tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10007362123546832882024-03-21T12:27:22.758+00:00Best Life CoachingTamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966626556045670064noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000736212354683288.post-6569370819160021372014-05-08T16:23:00.001+01:002014-05-08T16:23:49.322+01:00Inspirational Interview #3: Kate Hope, owner of Hope and RainbowsAs part of my mission to help as many mothers as I can, I have come up with the idea of interviewing mothers just like you and me that decided to take the plunge and go after what they want in life! The courage and determination it takes to do this is incredible. I hope by having them tell their stories it will inspire you to stretch your wings and fly! Enjoy!<br />
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x Tamara<br />
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<b>Inspirational Interview #3: Kate Hope, owner of Hope and Rainbows</b><br />
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Kate Hope is a wonderful, dynamic woman that juggles two daughters, a husband and a company that all adds up to a beautiful life she has created. Hope and Rainbows is her company and is a collection of bespoke artwork for little ones.<br />
My daughter owns one of Kate's cute personalised bags. She loves it and keeps her most precious treasures in it. Check out her lovely creations on her business pages listed at the bottom of this page.<br />
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<b>How are you leading a life 'doing what you love'?</b><br />
Number one: by being totally present for my two daughters. My husband and I are in agreement that for the first years of their little lives, it’s really special to have Mummy at home and as available to them as possible. I love being able to give them that, more than words.<br />
My happiness has been bolstered recently with the launch of my new business, Hope & Rainbows, which is a range of personalised childrens’ products. I am someone who loves to tinker at my laptop, who loves social media and who has discovered that when you are passionate about a product you have designed and developed yourself, you can confidently promote it. I’m having such a great time!<br />
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<b>What did you do before this?</b><br />
I spent over ten years in The City, working as a PA at an Investment Bank and subsequently a Hedge Fund. I then moved away from London with my husband and spent the last six years working at a Business School in a team which ran customised Assessment & Development programmes for a wide range of clients. I enjoyed that job in particular, because working so closely with Coaches and Development Experts allowed me various opportunities to explore my own passions and potentials. I’m sure that it was a weighty contributor towards my current direction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQL-DyAXrw0P0Iir6oLHKPlz6XjIMMLrZjtQ-h5zWIwpzp_nsvxn2V582mfL1kuFcxtqqdPyh0M5_Eut66JkZ7SXUo-8BZuTNxso8_qs3bo45_94cW7aUVH9z8A51KCOkFf_R9Jee-eZP/s1600/Rocket+PRODUCT+IMAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQL-DyAXrw0P0Iir6oLHKPlz6XjIMMLrZjtQ-h5zWIwpzp_nsvxn2V582mfL1kuFcxtqqdPyh0M5_Eut66JkZ7SXUo-8BZuTNxso8_qs3bo45_94cW7aUVH9z8A51KCOkFf_R9Jee-eZP/s1600/Rocket+PRODUCT+IMAGE.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a><b>What was your a-ha moment that pushed you to change things and realise your passion?</b><br />
I designed my first two art prints to gift to two great friends’ babies for their Christenings. When we next met up together, the friends were exceptionally encouraging about the prints and their future potential. That provided me with the initial catalyst to progress the designs and brand. I am so grateful to them both!<br />
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<b>How did you make it happen?</b></div>
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Firstly, I talked my ideas through endlessly with friends and family. I came up with a business name I loved and the branding quickly followed. I then purchased and designed a website and launched a Facebook Page to friends. Orders quickly followed and I’ve used those to develop and expand my range. I couldn’t have done any of this without amazingly supportive friends and quite a bit of passion on my part.</div>
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<b>How do you see your new life affecting your children?</b></div>
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Its very important to me that it doesn’t really affect them. I currently do a majority of my work while my eldest daughter is at school, when my younger daughter has her daily 2 hour nap (long may it last!), and then again after they’ve gone to bed. Its difficult to find the energy and enthusiasm sometimes, but its at those moment that its crucial I’m doing something I love…. so I really don’t notice that I’m ‘working’.</div>
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<b>What has been your biggest challenge during this time, and how did you overcome it?</b> </div>
