Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balance is an ongoing challenge. I began exploring my business idea in the early days of my maternity leave, between naps and pumping breastmilk. I had time to plan, whist navigating motherhood. Time management became more difficult when I returned to work.
Some deadlines are unavoidable but making time to be present with my family helps me focus and remember that I am doing this for my daughter and my husband. The better the frame of mind I maintain, the more enjoyment I get out of setting up my business and learning about that world.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
The fear of failure. I studied classical music at the Victorian College of the Arts, and as I felt my desire to be a professional orchestral musician diminish, my interest in health and wellbeing developed. After a couple of years of working and completing additional V.C.E subjects, I completed my five-year Osteopathy qualification. I was driven to nurture a global approach to health and wellbeing and found myself steering away from private practice and into health and safety in a corporate setting. Founding The Gumnut Trade has been a journey of learning, not only about the technical process, but about myself. I found myself doubting my capability, but my best friend and husband reassured me that my dream is worth fighting for.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running your own business doesn’t take overnight or a week, it takes months of planning, then months of learning. The biggest con is the juggling business and family. The biggest pro has been meeting amazing people who run incredible brands. They are so supportive and excited to see how The Gumnut Trade will revolutionise the Australian children’s fashion industry.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
We have officially launched, but like most businesses in their infancy, getting out there is challenging and will take time. We would love to reach 100 eco-subscribers by mid-2023 and 200 by the end of 2023. As we build a community with our current brands and customers, we would also like to partner with more incredible Australian eco-brands and keep growing our wardrobe.
Visit The Gumnut Trade website to find out more, and join their communities on Facebook and Instagram.
