Below is Sandra's interview with Marilyn from online Mum's magazine, Mums On Top.
Featured Mum: Sandra Wilson
Tell us a bit about yourself and your family:
I am a Portuguese American who relocated to Auckland from San Diego with my Kiwi husband and daughter a year ago. We’d been talking about where to raise our family and in the end decided New Zealand suited us more. We still miss friends and family but are enjoying our lives here and it gets better every day.
Tell us about your busines and how you came to set it up:
I’d been to visit New Zealand many times before we moved and often thought about how much Kiwis would love some of the things we could get at home that were so hard to find here. In the end, Bellaroo, was born out of my love for fashion, shopping and babies! I love hunting for fabulous and fashionable items from the States (and it’s a great excuse to visit home) and am now looking into local designers that fit in with Bellaroo’s requirements of high quality and fashion.
What are your five-year goals?
Well, definitely expanding our family, but on the business front – a clothing range of our own and a “brick and mortar” shop. I’ve got lots of work to do!
What is the most difficult thing about being a Mumpreneur?
MAKING the time for my business. I often feel pulled in a million different directions and it’s easy to lose focus. I never want to put my family on the back burner so often it’s Bellaroo. So making the time for those special projects or marketing ideas, etc is often difficult but a necessity and something I’m always working on.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to a woman looking to become a Mumpreneur?
Gather a support system around you and don’t be afraid to use it!
Best resources you use for you business (websites, books, magazines etc):
The internet is an amazing resource and I do lots of research online, I’m also a member of the NZ Retail Association and get lots of good ideas from their website and publications, but my best resource are other Mumpreneurs. Most women in business are only too happy to share what works and doesn’t (obviously, it helps if they aren’t in direct competition). Ha ha ha….
How do you manage being a mum with being a Mumpreneur?
Very carefully… It’s a juggling act but having that support system of people who want you to succeed is crucial. Sometimes we need help and it’s great to have people around you who genuinely want to help.
How could you be more supported in your role?
More small business organisations that could actually assist with financing, business planning, etc…although, the Retail Organisation does fill a bit of that niche. Perhaps something government based. It’s a hard one for me as I’m new to New Zealand and am not sure of all available resources.
What’s your vice?
A long chat with girlfriends over a glass of wine….mmmmm….doesn’t happen often enough these days but when it does, I savour it.
Favourite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon:
Laze around on the deck listening to the birds, trees, and wind. Add a good book and a coffee and it’s the perfect afternoon.
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