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Trying to conquer the areas of setting up a business that I’m not so experienced in. When you work alone and for yourself, its all too easy to be distracted by alternative jobs if you choose to be. I have to dig deep to keep the momentum going at times like this!</div>
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<b>What is the best advice you have received?</b></div>
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I was lucky enough to attend a networking event soon after I had launched my website, at which a wonderful speaker discussed returning to work alongside Motherhood. She firmly believed that it was only worth trying to do so if you were going to do something you are totally passionate about. It was a perfect stage for me to carefully assess my direction and intentions and question whether I was doing the right thing. Being passionate about your work - whatever you do - gives you heaps of confidence. I think that this is all essential if you are going to try and split your time with your children, to make sure you get as much out of it as possible and maximise its reward.</div>
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<b>How do you juggle your business with family life?</b></div>
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At the moment, the balance of the two is working well. I’m well aware that if business picks up substantially (which I, nervously, hope it does!) I may struggle to get everything squeezed into my day, but my girls are wonderfully patient and I’m very lucky that they play happily together for a certain amount of time to allow me to cram a few sneaky orders in every once in a while.</div>
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<b>Tell me more about the business.</b></div>
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As I mentioned, my collection began as a series of art prints to hang on babies’ and childrens’ bedroom or playroom walls. These are personalised, alphabetical prints (e.g. G is for Georgina.. and for Giraffe) with adorable and colourful illustrations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAqMtNAww7wtyGUIVquh1XTM9SC6JrU5N6Pb4UPA-DeV0sZoyyfzrwL9r3RhclyKecz_Vd3PahwwqvsyrRsdSmpCj-oMaeDlt0-EMpkqO-fe38K3XL5tNSF0Ty_OrulbKy6AkAZXdN2XI/s1600/Tote+Bags+Trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAqMtNAww7wtyGUIVquh1XTM9SC6JrU5N6Pb4UPA-DeV0sZoyyfzrwL9r3RhclyKecz_Vd3PahwwqvsyrRsdSmpCj-oMaeDlt0-EMpkqO-fe38K3XL5tNSF0Ty_OrulbKy6AkAZXdN2XI/s1600/Tote+Bags+Trio.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>Following the popularity of the prints, I also now sell packs of postcards (perfect for thank you letters and invitations!) and two sizes of children’s bags (small totes, which work as reusable party bags or great shoe bags for ballet etc, and larger double drawstrings, which are better for sports kits and the like). </div>
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My latest exciting development is a pack of alphabetical flashcards which will soon be arriving in my shop. These are a lovely addition to a new baby parcel to make an older sibling feel special too - and are great for spelling practice, letter identification or even a pretty bunting-style decoration.</div>
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<b>What is the biggest noticeable difference in your life since choosing this new path?</b></div>
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My time is exceptionally precious to me now (not that it wasn’t beforehand really; I think I’m just acutely aware of it these days) and so I don’t like to get stuck doing something I’m not happy with. I’m a happier person, who has grown in confidence enormously. </div>
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<b>What is key to making a big change in your life?</b></div>
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Dissatisfaction and a lack of self worth (both professionally speaking).</div>
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<b>Anything else you would like to add?</b></div>
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I will be taking part in the following fairs over the Summer: Trout n’ About on Stockbridge High Street on Saturday 3rd August 2014… Romsey Food Festival on Saturday 7th September 2014… Dummer Michaelmas Fair at Dummer Cricket Club on 15th & 16th October 2014 - and would love to see you there!</div>
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<a href="http://www.hopeandrainbows.co.uk/">www.hopeandrainbows.co.uk</a></div>
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<a href="mailto:hopeandrainbows@icloud.co.uk">hopeandrainbows@icloud.co.uk</a></div>
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hopeandrainbows" target="_blank">Hope & Rainbow</a>s - Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Hope_Rainbows" target="_blank">@hope_rainbows</a> - Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/hopeandrainbows" target="_blank">@hopeandrainbows</a></div>
