Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and family life was a bit of a challenge in the beginning. I worked until midnight most nights to complete orders, so I could spend time with my wee girl during the day. She started preschool in July last year, which has made the juggle a lot easier. I now work while she is at preschool and I am finding it amazing, although I do still do the odd late night from time to time.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Building my website from scratch was a huge challenge. After years working as a horticulturist, computers were definitely not one of my strong points. I have also found that being a small business means that I have had to be innovative with the packaging I use. Most companies only do large runs of printed items and this was not feasible for my budget. I have had the honour of finding some amazing small, local businesses to help me create the look I wanted while being environmentally conscious.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
There are so many pros to running my own small business. Spending time with my little girl and being able to choose the hours I work has definitely been the biggest. Knowing I am helping other parents and providing them with a safe toy for their child is also right up there. I absolutely love receiving the pictures they send me of their babies and chatting to them. I’ve made some amazing friends!
My biggest con is the paperwork. Oh, how I love paperwork! As a creative, this has been something I loath.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
If I’m honest, I couldn’t be happier with where I’m at right now. My hopes and dreams are to make beautiful toys for all these precious babies. To help their parents by making toys they know are safe for their babies and encourage their child’s development by making quality items that they will love.
Head to the Liv n Colour website to view their full range of products. You can also join their communities on Facebook and Instagram.
