Watch the video below for an introduction to this post and to find out why I’m featuring Joy for Follow Friday:
Mini Interview: Joy discusses the inspiration for her work and the challenges that she faces from being a mom to two young children and running a creative business.
1. Where do you get the inspiration for the custom illustrations that you create?
I’m inspired by so many people/things, but the inspiration for my custom illustrations comes from my boys. I want to make cute (kawaii) illustrations that they’ll want to use when they’re in school. Also, being a former teacher, I try to keep in mind and create fun items that can help teachers in their classrooms.
2. What do you find the most challenging about being a mom and running a creative business? How do you deal with it?
Trying to balance everything is extremely challenging. I think it’s super challenging for me right now because my little guys are so young. Jude is 2 1/2 and Seth is seven months old. Plus, I also work full time as the business manager of a library. So I’m still trying to figure out how to squeeze the creative business in the mix. Lately, I’ve just decided to step back and put the business plans on hold, make some fun free printables, do a little freelance work on the side, and just enjoy my family… life is just way too short.
3. Can you share your top tips for other moms who are just starting a creative business and feel overwhelmed with balancing their business and families?
- Be patient with yourself… Building anything worthwhile, whether it’s a house or a business takes time to be able to do it right – there’s no need to rush into things.
- Be ok with not being able to do it all… I’ve always had the “eyes bigger than my stomach” syndrome and this has transfered into my day to day, so I tend to fill up my plate and then realize, only too late, that I’m stuffed… I’ve over committed or I’m not going to meet a deadline. So I’ve had to step back and let go of/stopped doing certain things because it doesn’t fit in my life right now.
- Ask for help… I’m fortunate that I have a husband that is more than happy to help with whatever it is that I might need. The key here is to just ask.
- Take a break… I try to take some time for myself. Usually, I try to do something that I really enjoy in the early morning or late at night. I love to doodle and I love to learn new things. So I’ve signed up for a couple of fun online classes and I try to doodle at least 20 minutes everyday. I’ve found that whenever I take some time for myself, I am able to focus on my family better and handle any challenges that may come my way.
Joy is great! She is very creative and quick to offer help when she can. I always enjoy her chats on twitter and how she is quick to support others.
April,
I meant to also add that I hope you are starting to mend. Feel better soon!
Erika
Thanks Erika! It’s been a slow recovery process, especially since I developed pneumonia. But, I’m hoping to be back in full force soon!
So excited to see Joy over here!
Get better soon April!
I have mad love for Joy so seeing her here sharing her wisdom is so exciting.
“Building anything worthwhile, whether it’s a house or a business takes time to be able to do it right” is brilliant, so often we want all our dreams RIGHT NOW. Being able to step back and choose what you can do & when is a sign of true strength. You are awesome Joy!
April, thanks so much for the interview… The introductory video was so sweet of you! Hope you are feeling better super soon!
Erika, Bridgett, and Jessika – I appreciate all the kind words and support dear friends!
Oh the joy of seeing Joy here ! sorry had to go for that one.
I love her work …her printables are adorable and those doodles are to die for. Fun lady to hang out with on twitter too 🙂 I love how you are stepping back to balance things when needed. Its important to do that.
Thanks April !
Hi April !!
I’m a really big fan of your blog. Recently I buy an iPad and I reallised that I can’t watch your videos because they use flash. I know that Vimeo have a script that uses iframe instead of flash. Maybe you could change the code that you use to insert videos on your post, and that way people that use iPad could watch your videos too.
Thanks a lot 🙂
Hey Saioa!
I really appreciate your kind words. I have looked into the code that works on iPads and for some reason it doesn’t work well with my site. I’m definitely going to try to make the videos more iPad-friendly in the future but it might take me a little bit. I’m not the most tech-savvy person 🙂
Thanks for listening April 🙂
Maybe I can help, I’m a web designer and I’ve been using WordPress for many years and it looks fine in my site.
If you need help, you could contact me.
Have a nice day! Bye! 🙂