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<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966626556045670064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000736212354683288.post-7051160183653010312014-02-10T14:52:00.000+00:002014-02-10T14:52:38.639+00:00Inspirational Interview #2: Nicola Neve, owner of Nicola Neve JewelleryAs part of my mission to help as many mothers as I can, I have come up with the idea of interviewing mothers just like you and me that decided to take the plunge and go after what they want in life! The courage and determination it takes to do this is incredible. I hope by having them tell their stories it will inspire you to stretch your wings and fly! Enjoy!<br />
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x Tamara<br />
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<b>Inspirational Interview #2: Nicola Neve, owner of Nicola Neve Jewellery</b><br />
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Nicola Neve has three daughters and a lovely husband. She owns Nicola Neve Jewellery which specializes in hand cutting, finishing and personalising sterling silver jewellery. It is very special because she designs and creates a bespoke piece that reflects the story and life of the wearer. You can find out more by going to her FB and website pages listed at the bottom of the page.<br />
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<b>How are you leading a life 'doing what you love'?</b><br />
I decided when my youngest daughter went to nursery that I would start beading and making necklaces and bracelets while I was on my own, to make a little extra pocket money. I tried really hard at craft fairs and lunchtime local business sales, but it never really took off as I had hoped. So, I decided to 'up my game' and learn silversmithing, it has been one my best life decisions!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>What did you do before this?</b><br />
Before this and before children I was an accountant, well a part qualified one. Office based...I do miss that office banter!<br />
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<b>What was your a-ha moment that pushed you to change things and realise your passion?</b><br />
I had this massive desire, almost fear to not have to go back into an office based role and be answerable to somebody else and not be around for my children... Yet, we needed me to earn. I have always loved silver, it was my Mum and my Grandmother that really inspired me...they both wore rings on their fingers and bells on their toes! They both glittered as I grew up and loved pretty things. So it just took this natural turn...<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bs6m43hwfRnq3y3bAW-S6aFQ6NsVtLOrTo2u2b82LCitLG1pEtd-CQOeY5BESP7vQvnbSKjAnAHPD5JA89Cy1juS4dCnvmBV73YYqjuvY1xzM59RJNp6EXh-j-CxuMBTQqr3oHdBeHQT/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bs6m43hwfRnq3y3bAW-S6aFQ6NsVtLOrTo2u2b82LCitLG1pEtd-CQOeY5BESP7vQvnbSKjAnAHPD5JA89Cy1juS4dCnvmBV73YYqjuvY1xzM59RJNp6EXh-j-CxuMBTQqr3oHdBeHQT/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful silver star ring</td></tr>
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<b>How did you make it happen?</b><br />
When my youngest daughter started school full time, it freed up some space for me to train. I found a silversmith tutor and have never looked back.<br />
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<b>How do you see your new life affecting your children?</b><br />
Positively... I see them inspired, I see myself leading by example, working hard at a job I love, I see them proud of their Mummy and their Mummy proud of herself. Negatively, I work a 40+ hour week, I feel that I am distracted and beat myself up constantly, like other working mums for not having enough time with my family.<br />
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<b>What has been your biggest challenge during this time, and how did you overcome it?</b><br />
The hours I work and the knock on effect it has on my family and friends. How thin I have to spread myself. I haven't overcome it, I just try very hard to have one on one time, to look my favourite people in the eye every day. And smile! I want to be the one to teach my children to be happy.<br />
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<b>What is the best advice you have received?</b><br />
Engage with your customers, show them a little of who you are and don't feel bad about not giving the children enough attention, what they don't get from you, they get from each other. I still find myself feeling guilty though, but it does help a little!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNKIMDLSjv5p6AQp_IKmErz9QX0zpbdidW81eoTKfNt7-90mQ0ec9zF4Z-KA2NyhjyL2SffDv6-mPDl9zUKQsz_-udB1xaE_HdOfgtKWbRwZ7Kjfoqg_ytQOTb-8c9HowCQQQZiVLv-H-/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNKIMDLSjv5p6AQp_IKmErz9QX0zpbdidW81eoTKfNt7-90mQ0ec9zF4Z-KA2NyhjyL2SffDv6-mPDl9zUKQsz_-udB1xaE_HdOfgtKWbRwZ7Kjfoqg_ytQOTb-8c9HowCQQQZiVLv-H-/s1600/image.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicky in her workshop</td></tr>
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<b>How do you juggle your business with family life?</b><br />
It's tricky to juggle. I never work in the workshop at the weekend, I always have admin to do, but it is home based, so I am with my family constantly. My husband and I try and grab as much time as we can together. We always eat together as a family...that is very important to us...that time is really sacred.<br />
