Category: freelance

Self-employed mum of two: the truth about working from home with kids

WHAT TO EXPECT | Balancing business, kids, burnout, and everything in between. I’m sharing what’s helped me navigate motherhood & self-employment, mistakes I made, what helped me cope & what I had to let go of.

You know you’ve grown as a person when you’re watching your kids mixing playdough colours and it doesnā€™t trigger you anymore. Or at least not as much. Am I right? With time, you learn to accept the little wins and just let go of the rest.

So now that Chloe (17 months) has started childcare, weā€™re entering – yet again – a whole new routine. That is, whenever she isnā€™t home sick with something (which happens more often than youā€™d think). Just this week – BAM – Chloe’s sick and my whole schedule crumbled. It’s fine (I mean what else can I do?), I’m used to it by now. These little unpleasant surprises just keep me on my toes.

If you read my blogs you know that I’m going to keep this real. No sugarcoating because who has time for that anyways? So no, it hasn’t been rainbows and unicorns working from home with a baby and a 5-year-old. Keeping up with my current retainers, projects and workload with Chloe at home was anything but easy. I wasn’t accepting any new projects and turning down new retainers for months because I couldn’t.

Between naps & deadlines

Maternity leave? What even is that? I was at my desk right up until Chloeā€™s birth, waddling around with a belly so big I had to swivel sideways to reach my keyboard. I guess, you can say that that’s one of the biggest drawbacks of being self-employed. I once had someone telling me that I have it easy because being my own boss, I could just stop working whenever I wanted, do whatever I wanted. I laughed.

If I stop working (setting aside the whole breaching-contracts thing for a moment and the fact that I have bills to pay) those retainers wonā€™t wait around. Theyā€™ll just move on to someone else. And I know how difficult it is to start from scratch because that’s exactly what I had to do when I started my own gig. At the same time (and here’s when I went on a guilt trip), I simply wanted to be a good mum. So, I didn’t accept new work and tried to balance everything out, with Chloe taking top priority.

“But how are you managing to work as a self-employed with two kids?”

At the time, I had no idea how I was managing. But somehow, I did. Willpower? Maybe. Any help I could get from family members? Definitely. I worked at odd hours. Whenever the baby slept, I couldn’t just sleep as everyone tells you to (and I do mean everyone). I needed to get shit done and seeing that I don’t have any magical abilities (yet), something had to give.

My BIGGEST mistake šŸ˜±

That was one of the biggest mistakes I made. The lack of sleep killed me and eventually caught up with me. Running on four hours of sleep, day after day, is exhausting and unfortunately led to a really bad burnout. SO – lesson learned – but at the time, I couldn’t see a way out. Saying all this, my hubby and I do balance our chores, family duties and everything in between because that is how we roll. And, my mum is a godsend and I’m not sure how I would have coped without her. But now, looking back, I can kind of see what worked and what didn’t.

The oops list (no, I didn’t get it all right).

  1. Trying to do everything at once.
  2. Trying to please everyone.
  3. Multitasking.
  4. Throwing self-care out the window.
  5. Ignoring signs of burnout until it’s too late.
  6. And, getting to that point.

What helped.

  1. Accepting that I cannot do everything all at once.
  2. Instead of finding the perfect ‘block time’, I worked in 30-minute/1 hour bursts (not ideal but it worked for a while).
  3. ‘Batching’ similar work, like filming content, to save mental energy (and time).
  4. Creating a very loose schedule and a daily DOABLE to-do list.
  5. Clear and honest communication about timelines with my clients. Building a good relationship with people you’re working with always helps.
  6. Resting, doing things I love, going for coffees, alone and guilt-free. Which is much more difficult than you’d think, but necessary.

Ideals I had to just let go of.

  • Quiet, uninterrupted work time.
  • Pretending I can do it all alone.
  • Comparing to others.
  • Sticking to a rigid schedule.
  • Responding immediately.

I learned to prioritise better. And I learned that rest and sleep are just as important and without them, I couldn’t concentrate anyway. I scheduled my time however I could so that when the baby wasn’t clinging to me, I worked my ass off – in bursts. What I spent hours on before, I got done in half that time.

There is no manual.

Mind you, as I’m writing all this, I’m trying to answer weird and random fire questions by my now 6-year- old while calming the little one down because all she wants to do is sit on my lap all day. But with both of them at school in the mornings, I found my rhythm again. And yes, I do start with a coffee at my local coffee shop because that is the little me-time I have and – to be honest with you, it fuels me and I feel my best again, on a personal & professional level.

Wow, I have managed to write this down. Weeks in the making because, well, kids. But I’m trying not to be too hard on myself and I’m happy to see this as a win, which it kind of is.

