Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Ten years ago, ‘multi-tasking’ was a real buzz word and I wore my ‘busy’ medal with a sense of accomplishment. Then children came along and changed everything. Even if working on the laptop with a toddler on my lap and a child hanging off my chair was achievable (it is not), it does nothing for my productivity or mum guilt, so I prefer to do things in blocks.
When I’m with the children, my time with them is full of childhood magic and memory-making moments like playing together, going to the park, hanging the washing and vacuuming the house. I’m lucky that they’re at the stage where they love ‘helping out’ with chores, so that means my child-free time is all about Trauve, and I don’t have to spend too much of it on housework. I’m very lucky to have Daniel support me in every aspect of family and work life; we tag team a lot and we’re often referred to as the Dream Team (mostly by me).
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
The biggest hurdle was self-doubt. Being a perfectionist with imposter syndrome, I struggled to get to a point where I was confident putting my website (aka heart and soul) out there. The truth is that it’s a constant work in progress, and I learnt that it’s better to have something out rather than perfect (I didn’t come up with that, but I wish I had). I apply this framework to most things now and it’s freeing.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Pros: Working my own hours. I’m the type of person that spent years working overtime, long nights when needed, and was always ready to jump on any task at any time of day (including weekends). Now I get to do that for myself and it’s the most rewarding feeling.
Being able to just ‘get things done’ has been A LOT of fun. I get to work with brands that make my eyes widen in awe, and choose projects that give me butterflies in the stomach. Being in control, making things happen for yourself, and eating at your desk (if you feel like it) is as good as it gets.
Cons: The day is pretty low in office goss.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Our goal is to become a household name and be the go-to for shopping small. Aussies (and someday, people around the world) will come to us to make meaningful purchases when they want an alternative to mass-produced fast fashion.
Hopefully Trauve encourages more people to follow their dreams and create their own awesome brands, knowing that they will have a platform where they can thrive amongst like-minded creatives.
Visit the Trauve website to browse their gorgeous range of independent Australian brands. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
