March 8th is International Women's Day (IWD). It's a day when people celebrate women's achievements worldwide and work together toward gender equality.
In the spirit of IWD, we chatted with Petite Revery and Nest Designs' founder, Tammy Lo. We had a little Q&A to learn more about her experience as the female leader of a company, her inspirations, and how she's balancing motherhood with her workload.
Question: What inspired you to become a founder in your industry?
Tammy Lo: I was inspired to become a founder in my industry really by accident. It was not my intention to start a business but to make something amazing for my family. I had a deep passion to create something meaningful for my niece, and from that, the business was born.
Q: Is there any specific woman entrepreneur or woman business owner who inspired you most?
TL: As for specific women entrepreneurs who have inspired me, there are so many remarkable individuals such as Brynn Putnam (Mirror), Melanie Perkins (Canva), Suzy Batiz (Poo-pourri), Jamie Kern Lima (It Cosmetics). They are just a few of the many remarkable women whose stories and accomplishments have left a lasting impression on me. Their unwavering determination, resilience, and visionary leadership have been a tremendous source of inspiration. Their ability to break barriers, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for others in the industry is truly admirable.
Q: In what ways do you believe your company is making a difference for women, and how does this align with the spirit of International Women's Day?
TL: At the heart of our company's mission is a commitment to fostering equality, empowerment, and opportunity for women. We strive to create an inclusive environment where women not only have a seat at the table but are actively encouraged to lead and excel. From our hiring practices to our company culture, we prioritize diversity and inclusion every step of the way.
This commitment to empowering women aligns perfectly with the spirit of International Women's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality. It's a time to reflect on how far we've come and recommit ourselves to creating a more equitable and inclusive world for future generations of women.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a female founder in business?
TL: As a female founder in business, I've encountered several challenges, and one of the most significant ones revolves around balancing motherhood and career aspirations. It's a delicate tightrope walk where you often feel the pressure to excel both in your professional endeavours and as a parent. That balance can be emotionally taxing; at times, it feels like I'm constantly juggling priorities.
Moreover, there's often a societal expectation for women, especially mothers, to be able to do it all effortlessly—to excel in their careers while also being the perfect parent. This pressure can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy when we inevitably fall short of these unrealistic standards.
Despite these challenges, I've learned to embrace the journey and find strength in knowing I'm not alone. Connecting with other female founders and mothers who face similar struggles has been invaluable, providing a sense of solidarity and shared experiences.
Ultimately, while the journey as a female founder and mother comes with challenges, it also brings immense joy, fulfillment, and growth. Realizing and facing these challenges myself, we can help pave the way for a more supportive and inclusive environment where women can thrive both in their careers and as mothers.
Q: How do you manage the delicate balance between running a successful business and being present for your family, particularly with young children? Can you share any tips or advice?
TL: Balancing the demands of running a successful business while being present for my family, especially with young children, is undoubtedly one of my most delicate challenges. It's a constant journey of trial and error, but I've found a few strategies that have helped me along the way.
Setting boundaries and priorities is also crucial. I've learned to prioritize tasks and allocate my time effectively, focusing on what truly matters in my business and family life. Learning to say no to non-essential commitments has been liberating. It allows me to focus on what truly matters.
I'm also nothing without my team and the support around me. Surrounding myself with smart, reliable people and having their support has been a vital part of the business' success.
Lastly, I've learned to be kind to myself and embrace imperfection. Balancing work and family will inevitably come with ups and downs, and it's okay not to have everything perfectly balanced all the time. Being present in the moment, whether at work or with my family, is what truly matters.
Ultimately, finding the balance between running a successful business and being present for my family is an ongoing journey I am constantly navigating as different stages arise in life and business.
Q: How do you incorporate family values and priorities into your company culture and decision-making processes? Have you implemented any specific policies or practices within your company to support working parents, especially mothers?
TL: Incorporating my family values and priorities into our company culture and decision-making processes is incredibly important to me. It's about creating an environment where employees feel supported in their professional endeavours and personal lives, especially as parents.
We do this by fostering a culture of flexibility and understanding. We understand that life doesn't always fit neatly into a 9-to-5 schedule, especially for working parents. So, we offer flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours, to accommodate the diverse needs of our employees, particularly parents.
Additionally, we've implemented policies and practices specifically designed to support working parents, especially mothers. This includes offering extended parental leave. By providing these resources, we aim to alleviate some of the challenges that working parents, particularly mothers, may face and empower them to thrive both at work and home.
Q: How do you ensure self-care and prioritize your own well-being amidst the demands of entrepreneurship and parenting
TL: As for prioritizing my own well-being amidst the demands of entrepreneurship and parenting, it's something I've had to consciously work on and continue to do so. It's a hard thing to remember when you're always needed, and everything is seemingly urgent! I've learned that self-care isn't selfish; it's essential for maintaining my overall health and well-being, ultimately benefiting my family and my business.
I prioritize self-care by carving out dedicated time for myself, whether it's through regular exercise or simply taking breaks to recharge and unwind. I also set boundaries and unplug from work when I'm with my family, allowing myself to be fully present in the moment.
Women Can Move Mountains
International Women's Day reminds us that there are remarkable women everywhere. As we celebrate the achievements of the women we know, let's follow Tammy’s lead. Let’s create environments where women are heard, their contributions are valued, and their potential is unlimited. Happy International Women’s Day!
Watch Tammy's exclusive interview: