28/11/2024
Hi, Iām Ashleigh. Owner and founder of . Itās been over 13 years now since I left my corporate job as a journalist (which I LOVEDš«¶), and started my side hustle, . What began as printing messages and logos on paper bags and selling them for events and parties, quickly turned into weddings and larger events.
Between all this, Iāve had three beautiful boys amongst the chaos of owing a business, and all three of them, at some stage in their life, have risen early with me for flower market runs. Theyāve attended more than their fair share of weddings, either attached to my b**b breastfeeding, or in the baby carrier, and during the past eight years, Iāve had many moments during my career, where Iāve felt embarrassed, intimidated and nervous about taking my kids to work with me, but somehow Iāve pushed through the anxiety, and just kept on going. I was worried I wasnāt professional enough, or that the client would judge me. Iāve felt scared and so, so nervous. But here I am, today, with my third and final baby Billy, rocking him off to sleep, on the job, not caring one bit what others thought of me. Itās funny how age and maturity and wisdom can change you.
I figure, Iām 13 years into the business; eight years juggling the demands of young children and babies, while navigating motherhood and weddings, and I havenāt had a complaint yet.
Iām so thankful captured me in this moment today, chatting to other industry folk, while in the midst of trying to get Billy to sleep (I won the sleep battle š„³).
I will look back on this era and stage in my life, proud that I did it. I succeeded, I managed it all, while staying somewhat sane!
To all the full time mum business owners out there! Donāt give up. Itās bloody hard. Itās tiring. Itās anxiety-fuelled, but you can do it!