Speak soon
Amanda x

ā†  MORE ON THIS! Iā€™m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and show what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

How to overcome Imposter Syndrome

If you’ve ever felt inadequate, or like you don’t deserve the good in your life, your job – even when your accomplishments result from your resilience and hard work- read this because I can sense a nod. That sense of phoniness and unworthiness leaves a dent in your self-confidence. And it’s not a feeling that you can easily shake off. I know that only too well.

Feeling like an imposter has got to be one of the worst feelings yet. Even after years of working within the marketing industry, I sometimes find myself questioning my abilities even though I fully know that I shouldn’t.

“I don’t deserve this”
“They’ll find me out”
“I’m not good enough”
“I’m not worthy of my success”
“I’m a fraud”

That’s Imposter Syndrome to you. A belief that you don’t deserve the praise for your accomplishments and fear that you will be found out as a fraud. Is all this normal? Yes. Should we give in to this feeling? A resounding NO. However, it’s easier said than done – although I do have a couple of tips to help you overcome this ugly feeling of unworthiness. Whenever this feeling creeps up, here’s what you CAN do.

  1. Recognise this feeling

    This is the first step and most probably the hardest because we sometimes spiral. Try keeping a journal to record these instances and recognise these moments when you feel like an imposter. And then, let go.
  2. Focus on the facts and challenge negative self-talk

    We can be the harshest critics of ourselves, sometimes unwarranted. Learn to reframe self-negative thoughts to build confidence. How? When you catch yourself thinking along these lines, ask yourself: “What evidence do I have to support this?” Replace these negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
  3. Share your experience

    Find a trusted friend, mentor or support group and share your feelings with them for reassurance. You will be surprised how many of us share the same feelings. This will also help you find new coping strategies and understand how normal it is to experience imposter syndrome.
  4. Embrace growth

    Imposter syndrome can stem from the fear of not knowing enough. Why not set a realistic goal for self-improvement through lifelong learning? It can help alleviate this fear and encourage personal growth.
  5. Celebrate your progress

    Every little milestone is worth celebrating! View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than a fear of inadequacy.

You will meet people who will undermine your work, believe me. And sometimes they do it under the pretense of good intentions. Through the years you will learn to filter, pick, and choose your support network. And even then you will still cross paths with people who do not wish you the best (to put it mildly).

Most of us have been there. I still find myself overthinking things and wondering whether I’m good enough for the job. I’m being totally honest with you now. It wouldn’t be the first time I get a request for a big project and question whether I can pull it off. In the end, I dive in head first and challenge myself even if it’s something out of my comfort zone. It’s how I manage to outgrow it. And you will get there by being patient with yourself and believing you can. Because you’re amazing and you can.

There’s also this. Self-employed people, running their own businesses, face a set of different challenges. How many times has someone put a price on your work, remarked that your work is expensive or pointed out that someone else can do the ‘same’ job for less? My advice? Move on. Do not take them on as clients because they are clearly NOT your target market. Let. Them. Go.

Never second guess your capabilities, and especially your worth. If you’ve done your research, you have the experience, the knowledge, and the know-how, do not let others dictate your worth. That’s unprofessional, unfair, and uncalled for.

Scenario. I drop a baker a message to order a cake. If say the cake is not within my budget, I thank them and move on. Wouldn’t it be rude to message back ‘Hmm, but I think your cake is expensive and you should charge me less. It’s just batter and a little icing.’ That would put you on their good list. If it’s just batter and a little icing, why not do it yourself then?

Same with the service industry. Rethink your audience & market – if you’re getting these kinds of messages over and over though, perhaps it’s time to shake things up a bit. Re-evaluate your goals, and the ideal client that you wish to have – and work towards that. But that’s another story for another day!

Back to overcoming imposter syndrome. It’s not easy but you can wave goodbye to that nasty self-doubt holding you back. Acknowledge imposter feelings, reframe negative thoughts, celebrate your achievements, share your experience, and embrace lifelong learning. One thing you should remember? You are not alone.

Be proud of who you are and how far you’ve come.

Until next time,
Amanda x

Reality of Working from Home as a Self-Employed Mum | Tips & Challenges

WHAT TO EXPECT | This blog is about the reality of working from home as a self-employed mum with little kids. No sugar coating!

I wrote about my expectations of handling work with a young one and a baby on the way. And now that I have delivered said baby, I can share how it’s really going so far. With one kid, it’s something. With two, it’s something else.

So work from home has become somewhat of a buzzword after 2020, right? And although some businesses are bringing everyone back to the office, other companies have embraced remote working and made it part of their strategy. And then there’s self-employment, a different world entirely.

