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Celebrating our Maker Mums
'Nice things made by nice people,' is the Makers' Mrkt mantra. We love our talented community of creative, dedicated makers who inspire us every day. Our Makers are what help us fly the flag for buying and selling things with heart. And want to know one of the coolest parts of all? Over half of our incredible Makers (and 100% of our team) are women! Very cool when you hear that in Australia, only 18.3% of CEOs and 32.5% of key management personnel are women! Perhaps the coolest thing of all is some of our Makers are also mums and tbh, these ladies are the real-deal CEOs. Raising a family and pursuing the creative dream is no mean feat, and to do both at the same time?! We salute you, Maker Mums!
To celebrate our ladies on the one day dedicated to them (kinda should be a week, if you're asking us!) we asked a few questions about how they get things done and some hints on what they want done for them ;)
Ella Reweti
How long have you been a Mum?
My son is two in July!
What tips would you give our community about balancing family life with managing a business.
My partner and I are both self-employed makers and we really struggle to designate time to spend together as a family. If one of us is having a 'day off' it means we're looking after Hemi while the other works. I work Friday through to Monday so for us to spend a 'weekend' together, I need to take time off work, which can be hard. Taking a single day off from the studio actually can set me back an entire week because of the time things take to fire in the kiln etc. But I was sort of forced to do it recently over Easter and it was really, really nice. Once Hemi is in daycare three days a week I will definitely be taking a Saturday/Sunday off so we can hang out more. For now it's all about eating good food and hanging out together in the evenings.
How has being a Mum informed your creative process?
Fortunately I think the slow burn of ceramics lends itself well to having a child. I can do all the making and messy stuff while he's asleep or at daycare. Splicasting is particularly good because I can make quite a lot of work in a short burst - I can pour 8-10 pieces at a time, which take about 30 minutes to cast and while they're sitting I can do other things like trim and clean up work ready for firing. Weirdly, having a baby actually allowed me the time and space to develop my process because I was at home and could spend time in my studio rather than hustling in several casual hospo jobs.
What would the perfect Mothers Day look like for you?
No work. No cleaning. No laundry. Cook and eat something fun and yum - together, but also some thoughtful alone time: draw me a bath with snacks and Netflix, pick up/drop off to a spa/massage/treatment thing... or one of those comfy seats and a wine at Nova. I love the togetherness of days like these but all mums know how precious and elusive alone time is, it’s actually a real gift when it’s both considered and guilt free! Eventually once Hemi is old enough i’m going in for the beachside ‘staycation’ by myself lol (wink) but for now i’d really love to just sleep until 7 30!
Shop Ella Reweti Here
Beci Orpin
What do you make?
I design all kinds of things, mostly for clients - digital illustrations, DIY projects, products, paper illustrations, textile designs, homewares.
How long have you been a Mum?
My oldest turns 18 in two months so almost 18 years (which is a very wild feeling).
What tips would you give our community about balancing family life with managing a business?
Don't expect to be able to do it all, or necessarily to have balance for a bit. I set some priorities for the first few years after my kids were born. My first priority was obviously my kids, then it was work. Things like social life, travel etc was put on the back burner for a while, and that was ok for me (everyone is different though!). Keeping my work going was really important to me, but it was super hard - definitely the tiredest I had ever been! I felt like it was something I was doing for both myself (it kept me sane!) and essentially my family too, which is why I made it priority. I was also able to work because I ran my own business, as did my partner, so our situation was flexible.
How has being a Mum informed your creative process?
Once I had my kids, my time was no longer my own, so it taught me how to be really efficient when I did get to work. Kids are their own being and have their own agenda - they don't sleep when they are meant too, they get sick etc, so I had to learn to be more flexible with plans and to go with the flow more. I think learning to be adaptable helped my creative process too.
What would the perfect mothers day look like for you?
To be honest, we don't really do Mothers Day in our house. If I get a sleep-in and a cup of tea, and to get to see my own Mum that would be more than enough. Flowers are always a bonus too!
Shop Beci Orpin Here
Deborah Sweeney
Photo by Niels Meyer-Westfeld for Haven Mag NZ
What do you make?
Handbuilt and wheel thrown ceramics. I love to make decorative pieces.
How long have you been a Mum?
Gosh 11 years now. We have 2 boys, Lars 11 and Romeo 7
What tips would you give our community about balancing family life with managing a business?
It's not easy! I absolutely love my work but time with my boys is precious and I know they won't be little for much longer. When it comes to holidays I love to book some time away so we get quality days together. I don't really have any great solutions to be honest, working it out as we go. My partner & I are both lucky enough though to work for ourselves from our home studios so this gives us a lot of flexibility and time with our boys. We always sit together in the evenings with candles to eat dinner. It's my favourite time to slow down and catch up on everyone's day.
How has being a Mum informed your creative process?
I think being a mum you have limited time so it has definitely made me more focused and efficient. I don't have time for the fluff so really when i get in my studio i'm on task and make the most of those precious hours.
What would the perfect Mother's Day look like for you?
Handmade cards from my boys and coffee in bed from my husband Niels. We live amongst some beautiful native bush here in Eastbourne, Wellington, so a family bush walk would make my day.
Shop Deborah Sweeney Here
Felicity Donaldson @ Wundaire
How long have you been a Mum?
Coming up on 4 years, I have 2 lovely sons.
What tips would you give our community about balancing family life with managing a business?
It's incredibly hard to balance, I think that's an elusive ideal that women are sent scrambling for. I'm lucky enough to have my studio at home so the boys come out and spend time with me and with ceramics being such a time sensitive medium I'm able to pop out to turn the kiln on or cover up pieces without disrupting our family rhythm. At the end of the day it's just pots, they can wait. My babes will only be little for a short while.
How has being a Mum informed your creative process?
Having less time physically making pieces but lots more time to think is a bit of a double edged sword. So many ideas, so little time! I've always liked using colour in my work but it's gotten even more jazzy since having kids. Their brightly coloured toys and art supplies have seeped into my subconscious.
What would the perfect Mothers Day look like for you?
A sleep in! Lots of snuggles with the boys, maybe a leisurely family walk then listen to the customary new record which is our go to for gifting.
Shop Wundaire Here
We've compiled a collection of Makers made treats to help you shop for your mum this Mother's Day. Shop here
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