MUM'S IN BUSINESS: BETTINA LITTLE OLD SOULS

Do you ever find a couple things happen in a row that are strangely connected? On Sunday night Tamika sent me a link on Facebook about a Mother having a sickie and taking a day off for herself, along with the comment 'we should do this". Later that night Bettina from Little Old Souls sent me an email telling me I had won a copy of her book.

Okay universe what are you telling me?

Bettina's book: Mothering the Soul is a guide to help you find contentment and empowerment in Motherhood through nurturing your body, mind and spirit.

I downloaded it to my kindle on Sunday night and lay down next to Jarvis to read it. Is it helping? Well on Monday I finally went and got a massage. Tamika gave me the voucher for Christmas. Okay, I fully admit I still took Jarvis with me. He sat like an angel the entire time. So, I have not fully learnt to allow myself some 'me' time, but after one chapter I did allow myself the thought that I need to respect myself more.

So ask yourself this:

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by Motherhood?  Maybe a little bit resentful or frustrated by the lack of time for you?  Maybe you even direct those feelings towards someone close to you?

Do you feel like you have lots of things you want to achieve but there is never any time to follow those passions or dreams? Are you always putting yourself last?

If the answer is yes to even one for those I fully recommend you purchase Bettina's book and support a Mum. Here is a link to her book Mothering the Soul.

I will give you an update in the book once I have finished reading it.

MUMS IN BUSINESS: RABBIT'S WARREN CAFE

So this post, is all about shameless promotion of my daughter's business. But I am so proud of her! How many 22 years old decide to just go for it and follow their dreams? Tamika, along with her partner, have opened a cafe in Brisbane Fortitude Valley. Think that is a big step? add in a five month old baby, Guy working nights, plus going to uni, and you have one very busy Mumma.

Jump onto Rabbit's Warren Cafe Facebook page and give them a like. 

Read underneath Tamika's interview, I have a special offer for everyone who visits the cafe and mentions Iliska Dreams. Yup, everyone for the rest of March will get this offer on me. 

1. Tell the readers a little about yourself, can you share a bit on yourself and your background?

I am a 22 year old, Mum to 5 month old boy called Chester.

Throughout high school I worked at McDonald's McCafe. I started that job when I was 14. Macca's paid for an iPod, a car, a trip to Spain, and many laptops and phones throughout the 4 years I was employed with them.

I decided to leave McDonald's when I graduated high school. I wanted to move on from a high school job and I wanted to start my life. However I got stuck, I got stuck in admin. To put it bluntly, I hated it! I hated being pushed around, I didn't like being treated like crap! It made me a really angry person. I started, and stopped, Uni three times not feeling inspired to make a career for myself. I was definitely lacking in motivation.

Then, in 2013 I fell pregnant, and that's when I really felt like I needed to change my life. 

2. What inspires you?

My family, and my partner Guy. Guy works nights in a dead end job to support us, while still at Uni finishing his law/business degree. Even though he has stopped and started a few times, he always pushes through and proves to me he can do so much more with life.

My mum, she has done more degrees then any person I know. She may not have found her passion until now, but she taught me that I don't have to pick just one thing I like or I am good at. Life is all about experimenting and failing until you find something you really enjoy.

3. How did you begin your business?

Guy and I have always dreamed about owning a cafe or a bar.

Since I have known Guy it's all he's ever talked about it; one day, on one of our many breakfast dates, we planned out owning our own cafe.

It wasn't until January 2015 Guy saw an ad for this cafe in the Valley, and sent me the link as a joke. I didn't think he was joking, and told him to call the woman to discuss a time to meet. From there, it took off. 

4. How do you balance life and running a business?

To be honest, it's really hard! I wanted to have a full year off with my son. I am just lucky to have an amazing support network. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. Being a mother to a newborn isn't easy in it's self.

Now I have the cafe it's multiplied, my stress levels are through the roof. The thing I enjoy the most is at the end of the day knowing I get to come home to Chester. Taking time out just to be with him.

5. What direction do you see yourself and your company heading?

To be honest, I don't really know where I would like to see this going. We only just started. I am just happy we are following our dreams.

6. What advise would you give someone else wanting to start/run their own business?

Do it! No matter what! Do not let anything stop you from starting your own business or new adventure.

You don't know if you're going to succeed until you have tried.

For me, I didn't want to not try, and regret later in life, even though right now it is a juggle for our family. This may be the best thing we do for our future. 

For all of my social media followers, here, on Facebook and on Instagram I have teamed up with Rabbit Warren's Cafe to offer a special deal...for the rest of March!

