The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I think anyone running a business this year will tell you of social distancing and COVID Safe Plans. For me, educating myself on government regulations and policies to create our COVID safe plan was challenging. It was challenging because it was something I didn’t want to get wrong and put mums and babies and my new business at risk. And it was changing so often with regulations that being up to date was a constant learning curve.
Parenthood can be controversial – there are so many social expectations that come with it – breast-fed or bottle-fed, dummy or self soothe, co-sleeping or cot-sleeping and the list goes on.
With such a diverse group of women, I want to ensure that the space we provide is safe from judgement. So far, we have escaped the “clique” mentality and hope we continue to provide that nurturing environment.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running your own business gives you flexibility. Prior to children I had my own business so I always knew that’s where I was going to end up again. It allows me to work when I want/can and still be first and foremost a mother.
In the lead up to a term commencing, my time is busy and consumed with The Motherhood Collective. It’s all systems go to ensure guest speakers are booked in and enrolments are fulfilled.
As the term commences and the mothers facilitate their own conversations as they get to know each other, my role takes a back seat. I get to observe the friendships that form and that’s exciting for me. I have loved watching mums form their friendships with one another, and knowing I’m connecting them in such a vulnerable stage of their life is really fulfilling for me.
If my children get sick, I can’t always take the time off if I’m in the middle of a session, so ensuring I have back up with day-care pick-ups and sick days has been carefully organised with the support group around me.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
In the short term, we will offer Pre-natal Yoga in 2021.
Later, we will offer workshops to assist second/third-time mums as they come to talk about their newborns but with toddlers in tow.
Ultimately, I dream that The Motherhood Collective will be a collaborative business. I have aspirations to have our own building to allow consulting specialists in areas of Women’s Health and Pediatrics to come together to offer a holistic approach to raising a mother and their family.
Visit The Motherhood Collective website to find out more about the wonderful services on offer for new mums. You can also join their supportive communities on Facebook and Instagram.
