The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Being a solo mama and running a business with a young baby is definitely a challenge. As most mamas will tell you, it’s about surrendering to your baby’s routine as they rely on you for everything. Balancing his needs, my desire to spend time with him and also getting back into working again was a challenge. I felt my own feelings of mum guilt creep in but I also knew that I needed to do this for both of us, so that I could support him. Some days are more of a challenge than others to get it all done but I think I do a pretty good job of balancing it all and ensuring that my son gets the attention from me that he needs and our bond is still strong.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
There has definitely been a lot of learning going on. I am constantly trying new ways to reach people, as well as learning all about the admin side of running a business.
The bonus of running my own business is being able to be flexible with my time, so I am able to go to the mum ‘n’ bub classes. This has been great, not only for my relationship with my son, but also other mamas out there. It has given me a great support network too.
Another bonus is that I get to do what I am passionate about and see how the work I do with people helps them to establish deeper bonds with their children, as well as start to really enjoy their motherhood journey. I feel that I can be authentically me when I am working for myself, bringing my own unique style of coaching and a mix of all of the modalities that I have learnt to provide the best service to my clients.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My plan is to become a doula as well as a hypnobirthing specialist. This would enable me to fully support mamas prenatally, during birth and beyond – a full package of emotional support for them during such an important and life-changing time in their life.
I am also in the middle of a project for a multi author book that will be released soon. This book is all about the unconventional side of motherhood – the untold stories that most mamas don’t want to share for fear of being judged. The purpose of this book is for us to share our stories as a way to inspire other mamas, as well as letting them know that even though they may feel that they are all alone, there are other mamas out there that are going through a similar if not the same situation. The book is called ‘F@#* Motherhood Vol.1 An unconventional look at mothering’. The process of writing out my story was quite healing as well as an opportunity to reflect on my journey so far, and it was really eye opening to see how far I have come since having my son and all the lessons I have learnt seeing the world through his eyes.
Visit The Contented Mama website to find out more and follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join their supportive Facebook group.