1. Buy one drink and get the second for free. You can either give it to a friend on the day, or come back again for your freebie.

2. For every Mum/parent who comes in with their children, for every purchase you make the kids will get a free drink.

All you have to do is mention Iliska Dreams. 

SIMPLICITY OR HAVING IT ALL

Behind the scenes I have been sewing like crazy. I want to have enough stock so I can open my 'shop' properly. I have been selling bits here and there on Etsy, only because I can't help myself. Plus, to trial what works and what does not.

The other night with Justin at work, I knew I would have couple of hours to myself, once Jarvis went to bed. However, instead of sewing for the shop I felt the call of this gorgeous cotton sateen.

A couple of hours later, I had a skirt almost made. (Knew my eyes were getting too tired to do the invisible zip) Don't you love it when something comes together so beautifully?

With belt and petticoat.

Without belt and petticoat.

After I made the skirt I got into a conversation with Tamika, she thinks I should sell my skirts, as well as the kids range I have been working on.

So what do you think? Should I keep my range simplified and just sell children's clothing? Or can I expand without it getting confusing as to the goal/direction of my clothing range? 

MUMS IN BUSINESS: THE FIFTH ELEMENT LIFE

I stumble upon Sarah via my favourite social media, Instagram. I am honest enough and shallow enough to admit her hair and her smile sucked me into her page. Then I discovered her business ethos and stunning mandala rings, and I became a true fan. Sarah is a perfect example of a mother who has grown her business organically. Sarah's Facebook page, Instagram account and Website are all amazing. Please visit Sarah and give her some extra love.

1. Tell the readers a little about yourself, can you share a bit on yourself and your background?

I don't like to carry a million labels to define who I am, so I always say I'm a woman who wanders the path of her spirit. I have a background in the fashion design industry, and lead that life path until my mid 20's when I feel pregnant and my whole life changed for the better. I left work, embarked on my most important role as a mum and spent a year rediscovering who I really was. I blogged my journey of spiritual discovery, and developed a really organic online presence which led my down this current path utilising my design background, creativity and spirituality. I now live on the Sunshine Coast, with my little family and am building my business to a point where it can fund my philanthropic dreams of starting an animal sanctuary on some acreage here - A place where people can come and dwell, learn about living off the land, work with the animals and help me rehabilitate them and educate the future generations about respecting all life forms and how to truly connect with one another and the planet. 

2. What inspires you?

My son, nature, my kindred sisterhood. I have some incredible customers, friends and soul sisters and they always keep me creating and inspired in my work and life. My son is my biggest source of inspiration - he has taught me so much about myself and he makes me want to be a better version of myself, everyday.

3. How did you begin your business?

I had the idea during my pregnancy to make mandala rings. At the time, I didn't even know why - it was more an aesthetic thing. When I was literally 9 months pregnant, I just designed these 20 symbolic designs in just over 24 hours. They just came so organically, I was definitely being guided by something other than myself (I didn't even know how to use photoshop or any digital programs very well to make them). After that, it took me a good year to understand them, develop my prototypes and hoan in on my vision and offerings. I am someone who is abundant in ideas, but not necessarily good on the follow through, so It took me a while to really focus in on delivering a small, concise offering and really hustling to get that out into the world. Just after my sons 1st birthday, I launched my new baby - The Fifth Element Life store (had been blogging under this name for 8 months) and I've been loving the journey ever since.

4. How do you balance life and running a business?

It is a daily challenge. One thing I owe my productivity to in that first year was changing my diet and doing allot of self care. I am always mindful that my son comes first, and the business second. Sometimes I get lost in the business as it now demands so much more of my attention, however I am lucky enough to have a partner who has been able to take on more of the household duties while I build the business (this kind of happened by default, but everything happens for a reason). Right now, I'm having to make some big decisions because I know in myself that things are out of balance, so my priority now is to hire my first staff member (!!!!) so I can get back to the self care and be a more present mum and partner. Every nap time, every spare moment in the last 2 years has been spent working on my own personal development or my business and now it has had that solid foundation work, I can let go and get back into enjoying the life I have created.

5. What direction do you see yourself and your company heading?

I see us moving into a commercial space this year, where I have a small team of amazing people who will do the day to day running of The Fifth Element Life. I'll be able to be part-time at home with my son, and the rest working towards building my brand and creating more products, offerings and gifts for the world. As it grows, a percentage I will be putting aside to save for the purchase of the property to then start the sanctuary (as mentioned above). I see me always having a work day that looks different, switching in from mama, entrepreneur, creative, spiritual and philanthropic being day in and day out. 

