Drawing from my own experiences of motherhood, Babyblooms was forged through my quest to create the perfect new baby gift for expectant friends.
Lisa Roberts Founder of Babyblooms Working Mum Interview
The Baby Gift Company, launched in 2005. I am also a wife and mum to two teenage boys, all of whom I uprooted as the business grew and moved with me South Gloucestershire where we now live alongside the business and the grandparents, together with our spaniel Ben. Drawing from my own experiences of motherhood, Babyblooms was forged through my quest to create the perfect new baby gift for expectant friends. For me this had to be a delight to receive, with inherent WOW factor, encompassing my love of all things beautiful and practical. I love getting creative and am lucky to head a business that allows me to indulge in this! Remaining close to Mums and all things baby through teen, I’m always on the lookout for ways to make improve life for busy mums at all stages – not least me.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Try to keep business and family time separate
If you had the power to change one thing in the business market for working mothers, what would you change?
I’d give full tax relief on all childcare costs
How do you achieve your work life balance of career woman and mother?
Three years after launching Babyblooms we relocated our home and business onto one site. I am very fortunate as this saved me commuting time and has meant more time with my children. I have always been very strict with work cut off times and leave the office at 5pm to spend time with my boys until they are in bed when I sometimes (I kid myself!) return to my laptop.
What were/are the biggest challenges you faced going back in to the workplace after children?
The cost of childcare for two children prohibited me for returning to my previous job and career and I took a job waitressing in the evenings in order to avoid childcare costs.
If you could give your past self-one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?
Don’t allow yourself to suffer ‘mother’s guilt’, it’s not feasible to do everything!!
Have your career goals and aspirations altered since becoming a working mother?
Not really.
If you could recommend one book to our readers leisure or business what would it be?
Anything you enjoy that gives you an escape from both motherhood and business – I always read when I go to bed, currently reading ‘highrise, J G Ballard’ which is my bookclub’s current selection.
What are your future goals in your career path in the next few years, what do you hope to achieve?
To continue to grow and develop my business to be the best we can possibly be while maintaining our reputation for innovation and exceptional customer service.
What question would you wish to ask our next working mother who takes this short interview?
Aside from financially, do you think children benefit from having working mothers? And how?
# Lisa Roberts Founder and CEO of Babyblooms, Working Mum Interview