Monday Mumpreneur with Ina Pabat
Every Monday we feature a mumpreneur who’s ready and willing to open up their lives and their business to us.
They share with us their motivation, their challenges and their proudest moments in business and they also tell us how they take time to nurture themselves.
If you’re looking for inspiration, then our featured business mums show you what’s possible.
Your name: Ina Pabat
Your website: www.folklorique.co.uk and www.folkloriqueblog.co.uk
Brief description:
Blog and online boutique, promoting traditional and modern crafts. At first, the blog was a way to promote the shop, but in the meantime it got a life of its own.
Tell me about your children
My boys are Andrei who is 3 and a half and Toma, who is 1 and a half years old; they changed me in such profound ways I couldn't imagine, I suppose every mother feels the same. They are full of energy, sweet, funny a great source of constant joy (amid exhaustion) in my life. The view I had about life, career and success have all been turned upside down and I don't regret it one bit.
Where do you live? We live in Bracknell, Berkshire. UK
PC or Mac?
I am a big gadget geek, and collect all technology. If I do something crafty, like edit pictures, make a flyer, etc, I do it on the Mac, for everyday use, I prefer my Windows based laptop, as it has no compatibility issues.
Tell us about your business
Folkorique is the expression of my love for past, tradition and authentic that has always conflicted with my curiosity, interest in the now and the future. While searching the internet high and low, looking for something to help me deal with being a stay at home mum, I discovered quite amazing artists all over Europe reusing old crafts, old materials and old patterns and reinventing them for modern living.
It just felt so very close to my heart I felt surprised I didn't realise it sooner. The blog features all kinds of artists and designers (from making handmade shoes to crochet and mixed media art dolls). Some of them I sell in the shop, others are just so inspirational and make such beautiful things, I have to write about them. I am always on the lookout for high quality pretty crafted things and that makes life very interesting.
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
The idea that switching routines and gears will ultimately make me a better mother. I love my work and that energises me and gives me motivation to go through another crazy day of family life. Not in the least, I hope to give my boys a reason to be proud of me later.
What's been your biggest challenge in business?
Getting it all together from an idea that seemed so simple on paper to a functional, viable business model - it is almost like having a 3rd demanding child.
How have you overcome it?
Yoga. When I get impatient I take out my mat and start breathing. Or just take a break and go out with my sons. A bit of distance from the problems always helps perspective and recharges my batteries.
What's been your proudest business moment?
So far, I am very proud of my blog growth, as it doubled its audience in the last couple of months. I feature there all the lovely designers and artists I find, I occasionally become a model, showcasing some of their beautiful objects and show ways to combine high street fashion with crafted items - people out there are looking for this kind of approach and are interested in seeing something different, it's becoming a great community.
What's your catchphrase or favourite quote?
"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." Apparently Oscar Wilde has said that, even if he didn't it's a good advice for peace of mind - to come to terms with who you are and what you want from life.
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
I have a weekly beauty regime - scrubbing, face and hair masks - my husband is kind enough to offer me an hour or two for myself during weekends. Yoga and being outdoors, having a good chat with a friend once in a while.
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
A handmade hand painted porcelain necklace - actually the artists that make them call them chest plates - sound like something for a warrior, but it's so pretty and delicate instead.
Favourite colour: Red
Favourite flowers
I love orchids but also the wild flowers my sons pick for me - this is one other example where my tastes conflict I guess... 🙂
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
Remember to hang in there, you are doing an amazing job each and every day!
Fancy sharing your story and becoming part of our wonderful supportive mumpreneur community? Drop me an email over on the contact page – and I’ll be in touch. Or let me know in a comment below.
