The Juggle Is Real

We all know there’s no such thing as work/life balance – it’s a constant battle. Three entrepreneurial mums reveal how they juggle successful businesses with growing families

KIRSTEN WALKER

Founder of Palm Beach Collection, mum of two

“In 2009, I left my old job [as a fashion buyer] to start Palm Beach Collection and found out I was pregnant with my first son the day after I resigned. It was certainly an emotional challenge. I worked through my pregnancy with both kids and didn’t take any maternity leave. Our office was at our house at that stage and I thought it would be easy. I think it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

The biggest challenge was that I was never really able to switch off from work. I was back on my emails in the hospital only a few hours after the birth! Trying to breastfeed while entering orders, taking phone calls, answering emails … it was hard work. But at that stage, the business was so young and needed my attention, so I had no choice. Both my kids went to a home day care at nine months and, after that, life became more manageable. I think for families with both parents working, it’s an ongoing battle and you never quite get the right balance.