The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Probably the biggest challenge was in the beginning when I couldn’t keep up with orders, and we would sell out in a matter of a few hours. I knew I needed more help so I took on my first sewing contractor. The other big challenge is having people copy my product and selling them as if they came up with the idea. I struggled with this a lot but decided there is enough space for all of us and I just need to keep being true to why I started the brand and focus on what I wanted to achieve by doing so, which is helping people suffer less pain and live happier lives.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are I am at home with my children and can attend school events, etc., as they come up. I am at home when they get home from school and for this I am grateful. The cons are it’s hard in business – there’s so much I didn’t know about eCommerce. I have had to learn a lot about marketing and website stuff. It’s also not a guaranteed income and things can be tough financially at times. Thinking about why I have developed these products and the people I have helped in the process keeps me going when it all feels too much.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I want to produce another couple of products that people have requested and my long-term goal is to expand into Australia. This brings challenges because of the wheat and lupin filling and MPI, but I hope to push past the challenges and provide my wheat bags to the many Australians who email me or message me asking for my products.
Visit the Wear Me Wheatbag website to find out more, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
