By Laura Michell
Donnybrook mum Katie Maynes is juggling starting her consultancy business with raising her daughter. She was a finalist in the recent AusMumpreneur Awards. She speaks with Laura Michell.
What’s your connection to the Whittlesea area?
We have lived in Donnybrook for a year. However, I remember as a child going to the Whittlesea Show in November each year. My grandparents lived on a farm in Alexandra, so we always stopped by Whittlesea on the way. I also remember going on my first toboggan ride at Funfields.
What do you like about where you live?
I like that we get the best of both worlds – we have the country at our doorstep, but the city is only a 35-minute train ride away.
What, if anything, would you change?
We are living in a new estate so we are looking forward to the local shops being built so everything is within walking distance.
What does the nomination for the AusMumpreneur Awards mean to you?
It means a lot as it’s a nice opportunity to stop and reflect on the business I’ve built over the last two years. Not everyone likes the term mumpreneur, but to me it is nice to be acknowledged as a mum and entrepreneur. It was becoming a mum that gave me the confidence to start my business, so I couldn’t do one without the other. I want to show my daughter that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
How difficult is it to juggle starting up your own business and raising a family?
The juggle is real! I started the business when my daughter was a toddler and it was definitely tough in those early days – and to some extent, it still is now. It has become easier, though, working out my priorities and carving out time to get the work done. I started the business for the flexibility and freedom and I’m starting to see that eventuate, which is fantastic. I have to say, though, none of it would be possible without my husband and familys’ support.
What are your favourite local places?
For good food, we like Two Beans and a Farm in Mernda. To enjoy the outdoors we like spending time at the Yan Yean Reservoir and the Toorourrong Reservoir Park.
