Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I also work as a Registered Nurse which has been very busy with the way the world is at the moment, so it’s a struggle. My husband is very supportive of Baby Addictions and is a great hands-on dad which really helps. After my daughter, Mia (who is 2 in Jan 2021), goes to bed, I find it the best time to update the website and carry out business tasks. I have to admit that as soon as I get an order, I get excited and do a happy dance, then I like to package up the order right then as I can’t wait for another little one to get their items.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Covid-19 has had a big impact on Baby Addictions, as I had just started the business late in 2019 and had marketing plans that had to be cancelled due to the restrictions in place. With doing online business, it has made it easier to reach out to parents and families. Technology is great when it’s working and you know how to work it (laughing). I’m definitely having to learn a lot about social media and technology running this business. But I’m loving the challenge and absolutely love being able to help out other parents and families.
Before Baby Addictions was even launched and was only in the planning stage, I had a business partner who had to pull out due to family commitments. This is where the support of my husband really made an impact, as I was tossing up whether I should carry on or not. Looking back now, I’m so glad that I did, so a big thank you to Dustin.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I’m loving being able to help out parents and parents-to-be with their journey with reusable nappies. Being able to save the environment from landfill, to saving money, to having cute addictive patterns; it really has been great helping others. Maybe that’s just the nurse side of me, but it would be amazing to see more families and daycares start the journey of reusable nappies. It’s easy!
The biggest con of having my own business for me is the time it takes away from spending time with my husband and daughter. They help and support me and Baby Addictions but I’m looking forward to when Baby Addictions is big enough that I can hire another mum or someone local to help me out, so I can spend more time with my family. Also, I’ve had to learn a lot about social media, which I’m still trying to do to help get the name Baby Addictions out there by learning how to do the marketing online.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would love to be able to work full time helping mums, dads and families with reusable nappies and teething items. I’m hoping to get the brand Baby Addictions out to every family in New Zealand as it’s affordable for everyone. Especially with the benefits of using reusable cloth nappies: yes, it costs a bit to get the nappies, but in the long run you save thousands of dollars!
I’m actually in the process of starting a breastfeeding clothing line, just basic and again high quality but affordable…so keep an eye out for 2021!
If any mums, dads, parents-to-be, businesses, play centres or anyone needs help with information regarding reusable nappies or the teething accessories, I’m happy to help out. Just send a message to Baby Addictions on Facebook.
Head to the Baby Addictions website to view their full range of cloth nappies and baby products, and join their supportive communities on Facebook and Instagram.