But in both cases, the boundary between work and personal life can blur when you work from home. In my case, it’s almost inevitable – and not something I am particularly happy about because finding the right balance and FLOW is everything for my peace of mind. When I start working and stop in the middle of something, start and stop again – all morning and into the afternoon – it doesn’t get me anywhere. So first thing in the morning, or late at night, I write a doable list of priority items for the day ahead. It helps break work into manageable and attainable ‘smaller pieces’ which I can tackle throughout the day and try my best to stick to.

How can you work from home with less hiccups? (Because let’s face it, you can’t dodge them all).

I love a good, organised schedule and designated work space. Having my little corner office to work from helps me focus on the tasks. It’s like having a ‘home-free’ work area that gets me in the zone with fewer distractions (or so I hope every time I sit at my desk). To FOCUS. Lately, this has been quite a challenge with a baby. Even as I write this, I am sitting on my unmade bed after managing to get little Chloe to sleep in her crib – so the irony is not lost on me. I don’t like having my laptop in the bedroom but these days require that I do if I want to get some work done. And a schedule? With two kids, I try – honestly, I do – but my schedule is to work around naps, feeds, and playtime. Most days I’m in the right mind zone, I’m motivated to do the work, inspired even – BUT not able to actually and productively get things done -which is super frustrating. And that is the reality of it. On good days, I work through the whole list whilst mummying, on other days – I barely manage to send out one simple email.

Multi-tasking – the best thing you can do is to avoid it. You might feel like accomplishing a lot but I have learned that single-tasking is a much healthier option because you do get things done, one after the other – without a headache and scattered thoughts. Even if it’s not the easiest thing to do, when you work from home, start by blocking some major time-wasters out – namely your phone and social media accounts. Push back any household chores (that laundry basket begging to be emptied, a speck of dust that has been nagging you or a quick trip to the store) and anything that comes in between you and your paid work.

I’m not saying you don’t schedule them in your day. But that’s just it – schedule and organise your work day first and then work around it. For instance, you can work all morning, take a break, do the laundry, and get back at your desk later (if the nature of your work permits it).

One major thing. Do not put too much pressure on yourself. Remember, you are doing the best you can, what is humanly possible – and you should be so proud of yourself. Every accomplishment – no matter how small – should be celebrated.

Tips to make working from home with kids productive.

Now, if you’re a parent (of small kids especially), you know all too well that parenthood is a full-time job and then some. The early years are the toughest because the kids cling to you every waking second. It’s a beautiful thing having little people running around the house and looking up to you. But to have a household to run, we ordinary people need to make a living. And if you work from home that means you need to find a way to take care of the kids and work at the same time. Which is, let me tell you, such a challenge. My 5-year-old has become a lot more independent lately. She’s thankfully easily entertained with drawing, painting, and making crafts. Before Chloe, I tried scheduling in a couple of hours before the world (and Bethany) woke up. But this is close to impossible in the newborn phase (at least in my case). Instead, I squeeze the life out of every minute of sleep I can get to be able to function properly. Parents of babies know all to well well that sleep is too little and never enough.

I’m self-employed, and have a five-year-old and a five-month baby. So here are a couple of things that help me get through the day without going haywire:

  • Accept help in any form – it can come in the form of meals, babysitting, household chores or grocery shopping.
  • Set realistic goals – know your limit, learn to say no, and set achievable goals for each day.
  • Outsource work –when you can: delegate tasks you can outsource because this frees up your time.
  • Good communication – with your partner: this is key.
  • Childcare services – are always an option: even a few hours of childcare support can make a significant difference – and try not to feel guilty about it.
  • Create a schedule – create a priority list for each day and block time for work to avoid feeling overwhelmed by your workload.
  • Practice self-care – we are not superhuman and burning out is real. So make time for self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies that help you relax and recharge.

Like everything else in life, self-employment comes with its set of challenges. Having no maternity leave was the hardest honestly. Not being able to stop working and fully enjoying the little ones for the first few months was tough. So if you’re thinking about venturing out on your own, you need to look beyond flexibility.

The ability to work from home offers unique opportunities and challenges. On one hand, you’re flexible to set your own schedule and be present for your children’s important moments. On the other hand, finding the time and energy to grow your business while caring for your family can sometimes feel overwhelming. And I get it. My partner (who works full-time at an office) and I are still figuring out the best way to go about work, household chores and raising two kids. So even as I write this, I’m certain that things will change yet again in a month’s time.

Are you a WFH parent? Do you run your own business? How do YOU manage the time? What are some tips you can share with us? I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time
Amanda x

ā†  MORE ON THIS! Iā€™m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and show what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

5 things I wish someone told me before becoming self-employed.

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As a freelancer, a small business owner, or someone who is self-employed, you will wear multiple hats and take on different roles. More so at the start of your journey. You’re providing a service or selling a product but you’re also running your business. How can you do all that effectively?

