Mumpreneur Inspiration with Naa Ardua Flohic
This week's Mumpreneur Inspiration comes from illustration designer, Naa Ardua Flohic.
She's just like you and me and she's ready and willing to share with us her motivation, her challenges and her proudest moments in business and also tell us how she takes time to nurture herself.
If you’re looking for inspiration, then our featured business mums show you what’s possible.
Hi Naa Ardua, welcome to Mum's Got a Business ...
Tell me about your children:
I have a 6 year old son, Gavin and a 12 year old daughter, Maï-Adjua. They are so smart and funny and keep me laughing.
Where do you live?
Antibes, France
PC or Mac?
Definitely a PC.
Tell us about your business
I make illustrations for hobby crafters and small businesses. I also teach crafters how to use and make digital art through tutorials on my blog, https://paperflodesigns.com/blog/
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
The lack of multicultural illustrations around me.
The idea was sparked by my son. My son’s kindergarten class had an upcoming costume party that month.
When I picked him up after school, he was so excited to tell me about the party and how everyone was going to dress up as their favorite superhero.
I asked him what he wanted to dress up as and his smile faded. He said, “Mommy, I wanted to be Batman but my friends said that I can’t because Batman isn’t black”. My heart sank and I was furious and sad at the same time.
I told my son that what his friend said is not true and that he can be whatever he wants to be. I was motivated and made a mask and cape for him and he happily went to the party as Batman.
The conversation stayed in my mind and I thought about how I could change this lack of diverse multicultural images in our everyday lives; how could I contribute to making images and designs that would inspire people that look like me.
I knew that I loved drawing and I could use that talent to accomplish this goal, so I bought a graphic tablet and got to work.
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
Time management. I have a 9-5 job, so all my illustration work happens in the evenings after the kids go to bed.
How have you overcome it?
Using a simple schedule that I learned from mom blogger Suzi Whitford. Post-it Notes are your best friend!
What’s been your proudest business moment?
Getting my first customer email reply. It felt so good to hear how I made a positive impact on a perfect stranger through my artwork.
What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?
Everything is impossible until it's not.
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
I either go for a long walk by myself or read a good fiction book at the beach.
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
Maybe this doesn't count as a treat but, a wrist band for my phone. It helps to go hands-free to listen to podcasts on my walks.
Favourite colour?
Red
Favourite flowers?
Calla lilies
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
Surround yourself with positive energy and a community that cheers you on; be it in person or online. It helps when things get tough.
Where can we find out more?
Website - https://paperflodesigns.com/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.fr/paperflodesigns/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/paperflodesigns/
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/paperflodesigns/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf-DLm45kaJbLLjz-igs1KQ?
Now it's your turn:
Tell us in the comments how Naa Ardua's story has inspired you on your own mumpreneur journey.
Think your mumpreneur story will inspire our community?
It doesn't matter if you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, your journey can help and support others. Pop a comment below or come on over to the contact page and let's talk.
