had to endure the highs and lows of mummy being a stressed-out full-time student, then the elation of graduating, the stresses of a start-up business (twice – first my naturopathy clinic, then NaturoBest) and the highs of getting deals over the line.
I feel blessed that I am a naturopath and know how to supplement during those times of stress (and a few drops of Bach flowers to help my kids cope). I couldn’t live without the NaturoBest Ultimate Multi & Antioxidant.
I think it’s really important as a parent to have some “non-negotiables” to fill your tank so that you can deal with whatever comes your way. Mine are a weekly half-hour massage and a walk every single day, rain, hail or 40 degrees!
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
When I first launched, I had an advertising complaint within 3 weeks from a competitor. The brand used to be called Naturopath’s Best but that is considered to be an endorsement by a health professional which isn’t allowed according to advertising laws. Financially it was a huge setback because I had to start all over again with the marketing materials and branding and the labels on my product said “Naturopath’s Best” when all the other branding said “NaturoBest”. The setback was exactly what was intended by my competitor, but they clearly didn’t know who they were dealing with. Overcoming that challenge has made me even stronger and more determined to succeed.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Most people work for themselves because they want more time, money and freedom but those are exactly the things that they will be deprived of for at least 5 years, if not 10. When I started NaturoBest I knew what I was in for in that department, but it doesn’t worry me because I enjoy what I do. An average workday is 10 hours and I usually work public holidays and Saturdays, but I get to work from anywhere in the world. If I was working for someone else, I wouldn’t have that kind of freedom.
Another bonus is I get to work from home. I’m not the sort of person who enjoys having to dress up and put make-up on every day and I’m far better working autonomously than as part of a team.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
NaturoBest is going global this year and there are a lot of exciting projects in the pipeline! We also have new products coming out this year and I’m currently working on the research and development for future new products. Researching and developing new products is what I’m most passionate about. I could do it all day every day and not get bored.
When I do have a team working for me and can step back from the business, I’d like to help other women with start-up businesses, especially mums who feel a bit lost career wise after having kids and want to start a business working from home.
Visit the NaturoBest website to find out more and to view the full range of products. You can also join the NaturoBest communities on Facebook and Instagram.
