Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This is an area I am still working on too! I continue to have a small caseload in my independent practice, I work part time in our local Birthing Centre and every other moment is taken up with Snuggle Bug, all the while being a Mum to Jude. I just balance it in the best way I know how and that is trying to divide my time as much as I can between all things needing to be done! I work on Snuggle Bug when Jude naps and late at night. I don’t have much downtime at all for myself and use my relaxing time researching behind the scenes and catching up with anything that needs attention. This is not too different to anything I have experienced before as I was on call 24/7 prior to having Jude, so weekends to yourself were few and far between anyway. I always make sure that when Jude is awake, I give him my full attention (he demands that I do anyway)! I am so lucky to have the best support from my husband and parents. Without them, I couldn’t live my passion and do the work I continue to do and love.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
All sorts – the main one being sleep deprivation, but still trying to drive the business to the best of my ability with the skills I have quickly acquired as a new business owner. It’s been a massive learning curve and at times made me question whether I have taken on too much, but with midwifery you have to have drive, stamina, patience and a positive attitude, otherwise you are no good for anyone, so the same principles apply here and I need to remind myself why I started this and why I want to carry on. All of what I do can still happen, it just takes longer than you have ever anticipated. As I continue to help and support other new parents, my drive will continue to always be there.
Other challenges have been learning how to use social media in a whole new light and some implications that can come with this. I feel like this will be a continued process with lots to keep learning.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
A big pro for me is being able to do things just when I can. My only Manager is my 15-month-old at the moment, so sometimes he will stop me in my tracks when he requires something and this is ok, as I am able to do this and come back to what I was working on at another time.
Another pro has been the ability to test the product at home with Jude and if it helped me immensely as a parent, I know it will benefit others, so quality control is always of the highest standard as I have high expectations.
The biggest con is having a million ideas and a big ‘to do’ list but having limited time to do it – it makes my head spin a bit. But this is where you learn patience and resilience and just keep going – every step achieved is a step in the right direction.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
To continue building Snuggle Bug and get the brand recognised more. I hope to soon build bridges with the international market as there is a need for good quality baby wearing in every culture and country outside of New Zealand too.
Head to the Snuggle Bug website to see their full range of products, and follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram.
