Hello everyone. Here’s the second August edition of the Working Mum Series. An interview with Gemma Pond, founder of No & More. If you’re not familiar with the naturally infused spring water brand yet, here’s a link to have a browse https://noandmore.com/
1. Please introduce yourself – what is your job, how many children you have, where you are from etc:
Hello!!! Thanks for having me on here. I am 37 from Buckinghamshire and Mum of two boys Hudson six, and Rohan three. I’m also the founder of the water brand No & More.
2. How many days/hours a week do you work?
Running your own business means you never switch off and you find that you work every day including the weekends – even for a quick hour. I’m in the office Monday – Friday but do find that most of my ideas come at night so means I’m forever jotting things down no matter how weird or wonderful!
3. Describe a typical working day in your household (i.e. morning routines with nursery/school drop offs to evening)
Like most working Mum’s mornings are hectic in our household and you feel as though you’ve done 50 circuits by the time you’ve even stepped out the door. Our alarm clock comes in the form of our eldest Hudson who climbs into our bed at 5:45am asking if he can play with his toys. We all venture downstairs and make breakfast together before my husband sits down with Hudson and helps him with his spelling and reading. My three-year-old then surfaces around seven and joins in. We have a Nanny to help with the school run leaving me around 45 minutes to take to my yoga mat before I get ready. I love to exercise before I start work as it really helps me focus on the day ahead. Around 8:15am I finally leave for the office.
4. How do you balance working life with motherhood? And what/who do you rely on to make it work?
I’m still working this out and think in this day and age with so many women having careers it’s the million-dollar question. I’m always there when my kids wake-up in the morning and most of the time I’m able to get home in time to bath them and put them to bed. My husband and I really are a team and Vicky our Nanny is our saviour – I couldn’t live without her; just knowing that I don’t have to leave the office by a certain time releases a lot of pressure. That said, I also have to set myself limits as if I was a lone ranger I would never stop working.
5. What is the best thing about being a working mum?
There’s of course good and bad, but for me I feel like it makes me a better mum. It was my son Hudson that drove me to launch no & more, as I wanted to create a healthy drink alternative for mums and kids with utter transparency. We are what we say on the bottle, free from everything – completely au natural! My boys drive me to be a better person both professionally and emotionally. I want to create something that allows them to have opportunities in life. I think having a good working ethic at home is good grounding. It’s also important for me to set a good example to my kids where men and woman are equal.
6. And the hardest?
Feeling as though some days I don’t even have time to embrace the simple things and the guilt that comes with not being able to do everything they want you to.
7. How do you unwind? Balancing motherhood with work can be relentless so what do you do to relax when you’re not at work/with the kid(s)?
I love to spend time with friends and family at home. This is where I really relax, eating and drinking with lots of great conversation and laughter. I like to unwind with yoga and meditation and I do this with both my boys. It really benefits Hudson as he was diagnosed with dyspraxia last year and it’s helped him hugely in so many ways.
8. What is your proudest mum moment?
Oh I have proud mum moments every day!
9. Do you feel that motherhood has changed you, and if so, how?
Yes!! It’s changed me for the better it’s made me far more driven and determined. The biggest benefit is that I had to stop being selfish. When you become a Mum it’s all about them.
10. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing working mums at the moment?
Finding the balance between work and family. As a woman we want to give our all to everything and sometimes switching from ‘working mum’ to ‘at home mum’ and switching off from emails flying through can sometimes be impossible.
11. What is your proudest work achievement?
Starting no & more and all we have achieved in such a short space of time. I still pinch myself most days and I’m so grateful
12. What does ‘flexible working’ mean to you’?
It doesn’t – for me work is not work as I’m doing something I love.
13. What are your go to stores/websites/blogs for your working wardrobe, and what are your staple pieces as a working mum?
I love Zara, ASOS and like most women, I’m obsessed with instagram where I stalk anyone that loves clothes and fitness. Staple pieces are jeans, t-shirt and a blazer with a good heel.,
14. Finally, what advice would you give to new working mums? I.e. those who are just going back to work from maternity leave, setting up their own businesses, or going for a new job?
Make sure you have your home life set up and organised before – one thing I learnt very early if home is not happy work is impossible.
What an inspiration!!!!!!
Juggling two children and a husband combined with everyday life and a growing business.
I only wish I could have the courage to do this.
Sampled the waters and I have to say cucumber and mint is certainly my favourite.
Well done Gemma, your product is great!