Dear Lacey, how do I balance salon life and motherhood after maternity leave? – Clarisse Fornelli, Colour Specialist and Entrepreneur.
Hi Clarisse. This is such an important question, so thank you for that. For me personally, when contemplating the ultimate juggle of work and parenthood, my thoughts always settle on how I define motherhood. Ultimately, I believe that motherhood is what we make it, and you can choose exactly how it looks like to you. The most important thing is to create a balance that is true to who you are. As hairdressers, we’re in a lucky position as we can structure our lives in a way that accommodates space both for our work and our time to be a mother.
Here are some ways I have redefined motherhood to work for me, my family and my business:
● Creating space and boundaries: Being focused and productive in short bursts of time allows me to work solely on my business, in turn giving me time for my family without distraction. It’s a cliché, but it really is about working smarter, not harder. When discussing this subject with a fellow business owner who recently returned to work from maternity leave, she mentioned that she employs a very strict cancellation policy – she simply doesn’t have time for the added stress or uncertainty now that she is balancing work and motherhood.
● Communicating with a healthy support network: As hairdressers, we excel at multitasking; we find juggling five tasks at once a breeze! However, I personally found this incredibly challenging as a new mother. I quickly decided to reduce my task list and be open about the challenges I was facing. Over time, I rebuilt my energy and stamina, and my clients supported me along the way.
● Embracing the new me: When I reflect on the times I returned back to work after my children were born, I remember questioning how the lines can blur between being a mother and remaining your own person. I personally found that my work empowered me to embrace the evolving person I saw in the mirror. It reassured me that my children would be proud of their multitasking mother.
● Broadening my outlook: Lastly, I feel passionately that it’s important to share that my experience of redefining motherhood is one that is still in motion. I experienced two very different styles of pregnancy that have changed me as a person and as a business owner forever. It is a powerful thing to know that we can decide how motherhood works for us as individuals.
Good luck with the rest of your journey Clarisse. Remember, only focus on what works for YOU!