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<b>Tell me more about the business</b>.<br />
I handcraft sterling silver jewellery, personalised to order, with each piece reflecting the life of the wearer. I liaise extensively with the client to ensure their work is just right for them, I love that bit! I work alone, which I adjusted to, relatively well. Facebook has been my platform and has launched the business incredibly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charm necklace</td></tr>
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<b>What is the biggest noticeable difference in your life since choosing this new path?</b><br />
I am more confident, it's lovely to be told you are good at something, I'm happiest in this job than any other I have had (motherhood aside) I'm so much busier than I ever imagined, I earn and I have choices now as opposed to being forced into a corner.<br />
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<b>What is key to making a big change in your life?</b><br />
Having people that depend on you and having the confidence to take on the challenge<br />
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My Facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicola-Neve-Jewellery/284980982665" target="_blank">Nicola Neve Jewellery</a> and my website is <a href="http://www.nicolanevejewellery.co.uk/">www.nicolanevejewellery.co.uk</a><br />
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966626556045670064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000736212354683288.post-60944355493527713682014-02-07T18:26:00.000+00:002014-02-08T01:20:15.096+00:00My January challenge of having 8+ servings of fruit and vegetables a dayAt the beginning of the year I started a challenge of trying something new each month to help me lead my best life. I used to be afraid of trying new things. I thought 'what if I fail?' Do you know where that thinking got me? That's right... nowhere! I lived in my own self imposed prison. I wasted so much time with fear. I limited myself. Not anymore! I found a way to change my mindset about trying new things and now I am living a rich and exciting life. Who cares if I fail? Look what I learned! Anyway, I am now into trying things, so...<br />
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January was having 8+ servings of fruit and vegetables a day. <b>Why</b> do you ask? Well I was just coming out of December where we all know that is overindulgence month. I felt unhealthy, tired, foggy and forgetful. It was not pretty. This was not my best life! <b>What</b> can I do to change that? I was already exercising so I looked at my diet. Sure I have vegetables but usually only with dinner. And when was the last time I ate an apple? Seriously! I need to change that!<br />
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There is a campaign in the UK of having 5+ servings a day. Why didn't I just stick with that? Well if you know me I get a little over enthusiastic and a little OTT. So 8 it became. <b>How</b> can I do that? That is a lot! Well.....<br />
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I bought my produce, saw it all laid out on my table and thought..... I'll juice it! Best decision I made. It was soooo easy to put all those lovely nutrients into my body. Have you ever juiced? Delicious if you have the right recipes. You'd think I would like the sweeter fruit juices but I adored the green vegetable ones. They were yummy and filling. How did it make me feel?<br />
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<a name='more'></a>At first I started with a juice a day and that covered my 8+. But one week I did a 5 day challenge where all I did was juice. It was amazing. The first couple of days were hard because I was withdrawing from my usual diet. But the third day I gained a clearer head and tons of energy. I am surprised my friends didn't get sick of me. I was bouncing around like a little puppy dog! I felt great. It took care of my tiredness, fogginess and forgetfulness. It did exactly what I set out to change. Yay me! (Important to acknowledge and celebrate achievements however big or small).<br />
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Even if it didn't turn out like it did I still would have won. Along the way I learned so much about nutrition. My old diet fed me but it was empty calories. There were hardly any <i>nutrients. </i>My body was starving for those and kept saying "I'm hungry". I would feed it but it would be the wrong things like fat, sugar and other things to fill my tummy up. The body wanted nutrients, didn't get it, so would keep saying "I'm hungry". I kept eating. If only I had given it nutrients it would have shut up and I wouldn't have put on those extra 10 pounds!<br />
