Work-Life Balance: Melissa Nepton

I’ve always loved Melissa Nepton’s simply beautiful clothing line, and when I had the chance to meet her she was absolutely charming. At the time she was newly pregnant with her second child, and being pregnant myself I admired the fact that she was doing so much while all I wanted to do was lie around on the couch.  I wanted to know more about how she did it.

Read on to find out more about her advice for work-life balance, her favourite tools and if having it all is possible.

What’s your work schedule?

24/7

How do you handle childcare?

I am lucky to be well surrounded and have help at home. My daycare is also located close to home, which is very convenient.

When do you typically hang out with your children?

Meal times, evenings and weekends. We’ll either go to the pool, play board games or do some arts and crafts.

What do you like best about your current setup?

Having my own business allows me to have a flexible schedule.

What do you find tricky or difficult about your current setup?

The responsibilities. Although having my own business has great advantages, it is can be an added stress.

Do you have any family rituals?

It is extremely important that we have our meals together. Breakfast and supper is when we gather, enjoy the little moments of life and spend quality time together.

Do you have any time for yourself?

At the moment it is very difficult, but I am hopeful things will change in the future.

How do you handle household chores?

I am truly grateful to have help at home for cleaning and some of the meals. The rest I fit in when I have the time.

Do you ever wonder how other women manage and do you ever talk about it with your friends?

Not really, I just go with my instinct and what I think is best for my family and myself at the moment.

What advice would you give to other moms about how to balance work and life?

Simply follow your instinct and don’t ask yourself too many questions. Let your emotion guide you and it will trace your path. I believe that you simply feel what is going to make you happy. That will help you find your personal balance between work and life.

Are you good or bad at asking for help and do you think that is a help or hindrance?

If I need help I am not afraid to ask for it. Sometimes, you just need a hand to get through the day.

Are there any tools that you feel could help mothers achieving balance?

Definitely keep your calendar up to date. Follow a fixed schedule and do not add too many activities to your already hectic life.

Do you find it irritating that balance seems to be a women issue?  No one seems to ask men how they manage work-life balance.

No, not at all. I’ve realised the importance of the role of a mother during the first three years of a child’s life. Your partner can be forever present and helpful, but sometimes a baby just wants their mother. She plays an existential role for those first few years and the father occupies more of a secondary role.

Is work-life balance possible?

 I think it is possible, but you do need to be well grounded and well surrounded. It does get hard when some events or elements complicate your daily routine, but with the right tools you will get through it.

Thank-you so much Melissa!

(Photo credits: B&W portrait Maude Arsenault, Runway photo Vincenzo D’Alto , all other photos care of Melissa Nepton)

More from the balance series:

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I also do Family & Newborn Lifestyle Photography in a relaxed natural-light setting.