Working with Willow - a tale for working Mama's everywhere

With excited anticipation for a lot of us, and probably a mixture of emotions for Erin, we are moving towards the next chapter of Erin's story. Willow is nearly the mighty age of 6months old, and the time is nigh to start thinking about Erin's return to work. Maternity leave is drawing to close, and the shelves are starting to look a little emptier, despite her valiant effort to get into the workshop. Plus we have a book full of potential customers eager to have a conversation with the master maker, herself. 

"But how is it all going to work?" I hear you ask. Well that my friends, is what we are trying to figure out! With careful consideration, and a real wish to be making more from her glorious workshop in the hills, Erin has made the decision to try and have two full days in the workshop. This is to meet demand, to stay and track with customer orders, and most importantly have the freedom and time to explore, develop and create tantalising new jewellery for us to drool over.  But this leaves little time to do consultation work, taking one to one with customers about new commissions and their hopes and dreams for a piece of jewellery.

We wanted to ask your opinion on something, and it might seem insignificant to some, but its definitely worth a conversation, and we don't want to seem unprofessional. What are your thoughts on bringing baby to work? Our thoughts are that we only offer limited days to consult with clients for commissions, including a Saturday. This achieves the purpose of giving Erin two solid days of making whilst she has full child care in place. But as necessary she is able to bring Willow to the shop so that appointments can take place, with customers. Would this put you off making an appointment with Erin to talk jewellery? Do you think that this would look wholly unprofessional? Its the big debate that working Mum's, especially self employed ones face across the globe, and yet there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer.

We would really appreciate your feedback on this one, we are open to suggestions, and don't easily take offence! Either leave a comment on the bottom of this blog post, or drop us a line at info@erincox.co.uk, alternatively answers on the back of a postcard to 14 Castle Street, Exeter, EX4 3PT, we love a bit of real mail!