The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Because I hadn’t come from a business background, I really had no idea where to start but I have learnt a lot starting out. I learnt how to build a website, which was a challenge in itself but very rewarding knowing that I can change and control it how I want. The biggest challenge however was working out how to advertise and get my name out to the public. You can’t just start a business and expect people will find you and trust you straight away. Learning how to use Facebook was my biggest challenge (I’m still working on this). After not getting any traction with Facebook or Instagram advertising, I finally got a handle on it after researching, learning and talking with professionals. Learning you can’t do it all is a challenge in itself, reaching out to others for help is OK!
We should all be able to quickly purchase a nappy balm without worrying what’s in it. As parents we don’t have all day to be choosing baby products or products for ourselves, we want to get in and out and get it done.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Obviously it’s great being able to work from home. If my daughter or husband wants to do something with me I can just come back to doing work later on (most of the time). Or if I’m working in the office my daughter can be drawing or playing next to me, she can talk to me and I can see her. I’m so appreciative to be able to have that.
I love that when you own your own business you get to talk to customers and hear their stories and being able to help them. For me it might only be finding a baby shampoo which doesn’t flare up eczema, but when a mum says she finally found something that works, it makes you feel good knowing you are helping in someone’s life.
Running your own business however means you can never really switch off, it’s always on your mind no matter how hard you try not to think about it. You need to constantly check emails, maintain the website, purchase stock, or package orders. When you’re not the boss and you’re working for someone else you can generally go home and leave work until the next day, you can switch off.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My dreams for the business are that I’ll be able to grow my product range, to be able to give you more choice and more variety. I’d love to be able to grow the brand and be that place you go to for natural products and tell your friends about! I created this to help families who don’t have the time to be searching through ingredients. We should all be able to quickly purchase a nappy balm without worrying what’s in it. As parents we don’t have all day to be choosing baby products or products for ourselves, we want to get in and out and get it done. This was something I was never able to do, choosing just a shampoo would take 15 minutes after looking thought all the ingredients, to find the best one.
For my own family, my hopes and dreams are to be able to support them financially and have more time together to explore and be adventurous. And maybe one day my daughter can be involved in the business if she wants to!
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