Hey everyone! Its been a while but its great to be back. With school and nursery fast approaching for both of my little ones, I think now is the perfect time to share more about who I am and what I’m passionate about.
Can you believe it’s been FOUR years since the first babe arrived on the scene and flipped my whole way of working on its head. It has been quite the adventure, sometimes it has felt like I've taken three steps forward only to take four steps back. But this year feels different! I've learned to prioritise time and different tasks, and I'm slightly more organised and productive with the little time I do get. I’m looking forward to having a few dedicated hours each week to dive back into what I love the most.
A Little About Me
If you're new, let me reintroduce myself:
👋 I'm Sarah, the proud owner and creator behind Smoke and Ash Jewellery.
❤️ I’m a proud mum to two lively kids, Rafferty and Aurora, who always keep me on my toes.
🐶 I’m also a dog mum to my two fur babies, named Smoke and Ash, you might be able to guess the inspiration behind the business name...
🌊 I find joy whether I’m in or near the water or up a snowy mountain. Being outdoors and enjoying nature truly makes me happy.
🪡 When I’m not creating bespoke jewellery, you can find me at my sewing machine, making clothes and toys that add a personal touch to our lives.
The Work-life Balance
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is no easy task. Every day presents a unique set of challenges, whether it's soothing a tantrum or carving out time for my creative projects. Over the past four years, I’ve learned to embrace flexibility and persistence, erring on the side of less is more.
Life can be unpredictable. For instance, last year I was on a roll and was finding a good amount of time each day to work, then just as I started to make real progress everyone stopped sleeping (my main time for working) and work took a major back seat again. Yet, these challenges have highlighted the importance of adaptability. By embracing change and finding new strategies, I’ve learned to navigate through the chaos.
Being a mum also means recognising my limits during different life stages. There are days when my to-do list feels overwhelming, with tasks piling up. I’ve come to accept that it’s perfectly okay to take a step back and breathe. This year, I'm aiming to allocate specific time each week for my work, hoping to achieve a balance that allows me to create beautiful jewellery regularly.
The Creative Process
Creating jewellery is truly special. Each piece I craft tells a story and carries the energy of its creation. I love experimenting with various materials and trying new techniques to make something unique. I have lots of new ideas thats I've been working on in my head ready to create a couple of new collections this year.
My passion for creativity extends beyond jewellery. I love creating clothes and toys for my children. There’s a profound satisfaction that comes from completing a project, knowing that no one else will have something like it be it a thoughtful gift or just something for myself.
Crafting has become my form of self-care and expression. It provides an essential escape from daily responsibilities while reminding me of my identity outside motherhood. This creative outlet is crucial, as it helps me be a more present and engaged parent.
The Upcoming School Year
As the new school year approaches, it’s an exciting time for both Rafferty and Aurora. Rafferty is about to start school, marking a significant step towards independence. For him and for me, this change means both new adventures and quiet moments of reflection, whilst I'll enjoy having some more time I will really miss him being around. Meanwhile, Aurora is eagerly entering nursery, her excitement is infectious and I can’t wait to see her grow.
These transitions offer me a wonderful chance to focus on Smoke and Ash Jewellery as I adjust to their new schedules. Being able to carve out some personal time is exciting, and I look forward to any inspiration that comes from it.
Embracing New Beginnings
I am thrilled to embrace this new phase in my life. It’s filled with anticipation, motivation, and a healthy dose of nervousness. However, I’m excited to return to my creative pursuits with renewed energy.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether you're a loyal customer, a fellow parent, or just someone curious about my world, your support means the world to me. Stay tuned for exciting updates as I balance motherhood and running a business. I can't wait to share new jewellery pieces with you that celebrate life’s meaningful moments!
Welcome back, Sarah! Good luck on this new chapter of your journey! I'm still loving the earrings I got from you (the hoops with feather charms), I've been wearing them almost exclusively since 2021 :)