We are so excited to be back with “Mama’s Inspire” for 2018 with the re branded name “More than a Mama”. More than a Mama describes the women we have interviewed in the past and who we plan to interview in the future! Inspiring, beautiful mum’s who are also hard working wonder women, striving for success in their chosen field of work whether it be volunteering, running their own small/large business or leading a team of employees. These women are kicking goals in life and are here to share with us words of wisdom on just how they manage to combine both home and work life, inspiring us with their honest truths about what it takes to have it all!
Our first “More than a Mama” for 2018 is Petria Leggo-Field. Petria has recently launched Coco Rose Interiors a stunning, online home decor store offering natural, minimalist products for people to incorporate into their homes. Petria is also a FIFO wife and mama of three gorgeous girls Rhiana, Lola and Coco.
MLTS: Thanks so much for chatting with us Petria, let’s start by you telling us little about yourself and your family.
Petria: We are a FIFO family, with 3 beautiful daughters Rhiana, Lola and Coco. I am previously a florist of 14 years before recently beginning my dream of owning our children’s interior furniture and decor business.
MLTS: We have been stalking your instagram page! So gorgeous! What inspired you to start your own business?
Petria: We lived together as a family in Indonesia in 2016. We were inspired by the relaxed tropical island lifestyle we had come to love in Bali and were inspired by so many amazing local artisans creating gorgeous, handmade, bohemian style rattan furniture, leather accessories and macrame and beaded decor so we decided to start a business back in Australia that recreated the island decor vibes.
MLTS: Wow, living in Bali must have been such an amazing experience, tell us about the business and the sort of products you stock.
Petria: We are a children’s bohemian furniture and decor online store. Our products are hand made from natural materials to create gifts for your baby’s nursery or child’s room that will leave a lasting sentiment and endure as beloved timeless pieces within the home. Blending rattan, leather, linen, cotton and shell products, Coco Rose Interiors gives a bohemian vibe that will speak simplicity, yet make bold statements for style and a feeling of luxury and earthy warmth in the home.
MLTS: So gorgeous, you make us want to redecorate our kids bedrooms! So tell us, you have three little ladies and a FIFO hubby, how do you go about managing home life with work life?
Petria: It’s an eternal struggle to find the balance without feeling some mum guilt. It’s important to schedule separate time for your children as well as your business. I make scheduled playtime with my girls, whether it’s a swim in the pool or a walk to the park, as they definitely notice when you have 100% focus for them. Similarly, I schedule time away from my children to work on my business. The girls go into daycare 1 day a week (soon to be 2) and my husband takes on a lot of the household daily errands and playtime with the girls when he is home. Even though it’s a home based business, it only creates confusion and stress if you try and mix home life with business. Finally, I write lists! I’m constantly writing task lists and prioritising what lies ahead. I have a daily appointment calendar and also use a business/ social media calendar to schedule and plan out my strategies for the future.
MLTS: They are fantastic points and something we are slowly learning to get better at, separating work life from the kids, it’s a tough one when you work from home though! Tell us, what are your tips for other mamas who may be wanting to start their own business but don’t quite have the confidence to start?
Petria: I was in this exact position for many years. I always wanted to start a home based business so I could be with my girls but always feared the unknown. I would say make sure that what you want to do comes naturally to your skill set and that you have a true passion for your business. There will be so many overwhelming moments ahead but if you truly believe in your products and service you will find success. Also don’t be afraid to outsource! Recognise your strengths as a business in areas you excel and outsource parts of the business where you lack skill. It’s vital in such a competitive market that you provide a well polished end product. We are not tech savvy, so we used a very talented web developer for our web design, graphic artists for our logo and promotional paraphernalia and also work closely with an amazing social media marketer to help adapt to the ever changing world of online business.
MLTS: That’s great advice and so true, we are big believers also that you need to be passionate about what your doing in order for it to work. What about family time? What’s your fave activity to do as a family?
Petria: It might sound strange but honestly it’s just the everyday little things in life. My husband has worked in mining for the past few years so we really appreciate any time spent together. Just a simple meal and movie night at home is perfect quality time together. We also love camping and little weekends away – our girls love exploring and being around nature and again, it gives us strong quality time together as a family.
MLTS: Thanks so much for the chat Petria, you are definately “More than a Mama’ and we salute you for getting out there and following your passion. Simply amazing. Just one more thing before you go, what’s your favourite quote/life motto?
Petria: We live by the quote that “If you do small things with great love, then amazing opportunities happen!”
MLTS: Love it!
Coco Rose Interiors
https://cocoroseinteriors.com.au/
Instagram
@coco_rose_interiors
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/cocoroseinteriors/