Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This year I moved the business out of my home and into a new warehouse space which has made a huge difference but I am still pretty bad at balancing everything. The time between school drop off and school pick up is just not long enough to get everything done! My husband is amazing and often cooks dinner and puts the kids to bed so I can get a few more hours in during the evenings. Grandparents are also usually on hand on weekends when I have an exhibition at a market or when the outlet store is open which is every fourth Saturday. When the sun’s out, I tend to drop work more easily and get outside with the family but in winter it’s a real struggle. Bring on summer!!!
The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Like any small business there are so many challenges and once you overcome one, another seems to appear. I guess cashflow would be my biggest challenge. Starting a business from scratch with no real backup means you just have to do what it takes to make it work. There have been many times when I have wondered if it is all worth it but at the end of the day I love what I do so what could be better? A bit of pressure only makes you stronger.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Pros – I have flexibility in my day, I am in control, I get to do what I love, and watching your own business grow and reach new milestones is a real achievement.
Cons – I end up working more than if I was working for someone else and there is the stress of not having a regular income. I don’t get paid when I get sick and I don’t think I have had a holiday since I started – just the odd weekend away.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Since moving into the new Burrow and Be premises there has been a lot of strategising and planning. We are looking at really honing in on the core values of the business: fair trade and environmental and social responsibilities are hugely important. We are currently extending our range with lots of new products, and working with a variety of artists and illustrators on exciting new collaborative collections.
To see all of the beautiful wares and start shopping, visit Burrow and Be. Be sure to also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
