Having this balance is very important to me because kids need their mums and TLC more than anything else.
Maintaining the balance has been difficult - but most importantly, I haven’t missed out on any mile stones or on spending quality time with my girls. These things are irreplaceable.
- The world of business is still a world that is very male dominated so what advice would you give to women who are keen to set up their own business?
I have never thought of this as an obstacle. I believe your work should speak for itself. I would say that to any woman looking to set up a business, that the only person stopping you is you - you can achieve anything you want to if you’re in the right mindset.
- What difficulties did you face along the way and what tips would you give to help others overcome those issues?
Because of the girls, I was limited to how many hours I wanted to work in the day so I did have some financial difficulties.
However, I’ve never been hugely driven by money so gradually establishing the business with little cash was not an issue for me. I wanted to grow BARJIS organically and focus on high quality products and service.
Juggling motherhood and running a business was the toughest part. I overcame this by setting realistic goals that were achievable and could be managed around young kids. I’m happiest when I have a balance between family life and my career.
- As I say the business world is still very much a male place so do you think that this is off putting to women - and what do you think could be done to combat that?
I think women and men complement each other in business - we are biologically different and each sex has its own strengths and weaknesses. We can’t be men and men can’t be women.
However we are interdependent and these qualities can enhance performance at work. We need more women to take up executive positions.
- If you could give one piece of advice to women who want to build up their own business what would it be?
Think big but start small! Have a vision, but a realistic one and don’t be over ambitious in the early stages. Set strong foundations that you can continue to build on later down the line.
- Do you think there are enough business women in the public eye to give other women the courage to go it alone - I can only think of Karen Brady?
There are very few, and often the common perception is that women in business are incredibly hard-nosed. But all women should feel confident that they can achieve whatever goals they set their mind to.
Some women may think that to be successful in business, they have to focus all their time and energy on their career at the expense of their personal life or a family - but I’ve found a great balance between the two.
- Finally what's next for you?
Once the abaya collection launches later this year, I’m aiming to open an outlet in London and I’d love to show at London fashion week.
I’m also keeping busy with BARJIS interiors and Barjis Creativz and I’m planning an exclusive exhibition for Barjis Creativz designers in Mumbai next year.
Female First - Helen Earnshaw
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