6. What advise would you give someone else wanting to start/run their own business?

Start small. Work with the resources you have. I started my business with $1000 of my tax money that I got back from my previous working year before having my son. We had to make it work. Do plenty of inner and outer hustle. I believe the more you work on yourself and your inner harmony, the more that comes out into your business world. The minute you notice that things are not working in any aspect of your life, learn from it and focus on bringing back that balance. 

Grow organically, listen to where the signs are taking you - follow your intuition. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. I have never done anything purely for the money, it has always come from a place of wanting to make a difference in some way to anothers life, so understanding your 'why' you want to do this business is a really good place to start and build it around that.

MUMS IN BUSINESS: MADEWISE

I stumbled across Jess's Instagram account once night, and instantly fell in love with her beautiful products. From there I followed her to her Facebook page and her Etsy shop.

Without even knowing Jess, I knew her heart resonated with mine, she not only makes the most beautiful hand made products she makes them with love and care. So I asked Jess if she would like to be feature here. 

1. Tell the readers a little about yourself, can you share a bit on yourself and your background?

Hi, my name is Jess.  I’m a stay at home Mum to a beautiful 2 year old boy.  I live in Melbourne with my husband, son and cat.
I’ve always had a love of craft and being creative. My Nanna taught me to knit at age 8 and now at 29 I’m still loving it!
I began making items for friends and after many, many comments on how I should be selling my creations I set up ‘madewise’.

2. What inspires you?

I love the feeling of making something for someone.  I hope the recipient loves the item as much as I did making it and it becomes a special keepsake that they will have forever and perhaps even pass on to their own child/ren one day. 

3. How did you begin your business?

I was already a great lover of Etsy and knew how to make many a purchase from the fabulous assemblage of amazing crafters but knew little about setting up a shop there. So after a bit of research and a bit of courage I opened up a shop of my own and called it ‘madewise’.
The name is a play on my maiden name, Wise. It pays a little piece of respect to my Nanna for not only teaching me how to knit but also for helping raise me. 

4. How do you balance life and running a business?

It can be tough running a business and being a full time mum! I spend most nights sitting up late completing orders while the rest of the house sleeps.
I’d love to say I’m a very organised person and have a  home studio where I do all my creating. But honestly most of my work is done at our dining table and lounge room! So work and home are very much integrated.  

5. What direction do you see yourself and your company heading?

I am thrilled madewise has been so positively received and I’ve been privileged in the amount of lovely customers I have been able to make things for.
I have been blown away by the amazing feedback and reviews left for me by my customers. These people are complete strangers and they love my work and I think what if I didn’t take the plunge and open my little Etsy shop, I would never have had this wonderful experience.
2015 will see madewise offer a new range of items, focussing more on newborn gift sets and will see the introduction of toys and blankets.

6. What advise would you give someone else wanting to start/run their own business?

Take the plunge! You have nothing to loose. If you have the passion and love for what you are doing (and enough ‘spare’ time) others will see this and I believe you will do well. 

MUMS IN BUSINESS: THAT WE DO

Two Sydney sisters have joined forces and become "That We Do", making handmade polymer clay jewellery. This is not a sponsored post, I am writing about their company as I love supporting locally made, and Australian artists.

That We Do was conceived at a baby shower, with necklaces given as a thank you gift from one sister to another. This gesture grew with interest shown while they were wearing the original creations and That We Do was born.

The statement on their Facebook page states:
We are inspired to create original pieces that you won't see everyone wearing. Pieces that are eye catching, different and full of colour! Pieces that you can throw on with a plain t-shirt to add a pop of interest or team with a well thought out outfit to give the finishing touch, after all it's the tiny details that make something special! We want our jewellery to help people express their personal style. Each of our pieces are made with love (as our children play around us) and inspired by what we see around us every day in both the natural environment and in the people we love.

Each piece is unique and we cannot guarantee you will receive an item exactly identical to the images shown, this is one of the things that makes our pieces special, no two are the same.

I asked each sister to share a little on their background:

Kat:

On my LinkedIn I refer to myself as a digital and creative industries professional. I suppose that encapsulates what I 'do' the best. I am a journalist by trade, a crafter by passion and these days, when I am not being a mum and acting as one half of ThatWeDo, I work as a digital content manager. When I am not doing that I write books on macramé, put on interactiveart events with Art Gallery of NSW and run various websites, like Kluster. 

I am a little bit obsessed with all things fashion, art and creative culture. My belief that an outfit is not complete without accessories morphed into making them for myself for fun somewhere along the way. Enough people expressed interest in them for me to sit my sister down (who was also partial to making necklaces herself) and ask if she was interested in making necklaces together. She was. The rest, as they say, is history.   

