The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
I think my biggest breakthrough is when my clients helped me realise that my ability to develop a rapport with them was enough in itself to help them. They felt like they had someone on their team – validating them, supporting them and cheering them on. A lovely family I recently worked with said “you helped us by just being you.” How lucky I am to get to meet such beautiful human beings?!
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I am blessed to have beautiful family and friends. We love going on caravan trips together and that’s our way of switching off from work and focusing on each other. Now that restrictions are easing, we hope to get away for lots of beach weekends. I want to learn to surf, in honour of my 17 year old nephew, Will, who tragically passed away in August. I can’t even really swim so this is going to be quite the challenge!
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Covid. Pandemic. Lockdowns. Need I say more? I am not alone here I am sure! When I was working on starting my business, I had no idea that the pandemic would turn out the way it did. Sadly, I had planned a launch party that couldn’t happen, which was really disappointing. And many of my services were originally offered only in the family home, so I needed to make some changes and introduce telehealth and other options to support families. Telehealth has actually turned out amazing as I have been lucky enough to work with families interstate! I love that I can support families in whatever capacity they need – from telehealth, to clinic appointments in two locations, right through to home visits and overnight support.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
As I just mentioned, a con is definitely the cost of running a business. Also, never really feeling like work has finished! But the pros definitely outweigh the cons. I get to meet amazing people and support them in their parenting journey. Nothing beats the satisfaction of helping a baby to sleep without sleep training!!!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Oh so much, but I won’t give too much away just yet! But next on the agenda is facilitating attachment-based and gentle parenting groups including ‘Circle of Security’ and ‘Tuning In To Kids,’ as well as running social groups for families. I am working towards becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and I have dreams of completing a PhD in infant and child sleep! I want to support as many families as possible to achieve their parenting goals, to parent with peace and to get as much sleep as possible!
Photography credit:
Georgie Clarke Images
Field of Vision Photography
Visit the Parenting with Peace website to find out more about the services Lyndell offers. You can also join her supportive communities on Facebook and Instagram.
