We are so delighted to feature Dawn and her fantastic work. Be sure to check it out via the links at the bottom of the interview…
Tell us about what you do- your mothering situation and your work outside of that.
I run a business creating freehand embroidered pieces for children’s room, the home and gifts for all occasions. Freehand embroidery is basically drawing onto fabric using the sewing machine. I’m a Mum of two boys, age 5 and 7. I work from home around the boys school hours.
I run a business creating freehand embroidered pieces for children’s room, the home and gifts for all occasions. Freehand embroidery is basically drawing onto fabric using the sewing machine. I’m a Mum of two boys, age 5 and 7. I work from home around the boys school hours.
What kind of work did you do before having children?
I worked as a P.A and Office Manager in London and locally. I’ve never worked in a creative industry so this is a total change for me.
I worked as a P.A and Office Manager in London and locally. I’ve never worked in a creative industry so this is a total change for me.
How did you get into your current work?
I borrowed a machine from my mum when we moved house. I wanted to try making some cushions and soft furnishings but I kept being drawn to the freehand embroidery style on Pinterest. I took a day course and was totally hooked! After lots of experiments and finding my style I eventually came up with Girl Friday.
I borrowed a machine from my mum when we moved house. I wanted to try making some cushions and soft furnishings but I kept being drawn to the freehand embroidery style on Pinterest. I took a day course and was totally hooked! After lots of experiments and finding my style I eventually came up with Girl Friday.
What drives you?
I love to make! I’ve always been crafty and loved to try things myself. I feel so lucky that I get to do this every day and sewing really is a way to relax. Once the machine is running I can get really lost in it.
I love to make! I’ve always been crafty and loved to try things myself. I feel so lucky that I get to do this every day and sewing really is a way to relax. Once the machine is running I can get really lost in it.
What is your biggest challenge in making it all work?
Juggling! 6 hours a day just flies by and some weeks I have more work than I can handle. We are really lucky in that our parents live close by and are always happy to help with the boys if and when I need them. It’s a constant juggle with family life and also not taking a break. I’m terrible at stopping, I think a drawback of working from home as the works always there. My husband is so supportive and knows when to tell me to stop and when to leave me be! At dinner times I’ll cut out when the boys eat. They are totally used to the house bring full of fabric in busy periods!
Juggling! 6 hours a day just flies by and some weeks I have more work than I can handle. We are really lucky in that our parents live close by and are always happy to help with the boys if and when I need them. It’s a constant juggle with family life and also not taking a break. I’m terrible at stopping, I think a drawback of working from home as the works always there. My husband is so supportive and knows when to tell me to stop and when to leave me be! At dinner times I’ll cut out when the boys eat. They are totally used to the house bring full of fabric in busy periods!
What are you most proud of?
My boys. The best thing I’ve ever made. Work wise, everything I’ve achieved so far. I never would have thought when I started out as a part time hobby that I’d be selling via 4 online platforms plus stocking local shops. I’ve taught some classes and this is also something I really enjoy.
My boys. The best thing I’ve ever made. Work wise, everything I’ve achieved so far. I never would have thought when I started out as a part time hobby that I’d be selling via 4 online platforms plus stocking local shops. I’ve taught some classes and this is also something I really enjoy.
Where will your work take you in the future? What are your plans?
I’d love to expand to stock in a high street retailer. And I’d really love to be featured in a craft magazine.
I’d love to expand to stock in a high street retailer. And I’d really love to be featured in a craft magazine.
What would you say to yourself as a brand new mum?
Enjoy your baby, don’t doubt yourself you are doing a brilliant job. None of us know what we are doing so just go with it! By worrying it shows you just how much you care, you aren’t doing it wrong! It’s so easy to compare and get caught up on everyone else’s children, just focus on your own. No one else matters.
Enjoy your baby, don’t doubt yourself you are doing a brilliant job. None of us know what we are doing so just go with it! By worrying it shows you just how much you care, you aren’t doing it wrong! It’s so easy to compare and get caught up on everyone else’s children, just focus on your own. No one else matters.
Self care- what do you do to fill your cup?
I love to make things not for work. I crochet and hand embroider. I love to read and just chill out on the sofa with my hubby and a glass of wine. I love yoga and exercise in general and feel better for having done it.
I love to make things not for work. I crochet and hand embroider. I love to read and just chill out on the sofa with my hubby and a glass of wine. I love yoga and exercise in general and feel better for having done it.
You can find Dawn and her amazing work here:
Www.facebook.com/girlfridayembroidery
Instagram: @girlfridayembroidery
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GirlFridayEmbroidery?ref=ss_profile
Www.facebook.com/girlfridayembroidery
Instagram: @girlfridayembroidery
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GirlFridayEmbroidery?ref=ss_profile
Do It Like A Mother provides kick ass hypnobirthing and pregnancy relaxation in Southend and Upminster. Our Motherhood Mindset Mentoring course runs online, and we support mothers in business (or those who want to be) in our facebook group (click here).