Clara Wilcox Founder of The Balance Collective

#MoreThanAMutha is all about celebrating the things that women are, as well as being amazing mothers. In a world where many women feel like they lose their identity when they become a mum, it is important to celebrate and shout that we might be mums, but we are not only that and we are still a force to be reckoned with.

What makes you more than a mother?

For me, it’s my business. I run a social enterprise called The Balance Collective that works to reduce maternal unemployment through careers, business, confidence and work-life balance coaching, mentoring and training.

Are people surprised when they realise you are more than a mum? Does that bother you?

I walked away from a corporate, secure organisation to go into the business 100%. Being a mother, with all the finacial responsbilities that come with it, may people were surprised that I give up that stabilty for self-employment; but I felt the drive to support parents and that this was an calling I couldn’t pass over my taking the “sensible option”.

What challenges do you face when you’re juggling motherhood and being more than a mum?

As a woman in business, it is fitting in everything within school hours; busines networking, as an example, often runs at the beginnning and ends of days, which is not possible to attend.

However, I am unapolagetically part-time and a parent (as you can be flexible/part-time for other reasons) and create business opportunities within that time frame. I also have worked hard to build my real life and online network to join forces with people that think the way I do (even bringing my children to meetings and events)

How long did it take you to remember you were more than a mother after you had your child(ren)?

With my eldest, it was when I returned to work when she was 6 months old; you are plunged back into an environment where you are valued for YOU not to be someone else’s Mum!

For my youngest, (there is a 6.5 year gap) the mother part of me was just another one of my skills, identities and values – along with friend, partner, daughter and others ….

Who, or what, helps you to make time for yourself? What do you do to escape the stresses of motherhood?

I am very selfish with my time; I ask for help and say no to things. For me, my greatest escape is through reading and writing. I can transport myself away and imagine new things from the comfort of my home.

What advice would you offer a mum who might not be feeling like they are more than someones mum right now?

To take some time to change your scenery . Maybe try something new or walk a different way. It is very easy to get stuck in a routine and this just spreads across all areas of your life. Break these easy, gentle habits and you can build up to working on things that are important to you.

Any advice for someone who is going through the same things as you are right now in their quest to be #MoreThanAMutha?

Keep track of everything you are doing, each and every small step and success when developing your business as it is easy to get lost in taking action and not notice your progress.

Who would you like to see featured next in the #MoreThanAMutha series?

Charlotte Shutt from Nurture Network.