At times like these, parents/moms are more challenged than ever, it’s becoming harder to manage the house, work, and family. The good news is, there are always moms, who step in, to help others.
“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.” –Napolean Hill
These moms, despite being busy raising their kids and looking after their families, are striving to bring more happiness and satisfaction to the souls of other moms around them.
Welcome to part two of Exceptional Moms Making Difference.
Laurine Caussanel, Whole With Less Organisation, Berlin
Can you tell us more about you?
“I’m Laurine, I’m a mom of 3 years old and the founder of Whole with Less Home Organisation. French native based in Berlin, I help busy moms feel good and organized at home.”
“I have developed a method called the SOM method that keeps homes simple, organized and easy to maintain (without compromising on style!)”
I either come on-site to transform homes or I do video consultations. As part of my mission to make mom’s lives better, I also started to share home organization and how-to’s tips on my blog, and @whole_with_less.
How did you start your business and why?
“After hearing moms that they are overwhelmed by the chaos in their home, I started to think of a solution. I believe they should enjoy their home and not be stressed by it. And I noticed Covid was a catalyst as they had to stay indoor and face all rooms that had been neglected for so long.
“I believe moms should enjoy their home and not be stressed by it. They should spend time taking care of themselves and their families, not over maintaining their space. Those are the reason I have developed my SOM method for home organization and how it all started!”
“Being a minimalist advocate and a mom taught me how to find solutions that work. On top of that, I wanted to offer an exciting and efficient experience by using my coaching skills (I am a certified transformational coach). As a result, they get faster and long-lasting results in their home.
“I am now giving home organization consultations via video calls that provide incredible results. If covid regulations permit, I will be able to visit their homes to create some home organization dream makeover!”
What do you enjoy the most about it?
“Having a huge feeling of achievement at the end of the day is one of the perks of my work.
“And whenever a mom tells me I changed her life by organizing her space, I feel so grateful for my work. I know this mom is feeling more relaxed and can enjoy time with her family instead of dealing with clutter. This is priceless.
I love to come out with new home organization solutions that work for my client and their family’s lives”
What helped you the most in your journey as a mom juggling career and parenting?
“Having a morning routine during the week helped me. It took me some time to understand why I should develop one for myself but now I feel the benefit of it.”
“During weekdays I make a commitment to myself not to start my work until I have accomplished a quick workout, mindset work, and clean breakfast. When possible there will be no phone in between until I’m done.”
“If you are lucky like me, involve your partner in the morning so he/she knows he has to take over the kids during your morning routine (which can be just 30 minutes per day by the way). If you don’t have anybody to support you then, make a commitment to go to bed and get up earlier. As a result, you will get quiet time before your kids arise.
“If you properly take that “me” time every day, you will feel more energized and fulfilled. As a beautiful bonus, you will quickly see a positive effect on your career and family life.”
Do you have anything else to share with other mamas?
“Knowing you can’t have it all at once. Perfect work/life balance is a myth and being at peace with it is huge. There were times where I had to be a full-time mom and be less involved in the business. Vice versa. There were moments where I had to give much more to my career knowing that I was showing up less for my family.”
“When feeling guilty about work ask yourself, ‘right now, what am I demonstrating to my kids?‘ I like to think that I’m showing my child that women can pursue their passions and enjoy working. Find your own answer and it will liberate you.” Laurine
Melanie Fieseler, Work Happy Mums, Berlin
Can you tell us more about you?
“I am a mom of 2, Sam is 12 and Freddy is 9. We live in Friedrichshain. I’m an independent Career Consultant and Director at Work Happy Mums. I work on both sides of the workplace: as a champion and advocate for women, and as a guide and advisor to a broad range of organizations wanting to drive performance through their people, and improve the future for working women.”
How did you start your business and why?
“My own personal experience returning to work after maternity leave. And the challenges of being a working mom were what drove me to set up Work Happy Mums back in 2013. I came out with the passionate belief that conditions for working mums could, and SHOULD, be easier. This belief is the heart of Work Happy Mums (WHM). And it has made me strive for equality across the board, at home, and in the workplace.“
What do you enjoy the most about it?
“I love knowing that at WHM, we are making a genuine difference in the lives of working and want-to-be working mothers. There is no better feeling for me than seeing someone build their confidence and skills, empowering them to see that having a rewarding career and a family IS possible. And seeing them go from ‘I’m just a mum’ to securing a great job or setting up their own business.“
What helped you the most in your journey as a mom juggling parenting and career?
“Mums who belong to The WHM Club have been my rock since I launched my private membership three years ago. I couldn’t be more grateful to be surrounded by such kind, supportive and inspirational women, particularly during the challenges of the past year. One of our members recently described The WHM Club as “the best present a working mum can gift herself” and I couldn’t agree more!”
Do you have anything to share with other Mamas?
“If I had to pick one thing I’d like to #ChooseToChallenge this year, it would be to challenge more women to back each other more often.”
“Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright once said, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women. Here here’. And I think we need to raise the bar higher. We need to proactively go out of our way to lift other women up – to challenge how they see themselves, how they speak about themselves, and most importantly, what they see as possible for themselves.“
“One thing I’ve learned from my own personal journey, and from the many women I’ve worked with over the years, is that having children doesn’t have to stall your career. Instead, it can be a way to find and rock your superpowers as a working mum.”
“Your dreams are still possible. They are NOT crazy. The only thing you need to get realistic about is how you will achieve them.” Melanie
Got inspired by these women? Read more stories of moms making a difference here.
