INTRODUCING BIZZY MUM, LUCY DONALDSON
Your name: Lucy Donaldson
Business name: Lucy’s Gluten Free
How many/ how old are your kids: 3 6,5,3
What stage of motherhood did you become self-employed: just this year
How long have you been in business: Since April this year
What is your business why?
I make Gluten Free bread and have started delivering it nation wide from our purpose built bakery in Hamilton. I wanted to people to enjoy gluten free bread without feeling like it was a compromise in taste and flavour. Just proper bread that happens to be gluten free.
Did you always want to work for yourself?
Sort of, I have always dreamed of running my own business I just didn’t know how it would evolve and I am originally a theatre nurse so before kids I wasn’t sure how my career path could reflect that.
How did your gluten free journey start?
I started my Gluten Free journey when My third child was born, he was extremely unsettled and colicky so I gave up gluten and dairy to try ease his pain and then I realised I felt better myself for giving it up.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is being able to earn a comfortable income while still being present for my kids, husband and myself and still staying fit mentally and physically.
What's your favourite and least favourite thing about working for yourself?
My favourite thing is being responsible for the outcome of my success, when I am working hard I know I will be the one benefiting from it and the freedom it involves. Least favourite thing is not being able to switch off while I am at home.
How do you manage switching between all the different hats of business and motherhood?
I find this tricky at the moment but I find staying fit and making sure I have some time to go outside in nature helps to ground me and makes me more present when at home and a clearer head in business. I also try and give my kids my full attention when I am with them so try not to be one my phone etc but fully engaged with them.
What's one thing you would tell your younger self as a new parent or fresh business owner?
Trust your intuition and believe in yourself. There will always be teething issues but if you are persistent and work hard you will get there.
Is there anything your kids have taught you so far?
They teach me things every day but I think mainly they teach me to see the beauty in little things, to be non judgemental and how to get excited about everything.
What is your favourite thing/s you do to look after your mental health?
I love to garden and grow food, I find being outside in my garden instantly gives me gratitude and centres me.
What does "Lucy time” look like?
I love to go for bush walks and to run.
