This week it’s about to get very colourful on the blog! But first, did you manage to check out my interview with Baby Prints Cheltenham? We spoke about how she was given a business by her sister and how she’s managed to build it up around family life.
Okay, so who remembers blogging back in 2015? Who remembers ‘The Girl Gang’?! I do – I was a member too! Where you even a blogger if you didn’t have ‘The Girl Gang’ pin on your page?! The #TheGirlGang was started by Jemma of Dork Face Blog – a community all about uplifting women and supporting them in the blogging community. With Jemma at the helm, It was a friendly community to be apart of – no bitchiness, no jealousy – just pure loveliness. Women supporting women.
From there, Jemma has grown and grown. And I can totally see why – she’s just so nice and supportive of others. It really does show that if you’re doing well, supporting others and generally being nice in the community, good things will come. Jemma’s blog has won multiple award and has been featured in Mother and Baby magazine.
Now, alongside blogging and looking after her little one, Jemma has set-up shop selling the most wonderful and vibrant original art pieces; notebooks; pins etc – all very bright and fun, just like Jemma!
Hey Jemma, firstly can you explain how you came up with the idea of starting up your shop?
My business was basically an extension of my blog really. I started blogging, and because I’ve always been a painter and an artistic person; I naturally shared my artwork and things I had created, in my blog posts. When people started finding my work, I got more and more interest in it, and a lot of requests. Due to this encouragement, I decided to open a shop online! It started with simple greeting cards – all handmade! And today I’m batch creating designs digitally for greeting cards, art prints, pins, tote bags, postcards, mugs, and much, much more.
I’m in love with the prints – so colourful! How long has your shop been running for then?
4 years now!
With having your blog too, as well as looking after your little one, how do you make it work around family life? Does it ever affect it?
Since having a baby, my whole work routine has gone out the window. In fact, there isn’t much routine at all. I just try to work every spare second that I have free. When my partner is off from work, he takes over parenting while I work all day, or a family member will babysit so I can get work done. And mostly I spend a lot of late nights hunched over my computer, while trying to not wake the baby! The 12/1am bedtimes, and 6am starts are often, and they are a KILLER.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one without a real routine! But 12/1am bedtimes – ouch! So do you work in the day at all during the week?
Sometimes in the daytime when my son is napping, or playing quietly. But mostly it’s at night from about 7:30pm until midnight-ish.
Tell me, what’s the best and worst thing about working from home?
Best? I get to see my son so much more than if I had a typical job. I’m not missing out on anything! I can decide my own schedule too, and what works best for us. Worst? My work never seems to end because I can’t ‘go home’ and have time off. I’m constantly working in-between Mum moments.
I think the best definitely overrides the worst – time spent with your son is precious. I get that! Do you ever manage to take a break? If so – preferred beverage of choice during one?
Honestly? I don’t do breaks! Even when getting my lunch I take it right back to my desk and work as I eat. Every moment is precious, haha. However my beverage of choice is an ice cold cherry coke at the moment. In Winter it’s a hazlenut latte or coffee!
Yes – coffee is key! What’s your trick for organisation?
To-do lists!! I have them on my phone and make a list of things each day that I HAVE TO get completed. And then a list of things I’d like to do, if I ever get a spare chance. It means I’m never idling time away. I always know what I have to do next. It’s intense! but it works for me.
I live for lists too! I’d be lost without mine. Okay, so best moment in business so far?
Having a pretty huge Youtuber get in touch saying they’re a fan of my work, and go on to buy some of my products. I was a little star struck, haha! Also getting to quit my day job was pretty epic, of course.
Oh yes, I saw that! That’s amazing. And who doesn’t want to quit their day job! Go you! Got any big projects you’d like to share?
I’m working on colouring books FILLED with positive messages and confidence boosting imagery, and awesome, colourful desk pads for those of us who love all things rainbow. Apart from that, I’m just trying to think of new ideas each day.
I love the colouring book idea! I’ll keep my eye out – might be nice for my little one once he can scribble! Lastly, any tips for other working from home Mama’s?
Ask for as much help as you can, it’s okay to be struggling! Look after yourself, and don’t try to be super mum; she doesn’t exist.
True that. Thanks Jemma!
Exclusive offer!
I urge you to go and check out Jemma’s shop – she is kindly offering 20% off an entire order – no minimum spend. Just use the code ’20OFF’ to redeem.
The perfect prints to brighten up your day!
Are you a Mum hoping to get into freelancing, like me? Or a parent who wants to read honest articles on what it's like to parent today - then you're in the right place. Visit my 'services I can offer' you page if you'd like to work together. 
