Scotmum is proud to support working mums and is keen to bring you a different, inspirational mum on a regular basis so that you can see how they manage to attain that elusive work/life balance. This week, Scotmum interviews Claire Willis, 30. Claire lives in Carlisle with her husband and two sons, Ben, aged 4 and Josh, 2.
What is your profession and how many hours per week do you work?I own SnugBaby, my online store, through which I sell SnugBaby mei tai baby carriers, and other baby products. It's hard to say how many hours I work, as I have to work around the children - generally though I get bits done as, and when, I can during the day, and then most of my work is done in the evening - I probably work around 30 hours a week, but it is very variable.
Could you describe a typical day in your life?
My day starts at 6.45, when we get up to give the boys their breakfast. Once up and about, I will usually check emails and reply to any that I can whilst the children are playing, then most of the day is spent with the children. If we are in the house, then I periodically look at the laptop and do anything urgent. Ben is at preschool in the afternoons, and Josh will often have a little nap, which gives me chance for a quick catch up, then back to the school run. The rest of the day is spent as "Mummy" until the boys are bathed and in bed, and then the work begins. I have a fabulous husband who is incredibly supportive of my business, and offers as much help as possible both in terms of with the business and with the running of the house (and the "get it yourself" diet has worked wonders for his weight!) The day doesn't finish until about 10.30 or 11pm, when we will try to turn off from work for a while before heading for bed.
What do you feel are the pros and cons of being a working mother?
I love having my own business, and the renewed sense of identity it has brought me. It is, however, incredibly hard work juggling the children and the business. Working gives me something else to think about, and talk about - there are only so many things you can say about your children before people's eyes start to glaze over (even if you have the most fantastic children in the world!) Being self employed has been a huge learning curve, and one I am proud to have been on. I have learnt a great many new skills which will last a lifetime. The downside is that there are just not enough hours in the day. I love spending time with my children, and I am in the fortunate position of being able to work around them, but like any Mummy, I get plenty of doses of guilt if I absolutely have to do something work-related when the children are around.
I love having my own business, and the renewed sense of identity it has brought me. It is, however, incredibly hard work juggling the children and the business. Working gives me something else to think about, and talk about - there are only so many things you can say about your children before people's eyes start to glaze over (even if you have the most fantastic children in the world!) Being self employed has been a huge learning curve, and one I am proud to have been on. I have learnt a great many new skills which will last a lifetime. The downside is that there are just not enough hours in the day. I love spending time with my children, and I am in the fortunate position of being able to work around them, but like any Mummy, I get plenty of doses of guilt if I absolutely have to do something work-related when the children are around.
Why did you decide to branch out and work for yourself?
I went back to my original occupation of Dispensing Optician after Ben was born, but when we relocated across trhe country I wasn't able to get a transfer within the company, and as I was already pregnant with Josh, I didn't feel able to appply for a new job. When Josh was about 7 months old, I bought a sling, and although it wasn't very comfy, I was struck on the concept. So, I set about designing my own. It wasn't long before people were stopping me in the street to ask where I had got such a stylish baby carrier, and I thought there might be something in it. And so Snugbaby was born.
What are your childcare arrangements?
What are your childcare arrangements?
Ben is at preschool every afternoon, but Josh is at home with me full time, so all my work is done around them.
What would be your top tip for working mums in order to cope with the demands of their day to day lives?
What would be your top tip for working mums in order to cope with the demands of their day to day lives?
Organisation. If you are organised, and manage your time well, it makes it easier to cope with any eventuality that may befall you. That, and the occasional strategic glass of wine
