The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Following the birth of my son, I had severe anaemia, postnatal anxiety and PTSD for months. I absolutely loved being a mum but because of those emotional struggles, there were times when it was very hard. I was determined that I would be an amazing mum no matter what and every piece of energy I had went into creating a happy and healthy life for him. The pandemic made it easier to mask how I felt and I didn’t really share my symptoms with anyone and now I wish I had, I now know that I was far from alone in what I was experiencing, and I keen to help others find support sooner.
When my son was two, I realised the extent that I was being held back in my social and working life by the symptoms I was experiencing. I sought the help of a psychotherapist and a bit later a hypnotherapist. Both of those amazing women worked with me to make those symptoms a thing of the past and I am now back to the confident and happy woman that I always was deep down. My son is now five and continues to thrive. I love being his mum and watching him grow; he brings so much joy to our family.
Feeling like “me” again has given me the confidence to run my own business. There are so many women out there going through this incredible parenting journey and I am enthusiastic about helping them to feel as supported and prepared as possible.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running your own business is definitely a rollercoaster but it is also incredibly liberating. Every single day is unique and every person I speak to has different aspirations and motivations. Collaborating with women at the start of their parenting life is so exciting. There is so much hope and love. It is such a sacred time, and my aim is to keep it that way and remove the burden or uncertainty about navigating work during this precious time. Supporting people and helping them to thrive, get “unstuck” and move forward positively from a challenging situation is a privilege and never something that I will take for granted.
When I first started my business, it was really important to set boundaries as it was all consuming. You are full of ideas, but also concerns, and this can lead to sleepless nights as you create new offerings in your mind or ruminate on something that is worrying you. So, it can be exhausting; but when you have a good day and see the impact that you are having on others, it all becomes worth it.
Working flexibly around my family is the biggest positive about running my own business. Being able to do the school run, take as much time off in the school holidays as I need and being there to take time off when my son is ill is invaluable – I feel extremely fortunate to be in that position.
However, there is financial uncertainty in running your own business. It can be stressful but spurs you on to keep innovating and making great connections. I saw a post recently that said every time you buy from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance – it is so true! Nothing beats that feeling when you get to work with a new client for the first time.
Since starting my own business, I have met so many amazing women who run their own businesses. I now have a completely new network of inspiring and supportive people who I can turn to for advice. There are so many amazing small businesses out there doing great work in their communities and I am excited to be a part of that.
When I work with a new parent who is feeling a bit lost or confused and they thank me for helping them, it makes it all worthwhile.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
So much! I have big ambitions to reach as many people as possible across the UK with my coaching and training! I’m creating new online and in-person workshops for new parents and people returning to work, as well as loads of accessible online resources and courses. There are many different ways people can become parents and my coaching is open to everyone, whether you are a biological parent or adopting. You also don’t need to work in an office, have a fancy job title or be a CEO. Everyone can benefit from knowing their options and rights wherever they work, no matter their job. Personal finances shouldn’t stop people from accessing help and support, so, I will soon have advice and options for everyone on my website.
Recently, I have been teaming up with other businesses in the parenting space to create content and events that will reach even more parents. I absolutely love collaborating with other mission-led businesses and hope to do a lot more in the future.
Working with companies will be another big area for me this year: training leaders and managers on how best to create supportive and inclusive workplaces for everyone. By working with companies to create inclusive policies and ways of working, it means every parent in that company will benefit and feel informed.
Visit the Mountain HR website to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
