Beth Yoon is founder and CEO of Falcony Handbags and a mother of two. Her company devotes itself to making women feel beautiful. Her gorgeous handbags are made by hand, vegan and non-toxic.  Each of Falcony’s products has a name, carefully curated to match its distinct personality. Falcony also donates a portion of profits to charity, supporting Covenant House in Mexico and Amnesty International. A single mom, Beth credits owning her own business and her father for support to make childcare work.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH YOU COULD OFFER YOUR FORMER EXPECTANT SELF?

Cherish every second when they are little, no matter how challenging those seconds may seem, because it really does go by in the blink of an eye.

WHAT WAS YOUR PRIMARY MOTIVATION FOR DECIDING TO RETURN (OR NOT) TO WORK? HOW EARLY DID YOU TELL YOUR EMPLOYER?

My motivation for starting Falcony was in pursuit of something I always wanted to do.  I had been a stay at home mom for 12 years and many things happened during that time that gave me strength to let go of any fears I was holding on to and truly just go for it!  I love being that example for my boys!

IF YOU BREASTFED, WAS THERE A PLACE FOR YOU TO PUMP THAT MET YOUR NEEDS AND WAS CONDUCIVE TO YOUR SUCCESS?

I did breastfeed both of my boys but did not need to pump because I was home with them.

HOW EASY WAS IT TO PUT A CHILDCARE ARRANGEMENT TOGETHER AND DID IT WORK FOR YOUR FAMILY?

I consider myself lucky to have been able to have the time at home with my boys when they were very young.  It was an amazing gift to have that time with them.  Owning my own business and help from my father (I’m a single mom) allows me to work around my children’s schedule so I never had to really arrange childcare beyond family help.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE GOING BACK TO WORK?

Time management.  Working from home at first with Falcony was really hard because my kids were so use to having all of my attention whenever they wanted it.  Suddenly, there were times of the day when they would see me at home but I had to be doing things for the company.  It was hard to get them to see that I was working and I needed to be given that time…. that I wasn’t always accessible even though I was home.  I had never traveled away from them and suddenly I was spending time in Mexico where our production studio is.  Time away from them is my hardest struggle.

WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST SOURCE OF SUPPORT IN RETURNING TO WORK? 

Well, there were many but for sure, my Dad.  I’m not sure I could do everything without his help of being there for my boys when I am working or traveling for work.  It is a peace of mind that I am lucky to have!

AS A WORKING PARENT, A GOOD DAY IS WHEN ____

I find the balance and everyone is smiling (including me)

AS A WORKING PARENT, A BAD DAY IS WHEN ____

I am spread too thin and there are not enough hours in the day.

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