For many mamas, a side hustle sounds like an attractive prospect. More than just a way to bring in a little extra income, setting up a business can provide a much needed intellectual and creative outlet. But just like with everything you do every day for your little ones, where do you find the time and energy?
The good news is that thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of social media, starting your own side hustle has never been easier. But don’t just take our word for it. We sat down with mum of three and expert influence, Lou Aldis (@_lifewithlou_) to talk about managing being a mama and a successful social side hustle. Here’s what Lou had to say…
Where did the idea for Life With Lou come from?
Honestly, it just started as a bit of a creative outlet. After I had my first daughter, Hazel, I started a sewing business, Little Haze. I adore handmade and vintage items and wanted a way to share my creations with other mothers, so I set up my Instagram and blog.
Even though I’m not sewing as much anymore, I love photographing my family and making fun and creative content, so decided to keep my socials going. Life With Lou is a combination of real-life moments and pretty portraits and celebrates all aspects of motherhood – the good, the great, and the things we all struggle with.
What are your biggest challenges as a Mumpreneur?
It’s definitely a mix of making the time and not having enough hands. Getting photos can be tricky, particularly with the little ones, but even just by yourself sometimes. And finding a few free seconds to reply to emails and DMs can be tough. By the time I get the kids down in the evening, I’m usually ready to crash, but we get through!
What are your top tips for other mamas thinking about starting a social page?
It’s all about being yourself and loving what you do. People respond to honesty, creativity, and seeing others enjoying themselves.
Also, for our family, getting the kiddies involved has been important. Some of the photography I use is by my eldest, Harrison, who is definitely a budding photographer, and we all love being part of the creative process.
What are some of your favourite activities to do with your minis?
We are all quite creative and love doing arts and crafts. If my kiddies had their way, every day would be bushwalking with their buckets, collecting all kinds of things, then coming home to paint and play!
With everything you have going on, how do you find time for self-care?
To be completely honest, I don’t really. While we love being on the Gold Coast, we don’t have much support here, so find it hard to get away. And, on the rare occasion we do find someone to help out with the kiddies, there are a million other things we need to do, so self-care tends to fall by the wayside.
What has been the most surprising part of being a #InstaMama?
The kindness and support I have received from the Instagram community blow me away every day. Everyone is so lovely and beautiful, and I have made some of the best friends through this amazing online platform.
I will also be eternally thankful that others appreciate my work. It’s so surreal to me that people are interested in our little family and the journey we’re on. And it never ceases to amaze me that I get to do something so fun and fulfilling, and others appreciate it and find what I’m doing helpful.