Slappa’s + Life = Balance

Work life balance is very important to me. My passion is my family, friends and Frank, my dog –  you’ve seen him starring in our 7^th birthday video.

Life changed for our family when I took a simple idea – thongs with arch support – and built it into a successful business that now allows our family to have financial freedom.

I had a young family at home when I decided to chase my dream of being my own boss.  Who knew that starting a market stall would become our livelihood. A family business that is now employing both myself and my husband full time.

Adapting  to new roles

My husband became Mr Mum combining looking after the kids, working part time and making sure we got through every day. My children had to learn to adapt to Mum not always being home.

We have managed to bring our children up with no childcare or grandparents (as they live 3000km away) which doesn’t give you much time to yourself, but these are the things you need to do and hey, there are many families doing just the same.

Self-care is a priority

Walking Frank each morning is great exercise and my thinking time.

As a family, we go bike riding every week and we now all ride competitively. I’m actively involved in the Darwin Cycling Club and Cycling NT as a Board Member and Team Manager for Junior Development.

Although life is not without its challenges, I consider myself to have been very fortunate and so always seek to pay it forward;  to give back wherever and whenever possible. Community spirit is very important to our business and our family.

My recipe for success

Learning to be patient, planning your vision and following your business plan is a great way to achieve the growth of the business while also maintaining your sanity at home.

Through sport and business, we’ve learnt that as a team, we can achieve so much more when we are all pulling together for a common goal. Each has a part to play in reaching the goal and then we all get to celebrate the win together. The same goes for your family, no teamwork means there’s no win to celebrate.

In both business and family life, we need to encourage and develop each other to achieve their own potential. This is best done by listening, setting clear expectations, providing the tools and then trusting your team to get on with the job or your family to maintain a normal and healthy lifestyle.

The proof is in the pudding

I now have the social (and financial) proof that my careful and methodical approach was not only strategic but highly successful for my business whilst maintaining a good family bond.

Sharing my business journey via the Telstra Business Women’s Awards was about showing other women that they can achieve whatever they set out to do, and without sacrificing their family life (most of the time).

It hasn’t all been rosy but it was what we decided was best for our family and we have been successful.

I am a woman who had no tertiary education, experience or expertise in manufacturing and importing.  I can now say I have fulfilled my dream and become a successful Entrepreneur or Mompreneur.

Life Rewards The Courageous

Thongs On!

Denise