Tell us a little bit about your life and/or career and/or work path. 

I worked for many years as an Art Director for national magazines, but found that as I grew as a person my values, goals and views of success changed. 

With the decision to have children, I decided to try doing some freelance work and investigate what it might be like to work for myself, to challenge myself, to grow in my own way.  Luckily, with a bit of diligence, hard work and determination my business ventures have exceeded my expectations. 

Furthermore, they have permitted me the flexibility to be at home with my children on a regular basis (though I won't say balancing that isn't a bigger challenge!). 

I am very fortunate as a mother to be able to have my cake and eat it too - see my children grow up and be able to afford to give them everything they need.   

What is your passion in life? 

I have so many, big and small. One of my passions is loyalty and making my relationships work. I am very dedicated to my friends.  Another passion is my children. I am devoted to them, and do what I can to give them a balanced and healthy upbringing.  I am passionate about work and succeeding with my company.


What do you like to do to relax?
 
Visit a girlfriend and laugh at ourselves and life over a glass (or two) of wine.  That is probably the only thing I really do at this point in my life.  It is hard to relax with a few businesses on the go, a husband, a home, and a 4 and 2 year old!


What is your favourite story of rebellion?

I think my decision to go out on my own. The career that I had was fun; parties, holidays, fabulous salary and many other perks that sometimes I think I was crazy to give up. But often I gave up too much for my career, and was tempted by the dangling carrots put in front of me.

When I got pregnant with my first child I just could not imagine juggling both WELL, so something had to give. But now as I look back I gave up nothing - and gained plenty.

Tell us about a relationship that means a lot to you. 

My relationship with my husband and children is the most important, but outside of my family I have a few women friends that I have become very close to that have helped me through some tough times.

They are all mothers of small children and can relate to the challenges I go through with 2 children so close in age. Many of them are also small business owners so we have great evenings discussing business, balance and why we do this to ourselves. We can all let go of our 'Supermom' facade and relax. We are all over achievers and none of us would admit this but we love the challenge.    

What do you do to release your pent up stress?

I wish I could say that I go to the gym every day or run marathons to release my stress but, alas I can not. My way of de-stressing is work. I enjoy what I do and for me it is an outlet - a creative outlet, which allows me to turn off the world around me and focus on what I am doing.

What helps you feel more energetic?

My kids. I have to be energetic to keep up with them - they keep me very busy and feeling young.