Hello, and welcome to April’s Working Mum Series. I have debated publishing more of these interviews until things around the world start to go back to some sort of ‘normality’. But then I realised that they are really helpful for people who may now be working at home, trying to work ‘flexibly’, or those simply working in a different way to what they were doing five or six weeks ago. Our lives, and work places have all been turned upside down with this horrible pandemic, and we are all trying to navigate and make the most out of the situation we find ourselves in. I hope that for those of you who do read these interviews, they can offer some inspiration, encouragement and positivity throughout this period.
This month’s interview is with Katja Annus – founder of the beautiful children’s sleepwear range – Amiki Children. Her pieces are just divine and well worth a swoon on her Instagram if you have never come across the brand before. I really admire Katja’s value’s and determination for her business, and the fact that she is instilling these in her children too. Katja’s point about putting ourselves first is something that a lot of us mothers would agree we need to do more of. Especially in the current circumstances where we are with our children all day, meeting their every need, trying to home school, cook, clean etc, and many of you also trying to work on top of doing all of that. It is relentless. Rewarding yes on so many levels, but also relentless in this environment. Stay as positive as you can. Change is coming, and we can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I hope you enjoy the interview, please do get in touch if you have any comments or questions.
Stay safe and healthy.
Lisa
xoxo
Website: www.amikichildren.com
Instagram @Amikichildren
1. Please introduce yourself – what is your job, how many children you have, where you are from etc.
I am Katja, the director and designer AMIKI sleepwear. I have 3 children and we live in Estonia.
2. How many days/hours a week do you work?
I work around 6-7 h every day, because it’s my own business, so I am checking my emails also on weekends and family holidays.
3. Describe a typical working day in your household (i.e. morning routines with nursery/school drop offs to evening bedtime)
I wake up at 7am, my older daughters leave for school at 7.45 with my husband, so they cook breakfast themselves and it’s a huge relieve. I feed my 3 year old son breakfast, have coffee and we leave at 8.30 to his kindergarten. After dropping him off, I hit the gym or go straight to the office. Around 3-4 pm I pick up my daughters in case they don’t have sports etc then we pick up George and head home for dinner, homework etc. After dinner I walk my French bulldog for an hour and we go to sleep 10-11 pm.
4.How do you balance working life with motherhood? And what/who do you rely on to make it work?
Well, it’s not easy especially when my son was born, but it’s manageable with the help of our nanny, grandparents and Apps like UBER, WOLT. Older kids order themselves a taxi if needed and pizza. I talk a lot with my girls about challenges and problems I experience and thanks to their support I don’t feel guilty if I miss their performance or too tired to spend some time with them.
5.What is the best thing about being a working mum?
To be an example to our children, that working and self development has the same importance as managing a family. It’s absolutely important to find work that you love and that inspires you to become a better person. For example, when I asked my daughters 12 and 10 years old what would they do with the money if they won a lottery and both of them said that they will open a business. How cool is that?!
6. And the hardest?
Multitasking, time management, struggling with priorities. Some days I feel that I am not the best mom, but I always put myself first because our mental and physical health has to be number one. So I try to rest as much as I can, I love cooking and watching movies. And if I feel rested and in good mood, I am a better mom for my children, even if I missed some school play or mommy gathering.
7. How do you unwind? Motherhood (as well as work!) can be relentless – what do you do to relax?
Having glass of champagne and watch Netflix with all my kids around me and my dog right beside me.
Doing things that give me positive emotions: shopping, cooking, traveling. Long walks in nature and just slow lazy weekends.
8. How do you manage your relationship with your husband/partner as well as working and juggling the daily life of raising children?
My husband works a lot and it is not easy. Also when there is much going on inside the family, it can be very stressful to manage all issues. Like children, house building, groceries, grandparents etc. I think in every marriage there are harder periods but if you are able to manage these there is always a better period after. The best thing is to go for mini vacation just two of us, where you can talk and spend time with each other as a couple not parents.
9. Do you feel that motherhood has changed you, and if so, how?
My children are very dear for me, they have always been my inspiration not only for my brand but also in understanding life. I think we learn a lot from our kids and they did change me a lot as a person.
10. Can you tell us one lesson that you have learned from your child/children and one that you have taught them?
Well, they taught me being more organised and I taught them that they can achieve anything in life with determination and hard work.
11. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing working mothers at the moment?
As I said before, it’ s always about priorities and time management.
12. What does ‘flexible working’ mean to you’?
When you can work from home, it is very easy nowadays with the help of our phones, apps etc. I remember breastfeeding my son in bed with phone in my hand. In 30 min, I answered my emails, paid fabric bills and posted a post on AMIKI Instagram!
13. What are your go to stores/websites/blogs for your work and everyday wardrobe, and what are your staple pieces as a working mum?
I usually shop expensive shoes when they are on sale on Mytheresa and Net a Porter. For every day clothes I love high street brands like Massimo Dutti and Zara. For a working wardrobe I love Theory, Twinset and Sandro mixing everything with some great local finds when I travel.
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?
Always put yourself first. You will be tired and stressed but you have to know what are your ways to cheer up your mind and body. Find time for exercise, massage or facial and quality food. Always try to have fun whatever you do. If you are positive, your family will mirror you. Forgive yourself for not being perfect in every area of your life. Life is too short!
