Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Ummm pass, still trying to figure it out! Sensory Sam is a baby company, that myself and my husband run from home, but we also have day jobs and three kids. We basically try to forget about Sensory Sam until the kids are in bed, then burn the midnight oil. I can’t remember the last time I watched Netflix.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Pretty much everything about this has been a challenge. Dealing with quality control, customs and factories who all want you to make 1000 of each item when you can only afford 100. Being brave enough to borrow some money and start it when I am financially risk averse.
When you are over 40 you have to really force yourself to get out of your knowledge comfort zone, and learning new stuff is not as easy as it used to be. But then looking back at how much you have learnt, it’s pretty rewarding – ‘Seeing the wood for the trees’ kind of thing.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pro is definitely that you can do everything your way. It’s your ethics, morals and rules.
The con is that it is all on you and the decisions are relentless.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I just want Sensory Sam to grow. I have so many products I would love to get off the ground, but don’t have the buying power yet.
I want all schools, airlines and kindergartens to have sensory kits and weighted blankets to help kids who, like my son, need a little calm when everything gets too much. I want to help educate, promote calm and have a little fun with the products while I do it.
Visit the Sensory Sam website to view their amazing range of sensory products and learn more about sensory processing. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
