The Tortoise and the Hare
Life is already a juggling act when you’re balancing full-time work and parenting. Add a ‘side-hustle’ into the mix, and it can feel like you’re spinning plates while running on a treadmill. But for us, that ‘side-hustle’ isn’t just a hobby - it’s a dream, a passion project, or even the seed of something bigger. For us, that dream is StoryBox.
Our journey so far has been exciting, but challenging - Friday nights spent in front of a laptop rather than with a G&T, and more than the occasional moment of doubt. What makes our journey even trickier is that there are two of us trying to build StoryBox together, each with different demands on our time, different roles, and priorities.
Co-ordinating our efforts, aligning our visions, and finding time to work together has been a challenge in itself, and it’s fair to say that we wouldn’t be where we are right now without Aoife’s persistence and determination to get building. But despite all of this, we’re driven by the possibility of what could be...
If we’ve learnt anything over the past 18 months, it’s that ‘best-laid plans’....
Hickory, Dickory, Dock
Let’s face it, there are only 24 hours in a day. Between long workdays, school runs, and bedtime stories, finding the time we want to dedicate to StoryBox can feel impossible at times. We’ve had to become masters of working at speed in the evenings, after the kids are asleep, or even during those rare moments of quiet on a weekend.
Should have, could have...
One of the hardest parts is the guilt. Are we spending enough time with the kids? Are we giving StoryBox the attention it deserves? Are we supporting each other in the right way? It’s a constant balancing act, and some days, the scales tip in the wrong direction. But we’ve learned to forgive ourselves, build it at a speed that works for us, and focus on progress, not perfection.
There’s a hole in my pocket
Starting a business requires investment - both time and money. At StoryBox, we’ve had to be resourceful, starting small and reinvesting every penny back into the business to grow sustainably. This is why we’re starting with a limited run of boxes. Our vision is limitless, but our funds are not.
So where does this leave us? With a whole lot of drive, inspiration and excitement about what’s to come, and still very much learning as we go. If we could look back 12 months, we’d tell ourselves to:
-> Start small: You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one. Focus on taking one step at a time.
-> Be kind to yourself: Some days will be harder than others. Celebrate the small wins and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go to plan.
-> Stay focused on your why: When the going gets tough, remind yourself why you started. For us, it’s about creating something meaningful and showing our children that dreams are worth chasing.
But if we've learnt anything this year, it’s that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s messy, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. At StoryBox, we’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
If you’re on a similar path, remember: you’re not alone. Keep going, keep aspiring, and who knows? One day, that ‘side-hustle’ might just become something more.
