#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?
I run a business together with my husband called GPS Return – it’s a recruitment agency specialising in helping people return to work after a career break. My husband takes care of the recruitment side and I work as a career mentor to those who feel stuck and daunted at the thought of looking for and returning to work. I’m a Mum of 2 and GPS Return came about as a direct result of the challenges I faced when I tried to return to work after having my second child. People seemed to be put off by the fact I had ‘just been a mum’ for the past 4 years and I also struggled trying to find a job I wanted that gave me a certain amount of flexibility. In a sudden moment of inspiration whilst I was sat at traffic lights and realised if I was facing this, then hundreds and thousands of people would be experiencing exactly the same!
Are people surprised when they realise you are more than a mum? Does that bother you?
People aren’t surprised that I’m more than a Mum…they’re more surprised and then enthusiastic when they learn what I do. I think the majority of people want to be seen as ‘more than a mutha’ nowadays and have a good career, whilst still retaining a certain amount of flexibility. It is a great way of having your own identity, as you probably had BC (before children).
What challenges do you face when you’re juggling motherhood and being more than a mum?
How long did it take you to remember you were more than a mother after you had your child(ren)?
After I had my first, I found myself quite content initially. However, it took less than a year for me to set up a baby equipment rental business with a couple of friends.
Who, or what, helps you to make time for yourself? What do you do to escape the stresses of motherhood?
I made a pact with myself at the beginning of the year to do more of what I enjoyed doing before I had children. Obviously setting up a new business, budget is limited, so I got a magazine subscription and started reading magazines again, alone in coffee shops. I also started running again. Whilst only relatively ‘little’ things, they’ve made a huge difference.
What advice would you offer a mum who might not be feeling like they are more than someones mum right now?
That’s it’s ok to feel like that. Everyone experiences things in different ways and so try not to judge yourself alongside others
Any advice for someone who is going through the same things as you are right now in their quest to be #MoreThanAMutha?
f you’d like to do something more, but not quite sure what…sit down (glass of wine optional!) and have a brainstorm. What would you do if money was no object…what are you passionate about…how can you solve a need? Write down anything, no matter how small or silly it is. Can your hobby develop into something more?
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Are you #MoreThanAMutha? Get in touch to share your story.