Yummy Mummy, Joanna Barclay talks family life and her successful beachwear brand.
Name: Joanna Barclay
Age: 39
Children: Mia, four, and Max, two-and-a-half
Job title: Co-founder of StarBlu beachwear
Company: StarBlu, an online beachwear boutique, www.starblu.com
What was the motivating factor for staring your own business?
My partner and I noticed a gap in the market place for a brand offering really fabulous and fun beachwear that not only looks great but combines comfort and glamour, and so StarBlu was born. Having lived and travelled extensively overseas, we were able to gain a detailed insight into the best factors for a beachwear collection.
What are the best bits about working again?
I haven?t in fact really stopped working, even after the birth of my children I was raring to go just a few weeks afterwards!
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been you highs and lows so far?
There have been many highs ? from the support of our clients, to really positive feedback about new collections, to getting our first order from a prestigious five-star hotel.
With regards to the lows, I think the hardest part for us in our business of retail, is the production and manufacturing (we design all our own clothing and in many cases even the material designs) and estimating the quantities we need to produce ? we have previously manufactured a product line we think will sell like hot cakes and it hasn?t sold as expected. Other times it can be the flipside of this and a product sold out exceptionally quickly and we were unable to get more manufactured in time.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood?
Juggling my time around work and family needs often means early-morning starts and late night finishes. I am lucky that my office is in my home, so I spend the time it would normally take to get to and from an office with the kids.
What has been the high point along the way?
It has to be going out and spotting our products being worn by a customer ? especially in a different country, that gives an immense sense of satisfaction.
What was your worst experience along the way?
Receiving a delivery of hundreds of kaftans, only to notice they were faulty. We had to cancel them in our entire collection.
Any tips for expectant mums or mothers who feel that you can’t have a successful career and a happy family life at the same time?
You can – having a successful career is rewarding but hard work and you must expect to have a slow start and of course the highs and lows. You mustn?t feel guilty about working and for me, being happy in work gives me a happier home life. Be positive, and most importantly believe in yourself.