Pregoli - Belinda Simon
OHbaby!: As a child, what did you want to
be when you grew up?
Belinda: Until I was 12, a ballet dancer. Ever
since then I wanted to be a mum.
OHbaby!: Do you ever feel "mummy guilt"
about spending time working instead of with your children?
Belinda: I think we all do at some stage. I have
set up a desk in my offce for Oli (pictured, 22 months). He often
sits in there and draws pictures and makes spaghetti from Play Doh.
Toby (5 months) is in a great routine, which allows me to focus
when I am working and have quality time for the boys when I'm
not.
OHbaby!: How do you get "me -time"?
Belinda: Well, it doesn't happen very often at the
moment, but a big bubble bath (on my own!) with a glass of wine and
a good book or magazine is a great way to unwind.
OHbaby!: What is the smartest thing you have done
with your business?
Belinda: Sparing no expense when developing our
website. Being an online-only store, we need to portray the highest
level of service and security so customers have confidence in
us.
OHbaby!: What's the biggest mistake you've made,
and how was it resolved?
Belinda: Underestimating
the time needed to run an online business while being a full-time
mum of two boys under two. I have to be extremely organised
and do a lot of forward planning.
OHbaby!: What is your favourite thing about the
business now?
Belinda: I love that I am my own boss! It's
fantastic that I get to care for my boys and run a business I'm
passionate about.
OHbaby!: What is the best advice you were ever
given as a businesswoman?
Belinda: To really believe in your products and
what you do. I believe every single item sold at Pregoli to be the
best of its range, and something I would use.
OHbaby!: What are your best tips for getting out
of the house on time?
Belinda: Pack the nappy bag when you get home,
that way its ready to grab as you rush out the door. I also work
backwards from the time I need to be in the car. And allow an extra
15 minutes - I always need them!
OHbaby!: Who is your superhero?
Belinda: My mum. I can only hope I will be half as
good at being a mum as she is. And my husband Izaac - my rock, and
often the one pacing the halls with an unsettled baby in those
early days so I could work.
As seen in OHbaby! magazine
Issue 10: 2010
Subscribe to OHbaby! magazine
Purchase Issue 10