Hands up all of you who dream of getting that much sought-after mix of work and family life?
Mum-of-two Julie Clarke, 36,? is the co-founder and managing director of Femmcup (www.femmecup.com) – the eco-friendly option to sanitary towels and tampons. She tells us how she manages a flourishing business with the demands of a young family.
What work did you do before you set up your company?
Prior to launching Femmecup in November 2007, I worked in administration and management.
How did you fund the business?
Personally between myself and my partner.
What was the motivating factor for staring your own business?
To have more flexibility with my home life.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
Having the flexibility (sometimes) to be able to go and do things with the kids when if I was working for a company I wouldn’t be able to!
Running a business can be a mixed bag sometimes. What have been you highs and lows so far?
Highs – when we got our first large order (exclusivity agreement).
Lows – You worry about the company developing and if it is going to work.
How have you managed to stay on top of your career with the demands of motherhood while running a business?
It’s difficult.? I try and get the balance right and sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t.
How has running your business impacted on your relationship with your partner and children?
I’ve had to do exhibitions at weekends sometimes which has taken me away from my children and my partner, but then I might take Monday off to compensate!
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 you just have to get the right balance.? Your business needs you for it to grow and your children/partner need you so you have spread your time as evenly as you can.? It might mean you are working after the children have gone to bed!