WHAT TO EXPECT | If you’re considering self-employment, in this post I will uncover the 5 things I wish someone told me before starting my own business.

After leaving my 9 to 5 job, I turned down full-time job opportunities to embark on my self-employment journey. To date, I still turn down exciting roles. The thing is, after having a taste of self-employment, I would not hesitate to do it all over again – even with all the struggles and setbacks.

However, I wish I had a mentor when deciding on giving self-employment a go. I wish there was someone who I could rely on, someone who went through the things that awaited me and guided me through them. I made my way into the self-employed world on my own, knowing absolutely nothing about what it means to work solo and only learned through trial and error. So this is me sharing the 5 things I wish someone told me before becoming self-employed.

1. Plan for financial stability

Being self-employed = having a fluctuating income. Or at least until you manage to bag a couple of retainers. During the first year, you will be forking out money until you get started. So instead of diving into self-employment head first, make sure you have a financial safety net in place. Have a plan B, C, and D just in case.

If you’re providing a service, make sure you have an agreement in place, and don’t be afraid to ask for a deposit. There will be instances where you will have to chase clients to settle the bill for work that you’ve already done. Been there, I’m afraid.

You’ll also need to get ready to handle administrative tasks that might have been alien to you in your previous job. Invoicing, bookkeeping, managing, and financing your business. The best gift you can give yourself is that of orderliness and being organised. So make sure to:

  • Track your expenses
  • Save up
  • Budget
  • Create an emergency fund to cover surprise expenses
  • Set aside money (in a separate account if need be) for taxes, SSC & Vat contributions

Which brings me to the next one.

2. Understand taxes

The biggest headache of them all. Taxes, Social Security Contributions, and VAT. I can feel my head throb by just mentioning them. But it’s important to understand and keep track of your incomings and goings. For a long time, I winged it on my own using accounting software (which I still use for some things) to track expenses, issue invoices, and all that jazz. More about this here.

I’m quite organised (as you need to be). I keep copies of every single document, invoice, and receipt, digitize them, and save them in their respective folders. When I was just starting out, I was trying to cut costs so I took care of everything myself. But honestly, hiring an accountant was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. All those anxiety-filled hours I wasted trying to understand and fill in tax forms are now spent doing something productive. Looking back, I would have hired a trusted accountant right from the start.

GEMMA regularly holds free training sessions by industry professionals – so be on the lookout! They also have a handy guidebook on self-employment.

3. Build a strong support network

Connect with like-minded people from your industry. Bounce ideas. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with other freelancers and self-employed individuals because sometimes, working on your own can be quite isolating. I didn’t dive into the networking game in the first year because I was still trying to find my footing. But building connections on socials can be a great thing. Joining groups and communities can also do wonders (1.) to build a network and relationships and (2.) to connect with potential clients. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. It might not feel good at first – with all of the newness and uncertainties that come with taking the leap – but I promise, it will be worth your while in the long run.

4. Set boundaries

When you’re self-employed, the boundaries between work and your personal life tend to blur. There will be days when it gets overwhelming and not just during the first couple of months. Years in, I still get days where I find myself spritzing calming spray in an effort to keep stress at bay. It doesn’t always work, mind you. The trick is to not let it get to that point and escalate. I find it absolutely important to set boundaries and know your limit to prevent burnout and create a healthy life-work balance.

  • Take frequent breaks
  • Set working hours
  • Change scenery
  • Get out of the house & go for a walk
  • Learn to priortise tasks
  • Create a schedule to keep you on track

I have also learned to say ‘no’ when my current workload reaches its capacity. Or when a project is not the best fit for me. There’s no need to be afraid of declining work as long as you do it gracefully and respectfully. When or if the time comes, outsource, delegate, and grow your team. You don’t have to do everything at once or everything by yourself. But take it a step at a time.

So yes, your well-being comes first.

5. Self-Care is a priority

Funny thing when you’re your own boss, no one will think you’re ever busy. What people don’t realise when they see you at a coffee shop at 10 am on a weekday, is that you also work through weekends, and public holidays, wake up early or stay in late to meet deadlines and make ends meet.

During a real conversation I had with an acquaintance a few weeks ago, self-employment made it into the stream. The first thing this person said?

“Being your own boss. I envy your flexibility. You can just take the day off.”

Um, no. Not really. True, flexibility is a big pro which I love but we also work around the clock to make it work. It’s like any other job but with your business directly at stake. It can be demanding and it can be stressful. So it’s SUPER important to go and have that coffee by yourself or with a friend at 10am on a Tuesday. Make time for a walk, relax, spend quality time with your loved ones, and enjoy your hobbies. Whatever helps you unwind and take better care of yourself, do it. Schedule it like you do work. Because if you’re not at your best, if you’re not feeling your best, you can’t give your absolute best.

