Navigating the CEO life: Raising a Daughter and Building a Business
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As we gear up to celebrate International Women's Day this week, I thought I’d use this week’s blog to talk a little bit about my journey as CEO, founder of the Australian Natural Soap Company, and mum to my daughter, Elloise.
Any typical day for me, from the moment I wake up to the moment my head hits the pillow – is action packed: wrangling zoom meetings with playground hangs, emails with bedtime stories—it's a wild ride, but one I wouldn't trade for anything. I am so passionate about what we do here at the Australian Natural Soap Company - It's not just about selling soap; it's about making a positive impact on the planet while empowering our customers to make sustainable choices in their everyday lives. I also really want to encourage anyone that will listen to not get sucked into the marketing when it comes to skincare. A well-formulated bar of soap is the best thing you could be using on your skin.
And then there's Elloise—my little legend with boundless energy. Raising a daughter in today's world is both wonderful and challenging. From teaching her about the importance of kindness and empathy to showing her she can be anything she wants to be, being her mum is the most amazing job in the world.
But let's be real: balancing it all is no walk in the park. There are days when I feel like I'm smashing it, and others when I feel like I'm just keeping my head above water. And that's okay. Because being a mum and a CEO isn't about being perfect; it's about showing up, giving it a fair go, and learning as you go.
So what have I learnt along the way?
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Prioritise and delegate: Focus on what truly matters in both your business and personal life, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks to others. (That includes household tasks!)
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Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and family time to ensure you're present and engaged in both areas of your life. (we try and take bimonthly breaks and go bush - even for a few days - to force me to switch off!)
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Practice self-care: Make time for self-care activities that recharge your batteries and prevent burnout. (A quick shower with our soap can do wonders!)
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Stay organised: Use tools and systems to help you stay organised and manage your time effectively. (I couldn't live without Asana!)
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Embrace flexibility: Be flexible and adaptable to changes in your schedule or plans, and remember that it's okay to adjust your priorities as needed. (I will always need to be on hand when I get that call from the school sick bay no matter what I'm doing!)
International Women's Day is a reminder of the progress we've made and the work that still lies ahead. It's a day to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. And as a female CEO, founder, and mum, I'm committed to doing my bit to create a more inclusive and fair world for future generations.
So let's not forget the importance of recognising all women on this International Women's Day. I feel like I’m in a really fortunate position in life, which is why we're matching any pay-it-forward that is made now until IWD to Support the Girls.
Support the Girls is an incredible NGO that provides access to basic hygiene products and essentials like bras to some of the most vulnerable women in Australia.
All you have to do is make a small contribution at checkout and we'll match what you contribute.
It's a cause close to my heart, and I believe that by supporting each other, we can create a more compassionate and equitable society. Let's spread the love and support each other!
Soapy hugs,
Emma xx
