Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
In business, I have learnt that there is not always a wonderful balance and that at times, the balance is tilted more towards work, so on occasions, it is 100% necessary to tilt towards family, self and other non-work-related commitments.
I have found some strategies though that have helped me lean more easily in the directions I am most needed.
One of these strategies was to relocate some areas of my work such as manufacturing, packaging and storage to a location away from my family home. By moving these tasks to a separate location, I was forced into better time management through scheduling work days and times which included ‘OFF’ work or ‘NO work’ days.
Another process which has enabled me to juggle family and work balance has been the setting up of auto-response messaging on my business social media, website and email accounts.
My business was created because of my family and as such, my auto response messages inform customers that we are a family managed company and we will attend to their enquiry as soon as possible.
By being frank and honest with customers, I have found that on the very odd occasion when orders have been delayed due to unexpected illnesses or family mishaps, our customers are generally understanding.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Surviving the craziness of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic meant – continued manufacturing through supply chain shortages, home-schooling, border closures (both international and Qld/NSW), market stall and event cancellations. Through these challenges, we thrived as a business as we pivoted. We shared the journey of our customers as they increased the demand from our online store, contactless delivery and an increased social media presence that was not pandemic focused. As a business, we focused on surviving, for ourselves and the betterment of our customers. Our products were in demand more than ever, as Australians and customers abroad sought more natural solutions and Australian-made products.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Long, long work hours, with little financial compensation to match the hours spent working, at times make running your own business a challenge. Knowing when to ask for help and allow others to take on parts of your business that are taking up too much of your time can also be challenging.
Learning to say ‘NO’ when an opportunity will take your focus away from what is important, both in business and personally, can be a huge hurdle.
By building a solid business foundation with family at its core, I have now reached the point where balance is key to our business success. I have learnt to seek help in some aspects of my business including social media management, advertising and promotion. Seeking out experts in these fields to support me in managing these aspects of my business has allowed for the benefits of:
– more flexibility and time to adjust my work schedule to attend my children’s dance concerts and school presentations, or take down days when they are sick or have appointments.
– I have the ability to earn an income when I am away from my home on holidays, knowing these aspects of my business will keep running in my absence.
– time to sit back and reflect with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when feedback from customers describes how my products have helped them and their families.
– the sense of fulfilment knowing that I am making a difference in the world by sourcing core ingredients and materials locally and from sustainable sources.
I have chosen to follow my heart into business where every day I am making a difference through my all-natural, low allergy products that not only smell good and feel good – they provide much needed relief to all skin types.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My dream is for every household across Australia and New Zealand to experience Madannah and as such reduce the toxic loads families are introducing their bodies to through the use of mass made synthetic-containing lotions.
These creams are a jar of not just wholesome, natural goodness for your skin; they are each uniquely designed to provide relief particularly to sufferers of allergies whom until now have had little choice in what they apply to their skin unless they themselves had time to handmake their own products.
Recognition of these products by associations who are leading the way for allergy sufferers and their management of skin conditions is my hope for these next few years. We have been tried, we have been tested, now it’s time to put Madannah on the map as a reputable brand, offering real solutions for allergy sufferers and families across the globe.
Visit the Little Button Essentials website to learn more and to shop their natural Madannah skincare products. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