And there you have it. The first 5 things I would have told myself six years ago when I was just starting out!

ā†  MORE ON THIS! Iā€™m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and will be showing what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

Self-Employed? Let’s get you organised! Tools that will help you stay on top of your game right here.

Until next time
Amanda x

Working from home with kids: how to make it work.

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Tips & tricks that will help you stay sane ā†“

Working from home with kids presents a new set of challenges. Making it work is a struggle and an art. I’ve been self-employed since 2017 and became a mum two years later. So I’ve been juggling WFH and motherhood for four years now. Most of you may have first experienced this during the pandemic. I remember, during the first few months of isolation, people asked me how I manage not to lose my marbles at the end of the day. Honestly, most of the time, I have no idea how I don’t.

Even as I’m trying to write this, I stopped like a million times. My almost-four-year-old is asking me to play with her, nudging me, and doing everything in her power to grab my attention. I feel terribly guilty for having to work when she’s at home. And the only chance I have to create my content, work on my personal projects, and actually do something for myself (sometimes even something as basic as washing my hair) – is in the evening when she’s at home.

This brings us to the million-dollar question I’ve been asked at least a thousand times.

ā–¶ “But how do you manage?”

Mind you, on some days I don’t manage to be productive. At all. But most things I learned through experience and some take a while getting used to but if you put your mind to it, you’ll get there eventually. I’m sharing five (5) tried & tested tips that help me get through my working day at home with my child.

1. Workspace

Having a designated area for work helps set a boundary between home life and work itself. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown office if you don’t have the space for it (like in my case). A desk setup and shelving should be just about enough to get you off working from your couch or dining table.

2. Schedule & prioritize

The demands of both work and family life are trying. Having a routine helps but we all know how that blows to pieces when one of the kids sneezes. Didn’t mean for that to rhyme, but there you have it. You need to be flexible and manage your expectations when you have kids around. Schedule your work when the kids are occupied: at school, during home activities or during nap time.

So I’m the most productive in the mornings when Bethany is at school and then I’ll work around entertaining her when she comes back home in the afternoon. First thing in the morning, I make a list. A simple, pen-to-paper list, starting with top priority, time-bound work including tasks that require 100% focus, meetings, and calls. So that once I have Beth at home, I manage tasks a little down that list.

3. Set achievable goals

This should be highlighted, bold, and underlined. It’s better to keep that list short and have 6 doable tasks than jot down 20 tasks that you cannot, for the life of you, get through. It’s frustrating and overwhelming. I’ve been through that too many times to count before it finally sank in. And NEVER ever multitask. That is just the worst. You’ll feel more stressed, and unable to concentrate and it will set you back tenfold.

4. Learn to say NO.

This is a learning curve. It’s easier said than done and I’ve learned this the hard way. But it’s better to know your limit than be in over your head. Otherwise, you’ll burn out faster than the fireworks on the fourth of July (or if you’re Maltese, on Santa Marija). If a task is not a priority, focus on what is truly important during your allocated work time.

There are times during the early years of self-employment when you cannot afford to say no to some projects. You’re just starting out and need both experience and cash flow. I’ve been there, I get it. Years later though, once you’ve found your niche, your market, do not be scared to decline work when: 1. you have too much on your plate 2. requests do not align with your priorities.

5. Take breaks

If you have a time when you’re without your kids, take a break. Don’t power through the day without stopping to take a breath. You need that time to refocus. When you’re with your kids, plan activities for them. Kids will not sit through one activity for long. I found that preparing activities beforehand helps: with puzzles, drawing, painting, and role-playing. Going to the park/play areas after school is another way to take a mental break and spend some good quality time together (and get them to exercise with the hope of a short nap later).

Listen, when I have a deadline, I’m going to be the first to admit that Disney+ saves me every time. You’re not a bad parent for including a little more screen time when you find yourself backed against a wall. Which brings me to working through distractions – it’s an acquired skill. When you have no option but to work through ‘Let it go’ on a loop, you’ll see what I mean. I usually stay close to Bethany to have eyes on her and put on my headphones. There will be nudges, there will be requests for snacks and whatnot but it’s doable.

āœØ Be kind to yourself.

You’re doing the best you can. Sometimes even more so don’t be too hard on yourself if you didn’t manage to go through your work list or had to increase a little screen time to complete a task. I’m also aware that it depends on the type of job that you have, the kind of employer and clients. Little by little, we’re getting to a place where people understand what it means to have work responsibilities and the demands of parenting.