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You'll be happy to know I am continuing with my juicing. One a day. I love it and even crave it. I've even managed to lose some weight without thinking about it. Try juicing, you just might like it. If you don't try it, why not? Don't waste time limiting yourself. Live a rich and full life.... your BEST LIFE.Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966626556045670064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000736212354683288.post-56439079560636958632013-12-11T12:49:00.000+00:002013-12-11T12:49:34.601+00:00In the spirit of giving<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">As I sit here looking at the festive decorations, I notice I have a lot of angels. It made me think about what angels mean to me and I came across this quote that I love. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">What is one thing you can do today to make a difference to someone else? Maybe it is something small like a smile or perhaps a bit bigger like buying a cup of coffee for someone. Perhaps a friend is struggling and you offer to watch their children or make dinner for them. It is whatever you feel you can give. And you know what? The most amazing thing will happen...... Not only will that person feel better from your kindness but you will too! Try it. You might just like it!</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">X</span>Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966626556045670064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1000736212354683288.post-16822516738978078262013-11-28T20:13:00.000+00:002013-12-11T12:55:27.019+00:00Inspirational Interview #1: Gayle Jones, owner of Bella G Vintage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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As part of my mission to help as many mothers as I can, I have come up with the idea of interviewing mothers just like you and me that decided to take the plunge and go after what they want in life! The courage and determination it takes to do this is incredible. I hope by having them tell their stories it will inspire you to stretch your wings and fly! Enjoy!</div>
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xTamara</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #351c75;"><b>Inspirational Interview #1: Gayle Jones, owner of Bella G Vintage</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cMu0PANdhMjWoSxuvo8mWXsDC_PHhB3L07_-m3DXAS6OLhVeRbD792sU9CTcAVznNjEJeeGpVUC7Z9PxbVl_4Os4NdX0W4Xd17Jc9h44vYNq0yROq4DdqJmwcWgooAsiMHmAE-U__zLT/s1600/534031_580651365306922_532628918_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cMu0PANdhMjWoSxuvo8mWXsDC_PHhB3L07_-m3DXAS6OLhVeRbD792sU9CTcAVznNjEJeeGpVUC7Z9PxbVl_4Os4NdX0W4Xd17Jc9h44vYNq0yROq4DdqJmwcWgooAsiMHmAE-U__zLT/s320/534031_580651365306922_532628918_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Gayle Jones, a mother to two beautiful children and a new business owner of Bella G Vintage. Bella G Vintage provides two services: They create their own one off pieces that you can buy or you can commission them to work on a piece of furniture that you already own. It truly is a bespoke service. You can find before and after shots of their work on their Facebook page,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bella-G-Vintage/563402740365118" target="_blank"> Bella G Vintage</a>. I met Gayle in her beautiful home surrounded by her work.<br />
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<b>How are you leading a life "doing what you love"?</b><br />
I am doing what I love. For 9 years I have painted for family and friends. About 6 months ago I picked up 2 antique dressers. I fixed them up and had them in my home. Someone spotted one and offered me money for it. Then soon after, the other was sold. Now people are coming to me to do their own furniture. We work on a variety of pieces, liaising with our clients to create the look they want in their home. It's enriched my life. It's also had a domino effect. I'm happy, the children are happy, Stephen, my supportive partner, is really happy and the house is working really nicely. The work/family balance is good because I'm working for myself and setting my own pace. <u>A happy mum makes everything else come together and flow nicely</u>.<br />
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<b>What did you do before this?</b><br />
I worked in HR for 11 years. When I went on maternity leave with Bella, I realized that HR was too demanding whilst raising a family and decided to do something different. When Mason started school I knew that was the time for me to make a change.<br />
In my spare time, I have always had a creative outlet. I think for me creativity is a big part of who I am. I need it. Before I did this on a full time basis, I was painting bits for friends and family and in between I was doing scrapbooking and photography. I've got loads of scrapbooks full of things I've made. I've always been quite creative. For me to do this now, full time, is just like heaven.<br />
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<b>What was your a-ha moment that pushed you to change things and realize your passion?</b><br />
When I sold the dressers. That was my wow moment. When somebody went "Wow, that's really good. Do you do this?" and I said, "Yes I do". They said, "How much do you want for it? It would look lovely in my kitchen" and I thought "People are buying my work!" That was a point where I went "gosh"! I love doing it but for someone to actually think that you are good at doing it... that places a value on it and makes you believe in yourself.<br />
