It's Working Project

"We are amazing in what we can accomplish as mothers and business women but a little help along the way doesn’t hurt."

What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?

Breathe deeply and take things in stride.  Nothing is do or die just prioritize and don’t procrastinate- although this can be easier said than done!  One big thing for me was accepting the help as family and friends offered…We are amazing in what we can accomplish as mothers and business women but a little help along the way doesn’t hurt.  It’s important to stay connected with your pre-baby world because as much as we love our babies- a big part of my happiness is doing what I need to for myself- work gives me a tremendous sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and it’s okay to say “yes…I would love it if you keep Gibson for an hour”…just to get to some emails, clean the house, get a workout in or get dinner on the table.  For me, it keeps me sane…and when I’m happy I’m able to better manage the little bumps along the way.

What was your primary motivation for deciding to return (or not) to work? How early did you tell your employer?

My twin sister (Kimberly) and I are the owners of Dao Fournier Jewelry – we are very close and work really well together.  She actually knew before my husband did of the news!…we were early in our pregnancy when we learned…I think I was 8 weeks. Right away she accepted more of the responsibility/workload…we are both very understanding and know that one day roles will be reversed and it’s then that I can step up to the plate and do for her as she’s done for me.  Being in business together is a marriage in some ways- the same advice our father gave me to when I got married applies to our business- and that is “in order for this to work you can’t just give 50/50..both sides must give 100%”…this is how we operate and so far so good.  Lucky for me I had a great pregnancy- I felt really good and was able to keep up with most of my daily routine.

How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?

Our industry has its busy and slow season.  When Gibson was born we were about a month away from entering our busy season.  I got to relish in all the moments that a new mother should- having this new little being in our world was beyond amazing.  We always joke that Gibson has two moms!  In ways, he does!  When a business trip comes up Kimberly and I decide together how we will make it work.  My husband (Aron) travels a lot with his profession and at times can be away for three weeks out of the month.  He does a lot when he’s home- he’s very hands on…it’s really nice to be able to lean on my husband and sister for help so that we can get work stuff accomplished.  Gibson was born in October- we started to really pick up by the end of November.  My parents live an hour and half away from us so as we entered our busy season I was able to lean on them for help.

Who was your biggest source of support in returning to work? What was your biggest pregnancy indulgence?

My sister- we are in this together.  We make decisions on everything together.  I couldn’t imagine a greater joy than sharing in our success/growth together- we are a relatively new company and everything has happened in the right timing.  Now that Gibson is almost 1 year old the business is more established and we’ve learned what’s best on how to manage our growing family and business- our foundation is solid and will serve well as both our personal and business lives continue to grow.

Chocolate is my indulgence.  I love dark chocolate- I had to watch it though as I didn’t want to introduce too much sugar into my diet.  Truthfully- I love dark chocolate pregnant or not!  I love food and cooking- it’s something that my sister and I bond over- that and coffee as well!

Fill in the blanks: As a working parent, I never expected ____ would be so hard and ____ would be so much easier!

I never expected staying up at night (trying to stay awake because I’m so tired from the day) would be so hard and just giving in and going to bed would be so much easier!

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