My advice to you? Take care of yourself and don’t ever forget that. During my cabin crew years and every time I get on a plane, there is that one phrase that you may take for granted but I cannot get out of my head: “Put on your mask first before helping others.” I apply it to my everyday life. If I burn out, if I fail to take care of myself, how can I care for others? My family? My clients? And accept help when you need it.

Until next time,

Amanda x

ā† Ā MORE ON THIS!Ā Iā€™m sharing my self-employed journey onĀ Instagram and will be showing what I find most helpful over there.Ā Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

Self-Employed? Get Organised.

I’m writing this five years after landing my first client. If you’re just starting on your own or thinking about it, I know how overwhelming it can get. At this point, being organised is the best gift you can give yourself.

WHAT TO EXPECT | In this post, I will not go into branding and content creation. This is the backend of the backend and these are tools that will help you stay on top of your game.

āœØ DESK SPACE

My first ‘office space’ was not an office at all. I have been working from home way before COVID-19 hit us like a storm. I used to work from the couch, at the dining table, from cafĆ©s – you name it. One thing I learned along the way is that it’s better to have a space dedicated to your work. Even if it’s just a small desk (I managed to fit one under the stairs) and a shelving system for files, paperwork, and books. I want work-related stuff to be at arm’s length – literally.

Mind you, I still go to cafĆ©s to work. It’s usually more to brainstorm on personal content ideas, find inspiration and write – rather than client work. But I find the change in scenery to be refreshing. Sometimes, much needed.

Stationery Essentials:

ā–¶ Planner/Yearly diary – the physical kind to complement your online calendar. It will keep you more accountable and it feels good to tick or cross out tasks.

ā–¶ Highlighting System – colour-coding your work schedule so that you don’t overlook anything.

ā–¶ Sticky Notes (and a memo board) – perfect to pin ideas that pop out of the blues, scribbles, reminders & quick notes.

ā–¶ List Pad – I promise you, you will thank me later.

ā–¶ Filing System – We live in the digital age but you will still have papers to sort out and file. Especially (and I cannot stress this enough) for your VAT, TAX, and Social Security Contribution.

I have separate, transparent folders – labeled by date – for the above-mentioned which I keep in a simple white box I got from IKEA. Why transparent folders? I love knowing what’s in the folder just by looking at it instead of rummaging through it.

ā–¶ Envelopes – Have them at hand. You’ll have VAT receipts and receipts to send eventually.

ā–¶ Stamp/Stickers – with your logo. Having one or the other on your envelope gives off a professional vibe. Tried and tested! You can also have one with your return address.

āœØ ONLINE PLANNERS

Now that you have your faithful diary/planner by your side, it’s time to set up an online version. For calls, meetings, and tasks, I use my Outlook calendar. If you want to assign tasks and have ‘stricter’ timelines and deadlines, may I suggest:

  • Outlook Live – Everything in one place: emails, calendar, to do list, tasks & notes
  • Asana – a great way to manage tasks and add projects – especially if you work with a team. Basic package is free of charge.
Source: https://asana.com/product/workflow-builder
  • Trello – Again, basic package is free of charge. The workspace is easy to use and manage + it’s also customisable.
Source: https://trello.com/guide/trello-101

There are loads of other web-based softwares to keep your tasks in check. A quick google search will uncover the long list of options!

āœØ ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE

Zipbooks has been my personal online accountant since the beginning. It’s easy to add expenses along the way, create and issue invoices. You will be able to keep records and transactions in one place.

  • It’s free of charge (for the large part – add ons/other options are at a charge)

Ideally, get in touch with a trusted financial advisor to guide you through the hoops and loops. If, like myself, numbers do not course through your veins, seek professional help. Still, accounting software is super for day-to-day operations.

Source: https://zipbooks.com/accounting/

āœØ SOCIAL MEDIA PLANNING TOOLS

You’re running a business, staying on top of accounts, coming up with new product or service ideas, making sure your customers are happy, AND planning posts for social media (SM)? Well, yes and no.

Yes – if you are winding through the roads of self-employment, you will realise (if not already) that you will wear many hats.

No – acknowledge the fact that you do not have to do every single thing yourself and sometimes it helps to have, well, help – from the right people.

If you’re just starting out, outsourcing social media work may seem like a waste of money. I’ll be honest with you – if you know what you’re doing it might as well be. However, when your business picks up (or if it’s not your thing, to begin with), you can then start thinking about having extra hands on board to help with strategy and managing your socials. In the meantime, here are some SM planners that may come in handy:

Buffer – it’s great to start with. The basic package is free of charge and you can add up to 3 social channels (e.g. FB page, IG account & LinkedIn page) including 10 posts per channel.