Sam:

In a past life I worked in Marketing for a travel company. These days I am a mum of three children, a student teacher and one half of ThatWeDo. I enjoy making things, cushion covers, clothing, decorations and the like. Last year my partner and I got married and had a naming ceremony for our three children. I spent the year leading up making all the decorations and I loved every minute! I take great pleasure planning and making something and then seeing how well it turns out (mostly!)

Like Kat I have always wanted to be individual and express myself in what I wear and I used to spend many weekends in op shops and the stores of Newtown and Surry Hills to achieve this. However in recent years, time and money made this more difficult so I began to make accessories to achieve this. When Kat started making polymer clay necklaces and suggested we make and sell them together I jumped.

What inspires them in their every day:

Kat:

People, mostly - I love looking at the styles of others. I find stylish, well-put-together people very inspiring. Especially those who display originality and quirkiness. There is nothing more inspiring than someone who goes out on a limb with the way they present themselves and pulls it off. 

I am also incredibly inspired by people who live lives focused on improving the existence of others. Whether it be a passionate politician, a cutting edge not-for-profit CEO, a midwife at the local hospital or teacher at the local school who goes above and beyond.

Definitely my surroundings. The city, the suburbs, the beach at the end of our street.    

Sam:

The environment, both natural and built. The other day I saw a brick turned on it's side, it had rectangles of different sizes cut through it and I thought, those shapes would make a great necklace range. 

Colours, I love to put colours together, particular those on opposite ends of the colour wheel. I love colour, it just makes me happy! 

My kids, I try to put their love and joy for life in each piece. I also want to show them that if something makes you happy you should go for it.

And people, I like to people watch, in a non stalker way!

How do they keep motivated with their business, plus still be parents:

Kat:

Like my sister, my family is my motivation. In particular, setting a good example for my son. I want him to grow up surround by living examples of the fact that dreams are there for the taking and anything is possible if you work hard enough and are willing to invest your all. 

Having said that, staying motivated is easy if you love what you do and I love doing everything associated with ThatWeDo so, in a way, I kind of feel like I am cheating. Sam:

I think it's being a parent that keeps me motivated, I want to show my children you can be whoever you want to be. I am studying to become a primary school teacher as well so I have learnt to use every hour I have in the day and do things that make me happy. Being a mum, studying and ThatWeDo all make me really happy, I genuinely enjoy it all so it's not hard to keep motivated.

Head over to either their Facebook page or Etsy shop to see their full range. But here are a few images to give you a sneak peak.

GUEST POST OVER AT UNDER LOCK AND KEY. STAY AT HOME MUM OR WORKING MUM?

Stay at Home Mum? Working Mum? (Though I hate that title, as ALL Mums work!) The choice is never going to be easy. How to balance children, work and still trying to have time for yourself. Some choices are so hard to make.

Not all things in life are painless. 

Today I am over at Under Lockand Key writing a Guest post for Trishie who is a new Mum to the adorable Alexander. Trishie is posting a series of blogs from other Mums who have had to make the choice about returning to work. Pop over to her blog and have a read of my post. 

But as long as I have both my children with me, I can endure all most anything

THE MAGIC IN THE BEDROOM HAS GONE

No not that magic, the other. You know the mythical thing every new parent chases? When their child sleeps through the night.

Up until we moved into this house Jarvis woke every night, some times every hour or so. Plus his naps were hard.  It was a fight to get him to nap, and then when he woke he was groggy and cranky. However, when we moved into this new house, like magic, Jarvis slept through the night! Oh the pure joy of a an unbroken night's sleep. Naps were also easy, as long as you followed the routine.

The magic has gone. Jarvis is back to waking up during the night, and will only sleep in what I call the neck scarf position or cradled in my arms. Exhaustion has returned. Along with the discomfort or having a foot in my face and handfuls of hair pulled out. (Jarvis likes to twirl my hair in his sleep)

The only thing I can connect it to, is that I started part time work. Today when I was at work Justin tried to get Jarvis to take a nap. But when Justin tried, Jarvis screamed like he was being poked with a hot poker. So you think, tonight, bed time would be easy? No, we had a hypo child on our hands, and only went to sleep with me cuddling him and gently talking to him. Like my son I go into over tired awake mood, hence why I am blogging this late at night instead of sleeping. So in part I know why he was so hypo tonight.

Have any other Mums/parents had issues when the change from being a stay at home parent to working parent occurred? Any advise for a very over tired me?