In our special Mother’s Day feature we talk to five women who combine motherhood with running a successful business. This week it’s Adele Basheer from Intrinsic.
What does the ideal Mother’s Day look like for you?
Jamie’s mum passed away from breast cancer in 2013 and we love to begin the day running the Mother’s Day Classic alongside our kids. Then we have a big family celebration for lunch or afternoon tea with my mum, brother, sister and our families. Everyone pitches in and it’s always filled with feel-good moments. A sentimental flick that night rounds out a perfect day!
Tips for combining motherhood and a successful business?
When people ask me what my greatest success is or what I’m most proud of, the answer is bringing up two wonderful citizens of the world. It’s the most challenging and rewarding job you’ll ever have….good groundwork for business!
● Make time for your kids on their time. One of the benefits of working for yourself is getting to choose where you put your time and energy. When our kids were little, being involved in school activities―reading, events and committees―was really important to them. After school was our sacred time with park visits, dance and music lessons, sport and homework. Jamie and I would work during school hours and when the kids wound down for the night, we’d get back to Intrinsic.
● Accept that you’ll never have full balance. When you’re in the growing phase (does it ever stop?) business can be all consuming. My kids developed a strategy where they’d ask ‘mum, do I have your full attention’? Then I could either stop what I was doing or tell them I needed to get through what I was working on.
● Involve your kids by giving them jobs and tasks in the business. Our kids used to earn all their pocket money by making our mini Magic Moments cards when they were younger. It taught them the value of money, a good work ethic and contribution.
● Be mindful of your self-talk and what you’re projecting―particularly through the rough periods. Kids pick up on negative talk around money, frustration, lack of time, etc. Their values are developing in their early years, so know the message you want them to carry through life.
What are your best-sellers for Mother’s Day?
Intrinsic mugs and tea-for-ones are always a winner, and this year I’m predicting our newly introduced mum hand cream and mum pens will be on the best-sellers list.
What is the one piece of advice that your mum gave you that you still follow today?
My mother lived by example and taught me that I could do anything if I put my mind to it.
Mother’s Day visual merchandising tips for retailers?
Create an impact with the power of plenty and colour blocking. To make it easy for our retailers, Intrinsic has created a stunning display sign with a beautiful Mum quote as part of our Mother’s Day package, which coordinates with our mum range plus our companion gifts for add on sales such as stationery, scarves, travel and accessories.
Make it effortless for customers (and staff) by having a few items pre-gift wrapped―sons, husbands and busy women particularly love anything that makes life easier.
Make sure you check out our digital Mother’s Day magazine. Click here to read it now!