Source: https://buffer.com/publish

Meta Business Suite – If you want to avoid the hassle of having an external planner like Buffer, this is your go-to planner & scheduler for Facebook & Instagram. It’s easy to use & you can customise your copy easily for one and the other.

Planoly – for Instagram. This is perfect to visually plan out your grid and schedule posts. Again, the basic is free and then you can have upgrades. With the free package, you can add 2 social profiles (e.g. IG & Pinterest) and have 30 uploads per month, per social.

Source: Planoly | https://pages.planoly.com/about

Mind you, our good old friend excel/sheets, works just fine as well. Edit in a calendar in your sheets and you can map out your timeline there. If you’re working with other team members, simply upload it on a shared drive and you’re good to go!

ā†  MORE ON THIS! I’m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and will be showing what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

If you’re starting on your self-employed journey or even if you’re already on board that train, hopefully, you found some of this helpful! If you have any questions or would like me to write about a related topic, don’t be shy – get in touch!

Until next time,

Amanda x

What’s NEW? MADUMA products & a mini-interview.

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I have been following @madumamalta right from its birth. I even (and unashamedly) entered a giveaway and actually won. I was stunned; the last time I had won anything was in primary school (back then, I won a plant against a 25c fee. It died a while later).

If you follow MADUMA on Instagram, you know they’ve been hinting at launching new products TODAY. Well, guess what? I’m sharing the news IN THIS POST šŸ˜ Here’s a sneak peak.

But first, let me introduce you to the person behind this much-loved local brand who is super nice and, let me tell you, down to earth. Kimberly takes the time to check in and see whether everything is OK whenever I publish a story featuring the MADUMA products. The last time she did, I asked her for an interview and she said YES šŸ™Œ

Photo by Naomi Gradel

We decided to keep it virtual for the sake of everyone’s safety.

I would love to know more about MADUMA. How did it all start?

The idea of MADUMA began when I was studying for my Bachelorā€™s degree at MCAST. I decided to focus my thesis on the demise of local trades, especially the historically rich floor tiles that you used to find all over Malta. I wanted to create awareness about this beautiful trade and do
my part to preserve Maltese culture. This sparked the idea of combining my two biggest passions, design and fashion, that led to me creating my own fashion label, focusing on the beauty of the Maltese floor tile.

So, tell me, Kimberly. What inspires you?

Whenever I walk into an old house or shop with traditional Maltese floor tiles. But not just that. My inspiration for new colours and ideas derives from exploring new places; especially when I’m on holiday and more relaxed.

I know for a fact that there are many creative people out there with great ideas who are afraid to take the leap. What advice would you give them?

Listen to your gut and just do it, even if people around you donā€™t believe in you or your idea. Do not let people discourage you from following your dreams, even if these people are the closest to you. If you believe in your idea, thatā€™s all you need.

I have to ask this. What is your favourite MADUMA product (and why)?

Itā€™s hard to pick, I love them all! I think itā€™s like asking a mother, who is your favourite child? This might be an unfair question, but I think if I really had to pick, it would be the organic cotton t-shirts because they were the first products that started my brand.

You, in three words.

Ambitious, brave, detail-oriented

Something on your bucket list:

To see MADUMA products being sold in brick-mortar shops around our beautiful island.

I’m sure it won’t be too long before you tick that one off your bucket list!

Now, for the good news! MADUMA launches these Maltese-tile inspired and potential stocking fillers today!

ā˜† Pocket mirrors ā˜†
ā˜… Magnets ā˜…
ā˜† Pack of 4 Magnets ā˜† (so you can get all patterns if undecided)

Maybe we’ll be seeing other products in these new colours as well? šŸ¤”šŸ’™

I’m always looking forward to see what Kimberly comes up with!

Show your support & go follow!

Amanda x

Ready, steady, work?

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Inspiration hits when you least expect it.

Triggered by something as simple as rain. Weird? I have no idea how it works but as soon as the smell of rain hit my senses this morning, I felt the need to sit down and just write.

Having a one-year old running around (literally now), sitting down at my make-shift desk to work, research or write, feels like a ticking time bomb. Coffees get cold all the time. Thankfully, with the turn of the season, I can turn that into a glorious ice coffee. Win!

I’ve been working on a personal project of mine for ages and keep on hitting the pause button. For one, client work comes first. I don’t know about working mums out there but as soon as Beth’s head hits the pillow, I’m on my laptop, crossing out the never-ending to-do list. The lack of sleep doesn’t help either. Many a person suggested that I rest while Beth sleeps.

Self-care is a priority. I truly believe that you should take care of yourself first before anyone else (otherwise, you wouldn’t have the energy or be in the right mind to do so). But let’s be real. There are tons of things to do every single day and they’re not getting done on their own. You cross one thing out and add three more. It’s just how it goes.