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<b>How did you make it happen?</b><br />
Hard work and a level of commitment. It is getting the balance right between the administration side of the business and the actual work side of the business, such as the sanding, painting and the product. I got put into a situation whereby I had to get the balance quite quickly because of the amount of work I was doing. I needed to keep records, develop an admin process, invoice process and estimate process. I had to change. Instead of telling someone that it costs this much for paint, etc. and it all being lovely, suddenly it grew into a business. I needed to get smart on that side of things. If someone is thinking of starting their own business, they usually take more time to sort out both sides but for me it all happened quite quickly!<br />
I think it is really important that your friends and family around you believe in you because then it makes you feel more confident in what you are doing. It can be quite scary, especially when you give up your day job and fully commit to it. That is what I did at the start of this summer. You need a network around you. It is quite hard work but if it's something you love, I can't express how much I think it's worth it. I love it.<br />
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<b>How do you see your new life affecting your children?</b><br />
Now I believe in myself and making my dreams come true, I want to pass that onto my children so that they can believe in themselves. I want Bella and Mason to have confidence in themselves to go after something if they want to. As parents we want to be good role models. I think for me that is really important. I value that.<br />
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<b>What has been your biggest challenge during this time and how did you overcome it?</b><br />
Keeping up with the flurry of work and the administration side (what I call the boring stuff). When I hit the point where those two had to marry up that’s when I felt kind of a little "wooo". How I coped with that was to think about it logically and work through it methodically really. Just think to myself, right I've done this amount; I need to sit down and do this and do that. I’m a great list writer, I am very organized. I realized that if I wanted to do this as a career it was going to be a bit like that sometimes. It was going to get busy!<br />
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<b>What is the best advice you have received?</b><br />
Believe in yourself and keep going with it.<br />
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<b>How do you juggle your business with family life?</b><br />
So far it has been relatively easy. I don’t have any childcare help. I look after the children myself. In the summer holidays it has been a mixed bag of doing work in the evenings and the weekends when I’m not with them full time during the day. And then when they are back at school I shall work when they are at school. When they come home until they go to bed that is our time.<br />
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<b>Tell me more about the business.</b><br />
So far every piece I've worked on I've loved for different reasons. I've looked at it and thought oh wow! It has so much potential. At the moment I am working on someone’s grandfather’s bureau. It has been in their family for a long time. The stool has got patchwork on it that her grandmother did. So, it’s like a family heirloom and I’m taking care and paying attention to that because it is precious to someone.<br />
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People come to me with all sorts of things…. Pine wardrobes, bureaus that have been in the family for a very long time, huge retailer dark wood sideboards with silver handles. <span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">By listening to them, we are able to transform their piece into something that they love. You can make things look beautiful, but not everyone can see it. In fact one of the things on the front of the website is: </span><u>There’s beauty in everything, not everybody sees it</u><span style="background-color: white;">. That’s my slogan, because to me there is. That birdcage I found at a car boot sale. It was covered with lots of stuff. It is an old fashioned, used birdcage. I cleaned it up, spray painted and distressed it. And I think it is gorgeous!</span><br />
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<b>What is key to making a big change in your life?</b><br />
Be sure you want to make the change because change is a big thing. It does involve commitment and sometimes a whole lifestyle change. Have the courage of your convictions. At the end of the day, what is the worst that can happen? If it doesn't work, life still goes on. You can make it happen. I am living proof of that. I’m just a normal person who takes her kids to school every day.<br />
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966626556045670064noreply@blogger.com0