Cara Davies, August
Cara Davies set up her fledgling merino baby blanket business as a creative outlet that allowed her to work from home. Based in Te Awamutu, the qualified florist tells OHbaby! about juggling life with her two boy Rylan (8) and Noah (5), the business, and fitting in me-time.
OB Why did you set up your business?
CD A few reasons really – to create a business that allowed me to work from home and be around when needed for my children, while doing something that I really love and enjoy that also provides a creative outlet. Also to share beautiful, New Zealand-made products with other parents. I’ve always worked in retail, with colours and textures - so I love that I am able to use these in the design process of our blankets. And using as many natural materials as possible is very important to me
OB What did you want to be when you grew up?
CD A florist - and funnily enough I am a qualified one!
OB Do you ever feel "mummy guilt" about spending time working instead of with your children? If so, how do you deal with it?
CD A little bit, but I think all mums do in some way or another, not just with working, I think you just have to know you’re doing the right thing for your children & family whatever it may be. I think too, the fact that I am able to be a flexible in the hours I work and I am able to be around for my family when needed helps
OB What do you do to get "me-time"?
CD I love to cook, being in the kitchen is very relaxing, I love making food (and seeing people enjoy what I’ve made!) I am also really enjoying August, so love working on that at the moment & that is like a little bit of “me-time” too.
OB What's the smartest thing you've done with your business?
CD Just doing it! I had the idea for ages and finally just going for it was probably the smartest thing so far – thanks to my very supportive husband for the final push!
OB What's your favourite thing about the business now? What do you most enjoy?
CD At the moment I’m loving the feedback from people/customers, it's making the effort put in to get started worth it.
OB What's the most surprising thing you’ve found in running your own business?
CD That it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be starting a ‘little business at home’, it’s a lot more involved than I thought!
OB What's your philosophy to child-rearing?
CD I think that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Also, that children grow so fast and time goes by so quickly it is important to enjoy the present moment (even on the days when you want to pull your hair out in frustration!) I saw this quote a few years ago and I thought it summed it up nicely “You will never have this day with your children again – tomorrow they’ll be a little bit older than they are today. Today is a gift, breathe and notice, smell and hold them, study their faces, pay attention and enjoy today! - Relish the charms of the present”