So, I cherish moments like these. When it’s quiet and my cappuccino is still warm, the rain drums on the window (albeit for an extremely short period of time) and I write.

It’s not crazy all day, every week, mind you. I make it a point to start my day with a 10 minute morning yoga routine to stretch and get in the zone. Even with Beth climbing all over me. After that, I make a list of targets for the day. I try not to overwhelm myself with tasks. It’s better to get one thing done and do it right than start a million things and end up with a million loose ends.

How do you go about work and taking care of the kids? I’d love to hear your side of the story šŸ¤—

Believe it or not, I ran out of list pads. Maduma launched their new products just in time and I’m in love with this collection šŸ˜ This is not sponsored, I actually bought everything in the video. It’s my appreciation towards small local businesses (plus I šŸ’™ the traditional Maltese tiles).

Amanda x

#inthespotlight @Malcolm Gauci

Fashion is not my cup of tea. Those who know me best, know this only too well. Still, that doesn’t mean that I don’t follow at all. I do have a couple of friends who are stylists; one of whom has been trying to take me on a shopping spree for months now (you know who you are).

I got in touch with someone whose social media accounts are consistently active and who does not shy away from the camera.

My secondĀ guest interviewĀ this year is with the greatly talented @Malcolm Gauci.

  • Award-winning fashion stylist
  • Style Influencer

Ā 

While scrolling through his Instagram feed I couldn’t help but wonder how he manages to do what he does. I have known Malcolm for a while now; so we met over a coffee to talk about his world (pre-COVID-19).

Care to tell me more about what you do and how it all started?

I started out as a freelance photo model. There, I learned more about styling and met up with people from the fashion industry. I’ve always been passionate about styling; I guess you can say it comes naturally to me. Still, it’s not something that happened overnight. It takes a lot of hard work. Plus, a lot of people believed in me – and that gives you quite the boost.

At first, I wanted to have a space where I could interact with people and show my work. It’s how I started out on Instagram. Over time, I wanted to show more than just my styling work; I wanted to show them who I am, what I personally wear and connect with my followers even more.

Favourite social media platform?

Instagram. It connects you to a whole world of other people. You can easily find your niche there and can interact very easily.

malcolmgauci

I personally think that being online all the time can be a bit exhausting. Do you ever feel the need for a digital detox?

Having a full-time job that is completely different from styling and the social media world – that alone is detox enough.Ā  Truth be told, I am sucked into the digital world. Apart from sharing relevant content with my followers, I also love documenting random things.

What does the future of influencer marketing look like in your eyes?

I think that over time, brands will reach out to the less- famous. This is already a thing; they’re called micro-influencers. And, I think having the everyday person as an “ambassador” will be the way forward.

Quick advice you would give someoneĀ just starting out?Ā 

Stay true to yourself. If you’re not comfortable doing something that you do not believe in, then don’t do it.

Ok, super quick questions that have nothing to do with anything above. Just for the fun of it.Ā 

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee

Favourite film?

I would have a favourite if I actually made it through the whole film

Would you rather read minds or the future?

The future

One thing you would like to cross off your bucket list?

Be part of Gucci’s creative team

Who or what inspires you?

There isn’t just one thing. I get inspired by random things I come across along the way

Go follow!

1Ā  2

Working from home

Ah, what weird times. I decided to avoid all the hassle and distance myself socially for the time being. For everyone’s benefit šŸ™Œ

I’m honestly used to staying inside for a long period of time. I have been growing my business and working from home for the past three + years now. So really, it’s just another day at the office!

Still, I so miss grabbing my laptop and heading out to my local cafe’ for a nice cup of frothy cappuccino while I work. And meetings. Actual face-to-face ones. I miss those šŸ˜„

Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I could just get up, grab my things and leave for a little change in scenery. It takes me at least two hours to get little Beth and myself ready before we actually leave the house.

I think I spend half an hour preparing the bag alone. Parents would know about the bag: Change of clothing, nappies, snacks, bottles, milk powder, water flask…there’s more. But, my intention is not to bore you out of your mind.

Funny how we take the little things for granted in life, right? The minute we’re denied something, a temporary ‘lack of freedom’, we’re done for. Spare a thought for people fleeing for their lives with nothing but their clothes on their backs. People who were denied their freedom even before they were born.

It’s not the easiest time for businesses. I get that. Believe me, I do. But we will get through this. So, in the meantime, if you’re staying at home, make the most of it.

Read more, rest more! Perhaps, find a cause you believe in and help out remotely for the time being? The NGO I voluntarily work with, bBraveĀ  (anti-bullying), is always on the lookout for new members šŸ˜‰ Just saying!

Stay safe,

Amanda x