Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This can be difficult; although getting easier as my children get older. It’s very different running your own business; feeling so invested in something that you can’t stop thinking about it. In this modern world of technology, we are expected to be switched on and available 24/7. Over the years, I have set up timetables and implemented boundaries to help manage my work and family time, also “me” time. I am getting better at practising what I preach to the women in my care and ensure I have self-care scheduled in as well. Sunday is definitely rest day. The laptop is not switched on, and I try to keep everyone off their phones. If an idea or task pops into my head, I’ll write it down so I won’t forget to deal with it during the week.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
This year has certainly presented some major challenges in managing the impact of a pandemic on my small business. However, by far the biggest challenge for me as a business owner would be dealing with technology! I have had no formal business training and as a nurse, have had little exposure to the corporate business environment. Social media and IT is not second nature to me.
There is also the challenge of managing the increasing amount of incorrect and sometimes dangerous information on essential oil use that circulates in the community. I am very protective of our wonderful essential oils and our practice as professional aromatherapists.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Well, to start with the positives, I feel so fortunate to be able to turn my passion into a living. I love seeing the positive outcomes for women and their families. The realisation that what I do, which in some ways seems so simple, can have such a major impact on their wellbeing. It’s great having the autonomy to make decisions on changes and implementing new ideas. And compared to life as a nurse, there’s no shift work and I have the time to really get to know my clients and their needs.
On the downside, there are the challenges of having all the responsibility on your shoulders. It can be difficult to switch off and separate work and family life. COVID has certainly had an impact on many small businesses like mine. I have had to make a lot of changes to the way I do things, but have certainly learnt a lot in the process.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
At this very moment, my hope is simply to be allowed out of lockdown and back to practising in clinics and seeing my beautiful clients again. However, with the changes I’ve made during this time i.e. introducing online classes and consultations (more upskilling in the IT realm!), I’ve realised I can provide care and support for more women in more places.
I am always dreaming up ways to make it easier for women, especially new mums, to access care and support for themselves, as well as practical tools to support their families.
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