*What was the inspiration for your project / company and how long had you been working on it before launching?
The business has really evolved over the past 9 years, so there have been bursts of inspiration for every evolution, most of which are guided by my own life journey. The first journal we published was a wedding planner book, stemmed from my own frustrations with what was available when we got engaged, and then, as our family has grown, so has our journal range. The inspiration for the most recent ‘to my grandchildren’ journals was a book that my Mum wrote to my siblings and me about her life, when she had cancer and knew she wouldn’t be around to tell her story for much longer. That really inspired me to encourage other parents and grandparents to write down their stories, hopefully well before they run out of time to do so.
*Can you share with us what a typical day looks like for you?
A typical day for me is a busy one juggling family needs and business demands, with a little bit of me-time squeezed in between. My day starts when the kids rise in the morning and start thumping around the house, we have a pretty quick (usually rushed) morning routine of breakfast and getting ready for preschool, and after dropping them off I go for a workout at F45 Remuera, which totally clears my mind – it’s my version of meditation.
The rest of my day is quite honestly just a juggle of whatever I need to really prioritise for the business, whether that’s wholesale orders, manufacturing decisions and of course my customer orders.
I have an assistant who works with me a couple of days per week to help with our personalised orders which are time consuming, and I try my best to stay active on our business social media accounts, reply to any urgent emails and remember to drink water throughout the day, before picking up the kids at 4pm and spending the evening with them
I’m preparing myself for quite a change though, as my son is starting school and my daughter kindy, so drop off is an hour later, and pick ups are from 2:30 – I’m going to have a very short day to get everything done.
*The industry that you’re in now, was that always a career pathway you wanted to explore? And if not always, what sparked your initial interest?
Not at all! I truly fell into this. I was working as a lawyer but not feeling particularly inspired, started a blog and Instagram account, and gradually, I discovered a passion for creating beautiful, meaningful products. It hasn’t been astronomical growth though, it’s still a small business that I ensure fits around my family. I’ve intentionally kept the business small to ensure it fits around my family life – it’s the balance that works for me, giving me the flexibility to be at home, and I’m still really proud of what I’ve been able to achieve without sacrificing family time.
*Do you have a highlight experience from your years of work in the creative space?
That’s something I haven’t really thought about before, I’m very much forward looking and don’t tend to reflect on successes or highlights, but there must be some I’m overlooking!?
The biggest highlight of my work has been the people I’ve connected with along the way, and the lifelong friends I’ll have from this experience. I am so constantly inspired by the people around me and feel so lucky that my work connects me so closely with other creatives.
*Can you share something that may surprise people about what could go on behind the scenes of your work?
It might not surprise anybody who knows me already, but I have ADHD so behind the scenes is chaotic, spontaneous and lacks any real business plan or method of organisation. I am a quick learner, so I do 95% of everything that needs to be done in the business, and wear at least 95 different ‘hats’ to do so.
*Where would we find you in your spare time?
After work and family time, I spend most ‘spare’ time with friends – many of whom are also in business. We love to unwind together, sharing successes and complaints, and in a way we become each others’ workmates/colleagues, so its our version of Friday night drinks (though it might be a Wednesday lunchtime or Sunday afternoon!)
*Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Do what makes you happy!
*Social media
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