STARTING UP A BUSINESS WITH 3 BEARS - 3 YEARS AND UNDER
Even from a young age I always knew I was going to set up my own business; it was just a case of timing and taking the plunge. It took quite a lot of courage to bite the bullet and just do it but, you know what, life is so short and I don’t want to look back and have regrets that I did not at least try.
My husband was away at the time in Turkey on business, doing a job that I used to do when I was a fashion buyer. I was at home with the three babies, I felt a little flat, in love with my children and life and generally happy after recovering from PND, but just a little lost. I felt envious of him that he was still able to travel and experience new places and, more importantly, get a full night sleep in a lovely hotel! Don’t get me wrong, I would not swap my children for the world, but there has to be a middle ground, right?! I want to be there for them but also want to be able to do a job that I love and have always wanted to do. I messaged him in the middle of the night and said I have just registered the company name ‘Bluebell + Bear’. I am going to do this!!
After the initial decision to do it, I knew I had to be pretty darn organised to get things set up. Initially, I felt like, and still do, that I have to work as hard as I can on B+B to get everything running smoothly. It’s difficult to switch some days from being Mummy to being B+B. I find that most of the time it takes me a long time to do even the smallest of tasks, as I usually get interrupted by one of the children, especially as Jacob no longer naps in the afternoon. I try and dedicate my mornings to the children, get out and do something for them, a play date with some friends and then, once the two littlest bears are in bed, I can then plug away for a couple of hours on a clear list of things I need to do. There is no time to procrastinate; I just need to crack on with what is needed that day.
A good friend of mine said to me I need to set a weekly plan of what I do each week, so I can discover a better balance of work and Mum time; so I did. I have made a plan, so I am not tearing my hair out trying to do both jobs all day everyday. It’s the only way to manage. If there is anything urgent I can check mails, but I try and have a couple of days a week when I can just have fun with the children and enjoy them. After all I am a Mummy first. Anyone who is a parent understands that. Anything I do has to fit around the children; they are so small and need me.
Having a balance is good for your soul. Some days I am winning, some days not so much... but am learning, not standing still, which is the main thing! It’s tricky juggling both, but we will get there!
Much love
Dominique x