A few things that help me keep that balance are:
- Working within my natural energy rhythms and embracing late nights.
- Protecting daytime hours for my children and family where possible.
- Keeping evenings focused and intentional rather than overwhelming.
- Reminding myself that this busy season will not last forever.
It is a constant balancing act, but one I feel incredibly thankful to be living.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Running a small business has pushed me in ways I never expected, especially when it comes to putting myself out there. Social media does not come naturally to me at all. I am extremely camera shy, and the idea of being visible online has always felt uncomfortable. But so much of business now happens through social media, particularly for small brands, and I have had to learn very quickly how important it is to show up, even when it feels hard.
There have been plenty of moments where I have had to take a deep breath and post or appear on camera despite feeling nervous and unsure. It is something I am still learning, but each time I do it, it gets a little easier. Stepping outside my comfort zone has been one of the biggest personal challenges of running Paper Heart Design, and it has taught me a lot about confidence, resilience and trusting myself.
2025 has also been a tough year for small businesses, and Paper Heart Design has certainly felt the effects of the cost of living crisis. With families needing to be more careful about where they spend their money, there have been times where things felt uncertain. Despite this, I have continued to persevere, find ways to promote my work and stay focused on growing the business.
I have been incredibly lucky to have strong support from my friends and family. Their encouragement and belief in what I am creating have helped me keep going during the harder moments. Knowing I am supported has made a huge difference, and it has allowed me to keep showing up, learning and building a business that I truly care about.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The biggest pro for me is the flexibility and the time I get to spend with my kids. Being able to build my work around family life, rather than the other way around, is something I don’t take for granted. It means being there for the school drop offs, the after school chats and the little moments in between that pass by far too quickly. I also feel incredibly grateful that I get to spend my days doing something I genuinely love. Paper Heart Design is a creative outlet as much as it is a business and being able to pour my heart into work that feels meaningful is a huge privilege.
Another big positive is having full control over how my products are made. Printing in short runs and working locally allows me to ensure quality while also keeping sustainability at the forefront. Knowing that I am creating thoughtfully, without excess or waste, feels really important to me, especially as a parent. It matters that I am building something I can feel proud of, both creatively and ethically.
On the flip side, running your own business comes with its challenges. There is very little separation between work and home life, and it can feel like the business is always ticking away in the background. The responsibility sits squarely with me and that can feel heavy at times. If something needs doing, I am the one figuring it out, whether that is marketing, admin, production or problem solving late at night once the kids are asleep.
It can also be emotionally demanding, especially in tougher economic times. There are moments of self doubt and uncertainty, and it can feel isolating when you are making all the decisions on your own. But much like parenting, it is a constant juggle, and despite the challenges, the rewards make it worth it. Being able to create a business that supports my family, reflects my values and brings joy to others is something I am deeply grateful for.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Looking ahead, I have so many ideas and hopes for where Paper Heart Design can grow next. One of my biggest focuses is creating more keepsake journals. These products feel especially close to my heart because they are about capturing memories, everyday moments, and stories that families will treasure for years to come. I am currently working on a travel journal, which I am really excited about, as well as a bilingual te reo Māori and English school journal. Creating something that supports children and families while also celebrating language and identity feels incredibly meaningful to me.
I would also love to expand into the wholesale space. Being able to see my products in physical stores and make them more accessible to families around the country is something I am slowly building the confidence to work towards. A big dream of mine is to work with Baby on the Move here in Aotearoa. It feels a little scary to say out loud, but it is definitely something I aspire to, and I know the next step is finding the bravery to put myself forward and start that conversation.
Above all, my hope is to continue growing Paper Heart Design in a way that feels sustainable, thoughtful and aligned with my values as a parent. I want to keep creating products that support families through the busy, beautiful seasons of raising children, and that encourage slowing down, reflecting and holding onto the moments that matter. I am excited to keep learning, creating, and seeing where this journey takes me next.
Visit the Paper Heart Design website to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
